50 Christmas Potluck Ideas

Get Decorating - All the food and festively attired attendees will fill up much of your space, so you don't need to go overboard on the decorations. But it is nice to have tablecloths, centerpieces and maybe a few wreaths hanging around that say "Christmas!" This is a good task to delegate to one of your more creative attendees.
Gather Plates, Utensils, Etc. - Like the main dish and drinks, it's ideal if the host can provide these. But plates, cups and utensils are also good items to assign to an attendee who'd prefer not to cook (or include on your potluck sign up).
Make Sure You've Got Sturdy Plates - People will try to load them with as much food as possible, so don't skimp.
Make Sure There are Bowls - When someone shows up with a crockpot of soup or chili, you will feel like a genius.
Clean Out the Fridge - Make room for dishes that need to be kept cool before dinner.
Provide Coolers - Set these out for both drinks and cold items that won't fit in the fridge.
Clean the Oven - Then preheat it to 200 degrees, so early arrivals can keep their hot dishes hot.
No Cooking Allowed - Make sure guests know if there won't be a kitchen available to prepare their dish at the event. (Too many cooks in the kitchen make for a potluck nightmare.)
Power Up - Make sure you have outlets and extension cords for crockpots. Have electrical tape ready to secure cords if necessary, so your guests won't be tripping over them.
Label Your Ladle - Suggest that guests label their serving dishes and utensils in advance so they are sure to get them back after the party. You could also provide tape and markers for those who forgot.
Avoid Food Mysteries - People like to know what they are eating. Set folded index cards and markers on the buffet table and have attendees make a sign for their food item.
Have Extra Serving Utensils on Hand - People will forget to bring their own.
Set Out Munchies - Include festive favorites such as flavored popcorn and sugared nuts. Offering a few light appetizers will keep people from attacking the buffet table before all the attendees have arrived.
Organize Items - Make sure everything fits on the serving table so that the line flows well. One school of thought: Have attendees get their main dish first, then fill up the rest of the plate with sides. Others put the main dish at the end so people will take smaller portions of it.
Set Up Separate Food Stations - If possible have one table for drinks, one for desserts and another for all the other food.
Leave Space - Make sure to arrange food items in the buffet line so people have a place to set their plate down temporarily if necessary.
Prepare for Garbage - Use the biggest trashcans you have to minimize the number of times they have to be emptied during the party.
Get Several Rolls of Paper Towels - Have them strategically placed throughout the party venue.
Use Hot Pads or Towels - Keep these at the ready to place under hot dishes to protect hands and your tabletop.
Offer To-Go Boxes - It's fun to send attendees off with festive Chinese takeout boxes full of their new favorite dishes.
Prepare for Cleanup - If you're using an unfamiliar venue, be sure you know in advance where the cleaning tools (brooms, vacuum, mop, etc.) are and how clean you are expected to leave the space.
Recruit Cleanup Elves - Ask people to sign up in advance to help, because there's nothing that will dim your bright holiday spirits more than getting stuck with all the dirty work.
Start Planning for Next Year - That's right — it's never too early to plan for the next Christmas party! Throughout the party, you will think of things you're glad you did — and things you'll wish you hadn't. Write those thoughts down and save your notes for next November — when it's time to plan another Christmas potluck!