How can I ask my family to bring food?

For the past 3 years every Thanksgiving, my mom and I invite our family to Thanksgiving which ends up being about 20 people, but the only problem is that only about 5 people end up bringing food and everyone else just eats and takes food home in containers they bring. This year my mom said that she's not going to deal with it again this year, so basically it is up to me to plan it. I want for us to continuously have this tradition, so we can be together as a family, but how to I ask everyone else to bring a dish in the nicest way possible without seeming rude. Thank you so much for any suggestions.

Anonymous2013-10-20T11:04:09Z

Favorite Answer

You just inform everyone that it's a pot luck, and everyone is bringing a dish. You tell them you're organizing the pot luck sign up, so that there aren't any duplicated dishes (three jello molds, 5 chex mixes, etc.) so each person/ family group needs to tell you what dish they're bringing at least a week before Thanksgiving Day. No one can say "I'm not bringing anything". If anyone needs ideas on what to bring, make a list of dishes and appetizers that they can pick from to sign up for. Call people a couple of days before to confirm that they are bringing the dish they signed up for.

Jewelgrrl212013-10-20T18:00:00Z

Say that your having a potluck and anyone who wants to eat has to bring a dish.

Anonymous2013-10-20T18:00:01Z

This year tell your family that you will be going away and NOT joining them for thanksgiving !!!!

Samantha Alexander2013-10-20T18:06:38Z

well make sure ask the fmaily plan what goign to eat for thanskigning