Last weekend, after all of the family obligations were done, I joined a group of my friends for our annual “Friendsgiving” feast.  This meal is a favorite tradition, and a great example of how to put together a large feast without putting too much financial burden on any one person.  Our hosts provided two turkeys, one of which had been acquired for free as a gift.  They cooked these turkeys over an open fire, which was a wonderful adventure in deliciousness, but not what this piece is about.

The rest of the meal was potluck.  One person brought stuffing.  One brought green bean casserole.  One brought baked beans.  Others brought appetizers, breads, and desserts.  When it was all added up, we had an amazing meal for a very large crowd, without over-burdening any one person.  We communed by the fire.  We communed in the kitchen.  We played Cards Against Humanity.  And we ate a glorious meal.

Next time you are thinking about a dinner party, make it a potluck.  Everyone shares the work, everyone gets to enjoy the meal, and everyone shares the cost.  It’s the best of everything.