The Joy of Coming Together: Holiday Potluck Tips


A great way to have a party during the holidays is to have a potluck lunch or dinner. A potluck is where many people share the food prep and cooking and allow each other to show off their specialty. This way, everyone shares, and no one is burdened with doing everything.

Start by developing a list of what each participant wants to bring. A great way to help everyone remember is to put it into a menu format so everyone knows what they are getting and what will be served. Encourage meaningful dishes for your guests—family recipes or cultural specialties make great conversation starters. Set the tone by offering a warm, inviting space, even small. Decorations don’t have to be elaborate; twinkling lights and candles can work wonders.

If you feel overwhelmed, ask for and accept help as needed. It could be someone else managing drinks or guests helping to clean up after. 

Potlucks also naturally create a sense of togetherness and are about collaborating and savoring the joy of a shared effort. Take moments to pause and soak in the warmth of your gathered community as you celebrate. It is what the holidays are indeed about: coming together and making memories, one delicious bite at a time.

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Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

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