Real Simple reader, Lucy Bloom-Hagerty, 46; Pasadena, California
"I used to have a lot of potlucks with my friends when I was in my 20s. We were all pretty broke, and it was a great way to save money and be with everyone. Now I find I like them for different reasons. Like last year, when I was a new parent, I threw a potluck barbecue. I had my hands full, and I didn't have the energy to cook for everyone, but I still wanted to entertain. When I organize a potluck, I stick to just one rule: The more options, the better — even if all the dishes don't necessarily complement each other. That's what you worry about when you have a sit-down dinner. Not a potluck. At a potluck, I'd rather have a bounty of choices than have a perfectly planned meal. It's more fun that way."