Hosting a Hanukkah Potluck

Hanukkah is a very important celebration during the holiday season. It is a religious holiday celebrated by Jewish families and is held for eight days. The last day of Hanukkah is very special and a big tradition is to hold a potluck dinner. A potluck party is basically a big dinner. But the twist to the meal is that guests are supposed to bring at least one special dish that they have prepared. Everyone gets to try different foods and enjoys the specialities of other families. It is a chance to cook new recipes or to offer family greats that have been passed down from one generation to another. The host of the party usually provides the main course. Since everyone has already had turkey for Thanksgiving, it may be a good idea to try duck or a hen. Find out what type of meat is acceptable in the Jewish religion. Many religions do not eat pork or some types of beef. They may just prefer some form of cooked fish.

For the Hanukkah holiday, more than likely, everybody is already expecting to come together as a group in one desired location. This means that you will probably not have to send out any invitations of any kind. Invitations can be easy as picking up the telephone and spreading the word. And with today’s growing use of computers, emails can be used as well. Make sure that you let guests know not to bring to many of one thing. You would like more than one of the same casserole or more than one of the same dessert. And be sure that not everyone brings just a dessert. Ask guests, if possible, to contact others to find out what they are planning on bringing to the potluck feast.

To prepare for the party, you need to arrange and set up a specific area for several different.
If you do not have a big dining area, placing dishes and foods in the kitchen should be fine. Just emember that you need to have enough serving spoons and utensils ready. This ensures that very dish has a separate serving spoon if someone forgets to bring one with their food. Place cups and napkins out for everyone. Plastic cups are great to use because they save on clean-up time. You may ask guests to bring drinks if they are willing but you will more than likely be purchasing or making beverages. Iced tea, water, or lemonade is fine. Just find out what the Jewish tradition for beverages with a meal are during Hanukkah. Some traditions may be different. All dishes should be made at the home of the guests. This definitely saves you from cleaning up after everyone.

Before the party even starts, you need to research or contact other Jewish family members and find out what traditions need to be held. You may need to put out certain decorations such as the Menorah which is a candelabra that is used to light for each day of the holiday. You may also need other special decorations. And you need to set up a schedule for any specific traditions that need to be held such as prayer or singing and celebrating. Allow enough time for each task to be done.

Your potluck should be very successful and everyone will really enjoy themselves. And whatever religion that you are accustomed to, the holidays are just a great time for enjoying family, good food, and great memories.

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