Company hosted Potluck - update 12/19

[TipsyTraveler]

At my last job, we would do potlucks all the time. I loved them! We would have sign-up sheets like others have mentioned, to avoid having all desserts or all appetizers. We would even have some people sign up to bring plates, napkins, and cups. We always had an over abundance of food, and never had any "main" dishes (turkey, ham, etc.) Usually someone would just so happen to make sloppy joes or ham salad or something else to put on a roll (they would bring the rolls/bread, too). We would also have someone who always just grabbed chips and salsa at the store on their way into work, but usually that was the first thing gone. I loved it when one of the women would "make" pasta salad that we all knew she picked up at a local restaurant and tried to pass it off as her own.

I definitely do not think you are being cheap by doing this. You're providing beverages already, and that can't be too cheap (especially providing beer). I think it's nice that you're doing anything at all and your employees will appreciate that. Oh how I miss those potlucks!

The company is a brewery so I imagine providing the drinks means more 'write off' than 'expense.'

OP, maybe if you tell us the budget people will be able to give catering or other options that they know to be doable for that amount.

 

[mamacatnv]

I've partaken in plenty of company potlucks where the company only provided the plates, utensils and the drinks.
Potluck does not = nutritional balanced meal, its always a mismash. We always had a bit of fun and encouraged everyone to bring that favorite family recipe. No one ever left hungry.
I agree a sign up sheet gives everyone an idea of what is coming and what hole they might possibly fill.

So, since we are talking potlucks, here is a something that occurred yesterday that I am still trying to sort out.
My company hosts a potluck, we provide the ham, plates, utensils and iced tea. There is a total of 27 employees
I prepared a sign up sheet with categories of: Potato/Stuffing, Veggie, Salad (green, pasta or fruit), Bread, Cranberry items and Dessert.
The sign up sheet I sent out states to bring a dish to share and to bring it in either a crock-pot or an oven safe container.
One of our locations is remote but the employees will be joining us for lunch. Our normal lunch period is 30 min, the company extends to 1 hour without a loss of paid time.

The remote location has 3 guys, they filled in the sign up sheet and signed up for "Green Beans", "Corn" and "Cranberry Sauce"
Yesterday I received a box from the remote location - the box had a sticker on the outside that said:
Green Beans
Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Inside the box was one can of each. I can't decide if this is a joke or this is their serious contribution. If its their contribution then I am really ticked off.
One can? and its not a "dish to share" its a freaking can of veggies.......

Ugh

 

[Wishing on a star]

That is the thing cost IS a factor.

Just be aware that what are doing is transferring the cost (and work) of this company wide Christmas 'thing' on to the individuals.

Look at what the above poster is experiencing, even when the employer is providing the main entree.

 

[soccerdad72]

We are a small agency of 16 women and take our potlucks seriously

Sounds like my department. My turn to sound grinchy, but I hate these potlucks - the folks in my department get so serious about them that for a day or two beforehand, I swear, no work gets done because everyone is running around, bugging people about what they're going to bring, etc. And the day of is worse - between the set up, the (over)eating and the clean up, it kills the whole day. It shouldn't, IMO, but it always seems to. When someone in the office suggested that pot lucks got cut back from monthly to quarterly, it started a feud around the office.

 

[Allison]

Thanks everyone for the input.

A few answers/clarifications, more information.

1. The event will be held after work hours (5pm - 9ish), at our company Ale House. So getting smashed and heading back to work isn't an issue.
   
2. The event has not been widely announced, the few that do know about it have said a potluck, where the employees each bring something is fine and those that would attend would likely do so. My boss & I will be discussing/finalizing details by the end of the week and announcing after Thanksgiving.
   
3. A sign up sheet will be put up along with the announcement, asking employees to sign up to bring something. We will take inventory of what is being signed up for and fill in the the blanks.
4. There are 25 local employees, 15 - 20 are likely to attend along with their spouses and possibly a few kids.
   
5. As previously stated I am prepared to provide Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad & Rolls. As well as Beer (after all we are a Craft Brewery) and Soft Drinks.
6. Collecting money from employees is not an option.
7. No one is going to be required or expected to show up. Personally I have always hated these types of events. But now as the Ale House Manager I get to host them, yay me!

