Hosting potlucks is my favorite way to get together.
For hosts, it can take a lot of pressure off of preparing an entire meal and can make entertaining a group of people much more manageable. Potlucks allow guests to bring a dish or two to share, which not only lightens the load for the host, but also allows for a greater variety of foods and flavors.
For guests, potlucks provide an opportunity to showcase their cooking skills and to share their favorite dishes with others. It’s a chance to try new foods and to get inspiration for future meals.
Potlucks also offer a relaxed and casual atmosphere, allowing guests to mingle and socialize without the pressure of a formal dinner party.
In addition, potlucks can also have a positive impact on the group getting together, for example co-workers, church congregations, and neighbors. They can bring people together who may not have had the chance to meet otherwise, and can help build relationships and connections within a group. Potlucks can also be a way to celebrate cultural diversity by featuring dishes from different regions and traditions.
Another great thing about potlucks is that they can be tailored to fit any occasion or budget.
Potlucks can be themed, like a BBQ or a holiday party, or can be simple and casual. Potlucks are also usually less expensive than traditional dinner parties, as guests are responsible for bringing their own dish to share.
But potlucks can also be tired and boring. The same themes (or lack of theme) can be on repeat. So to make things interesting, I came up with a list of 7 unique potluck themes for your next dinner party! I promise these themes are fun and will help pull a crowd together.
7 Unique Potluck Themes + Menu Suggestions
Historic Period Tasting Menu Potluck
Hosting a potluck centered around a specific time period in history is a fun and unique way to bring people together and explore different cuisines and cultural traditions. My daughters’ school in Texas used to do this all the time as part of their History curriculum, and we tasted some interesting dishes!
Depending on the time period you choose, the menu can vary widely and provide a fascinating glimpse into the culinary customs of the past.
One example of a time period that could inspire a potluck is the Renaissance. During this period, food was often rich and elaborate, featuring spices and flavors from around the world. A Renaissance-themed potluck could include dishes like roast meat with fruit and nut stuffing, stews with root vegetables and herbs, and sweet desserts like custards and tarts. Guests could also bring beverages like spiced wine and ale, which were popular during this time.
Another time period that could inspire a potluck is the 1920s, also known as the “Roaring Twenties.” This era was characterized by a spirit of rebellion and celebration, and the food of the time reflected this. A 1920s-themed potluck could include dishes like deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, beef Wellington, and cocktails like the gin fizz and the mint julep. For dessert, guests could bring classic treats like lemon meringue pie and apple crumble.
You can even get inspiration from your favorite period piece Netflix show to help you plan your menu! More about Netflix potlucks below!
Comfort Food Feast Potluck
A potluck centered around comfort foods like casseroles, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. Guests can also bring their favorite pies or cobblers for dessert.
Consider creating a suggested menu and invite that includes a mix of main dishes, sides, and desserts. For example, you could suggest that guests bring their favorite casserole, a tray of meatloaf, a big pot of mashed potatoes, and a pan of mac and cheese.
For sides, you could suggest green beans, roasted vegetables, or a salad. And for dessert, you could suggest classic comfort foods like apple pie, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies.
Around the World Potluck
Each guest can bring a dish from a different country or culture, making it a diverse and flavorful potluck. You can include dishes like sushi, curry, empanadas, falafel, and pierogies. Let’s not forget that even cities within your own country can have unique foods that people can share from their time traveling or living around the country.
What I love about this idea is how the menu can open doors for storytelling and sharing about each guests’ global adventures. Food has a story, and the conversation can flow over each unique dish.
I once tried this potluck, and we also helped raised money from everyone attending to contribute to a charity for a group in another country. It was a really special gathering.
Soup and Salad Social Potluck
Hosting a potluck with the theme “soup and salad” is a great way to promote healthy eating and offer a lighter alternative to traditional potluck fare. Focusing on soups and salads allows guests to experiment with a variety of flavors and ingredients, while also promoting balanced and nutritious meals.
