Do you like parties? Do you enjoy raw food and want to share it with others in a fun way? Here are some tips for how to create your own raw food potluck party!
Why a raw food potluck?
Potlucks are great because everyone can bring something. Why is this a good idea?
- Potlucks are less ‘scary’ for people who have never had raw food before. They know that in a worst case scenario, they’ll be able to enjoy at least one dish: theirs!
- Potlucks by definition encourage people to try other people’s food. This means there is no pressure to like everything, nor to finish an entire plate of food that has been chosen for you by a hostess at a dinner party. You can take what you like, try what you like and leave what you don’t.
- Potlucks often have an informal format. People usually drop in, nibble on things from a buffet, and chat, dance (if you’re like me!) and mingle.
Tips for success
Here’s what I do:
- Make sure people know that they don’t need to be a gourmet chef to participate. Let them know that bowlfuls of fruit or fresh veggies are gratefully accepted! There will usually always be those who enjoy making more ‘prepared’ dishes so having simple things too will balance things out and make everyone feel that their contribution is valued.
- Set up an attractive buffet table. You can include flowers, candles, incense – whatever speaks to you personally.
- As dishes arrive, put them out according to type: starters or appetizers at the beginning, mains and side dishes in the middle, and desserts at the end.
- Drinks can go anywhere, but if you’ve got a selection of fresh juices, put them out in clear pitchers so that people are attracted to the beautiful rainbow of colours, as I’ve done here in the picture.
- Have serving bowls and utensils on hand, eg large spoons, salad servers etc – people often forget these details. Also it looks beautiful to have dishes in serving bowls rather than plastic containers, though that depends upon how much time you’ve got, how much washing up you’re willing to do, and where you’re holding your event.
Raw food potlucks aren’t just about food!
The atmosphere is important too! Here’s what I suggest:
- Music is a good idea – it doesn’t need to be loud, but your choice of background music adds to the atmosphere.
- Candles and flowers are good too!
Some extra activities are good too
It can be nice to ‘break things up’ a bit by having an activity in the middle of the event – though this will depend upon your tastes and guests, of course.
Some ideas might be:
- Dancing of some kind – see if anyone wants to volunteer for leading a fun session of salsa, Bollywood, street or other kind of dancing. Or just put great music on and get out on the floor yourself and lead the way! (If you’re really stuck, grab some children and get them to help you…they’re great ice-breakers)
- Live music – either with outside entertainment, or ‘in-house’.
- A talk or demonstration. Your raw food potluck could be a great opportunity for them (or for you!) to show off a skill, or promote their own classes or business.
And finally…
Don’t forget to spread the word, including putting up pictures, posting on social media, etc.
And after the event, send out a thank you email or group post to thank people for coming. Celebrate your successful event!
And…post below in the comments to let me know how it went!
