BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
You know that moment when you get a party invite and instantly ask, “What can I bring?” Turns out, that simple question holds the key to being the kind of guest who gets invited back again and again.
Recipe developer Casey Elsass has thought a lot about this. His cookbook, What Can I Bring?, flips traditional hosting advice on its head and instead zooms in on the art of guesting. Here are his most practical and charming tips for stepping up your potluck game.
Let the host take the lead
Rule number one: don’t compete with the host. “In my mind, the main is the host’s responsibility,” Elsass explains. That dish anchors the meal, sets the vibe, and deserves the spotlight.
Instead, guests should fill in the gaps with thoughtful supporting acts. Think bright salads, snackable sides, sweet treats, or beverages. His book is full of flexible, crowd-pleasing ideas like a cheesy quiche that works for any meal or a quick golden-ratio guacamole that you can whip up right before heading out the door.
Serve it at room temp
Here’s a rule that’ll make you a host’s dream: skip the kitchen line. “One of the worst things you can do is walk into a host’s house and expect you’ll get oven space, fridge space, or a spot on the stove,” warns Elsass.
Room-temperature dishes are your best friend. They travel well, serve easily, and stay delicious over time. Great options? Dips with crusty bread or crackers, sturdy pasta or potato salads, or even a cold grain bowl that looks as good as it tastes.
Bring the dish—and everything it needs
When Elsass says, “commit to the dish you can transport,” he means the whole thing. That salad you’re tossing fresh at the party? Don’t forget the bowl and tongs. Planning on punch? You’re also bringing the ladle, cups, and maybe even the ice.
The key here is minimizing the host’s to-do list. “Be self-contained,” he says. Think of your dish like a mini pop-up! Complete and ready to serve.
Make it personal, not perfect
“When you look good, your host looks good by association,” says Elsass. But don’t confuse that with trying to impress everyone with perfection. It’s about showing care and playing to your strengths.
If baking is your thing, maybe it’s a beautifully frosted cake. If you’re the life of the party, maybe it’s a playful tray of flavored Jell-O shots. “It’s a big swing, but when it works it works,” says Elsass. “When the first person gets into one, they fly. They’re gone.”
Five signs you’re doing potluck right
Want to know if you’re crushing it as a guest? Here are some telltale signs:
- You coordinate with the host ahead of time.
- Your dish arrives ready to serve and isn’t missing any tools.
- You help clean up and take responsibility for your stuff.
- You cheer on the host and other guests with genuine compliments.
- You follow up with a thank-you the next day.
When you show up thoughtful, prepared, and with a dash of charm, you’re not just bringing a dish, you’re bringing good vibes.
