Every potluck consists of 50% of very thoughtful well made dishes that somebody took the time and money to make, 45% who brought something store bought (but substantial in size and cost) because they didn't have the time to make what they wanted, and 5% of the people who cheap out and contribute the bag of Doritos and jar of salsa that they bought at a gas station on the way. Now it goes without saying that Doritos guy is also the FIRST one in line and loads his plate FULL of chicken wings, homemade meatballs and shrimp cocktail. I seriously can't believe the gall of someone who spent 5 minutes and 5 bucks is the one who eats the most expensive and labor intensive food. REALLY? Are you really that shameless? It also goes without saying that one of the things left at the end, uneaten and unopened is the bag of Doritos.
While there is usually a sign up sheet, so you don't end up with 4 vegetable trays, everyone usually waits until the last minute to sign up for anything. Nobody ever signs up to bring plates, napkins, and utensils. So the one who had the thankless job of organizing the event usually ends up bringing them adding to the cost on top of what they spent on their dish. For the gentleman who doesn't cook and is worried about bugging the wife to make something - this is the perfect thing to sign up for. But don't cheap out on the plates, spring for the large Dixie or Chinette plates. Nothing is worse that a plate of BBQ wienies ending up on your lap because someone brought dollar store paper plates.
Since I have had this thankless job of organizing these kind of events I will also call out all the "suggesters". These are the people who always decline to take charge of these events but feel it necessary to suggest to the organizer how it should be done. They are the ones who complain and criticize about everything because it's not the way THEY would've done it. Step up or shut up. I actually had a bible thumping co-worker hassle me as to why I put Holiday Potluck on the sign up sheet rather than Christmas potluck. I explained since our department is multicultural and we have many religions represented, that I wanted everyone to feel welcome to participate. The more the merrier- if you will. Well this person had a problem with that so I simply told them "well if you want more Christ in your Christmas - go to church more often". Meanwhile all the Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist co-workers brought in wonderful dishes to share the joy. Fun and good tidings were had by all - except the one who wanted to get all pissy about holiday semantics. You know because that what Jesus would want - you to be all petty, spiteful, and exclusionary.
Despite all the hiccups and annoyances I love potlucks. I love all the homemade ethnic dishes my diverse co-workers bring in. (homemade egg rolls, venison sausage, Filipino noodles, lefse, pickled herring, garlic hummus) It's a chance to try new things, get recipes, talk to people you normally don't get a chance to, and fill yourself with goodness. That's the point of it after all - isn't it?
