TEN COMMANDMENTS of SUCCESSFUL POTLUCKS
I got this fun list off the yahoo email Activity group, I am not sure were it came form to begin with, if anyone knows who wrote it, please let me know and I will give proper credit.
TEN COMMANDMENTS of SUCCESSFUL POTLUCKS
1. THOU SHALT BRING PLENTY OF FOOD–THAT THY PLATE MAY BE FULL
AND THY BROTHER’S ALSO. All of the food is supplied by the participants. None is
supplied by the ward. Reason tells us that we must bring not only enough food to fill our own family’s tummies but possibly enough to share with our friends also. Many thanks to those who are overachievers in this area. May we follow your good example as our budgets allow. When we see that those at the end of the line have plenty of choices and lots of food–we know we are on the road to a potluck victory!
2. THOU SHALT USE THY GOOD MANNERS–BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT
THING TO DO. May we all (old & young) practice courtesy and consideration
with each other.
3. THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND PUT THE KIBOSH ON
ALL THIS FANCY TABLE CLOTH AND DOING DISHES STUFF. We will adorn and
decorate the cultural hall only with our smiling faces and pleasant dispositions. We will use disposable dishes and utensils so that clean-up will be easy and the Sabbath will be honored.
4. THOU SHALT LEAVE THY COMFORT ZONE AND TALK TO SOMEONE YOU
DON’T KNOW–THAT THOU MIGHT HAVE THE JOY OF A NEW FRIEND. One of the main purposes of this event is to help our ward family get acquainted. Also, what a great chance to cross the generational boundaries and chat with someone older or younger than yourself. Mingle. Mix. Smile. Chat.
5. THOU SHALT STAY IN THY THIRD HOUR MEETINGS UNTIL THE FINAL
AMEN–THAT THE SPIRIT MAY ABOUND. Thanks for staying in your seat
until the closing prayer. An early exodus from Relief Society is distracting and a
dull roar of chit-chat from the kitchen is worse.
6. THOU SHALT BE REVERENT–AND THY FRIENDS SHALL SUPPORT THEE IN WELL-DOING. Sabbath-appropriate activities and a small snack are available for all of the young at heart immediately after the block at the chapel-end of the cultural hall. We will know that you are being reverent when you choose to STAY IN THE CULTURAL HALL and you reject all temptations to roam the halls, play in the classrooms, run, buck, jump, whoop, or holler. (High Priests we are watching you-please control your urge to buck and whoop.)
7. THOU SHALT EAT ONLY IN THE CULTURAL HALL–FOR IT IS FORBIDDEN TO WANDER ABOUT WITH FOOD AND IT IS MOST ABOMINABLE TO EAT IN THE CLASSROOMS, LEST A MESS SHALL FOLLOW THEE AND THE WHOLE BUILDING BE SMITTEN WITH A CURSE OF CRUMBS AND GUNK. Enough said.
8. THE CHOIR SHALL GO FIRST THAT THEY MAY CONTINUE TO SING
HARMONIOUSLY. Our potluck time conflicts with choir rehearsal. They have
graciously agreed to postpone the start of choir practice until after they eat. We joyfully invite them to be the first in line at the potluck in support of their support.
9. THE REST SHALL WAIT WITH PATIENCE AND CHEERFULNESS UNTIL IT
IS THEIR TURN IN LINE. The anticipation will be palpable with our own version of
“drawing lots”. Will your initial come up next so that you may join the line? An orderly and mannerly line will be the hallmark of a successful potluck dinner. Note: Young children will have had their snack and can continue to do the activity until their family’s turn in line.
10. MANY SHALL EAT AND MANY SHALL CLEAN UP AFTER THEMSELVES THAT ALL MIGHT GO HOME REJOICING. Thanks for doing your part to make this
an easy and joyful friend shipping and fellowshipping experience for all.