My husband Dave and I went to a holiday party this past Saturday hosted by a well-known public servant and his family The hosts were clear in their invitation that it was an open house from 11-2 and a pot luck. While the hosts supplied the drinks (wine, beer, sodas, punch and water) as well as the main dishes, guest were to invited to bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.
The pot luck idea took me back to my youth attending Sunday night church pot lucks or community potlucks in my little town of Sierra Madre. What you brought was determined by the first letter of your last name. Same in the case of this holiday party, A–G were to bring an appetizer, H-O – a side dish, P-Z – dessert or Christmas cookies. 
Now as a guest and not the host – my inclination was to bring Christmas cookies, after all I am a Baker and a “baker”, but I thought…..what if everyone decided to step outside the lines and bring whatever they wanted? They may end up with a huge amount of desserts and very little of anything else or vice versa. It seemed that everyone must have brought according to their last name as there was a fairly even distribution of food types. And yes, I brought an appetizer, not a dessert!
The party was in their backyard which was simply, but nicely set, for this occasion. They rented tables and chairs and dressed the tables in white linen with a red overlay and a holiday centerpiece. It fit the atmosphere and holiday perfectly. The tables were spaced nicely throughout the backyard so no one felt like they were sitting on top of each other and couldn’t move.
A few of other things they did, which you might consider for your next holiday party. They hired a photographer, so the party was captured without either host having to worry about remembering to take pictures. If hiring a photographer is not in your budget, ask a friend (or friends), an acquaintance, or someone trying to break into the business, to take pictures – it will cost you far less, just might not be the same quality as a seasoned professional.
The other thing they had was Santa (with a sack of presents). 
Who doesn’t smile when you see Jolly Old St. Nick walk into the party! There is just something magical about that red suit, big belly, white beard, twinkle in his eyes, and “ho ho ho Merrrrry Christmas”, that takes you back to the anticipation of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Santa handed out candy canes and sat for pictures with the guests. You are never too old to have your picture taken with Santa – just might not sit on his lap anymore! Add St. Nick to your next holiday party and listen to adults and kids alike exclaim “There’s Santa”, “Santa’s here”, “Look Santa”! Not sure how to get a Santa? – google “Santa’s for hire” and you will see any number of companies in your area that offer that service. Want to have someone dress up as Santa? Yes – do you buy the Santa “outfit” or do you rent it? Here is what Santa Suit Express recommends “If you are planning on having more than a few appearances in a Santa Suit, you’re probably better off purchasing a Santa Claus Suit. If you only need to make a single appearance as Santa Claus, finding a nice Santa Costume Rental is a better alternative.”
The other thing they did, last, but NOT least. They asked guests to bring an unwrapped toy. If you choose to do this, donate to a local charity of your choice. As we all know, there are many many children each holiday season that will not receive anything at all. It is a simple gesture, but will go a long way to making Christmas special, one child at a time.
So for your next holiday party (or any other party) – don’t be shy to make it a potluck. Your guests will feel like they are a contributor to, not just a guest at, your party. You and your guests will experience some great and different foods. Take the guess work out of what they should bring by “assigning” them a type of dish to bring. Then include Santa which is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face. Suggest your guests bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to a local charity. After all, this is the giving season! Ho-Ho-Ho!!
“The problem with people is they forget that most of the time it’s the small things that count.” Jennifer Niven
Nicely done, Jill! Flows through each step & easy to follow!
I’m going to sign up for your blog!
Keep up the great work! 😊👍
Thank you Donna!
Been to lots of pot lucks, but didn’t know the “rule” of what to bring by the letter of your last name. HA! Learned something valuable. Guess this wouldn’t work for a family party when almost everyone is has the same last name!! Thanks for the good hint when I host the next pot luck.
Not a strict rule of thumb – but helps, so you don’t get all of one thing!!