Potluck sign-up ideas that avoid five desserts

Split the table into categories

Ask each guest to pick a type of dish when they RSVP: a main, a side, a salad, a dessert or drinks. A short list is enough, and people enjoy choosing.

Set a limit for each category

Decide how many of each you need. For twenty guests, perhaps three mains, five sides, three salads and three desserts. When a category is full, the sign-up should say so.

You are not being bossy. Most guests are relieved to be told what the table is missing.

Ask for the dish name

A name such as “lemon chicken” or “chickpea curry” tells you more than the category. It also lets guests with allergies know what is on the table.

Plan for dietary needs

Collect allergies and dietary requirements in the same reply. If a guest is vegan or coeliac, you can ask a couple of people to bring something suitable, and label dishes on the day.

Supply the basics yourself

Cover plates, cutlery, serving spoons and ice. Guests are bringing food, so make the logistics easy for them.