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Planning, letting go of perfection, and more.
Dear Reader,
Plenty of folks (including Dot) insist that building community can act as a bulwark against societal instability and negative climate impacts as we navigate these rather fraught times. Community, the thinking goes, can help us during heatwaves, disasters, political unrest. Taking care of neighbors (and anticipating that they would also take care of us) is the thread that weaves together disparate groups that might otherwise share little more than a zip or postal code. If Covid taught us anything (and it seems some lessons did, indeed, get lost), it was that a virtual world can never replace the pleasure, the delight, the spiritual sustenance of IRL. Throughout history, it has been communities that hold us when times get tough.
But that aside, there are no rules that say that building community can’t also be fun — and nourishing. Dot’s Rule: There is no gathering that can’t be made better by good food. And so I offer up Dot’s Guide to the Perfect Potluck.
Planning:
Simple is almost always better, but be sure to consider who you’re inviting (Dot is a firm believer in “the more, the merrier”). Will you encourage parents to bring along their children? Will you be OK with the exhausted caregivers or overworked activists in your group just contributing a six-pack of soda or a couple of bags of chips?
Hosting:
Dot’s hot take: Pinterest and Instagram have ruined normal get-togethers by raising expectations of a picture-perfect home or a meal worthy of a glossy magazine cover! Far too many friends have told me they can’t or won’t host gatherings because they’re self-conscious. As another friend of mine used to say, “if you’ve come to judge me and my house, keep going. But if you’ve come to visit, sit right down.” Perfection is silk handcuffs, Reader. Lean instead into generosity and hospitality. If your home can’t accommodate a larger group, consider gathering at a nearby park, library, house of worship, or community center. Remember, the point isn’t to win prizes for the most perfect home but to build community and neighborliness. Divvy up tasks so no single person is stuck with the lion’s share.
BYO Everything:
Because Dot frequently hosts get-togethers, I’ve assembled something of a party kit, which features two dozen sets of mismatched cutlery, plates, bowls, and cloth napkins purchased from thrift shops and yard sales. Tablecloths are often sourced from the left-over fabric from Youngest Dot Child’s sewing projects. (It will not surprise you that Dot avoids disposable items.) If you lack your own party kit, don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring their own dishes, though you should have a few on hand for those who forget.
Food:
A potluck ensures that there’s plenty to go around and no one person is responsible for the whole group. But since most participants bring side dishes, it’s always a good idea for the host to make some kind of main course. Bluedot Living has plenty of recipes, many of which are or could be altered to be meatless. Consider a hearty pot of plant-based chili (which only grows more delicious as it sits) and cornbread, a chicken recipe that doubles the deliciousness for a smaller crowd, or one of these robust (and waste-saving) soups.
Community Resilience:
Consider giving some time/attention at your gathering to talking about community resilience and what that looks like in your neighborhood. This guide from the city of Vancouver, Canada, provides a good template. If you’re interested in connecting with other groups, check out CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather) and the Mutual Aid Network.
Anything you’d add, Reader? Have you created neighborhood get-togethers? Built a community resilience plan? Have a favorite feed-a-crowd recipe? Tell me about it!
Hospitably,
Dot
To avoid shedding microplastics with each load of laundry, consider installing a filter on the outside of your washing machine, like the PlanetCare Laundry Filter, or using the GuppyFriend Washing Bag.
For more Bluedot Climate Quick Tips, click here.
