But, look at these variations for inspiration. Although, I must admit, that menu sounds pretty good to me. Today’s cuisine options are international and many potluck events have evolved into something a lot more sophisticated than mac-n-cheese casserole, a platter of friend chicken, a vat of green beans and a basket of biscuits on a sideboard. While the idea of a potluck remains the same, gone are those 1950s green jello molds. Lately, potluck dinners, brunches, and even potluck wedding receptions are being hosted as alternatives to traditional catered events. In some cases each participant agrees ahead of time to bring a single course and the result is a multi-course meal. The only rule is that each dish is ample enough to be shared. But neighborhoods organize them too as well as bridge clubs, book clubs, etc. Modern potluck dinners are often organized by church or civic groups, since they simplify meal planning and distribute the costs among the participants. But, the word pot-luck actually first appeared in 16th century England and referred to “food provided for an unexpected or uninvited guest, the luck of the pot.” In America the concept of a communal meal where guests supply some of the food appears to have originated in the late 19th century particularly in the Western United States. We’re all familiar with the potluck supper.
