How to be a great potluck party guest

What do you make? How much do you bring? Potlucks sometimes leave more questions than answers for guests. Here are some quick tips:

1) Think before saying "yes" - if you sign up for the appetizer will you be able to commit to being right on time to the party? If not, sign up for dessert. If you are not a good cook or don't enjoy cooking, don't sign up for main dish.  Instead, offer to do something easy for you like making a fruit tray or cheese/charcuterie plate. 

2) Be considerate of limited oven/stove time - try to pick a dish that can easily be served when you arrive. If you cannot keep something warm during travel time, let you hosts know so they can save you some precious stove or oven time. 

3) Bring something that can easily be served on a plate - as opposed to making host add spoons and bowls to the tableware (and cleaning duty). 

4) Arrive on time to potlucks (or see point 1 above and notify your host). Your dish may slow the whole party to a crawl and stress out your hosts that a big part of the meal is not accounted for. 

Now go enjoy that party!