Sounds like you have a handle on it.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

I've partaken in plenty of company potlucks where the company only provided the plates, utensils and the drinks.
Potluck does not = nutritional balanced meal, its always a mismash. We always had a bit of fun and encouraged everyone to bring that favorite family recipe. No one ever left hungry.
I agree a sign up sheet gives everyone an idea of what is coming and what hole they might possibly fill.

So, since we are talking potlucks, here is a something that occurred yesterday that I am still trying to sort out.
My company hosts a potluck, we provide the ham, plates, utensils and iced tea. There is a total of 27 employees
I prepared a sign up sheet with categories of: Potato/Stuffing, Veggie, Salad (green, pasta or fruit), Bread, Cranberry items and Dessert.
The sign up sheet I sent out states to bring a dish to share and to bring it in either a crock-pot or an oven safe container.
One of our locations is remote but the employees will be joining us for lunch. Our normal lunch period is 30 min, the company extends to 1 hour without a loss of paid time.

The remote location has 3 guys, they filled in the sign up sheet and signed up for "Green Beans", "Corn" and "Cranberry Sauce"
Yesterday I received a box from the remote location - the box had a sticker on the outside that said:
Green Beans
Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Inside the box was one can of each. I can't decide if this is a joke or this is their serious contribution. If its their contribution then I am really ticked off.
One can? and its not a "dish to share" its a freaking can of veggies.......

Ugh

Funny!

I had a friend show up for a potluck birthday party one time. She had said she was bringing chicken salad. She showed up with a raw chicken, 1 onion, and a jar of mayo.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I've partaken in plenty of company potlucks where the company only provided the plates, utensils and the drinks.
Potluck does not = nutritional balanced meal, its always a mismash. We always had a bit of fun and encouraged everyone to bring that favorite family recipe. No one ever left hungry.
I agree a sign up sheet gives everyone an idea of what is coming and what hole they might possibly fill.

So, since we are talking potlucks, here is a something that occurred yesterday that I am still trying to sort out.
My company hosts a potluck, we provide the ham, plates, utensils and iced tea. There is a total of 27 employees
I prepared a sign up sheet with categories of: Potato/Stuffing, Veggie, Salad (green, pasta or fruit), Bread, Cranberry items and Dessert.
The sign up sheet I sent out states to bring a dish to share and to bring it in either a crock-pot or an oven safe container.
One of our locations is remote but the employees will be joining us for lunch. Our normal lunch period is 30 min, the company extends to 1 hour without a loss of paid time.

The remote location has 3 guys, they filled in the sign up sheet and signed up for "Green Beans", "Corn" and "Cranberry Sauce"
Yesterday I received a box from the remote location - the box had a sticker on the outside that said:
Green Beans
Corn
Cranberry Sauce
Inside the box was one can of each. I can't decide if this is a joke or this is their serious contribution. If its their contribution then I am really ticked off.
One can? and its not a "dish to share" its a freaking can of veggies.......

Ugh

I don't know if it's a joke or not but it's hilarious!

It reminds me of the straw that finally ended our work potlucks many years ago. A woman who never contributed a dish but always happily helped herself to platefuls of food finally felt enough coworker pressure and showed up with her own contribution -- a grapefruit. One single, unpeeled grapefruit plopped on the table amid the home-cooked casseroles. That was the end of the employee potlucks.

 

[mjkacmom]

An evening work party the Friday before Christmas? Don’t most people have plans? The whole month of December is riddled with events, but the Friday before Christmas is second to New Year’s Eve. I assumed it was a lunch thing with just employees, on company time. Unless I lived the people I worked with more than anyone else in my life, I’d have to decline a evening pot luck Christmas party that close to Christmas (plus, I’m a wine drinker).

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I would provide maybe something like a spiral ham or sandwhich tray and have the employees bring the sides.

 

[gotomu212]

Thanks everyone for the input.

A few answers/clarifications, more information.

1. The event will be held after work hours (5pm - 9ish), at our company Ale House. So getting smashed and heading back to work isn't an issue.
   
2. The event has not been widely announced, the few that do know about it have said a potluck, where the employees each bring something is fine and those that would attend would likely do so. My boss & I will be discussing/finalizing details by the end of the week and announcing after Thanksgiving.
   
3. A sign up sheet will be put up along with the announcement, asking employees to sign up to bring something. We will take inventory of what is being signed up for and fill in the the blanks.
4. There are 25 local employees, 15 - 20 are likely to attend along with their spouses and possibly a few kids.
   
5. As previously stated I am prepared to provide Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad & Rolls. As well as Beer (after all we are a Craft Brewery) and Soft Drinks.
6. Collecting money from employees is not an option.
7. No one is going to be required or expected to show up. Personally I have always hated these types of events. But now as the Ale House Manager I get to host them, yay me!

Since this is going to be the evening meal and is going to involve families and drinking I think you really have to make sure there’s enough food. I expect to graze and have less food at lunch, but if this is an evening meal people really load up plates. How much spaghetti are you planning for 30-40 people? Are you expecting someone to bring another main dish?

 

[Southernmiss]

Thanks everyone for the input.

A few answers/clarifications, more information.

1. The event will be held after work hours (5pm - 9ish), at our company Ale House. So getting smashed and heading back to work isn't an issue.
   
2. The event has not been widely announced, the few that do know about it have said a potluck, where the employees each bring something is fine and those that would attend would likely do so. My boss & I will be discussing/finalizing details by the end of the week and announcing after Thanksgiving.
   
3. A sign up sheet will be put up along with the announcement, asking employees to sign up to bring something. We will take inventory of what is being signed up for and fill in the the blanks.
4. There are 25 local employees, 15 - 20 are likely to attend along with their spouses and possibly a few kids.
   
5. As previously stated I am prepared to provide Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad & Rolls. As well as Beer (after all we are a Craft Brewery) and Soft Drinks.
6. Collecting money from employees is not an option.
7. No one is going to be required or expected to show up. Personally I have always hated these types of events. But now as the Ale House Manager I get to host them, yay me!

I have been the organizer of many employee hosted potlucks (that's what I think of based on what you are describing-where the employer provides little to no contributions) and many other dinners and events. If the company is hosting, then they need to graciously host and do it right with enough main dishes for everyone, especially considering there's alcohol and it's an evening dinner time event.

Friday, December 22nd from 5 to 9 would not be a good time for those I have hosted in the past. Last minute shopping, preparation, leaving for out of town for Christmas. People start to move into Christmas mode by then.

Potluck after work-how is the food I prepared to bring going to stay hot/cold/fresh edible all day?

5 to 9 all the beer you can drink? Who is the designated driver?

Instead of filling in the blanks, start by providing a few key dinner items-5 to 9 people will be hungry for a good dinner.

 

[DopeyDame]

We always have a holiday potluck at my office and most people really enjoy it.
As others have said, you should provide some sort of main dish, and after that whatever shows up shows up. (We have some people who bring in amazing home made delicacies and other who bring in a bag of chips and salsa. It's all good.)

However, I think spaghetti is a disaster waiting to happen. It's messy and hard to eat on paper plates, and prevents mingling because you have to be sitting at a table to eat it.

If you have the money, get a spiral ham.
If you can't afford that, get one of those large party subs or a tray of chicken nuggets or something like that

 

[disneychrista]

I

Friday, December 22nd from 5 to 9 would not be a good time for those I have hosted in the past. Last minute shopping, preparation, leaving for out of town for Christmas. People start to move into Christmas mode by then.

I tried to do it earlier (either the Monday of that week or Friday the week before) but the boss didn't want to it "that far away" from Christmas.

Potluck after work-how is the food I prepared to bring going to stay hot/cold/fresh edible all day?

Honestly, I expect most people to go home before the head to the Ale House. They get off between 4 - 4:30 most days and some won't even be working that day. No one shows up at the start of it anyway. I expect most will show up between 5:30 - 6. For cold foods we have a huge refrigerated warehouse.

5 to 9 all the beer you can drink? Who is the designated driver?

It is called being responsible. I expect most will have one or two beers, a lot of the "ladies" don't even drink or at least I have never seem them do so during company events. There are always the handful who will drink too much and need a ride home. We have the numbers for the local cab company if needed.

Instead of filling in the blanks, start by providing a few key dinner items-5 to 9 people will be hungry for a good dinner.

