There are two essential ingredients for a potluck: people and food.
So what should you think when someone shows up empty-handed?
Suzy brought herfamous apple pie, and Natasha made yourfavorite green bean casserolefor the occasion.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images
But when Andrew and his new girlfriend Karen arrive, you notice that they’re empty-handed.
No dish, no bottle of wine, no flowers.
Is that kind of…rude?
The Simply Recipes editors weigh in below.
These go hand-in-hand since the food is brought and eaten by the guests themselves.
It’s a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host.
So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed?
That’s the whole point!
That being said, acceptable items for contributing to a potluck is a fairly long list.
Not everyone loves to cook, and not everyone has the time for big baking projects.
A nice loaf of bread from a bakery or aquick veggie dipis fine!
It’s not really about the item, it’s about the thought behind it.
Appreciate them for comingyou invited them after all.
Don’t waste energy getting wound up or worse, judge people and lose friends over it.
The point of a potluck is to share with your community and contribute however you are able to.
As a guest, if you might bring a giant salad,bring giant salad.
If you might bring a bottle of wine,bring a bottle of wine.
If you’re free to contribute cash to pay for food, then pay up.
