Top potluck ideas for any dinner party

Got a crowd coming for dinner? Going for a 'bring a dish' approach will save your time and sanity. Throw a potluck dinner party and invite guests to bring something they love, from grazing snacks to easy nibbles and portable mains.

Not sure how to get started? Consider these potluck tips to help decide:

• Estimate servings: Consider how many people will be attending so you can plan the right amount of food.

• Check dietary restrictions: Ask the host if there are any allergies or dietary needs to consider.

• Coordinate dishes: Find out what others are bringing to avoid duplicates.

• Plan for reheating: Think about whether your dish needs to be reheated and what appliances will be available.

• Bring essentials if needed: If most courses are covered, you can help with extra drinks, ice, napkins, or cutlery.

• Dips: Velvety dips like houmous or feta and beetroot dip with crudités and pitta chips for dunking.

• Bread: A crusty loaf with good butter will never not be a good idea. Or try this whole baked Camembert sourdough.

• Salads: Choose those with hardier leaves so they don't go soggy, like a leafy salad or

  antipasti pasta salad.

• Canapés: Think bite-sized nibbles like bruschetta or vol-au-vents.

• Traybakes: A big sharing tray of lasagne or meatballs is always a crowd-pleaser.

• One-pots: Easy to transport – try a pot of chicken curry or bolognese.

• Desserts: End the night on a sweet note with a fruity cheesecake or a tray of fudgy

  brownies.

Get inspired with potluck ideas from starters to sides and desserts to plan the ultimate BYOD (bring your own dish) feast.