Thanksgiving Potluck
Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving potluck sign-up sheet
Let people claim the turkey, the sides, the pies, and the drinks ahead of time, so you're not texting "wait, who's bringing mashed potatoes?" at 9 p.m. the night before.
Free. No credit card. Guests claim a dish without making an account.
What to put on the sheet
- One or two mains (turkey, ham, a vegetarian main), with how many people each one feeds in the slot note. Hosts usually plan about a pound of whole turkey per guest, more if you want leftovers.
- The classic sides: stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a green vegetable, cranberry sauce.
- A salad or fruit plate, so it isn't a table of starch.
- Pies and other desserts. Cap the pie slots and ask for the flavor, or you'll end up with five pumpkin and no apple.
- Drinks and ice.
- Paper goods, or a "bring your own plate" note if that's the house rule.
- A line in the description asking people to note gluten-free, vegetarian, or nut-containing dishes when they sign up.
- Whether there's oven and fridge space at the house, or dishes should arrive ready to serve.
Example slots
Turkey or main
2 spots. Note how many people it serves.
Stuffing
2 spots. Homemade or boxed, say which.
Mashed potatoes
2 spots. Bring gravy too, if you can.
Vegetable side
3 spots. Green beans, roasted carrots, or similar.
Cranberry sauce
1 spot. One bowl is usually plenty.
Salad or fruit
2 spots. Something on the table that isn't starch.
Pie or dessert
4 spots. Ask people to name the pie, or you'll get four pumpkins.
Drinks and ice
2 spots. Cider, soda, water.
Paper goods
2 spots. Plates, napkins, utensils, foil for leftovers.
Thanksgiving potluck FAQ
How do I set up a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck sign-up?
Start from the Thanksgiving potluck template and adjust the slots to your guest count. Drop the link in the family thread or the Friendsgiving group chat, and people claim a dish from the list.
How is this different from a regular potluck sheet?
The slots are actual Thanksgiving dishes (turkey, stuffing, pie) instead of generic mains and sides. If you'd rather have appetizer / main / side / dessert categories, use the year-round potluck template.
Can guests see what other people are bringing?
Yes. The page shows which dishes are claimed, how many spots are left, and (unless you turn the guest list off) who signed up. The third person looking at desserts can grab apple instead of a third pumpkin pie.
When should I send the sheet?
About two weeks out, so people can shop the weekend before Thanksgiving. For a Friendsgiving the weekend before, send it right after Halloween.
Do I need this for a small Friendsgiving?
Once more than about eight people are bringing food, a sheet saves you from three bowls of mac and cheese. A four-person dinner can stay in the text thread.
Is it free, and are there ads on the page guests see?
It's free, with no ads. The free plan takes up to 25 signups per event, and the template's nine dishes add up to 20 spots, so most family dinners fit. Everyone who claims a dish gets an email reminder the day before and again an hour before dinner.
Related sign-up sheets
Settle the menu before anyone goes shopping
Pick the template, ask for pie flavors, and send the link to the family thread.
Create your free Thanksgiving potluck