Last Eid, I hosted a potluck and it was DELICIOUS as you can see from the video above. I invited about fifteen people and the turnout was very impressive — almost everyone showed up, alhamdulillāh!
A potluck is a great idea because everyone contributes a dish and the host does not carry the responsibility of providing the “good stuff” alone.
Here are some tips on how to pull off a successful potluck:
Some of these tips can be applied to other types of gatherings as well.
Make a list of the people you want to invite.
Pick a date and notify all of them in good time so they can prepare without pressure.
Create a group where all the planning and announcements can be made.
Let each person inform the group on what they are bringing to avoid excesses of one dish and encourage variety. It will also help identify what’s lacking, such as water and drinks. By the way, our beautiful and scrumptious cake was made by The Dessert Plug.
The host or any of the guests can take on the responsibility of providing disposable dishes, cutlery and serviettes.
Have some games that you can play with your guests. It could be a quiz on Eid al-Fitr or other topics.
On the day of the event, wake up early to put up the decorations (or do that the night before). I got mine from Eid With Xhorpia on Instagram, but there are several other options.
Provide some takeaway containers so leftovers can be taken home by the guests or given out to the needy.
If you can, give out some souvenirs to your guests.
Other Fun Ideas
Take the kids to the park or an organized halal event.
Share gifts with loved ones.
Host a barbecue.
Visit relatives, neighbours and friends. Do not forget to pack some snacks and treats for them.
Please drop some other fun ideas that you have in the comment section.
Things To Keep In Mind At Any Gathering
Approach with the salām before squealing “hiiiiiiii!”
Avoid gossip and backbiting.
Avoid playing music.
Avoid free mixing. If you and your spouse are inviting your friends and their spouses, the women should occupy a separate space from the men.
Please conceal your adornment before arriving at the “ladies only” space.
Leave with the salām.
Expiation For The Gathering
Abū Dāwūd (4859) narrated that Abū Barzah al-Aslamī (رضي الله عنه) said: “The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) used to say, when he wanted to leave a gathering:
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك، أشهد أن لا إله إلا أنت، أستغفرك وأتوب إليك
“Subhānaka Allāhumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilaika”
“Glory and praise be to You, O Allāh, there is no god but You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You.”
A man said: O Messenger of Allāh, you are saying something that you did not say before. He said: “It is expiation for anything that happened in the gathering.””
Ramadān Daily