Potluck

Potluck originated from the Native American custom of "Potlatch" where each person brought dishes to share, however the word is of English origin. The earliest written mention of Potluck was in 1592 by Thomas Nashe he stated "That that pure sanguine complexion of yours may never be famisht with pot lucke." Showing the original meaning to be "food given away to guests.

Today there are five main types of potluck: progressive, safari, themed, rota, and the original potluck. The progressive potluck dinner is fairly simple - each course of the meal is at a different house. As each course is completed, the dinner progresses to the next house.

The safari suppers are a variation on the progressive dinner. It takes a great deal of origination for a safari potluck dinner. Basically, a large group of neighbors each make a dish, and after each course the individual or couple move to a different house never eating with the same people.

Rota potlucks are where a regular group of people get together and one person prepares all of the courses, but each of the group take turns hosting. Themed potlucks consist of a theme such as Asian food, spicy food or even a theme based on blue foods.

The original potluck is widely used by religious and community groups to raise funds for various reasons. Smaller gatherings with various people contributing to the food preparation are also known as potlucks. The only rule to potlucks are every one brings a dish to pass and each dish is large enough for most at the gathering to partake in.