Friendsgiving Potluck Sign-Up List: Who Brings What

By Cedar & Ledger

A potluck works when everyone knows what to bring and nobody shows up with the fifth bag of rolls. Here's a simple way to run the sign-up.

1. Decide what the host covers

Most hosts cover the main dish (turkey, ham or a vegetarian main), plates, cups and drinks. Write that at the top so guests don't double it.

2. List the slots, not just "bring something"

Make one line per slot: 2 sides (starchy), 2 sides (vegetable), 1 salad, rolls or bread, 2 desserts, 1 drink, ice. For 10–12 people, that's about one slot per couple or solo guest.

3. Add columns that prevent problems

For each slot: guest name, dish, serves how many, needs oven? (yes/no and temperature), and allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten). The oven column matters most: a small kitchen can only warm one or two dishes at a time.

4. Share it once, then confirm

Send the list one to two weeks ahead (for Thanksgiving week, by Nov 12–19, 2026) and ask people to claim a slot. A few days before, send one reminder with the final list.

5. Fill the gaps yourself

If dessert or salad is still open three days out, pick it up yourself or ask one person directly.

6. Split shared costs fairly

Example numbers: the host spends $60 on the main and $20 on drinks and plates = $80. With 8 guests bringing a dish each, many groups leave it there. If someone asks to chip in instead of cooking, $10 per person is a common amount.

Common questions

Paper or app? A shared note or a printed list both work. Paper on the fridge is handy on the day.

How much should each dish serve? Ask each guest to bring enough for about half the group, since there are many dishes.

Planning the shopping too? See the Thanksgiving grocery list 2026 and the Friendsgiving budget guide.

If you want it all on paper: the Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Planner 2026 ($5, details, US Letter and A4 PDF, 10 pages) includes a "who brings what" potluck sign-up page, guest list with dietary needs and allergies, menu planner with oven-time columns, budget and grocery list. A notebook works fine too.

This is general information, not financial advice.

Honest note: I make these templates and sell them under Cedar & Ledger, so I'd earn from a purchase. This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before release.

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Frequently asked questions

What does this guide cover?

Run a Friendsgiving potluck sign-up: host covers, dish slots, oven and allergen columns, a reminder plan and fair cost splits.

What's the main idea?