Potluck sign-up sheet
List what the meal needs and how many of each, sized for your guest count. Print it as a sign-up sheet, or put it online so guests pick what they’ll bring from their phones. Starts from a potluck or a Thanksgiving list. Free, with no sign-up.
Switching starts the list again from that one, sized for your guests.
What people can bring
How many of each follows the guest count until you change it. Leave “How many” empty for any number. 19 dishes and things in all.
Make it online
Turn this list into a party page with the date and the place. Guests open the link on their phone, say they’re coming and pick what they’ll bring. Each item shows how many are still needed, so nobody brings the fifth salad, and you see who’s bringing what. Free to make and publish.
Paper or online
- The list
- Start from the suggested items for your guest count. Add the things only your crowd needs, like a vegetarian main or a gluten-free dessert.
- On paper
- Print the sheet for the office kitchen or the church hall: a row for each dish, with space for a name and what they’re bringing.
- Online
- One link with the date, the place and the list. Guests reply and claim an item in the same step, and see what’s still needed.
Hosting a holiday party? Draw names with the Secret Santa generator or read the white elephant rules. For any other get-together, send online invitations with RSVP.
Questions
How do I make a potluck sign-up sheet?
Enter the guest count and start from the potluck list: main dishes, sides, salads, desserts, drinks, bread, plates and cups, and ice, each sized for your guests. Rename, add or remove items and change how many of each you need. Then print it as a sheet with columns for the item, the name and what each person is bringing, or put it online.
How many dishes do I need for a potluck?
A rough guide: one main dish for every 8 guests, one side for every 6, a salad and a dessert for every 8 to 10, and drinks for every 8. For 20 guests that is about 3 mains, 4 sides, 2 salads, 3 desserts and 3 lots of drinks, plus bread, plates and ice. People bring generous portions, so this leaves leftovers rather than gaps.
Can guests sign up online instead of on paper?
Yes. Press Make it online and the list becomes the sign-up list of a free party page with your date and place. Guests open the link on their phone, say they’re coming and pick what they’ll bring; each item shows how many are still needed, and you see who is bringing what. Nobody needs an account.
What goes on a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck sign-up sheet?
The turkey (usually the host’s), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, a green vegetable, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, rolls, salad, pumpkin pie and another dessert, wine or cider, soft drinks, plates and cups, and containers for leftovers. Pick Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving to start from that list.
How do I stop everyone bringing dessert?
Say how many of each you need and let people choose from what is left. On paper, put the sheet where people see what is taken; online, items that are taken show as taken. Ask people to write what they’re bringing too, so two pasta salads don’t turn up.
Is it free? Do I need an account?
The sheet is free and needs no account; the list stays in your browser and this browser keeps it for next time. Making it online asks you to sign in so you can manage the page and see the replies. Guests never need an account.