Potluck Perfection: How To Plan Your Own Potluck Party

Unsure of what to cook or how to plan a potluck party? From your meat-loving husband to your growing-up-too-fast nephew and niece, red meat is a surefire crowd-pleaser. We’ve included a delectable selection of Australian beef and lamb recipes to incorporate into your menu. 

Australia offers a comprehensive system of food safety, quality assurance and traceability from farm to plate, and an unspoiled environment for raising animals. This ensures you can get high quality beef and lamb when you shop at your neighbourhood grocer or favourite supermarket.

Make It A Themed Party

A good theme can elevate a party from a great night to one for the books. Themed parties are a wonderful way to tie all your ideas together while allowing your guests to be involved in the event and generate plenty of anticipation beforehand. 

First, prepare a rocking playlist and party accessories to match the theme. You can keep it rustic with a garden-style dinner at your apartment patio amidst the soft glow of fairy lights and beautiful floral arrangements, or reminisce about the 2000s with Coldplay soundtracks in the background. For an added bit of amusement, get everyone to dress up as their favourite Marvel movie character (Shang-Chi, anyone?). If it is a night in with your girl squad, cosy up in some silk pyjamas and dig into the delicious food.

Stock Up The Wine Bar

Picking the right wines to go with red meats doesn’t have to be daunting. As a general rule, the leaner the beef, the lighter the red wine. So if you are cooking the high-marbled ribeye, opt for a Cabernet Sauvignon as the high tannins present in the wine will complement the juiciness of the steak. But if your choice cut is the leaner filet mignon, a glass of Pinot Noir will do the trick. 

Pairing lamb with red wine? It depends on how you plan to serve your dish. Australian lamb tends to be milder tasting and delicate because of the age and grass-based diet. To match the delicate flavours of young lamb or a medium-rare roasted lamb, a delicate wine like the Pinot Noir would pair best. If your roast lamb is served medium to well-done, consider a Chianti, Shiraz or Merlot instead as the meat will be richer in flavour and not quite as tender, so it can handle a fuller-bodied red wine.

End The Night With A Little Pizzazz

When it’s time to call it a night, bid your guests farewell with a door gift. If you are feeling a little experimental, try your hand at preparing some homemade kombucha or sourdough that is all the rage. You’ll know it’s been a great potluck party when your guests return home with full bellies and warmed hearts.

For other recipe ideas and a dose of inspiration, check out our Instagram page.