One of the benefits of a soup and salad potluck is that it offers a wide range of options for guests with different dietary needs and preferences. Guests can choose from vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as soups and salads that feature a variety of proteins and grains.
When it comes to menu suggestions, there are endless possibilities for soup and salad pairings. For example, guests could bring a creamy tomato soup with a fresh Caesar salad, or a hearty vegetable soup with a mixed greens salad topped with roasted chicken. Another option could be a chilled gazpacho soup with a tangy cucumber and tomato salad, or a spicy chicken tortilla soup with a Mexican-style salad featuring avocado and black beans.
Other ideas for soup and salad pairings include a lentil soup with a quinoa and kale salad, a mushroom barley soup with a beet and goat cheese salad, and a sweet potato soup with a spinach and feta salad. Guests could also get creative with their own favorite soup and salad recipes, and experiment with different flavor combinations and textures.
Nostalgia Nosh Fest Potluck
Hosting a potluck centered around the theme of nostalgia is a great way to celebrate the memories and experiences that make us who we are. I actually got this idea from watching the show, “The Good Place,” when the town residents have a dinner where they are each served their favorite meal from their life on earth.
Everyone has moments from their past that hold a special place in their hearts, whether it’s a childhood favorite food or a dish that reminds them of a special occasion. By centering a potluck around this theme, guests can share their personal histories and connect over the foods that bring back fond memories.
One way to structure a nostalgia-themed potluck is to encourage guests to bring dishes that are inspired by key moments from their lives. For example, guests could bring dishes that evoke memories of childhood, like mac and cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They could also bring dishes that remind them of special occasions, like birthday cakes or holiday favorites. Other ideas for nostalgic dishes include regional specialties, family recipes, and foods that were popular during a certain time period.
I know my contribution would be a Mexican pasta soup, fideo, with pinto beans. Yum!
Netflix Menu Potluck
This potluck is all about your favorite show. My family does something like this from time to time. If we’ve been binging a show that features some yummy food, we are eventually going to try the food for ourselves, especially while watching.
Grab your fan friends, and you can host a potluck with all the foods from the show!
I was inspired for this idea even more so recently, when I came across this book at a local bookstore, The Korean K-Drama Cookbook.
My daughters and I love K-dramas on Netflix, and watching them has led us to some local Korean restaurants, especially for kimbap.
I’ve also done a version of this theme with friends from Texas. We were all huge fans of Downtown Abby, so we came up with an afternoon tea menu theme for our potluck. I had never had clotted cream before. We all also brought our favorite tea cup and saucer to the meal and shared why the cup was sentimental to us. It was a blast!
Local Lunch (or Dinner!) Potluck
Hosting a potluck where guests bring a dish from a local restaurant is a unique potluck theme that not only encourages community building but also supports local businesses. Potlucks are already a great way to bring people together, but adding a twist like this can make the experience even more special. This theme allows guests to showcase their favorite local spots while also giving others the chance to try new restaurants in their area. It can also help foster a sense of pride and connection to the local community.
One of the benefits of this theme is that it can be done on a budget. Many local restaurants offer affordable takeout options, making it easy for guests to participate without breaking the bank. Additionally, hosts can consider setting a budget for the dishes or asking guests to bring smaller portions, like appetizers, so that everyone can try a little bit of everything. Another option is to ask guests to bring drinks or side dishes to complement the main dishes from the restaurants.
To make the most of this theme, hosts can provide a list of recommended restaurants or allow guests to choose their own. This can lead to interesting and diverse options and can also help support a range of businesses in the community. Hosts can also encourage guests to share their experiences and recommendations for future dining opportunities. This can help foster a sense of community and connection to the local area.
I had this idea after we moved to Chicago, and I thought it would be a great way to have a taste of many local restaurants in one evening.
Let me know which of these themes sounds worth trying! Have a story or a theme to share to inspire a unique potluck? Let me know in the comments.