Potlucks are always a crowd favorite. They take the pressure off the host to provide food for everyone and they ensure that everyone can at least eat and enjoy one dish. Since it is Canada Day, what better way to celebrate our great nation than with a fun and friendly potluck?
The problem is Covid-19 threw a wrench in many of our plans. It stopped parties, get-togethers, and outings. Is there a way to still celebrate with a traditional sharing of foods while remaining safe and healthy? How can you host a
post-COVID potluck?
What is a potluck?
A potluck is a communal meal often shared by a group of people in which each person contributes to the meal by bringing his or her own dish that can feed not necessarily all the guests, but most of them. They are often used by church organizations and fundraisers, office parties, and large friend or family gatherings.
There is some debate over the origins of the word ‘potluck,’ but for the most part, it is accepted that the term came into use during the Middle Ages as a word for providing a meal to an unexpected guest. This guest would get food from ‘the luck of the pot.’ Some also say that ‘potluck’ comes from the Native American Chinook word ‘potlatch,’ which is a communal celebration adorned with singing, dancing, feasting, and distributing wealth among the entire community.
Why potlucks?
Everyone loves a good potluck. That’s because it is one of the easiest parties for a host to throw—he or she doesn’t have to worry about feeding all the people that show up! It is also nice for those who often worry about going to parties where they might not be able to eat anything thanks to their food allergies. A potluck allows them to bring something they know they will like and is safe to eat. Potlucks can even be strategized to make sure not everyone brings the same thing. Some hosts will have a sign-up sheet for people to bring certain courses of the meal. That way you get a little bit of everything—sides, main dishes, salads, drinks, and desserts! For those who are not confident in their cooking skills, offer to bring other necessary items like ice, coolers, or paper products. Are you a budget conscious Bride? Consider hosting a potluck wedding reception. Our friends over at Kiss My Kitchen will co-ordinate all of the deets for your
BYO - Big Day!
How to throw the best potluck in 2020
With COVID-19 messing up everyone’s spring and summer plans, it might be a little more difficult to get together to hold a communal meal such as a potluck. But don’t let this virus take all your celebrations away. Here are some tips to hold a safe 2020 potluck.
Small groups – Throw a potluck in smaller groups of under 10 people.
Go outside – Use the open air to give you more space to stay 2 meters apart.
Good hygiene – Have hand sanitizer available, wash utensils often, and stay at home if you are feeling sick.
Face masks – Wear a face covering when you are not eating to help protect you and others around you.
BYOB – Bring your own beverages to avoid touching too many things from other households.
Potlucks are a great way to celebrate Canada Day. Don’t let a few restrictions keep you from a great day. You just have to know how to work with them!
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