Potlucks have a long and esteemed history. When writing Sixty Acres and a Bride (which releases in February!) it was natural to set a few scenes on the church grounds, but potlucks go back further than the 1880s. In fact, I’m pretty sure the Treaty of Paris was hammered out over fried chicken and green bean casseroles. Maybe that’s why I’m viewing them through Franklin bifocals. Hang around after church and you might see some of these folks.
The Minute Men – Their pantries are stocked with the goods they need. They rush into the fray with only a moment’s notice, and their muskets are loaded with… Spaghettios. Maybe it’s not gourmet, but give them credit for making it to the green. And another bonus-the kids absolutely love their food.
The Marquis de LaFayette – She has style. She has panache. And I have no earthly idea what is simmering in her Williams-Sonoma Le Creuet Stoneware. I’m sure it’s good. It’s probably even healthy, but I might decide on another serving of Spaghettios instead.
The Hessians – These are the mercenaries. They aren’t committed potluckers. Perhaps they scored an unlucky pot in the past, and now their hearts aren’t in it. After church Mr. Hessian runs to McDonald’s and returns with the correct number of Happy Meals. Sure, they’re there for the fellowship and are well-funded, but they aren’t going to suffer for the cause.
The Valley Foragers – Starving and empty-handed, they linger in the doorway of the fellowship hall or by the bathrooms in the gym. They don’t allow their kids take a seat until the line goes down and they see extra food.
The Continental Congress – These folks dive in before the Valley Foragers can make it past the paper goods and swoop up their crockpots. They want their left-overs safely in the refrigerator for lunch on Monday. Feeding the troops isn’t their concern. They’re saving for another day.
The Paul Revere – Mr. Revere is the friendly man, or woman, who gallops through the adult education wing calling “The Potluck is coming! The Potluck is coming!” Paul is usually the one responsible for the large number of Valley Foragers at the event.
The Benedict Arnold – At the last potluck she asked for your recipe, just as innocent as a Precious Moments figurine. Little did you know she’d show up with your signature dish in a brand-spanking-new stainless steel crock and set it next to your dented circa-1993 slow cooker. Rival, indeed.
The Martha Washington – Bless Mrs. Washington. She loads the table with comfort food and covers the shortcomings and over-cookings of many a new bride. Bringing much more than she and George could eat alone, she’s the one who keeps this tradition alive. Viva la Reine de la cuisine!
I’ll own up to falling into at least four of these categories at one point or another. How about you? What types have you seen?
I’ll be honest. I’m all about the leftovers. It’s less I have to cook later.
Ha! We attended a church for several years that held a church-wide potluck every month. I didn’t mind the fellowship, but I hated the stress of the food! It ended up being a bit difficult on my pocketbook since I tend toward the Hessians to alleviate the stress of my kitchen fiascos (although that usually meant something pre-made from the grocery store, not fast food)!
I tend toward Minute Man. My first potluck I showed up with a dozen eggs and a loaf of Velveeta and asked someone in the kitchen to teach me how to make scrambled eggs. They kicked me out and I joined the Valley Foragers.
OMG…hillarious! I laughed until I cried!!! Still laughing! You hit them all…you are a very astute observer…viva ‘le pot lucke!!!
As for me, I have the best intentions of Martha Wasington and a longing desire to be The Marquis de LaFayette…but always end up at the supermarket deli…searching for something to put in my Pottery Bowl to pass off as homemade.
I think I might fall under the Minute Men category, but only if there is a subcategory for reluctant, slightly defective Minute Men. One dish, though, I have always at the ready.
Years ago when we were both young brides, a rather mischievous cousin of mine gave me a Jello mold shaped like 1/2 of an anatomically correct human brain. I have found that grape Jello blended with a judiciously small amount of milk renders a greyish, rather alarmingly authentic appearance to the resulting desert. Serving this on an attractive bed of lettuce with a small card in front that reads, “You have been given the mind of Christ,” has twice now assured that I am cheerfully–nay, enthusiastically–requested to donate chips and soda to all future pot-lucks.
Loved it! I’m sure I have or will be in every category! Love it!!
Hi Regina! I found you through your Stuff Christians Like link. I love your writing style and your blog…so much so that I am now a new follower. Can’t wait to keep up with you! By the way, your book cover IS beautiful!!
Pamela – You hit on one I forgot – the “taking store bought food and trying to make it look homemade” attendee.
Cindy – What a great cousin you have! According to her, you can get the same results by bringing caramel covered onions that resemble caramel covered apples.
Susan and Niki – Thanks for commenting and welcome! (Since I had nothing to do with it I can say that I love the book cover, too.)
I have 8 kids, so I’ve had to figure out how to bring enough of something to cover my family as well as provide food for a few others. On top of that, I have one kid who is Gluten-free, so I have to make sure my options are safe for him to eat, just in case there is nothing else there he can. Whew.
I usually end up with a big casserole and finger jello. I think I’m a Minute/Martha hybrid! LOL
Ha! This is hilarious, Regina. I’m sure I’ve been in several categories at different points in time. 🙂