A potluck sign-up everyone can follow.

Start with the meal, not a blank sheet.

First decide whether you’re sharing a full meal or a few snacks. A lunch needs enough substantial food to feed the group. An afternoon get-together may only need drinks, fruit and something to nibble.

Write suggestions that answer two questions: what would help, and roughly how much? “Salad for six” is easier to claim than “side dish”. “Drinks for twelve, including something without alcohol” is clearer than “beverages”. Guests can put the actual dish they’re bringing beside the suggestion.

Each suggestion in ShareSnacks is one spot someone can claim. If you want two people to bring mains, make two separate spots. Leave room for extra items so the person with a favourite recipe doesn’t have to fit it into the wrong category.

A sample potluck sign-up for 12.

For a casual lunch, start with two mains that together cover the group, then add shared sides and a little dessert. These quantities are a planning example. Adjust them for appetites, children, meal length and how substantial each dish is.

Ask guests to describe the dish and amount when they claim a spot: “Bean chilli, six servings” or “Green salad, dressing on the side”. Don’t ask every guest to bring enough for everyone. That can turn a small lunch into a mountain of leftovers.

Check whether the host is supplying water, serving dishes or the main course before adding those jobs. A contribution can also be cups, ice or clean-up supplies. Buying something ready-made is a perfectly useful way to take part.

Share it, then adjust the gaps.

1. Name the occasion. Add the date, time and location if you know them. Use the note for practical details such as “Lunch starts at noon; bring a serving spoon”.
2. Add your suggested spots. Use the example above as a starting point. For a smaller gathering, combine a few jobs.
3. Send the sharing link. Guests open it without an account, claim a spot or add an extra item. Their name is optional.
4. Keep the organizer link. Use it to change details, add a missing spot or help someone update a contribution. Share the guest link with your group and keep the organizer link private.

Before the meal, look at what’s still needed. Ask for a specific gap instead of sending another open-ended “What is everyone bringing?” message. For a workplace lunch, the office potluck guide covers space and timing. Guests looking for a dish can use these potluck ideas.