Potluck Party - OK or Rude?!


Question: Potluck Party - OK or Rude?
We purchased a new house in June (2nd house) and have had a lot of people say they'd like to see it so we plan to have a BBQ / party this fall and invite friends & family all at once. We aren't calling it a housewarming and don't expect gifts, however were thinking of making it potluck. We would provide meat, some sides, drinks, etc. but having people bring a side dish would certainly increase the variety. Potlucks are common in our area, but is it rude to mention bringing a dish on the invitation? This is how I was planning to word it:

The boxes are unpacked and we are ready to party, join us for a fall BBQ and help us celebrate!
Bring a dish or just bring yourself, we look forward to seeing you (plan to eat around 4PM)

Thank you for the feedback, we don't want to appear rude so your thoughts are appreciated.

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

There is a problem in the wording. You are saying "join us for a fall BBQ..." which implies you are providing all the food - and then you instruct people to bring food.

What you really meant to say is "join us all for a fall Potluck, we will be BBQing meat and everyone may bring a side dish..."

You aren't having a BBQ - you are having a Potluck and what you happen to be bringing is BBQ.

It isn't rude - you said so yourself they are common in your area, so how could they be rude?

Just don't call it something other than what it is.

Not rude, perfectly acceptable but the 'just bring yourself' is going to open up the door to Mr/Mrs " I'm not expected to bring anything" but I can chow down/drink what everyone else brings.
In my humble opinion, be more rigid.Specify a drink - ie six pack, bottle of wine/soda or a side dish. Nothing fancy.
It's better to have Mr Liter of soda bring at least that, than Mrs Deviled eggs show up to nothing!

You should say you're providing the main course and to bring a side dish or refreshments or desserts. You put bring a dish, so that could be a main dish too but since you're providing that already you should write side dish.

if i got a potluck invitation id automatically assume i should bring something. i dont think thats rude. did you mention it was a potluck? or just a celebration? id change up the invitation. have fun:)

No it is not rude. I would be clear and say it's a potluck and say you are providing the meat and etc. and they could bring their favorite dish.

I think what you're planning and how you worded the invite is perfectly fine. Not rude. Most guest enjoy feeling like they pitced in.

No, it most definatly isn't rude! That's what a potluck is, so I highly doubt people will take this as offensive. I like the cheeriness and positivity. :-]

Can I go? I'll bring chocolate...

i'm from the uk and as I've never heard of a pot luck so i'm guessing your in the usa - (especially as you are planning a bbq in the fall - we here in the uk can't plan a bbq in advance... cos of the weather lol!!)

you say bring a dish - here that to me would suggest something more substantial than just a side dish so I would change it to

The boxes are unpacked and we are ready to party, join us for a fall BBQ and help us celebrate!
we've got the meat and drinks, feel free to bring a side dish (or just bring yourself,) we look forward to seeing you (plan to eat around 4PM)

I just think that if you are leaving something to chance you need to close as many doors to misunderstanding as possible

I hope you have a great time -


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