The pilgrims and Native Americans brought geese, turkey, boiled lobsters, venison, corn dishes and more to share at the original feast. Nearly four centuries later, we’re still celebrating Thanksgiving potluck style. Potlucks — more a nod to practicality than history — allow families and friends to share the work and cost of the sprawling feast of thanks. However, potlucks can be as disappointing as an overcooked turkey. Who hasn’t suffered through a potluck with two identical green-bean casseroles, mashed potatoes tasting like wallpaper paste, or stuffing jacked up with too many jalapeños? MORE: Top 10 Thanksgiving fails, and how to prevent them For this Thanksgiving, we’re helping to take the “bad luck” out of potluck by offering a few tips to organize the holiday food. It starts with the host, who roasts the turkey and makes the gravy, assigning the side dishes that give this traditional holiday meal its culinary identity. The goal: Flavors, colors and textures that mingle as well as the guests at the table. No one dish overpowers another. MORE: How to organize a Thanksgiving potluck
Potluck 101
Potlucks need rules, so here’s the Thanksgiving game plan:
