potlucks
Bring-a-dish dinners
Potlucks are communal meals where each guest brings a dish to share.
The format distributes cooking duties and creates variety—you might end up with five casseroles or a perfect spread.
We're having a potluck for the office holiday party.
The singular potluck can also mean whatever happens to be available: We took potluck at a roadside diner.
Shared by a community
- sharedHeld in common
- buffetSelf-service meal display
- signupAct of enrolling
- neighborhoodResidential area nearby
church · office · workplace · block party · reunion · fellowship · social · community
Custom passed through generations
- customHabitual group practice
- harvestGathering mature crops
- thanksgivingExpression of grateful praise
- church supperCommunal congregation meal
community meal · barn raising · luau · asado · feast · breaking bread · hospitality · generosity
Slow-cooked oven dish
- crockpotElectric low-heat vessel
- side dishSecondary food portion
- main dishMeal's central course
- dessertSweet course after dinner
salad · appetizer · dip · pasta · lasagna · mac and cheese · meatballs · fried rice
Utensil for transferring portions
- chafing dishHeated vessel for serving
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
- dietaryOf food consumption
- vegetarianOne who abstains from flesh
vegan · gluten-free · allergen · portion · leftovers · container · coordinate · organize
communal
Shared by a community
neighborhood · church · office · workplace · block party · reunion · fellowship · social · community · congregation
tradition
Custom passed through generations
- customHabitual group practice
- harvestGathering mature crops
- thanksgivingExpression of grateful praise
church supper · community meal · barn raising · luau · asado · feast · breaking bread · hospitality · generosity · sharing
casserole
Slow-cooked oven dish
dessert · salad · appetizer · dip · pasta · lasagna · mac and cheese · meatballs · fried rice · curry
serving spoon
Utensil for transferring portions
- chafing dishHeated vessel for serving
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
- dietaryOf food consumption
vegetarian · vegan · gluten-free · allergen · portion · leftovers · container · coordinate · organize · assign
- community programsafter-school programs, adult classes, summer programs, community center, family programs
- cultural eventscultural festivals, heritage festivals, folk festival, folk festivals, heritage festival
- senior centersbingo, card games, exercise classes, arts and crafts, meal programs
- Southern culturesweet tea, grits, fried chicken, front porch, barbecue
- Midwest traditionscounty fairs, state fair, state fairs, church suppers, fish fry
- mutual aidteamwork, helping, sharing, lending, cooperation
potlucksstate dinners
Formal governmental diplomatic meals
tasting menus · gala dinners · fine dining · formal dinners · ceremonial feasts
- potluck dinnersMeals where guests bring food
- potluck dishesMeals brought by attendees
- church potluckCommunal parish meal
- potluck staple
- potluck dishFood brought to share