The origins of the mommy only potluck parties started when my friends and I realized it would be cheaper and funner (yes, I said funner), to cook and eat at each others house than go out. You see, we used to meet up at restaurants but we found ourselves guilty of being a disturbance to other patrons. We would loudly and unabashedly talk about sex, men, and life. This would cause us to annoy other diners and linger way past closing, to the point where a restaurant turned off the lights around us.
But in the midst’s of being hilariously obnoxious and crass the potlucks were needed as a way to get the time we desperately needed to reconnect with one another. And it’s not that we don’t see each other over the course of the year, we do, it’s just that sometimes we’re not all available to hang out at the same time. The potluck forces us to pump the breaks on whatever is happening in our lives in order to make time for ourselves and the women we love in our lives.
The potlucks also serve as a way for us to tap into our creative culinary and decorating sides. We come up with party theme ideas and research all the recipes. This takes weeks of preparation. So why do we go all out? Uhhh, isn’t it obvious? Because we deserve it.
So now that you know what mommy only potlucks are and why my friends and I have them here are the tips we use to host your own:
Pick a date that works for everyone
Getting a group of moms together always seems like a hard thing to pull off but when you’re determined to make the event happen I you’ll make it happen. Also, don’t worry if the date is two months away. That’s okay cause remember to point is to make sure that everyone can attend.
Pick a location
Usually, we just rotate the houses but sometimes someone volunteers because maybe one person’s house isn’t company ready yet or doesn’t have enough space. You can pick whatever works best for your group.
Choose a theme
You don’t have to have a theme, but it adds to the fun. You can visit Amazon for some great decoration and theme ideas. Previous themes we’ve had were Hawaiian, #Ibeendrakin #Watermelon, and Healthy Eating. The best thing about themes is that you can make it whatever you want it to be.
Discuss menu
Once you know what your theme is going to be its time to talk about what everyone is gonna make. Because there is a small number of us it’s easy for each person to prepare one thing from each of the food groups, plus bring a bottle of alcohol or juice. It is a golden rule that every one supplies one dish and one drink. Store brought is okay but the goal of the event is to cook from the heart.
Decide on a per person budget
Usually, the budget for us is $30 or less each person. When everyone sticks to it no one person can feel as though they’ve paid more when others have paid less. It also keeps the preparer from having to make so much food for such a small group of people. There will be enough to eat and for everyone to take a plate home.
No men or kids allowed
The mommy only potluck parties are supposed to be man and kid free. If the dinner is taking place at your home, of course, partners and kids can pop in to say hello but remember this dinner isn’t for them. This is YOUR bonding time.
Choose a designated driver
This is the most important step. Our parties usually involve a shit ton of alcohol which means someone has to stay sober in order to drive everyone home. If that’s not an option call an uber or just sleep over where the potluck is taking place.
I hope my tips to help you host your own potluck party. We’ve been living by them for the last 5 years and they’ve all been a hot mess success. Happy planning and hosting your mommy only potluck parties!
“Organization is like weight loss. Go lean.” – Molly Sims (click to tweet)
