For 20 people
12 itemsThis assumes each dish serves about eight. It's a planning guide, so adjust it for your group.
Turn this into a sign-up sheetHow we work it out
People take small portions of many dishes at a potluck, so you need more variety than volume. For a full meal, we plan one main for every 8 people, one side for every 6, one salad for every 20, one dessert for every 10, and drinks for every 10.
Expect more leftovers with a smaller group, because each cook still brings a full dish. Add a dish for big appetizers or teenagers, and take one off if the party is between meals.
Common questions
How much should each person bring to a potluck?
A dish that serves about eight is a good thing to ask for. It's enough to share without leaving everyone with a full tray to take home.
Should couples bring one dish or two?
One dish per household is the usual approach. Use the sign-up sheet's numbers as a target, and let larger families take two spots if they offer.