Didn't I say I was prepared to supply what I consider a meal - Spaghetti, meatballs, salad & bread?
As to it being "messy" it has been done successfully for years at events we have held at the Ale House. Do people really mingle while they are eating a meal?

 

[Cadiewampus]

Well if your are having beer you have go to have BBQ. Call your favorite joint and have them cater. Not sure where you are at but here (ga.) you can do that fairly inexpensively.

 

[leebee]

Didn't I say I was prepared to supply what I consider a meal - Spaghetti, meatballs, salad & bread?

This happens a lot, as people tend to respond before reading an entire thread! (and in the time it took to post this, someone else suggested calling a caterer...)

I think this sounds like a fun party and I'd make time in my schedule to attend. Send out a sign-up sheet with specifics on it: Main dish/casserole, side dish, veggie, dessert. Remind people to make/bring enough to serve about 8 people. You'll know if you have enough food by the number of folks who sign up. My guess is that employees of a brewery will HAPPILY attend a company holiday potluck if their own product is being served! (and that's not a jibe. We have 3 microbreweries here in town, and the employees are always the nicest people, and the breweries best spokespeople!)

 

[Wendy31]

Unless you're just really close friends w/ those w/ whom you work & it's a "everyone is family & we all love each other" type atmosphere (& everyone actually feels that way & it's not just something you say), I don't think most people look at work parties (especially after-hour work parties) & think, "Yay! I'm so excited & can't wait to go!"

I think (& I could be wrong) that most people look at work parties as just another obligation.

Additionally, the Christmas season is a busy, busy time. I'm not sure anyone will be that thrilled at yet another event where he/she needs to prepare & bring something - which is why you end up w/ bags of potato chips & store-bought bakery items.

The kindest & most generous thing to do for your employees is either completely host the event or just give the employees a little extra time off.

The Friday before Christmas might be okay if Christmas fell in the middle of the next week. But, this year, Christmas Eve is on Sunday, & Christmas is Monday. Like other people have mentioned, by Friday evening, December 22nd, most people are ready to move on w/ their own private Christmas plans - traveling, family & friend Christmas celebrations, last-minute shopping, etc.

Another idea might be to re-think the "potluck dinner" idea. If Friday is your last day at work, set aside the last hour of the day & invite everyone to bring some kind of finger food - cookies, brownies, cheese & crackers, finger sandwiches - that kind of thing & enjoy a smaller celebration w/ everyone before everyone leaves for the Christmas holiday.

Or, you could do a Christmas breakfast on that Friday morning. An advantage to this would be everyone could come in w/ their dishes & nothing would have to be kept warm throughout the day - and there are a lot of "easy" items one can bring - pastries, fruit, sausage balls, etc. Instead of having beer at the event, you could send all the employees home w/ a case of your company's specially crafted beer as a Christmas present.

If you're set on a potluck dinner, I would seriously consider moving the date to somewhere other than December 22nd, the Friday right before Christmas.

 

[disneychrista]

Well if your are having beer you have go to have BBQ. Call your favorite joint and have them cater. Not sure where you are at but here (ga.) you can do that fairly inexpensively.

It might not be what you would consider BBQ, we are in California afterall. But this is one of the options I will present to my boss if he wants to do more than Spaghetti. We have a "BBQ" place in town that we have used before. They would provide Tri-tip, Chicken, Beans, Cole Slaw, Corn & Bread.

 

[Cadiewampus]

It might not be what you would consider BBQ, we are in California afterall. But this is one of the options I will present to my boss if he wants to do more than Spaghetti. We have a "BBQ" place in town that we have used before. They would provide Tri-tip, Chicken, Beans, Cole Slaw, Corn & Bread.

yep if it ain't pork it ain't barbeque.

 

[disneychrista]

I think (& I could be wrong) that most people look at work parties as just another obligation.

I know I usually always did.

If you're set on a potluck dinner, I would seriously consider moving the date to somewhere other than December 22nd, the Friday right before Christmas.

I really wish I could. My boss is pretty firm on the date. I would honestly, rather it not be a "dinner" but a simpler gathering with appetizers & snacks.

 

[richmond282]

Turkeys are cheap this time of year. If you're willing to do spaghetti then a turkey instead shouldn't be a problem. And, quite, frankly, seems like it would be less work.