Thread: Requesting Guests to Bring Food to Share

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This will be our fifth year hosting a Halloween Party. It has grown so much that preparing the food has become overwhelming. Last year we suggested that anyone that wanted to bring something should do so, and a few people did. Does anyone have any creative ideas or wording for an invitation about asking folks to bring something to share so that we minimize the work. We average about 35 - 4o people so it is a big job.

How about something like "Zombies, ghouls and other monsters--any "finger" food you wish to bring will be greatly appreciated."

From our first year of hosting a Halloween party weve had our guests asking if they could bring something. Ive always provided it all, but with the rising cost of everything, this year Im taking everyone up on their offer. Im simply going to put

"A Fall/Halloween covered dish is welcome!"

I think alot of people attending a Hparty wouldnt mind. It gives them a chnace to make something fun and unique they wouldnt normally do. Plus it makes them feel like a real part of the festivities.

Yeah, we've always had people offer as well. I have one main friend who I can count on to provide almost HALF of what's on the table. She's wonderful. Works in a catering company.

I have other guests that sporadically bring things. I consider those bonuses lol

One way you could trigger participation is to have a contest/prize for the best and/or creepiest dish and mention that in your invite?

MsM

Originally Posted by MsMeeple

....One way you could trigger participation is to have a contest/prize for the best and/or creepiest dish and mention that in your invite?

MsM

MsMeeple I really love the idea of a party contest for best costume and best creepiest dish! A contest for best dish is not something that I've ever considered. Some people are great at costumes and makeup and others are better in the kitchen. What a great way to include everyone and come out with some interesting kitchen concoctions.

We have an annual Halloween party that we've hosted since 1994.
As the years progressed so also grew the number of guests attending & the event it's self. Right in the party invite we state that it's a "potluck Supper" & to bring your favorite food to share.

One year we had worded the invite to bring your favorite dish but, thought that it might confuse guests to bring dishes. lol Majority of our guests are teenagers who came empty handed year after year. It wasn't until we spelled it out to them, that they asked what to bring instead of 20 bags of chips.

We also have incorporated a haunted maze into the party as well for another distraction. The maze has grown to over 3,000 sq. ft. & continues to grow each year.

never thought about a contest for the creepiest dish! Thats an great idea.

Thanks

Even though I've thought of it, I've never done it. I did however knight the one friend who always brings so much in the order of the halloween pumpkin lol She really appreciated the special recognition. She got a certificate stating her outstanding contributions and also a gift.

MsM

We normally have people to offer to bring food and they do.I usually do things already fixed for me so I don't cook to much we have 75 people and I usually do pizza-breadsticks-chicken tray-nachos-me and my sister do chilli beans-and I normally hit walmart for cupcakes.I( know I pay more for convience I just don't have the time to cook everything.
I like the creepiest food idea!!

I'm glad you brought this up...I was thinking the same thing, not necessarily from a financial standpoint (although the daughter is going off to college this year ) but simply from the 'busyness" standpoint. I'm trying to simplify my life and not try and do everything myself, and I ALWAYS have friends offer to bring food, and always say "no, no" and handle it all myself. So this just might be the year we give a prize for the "creepiest dish" (thanks, MsM! ) and thank everyone for their help!!