Why ask?

jenpax me too only ever had parties where people bring a bottle Never ever given a food party where people bring their own food I ve always provided

I have never had a pot luck party but I can see how it would work. I do not have parties these days but when I did friends would usually bring a bottle or chocolates both welcome 😁

What sort of food is 'totally unsuitable'? Does it not fit in with your colour scheme or something?

Nandad don’t worry- bring and share parties always go well and it makes life easier for the host

What people are offering to bring might well be their signature dish which they feel will be a special treat
Or they might not feel confident in making anything you have suggested

Having to be gluten-free I take my own everywhere. I don't like going to people's homes for this reason and nowadays there are so many different food allergies/ intolerances I find it makes it easier on the host! The thing I do hate is when people ' insist' they will supply food for you as invariably people look at the gluten-free food, go I like the look of that, eat it all and then there is nothing left for me. Now, I take my own food every time.

Just as long as no-one contributes kebabs. Greasy, of ambiguous origin and downright disgusting.

I think when everyone contributes you get the very best of buffets!

We do this all the time for WI or choir parties. I don't specify but put out a sheet for them to sign up saying what they will bring. That way they can look at the list and see what others are bringing so they can avoid too much duplication. You can always say, 'cold food only' or 'finger food' if that's what you want. Hope you have a lovely party.

I have a good friend who asks "would you like to do pudding or starters?" When she kindly invites us over.
I actually rather wish she wouldn't when there's only the four of us! 😂

I’ve never been given a list to take to a ‘do’ but I’ve been asked to take either a savoury or a pud, just to make sure that the host doesn’t get too many of either.

We always bring food here. Bring a plate to share is a usual request. When I first came here , like many other British people, I thought they meant literally bring a plate because they were short of crockery! Have a Great Christmas and New Year everyone !

lemsip

if you cannot have any party without having guests bring food then you shouldn't have one is my opinion!!

I don't agree, these people asked, Also alot of people bring something to the table.

Merry Christmas nandad - and a Very Happy New Year!
🥳🎉🥳🥂🍻🥳🎉

Thank you all for your replies. I’m not sure why I was getting so worked up about it, as most of you say, these things have a way of working out, and we have enough booze that most people won’t even remember the food!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year. X

Relax, go with the flow and enjoy it. So what if some guests bring something other than you suggest on your list - does it really matter? At least they’re bringing something. Chill.

We would call a Pot Luck a Jacob’s Join. When we were younger we often had a party like this. We supplied the drinks and guests brought food. There was never a list but guests rarely brought the same as each other and all of it was ok as far as I can remember. Tbh is not a meal but just bits to eat whilst drinking in the NY so wouldn’t worry. A good party is about more than just the food people bring.

Bit harsh in these straitened times lemsip

if you cannot have any party without having guests bring food then you shouldn't have one is my opinion!!

These sorts of things are like herding cats...

Have enough booze and nobody will remember what food was served.

When we lived in America we often had "pot luck" suppers/lunches etc.
Nobody asked what to bring.
It was always delicious and balanced and varied.
People brought what they knew they could make well in the time available to them.

We never had seven quiche or eight cakes or 27 salads.
I think you are worrying unnecessarily.

(Why will the hot food be cold? Just wondering - and will it matter if it's warm?)

It can't be as bad as the year I was at work on NYE and a kind friend phoned to ask if I knew my husband (later to be ex) had told me he'd invited lots of people to our party. As I left work at 5.30 I caught my bus and bought some stuff on the way home but it was a poor showing. I had no idea how many were coming and I could only carry so much.

I wonder why I divorced him.

Have a lovely party I ll be zzzzzz

It will be alright on the night.