potluck

thumb|An assorted spread of dishes at a potluck in Alberta, Canada

Potlucks are events in which attendees each bring a dish of food to be shared, including salads, mains, and desserts. Potlucks are organized among members of communities, organisations, or by individuals at their homes. Their structure departs from most other dining events, with socializing influenced by the absence of any host preparing food. Sociologist Alice Julier identifies the key themes of the potluck as abundance, uncertainty as to what will be served, and variety, which may cause consternation in cultures with opposing values around entertaining guests.