18 Rude Things West Virginians Do at Pot Lucks

Potlucks were designed to be simple. Everyone brings a dish, shares a meal, and heads back to their West Virginia home full and happy.

But somewhere between the crockpots and the coleslaw, things can get messy… and we’re not just talking about the table.

These are some of the rudest behaviors that turn a friendly feast into a potluck faux pas.

Bringing a Dish That Needs Tons of Assembly

Potlucks aren’t the place for recipes with final steps. If your dish needs blending, baking, or building on-site, it creates chaos in the kitchen.

Hosts are already juggling enough without trying to help you finish your casserole.

Bring something ready to serve. It keeps things smooth for the host and the guests. And you’ll save yourself the stress of tracking down a microwave or extra utensils.

The goal is to contribute, not complicate things.

Simple dishes often impress more than complex ones, especially when they’re easy to eat and pass around.

Criticizing Other People’s Food

There’s no room for snarky comments at a potluck, yet some people make them anyway.

You don’t have to love every dish, but you do need to respect the effort that went into it.

Dismissing someone’s meal or loudly commenting on how it tastes is just plain rude. If it’s not your taste, just skip it and move on. It’s not a cooking competition.

Remember, someone spent time, money, and energy preparing that dish.

Positive comments build good energy around the table, even if not everything is your favorite.

Showing Up Without Bringing Anything

Potlucks only work when everyone pitches in. If you arrive without a dish, you’re taking from the table without giving anything back.

Even something small, like chips or a simple salad, shows you made an effort. Bringing nothing at all puts more pressure on the host and others who came prepared.

It signals that you see yourself as a guest, not a participant.

Plus, it can create tension if others notice you’re enjoying more than you contributed.

Taking Huge Portions Before Everyone’s Eaten

Grabbing the biggest scoop of lasagna or a mountain of wings before the line has even formed is poor form. Everyone should get a fair shot at the spread, especially those who helped make it.

Start with a small plate. You can always go back for seconds later. It’s about being respectful and making sure the food stretches for the whole group.

No one wants to be stuck scraping the bottom of the pan because someone else got greedy.

And piling your plate high makes it clear you’re not thinking about the rest of the guests.

Leaving Early Without Cleaning Up

Potlucks aren’t catered events. They rely on everyone doing their part.

Heading out without helping tidy up puts the host in a tough spot. At the very least, gather your dish, throw away your trash, and say a proper goodbye.

Even a quick wipe of the table or clearing a few plates is appreciated.

Hosts remember who lends a hand and who disappears when it’s time to help. It’s a simple gesture that shows gratitude and, ahem, maturity.

Hovering Near the Dessert Table

Dessert should be the reward, not the pregame.

Lurking around the sweets before a potluck dinner starts is pushy and distracting.

Let everyone enjoy the main course before diving into the cookies. If you’re really eager, wait politely until dessert is officially served. People will notice your patience and appreciate the courtesy.

Besides, dessert always tastes better when you’ve earned it with a little self-control.

Forgetting to Label Your Dish

With allergies and dietary restrictions so common, mystery meals can be risky. So, a sticky note that says “contains dairy” or “gluten-free” is helpful when it’s unclear what the dish is made of.

It makes the meal safer and more inclusive. You don’t need a full ingredient list—just a heads-up goes a long way.

It also saves the host from having to answer questions about your food throughout the event.

Using the Potluck as a Personal Test Kitchen

Trying out a new dish on a crowd may seem fun, but it’s not always kind.

If it turns out, say, undercooked, no one knows what to say, and they’re put in the uncomfortable position of leaving your uneaten food on their plate.

Potlucks aren’t the best time to experiment, especially with unfamiliar ingredients. Stick to recipes you’ve tried before, or at least know will work for a group.

Bringing a dish you’re proud of adds to the positive experience for everyone.

Showing Up Late With a Hot Dish

Timing matters at a potluck, especially if you’re bringing something meant to be served warm. Arriving late throws off the flow of the meal and can frustrate the host.

By the time you show up, people may already be full. Or worse, waiting on your main course to start eating.

If you’re going to be late, give the host a heads-up or bring something that works at room temperature.

It helps the event run more smoothly and shows respect for everyone else’s time.

Not Bringing Serving Utensils

You brought the casserole, but did you bring a spoon?

Forgetting a serving utensil puts the host in scramble mode.

It also leads to guests using whatever they can find, which may not be sanitary or efficient. Always include the tools your dish needs, whether it’s tongs, a ladle, or a pie server.

It makes it easier for everyone to enjoy what you brought.

Bringing Something With a Strong Smell

That garlic-packed dip or fish-based salad may be your favorite, but potlucks are shared spaces.

A dish with an overpowering smell can dominate the room and turn off other guests.

Stick to foods with wide appeal and subtle aromas. There’s nothing wrong with flavorful food, but consider how it will affect the entire gathering.

Strong odors can linger in the air and on utensils, making the setting less enjoyable for others.

Not Respecting the Dietary Theme

If the potluck is labeled vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly, those aren’t just suggestions. Bringing a dish that ignores the theme can leave guests out or even put someone at risk.

There’s always room for creativity, but stay within the guidelines.

If you’re unsure, check with the host before deciding what to make.

Respecting the theme shows you care about the whole group, not just your own preferences.

Double Dipping Without Thinking

No one wants to follow someone else’s half-eaten chip into the salsa. Double dipping spreads germs and turns people off from sharing.

If you want more, use a spoon or grab a clean piece for a second try. It’s one of the simplest ways to show respect for communal food.

People remember who played it clean and who didn’t.

Taking Leftovers Without Asking

That leftover lasagna may look tempting, but don’t assume it’s fair game. Some guests may want seconds later, and the host might have plans for it.

Always ask before boxing anything up.

Better yet, wait to see if the host offers extras to take home.

It’s polite to check first instead of diving into someone else’s effort.

Turning the Potluck Into a Sales Pitch

Potlucks are a meal, not a marketing event.

Bringing samples of your homemade spice blend or handing out business cards during dessert is off-putting.

People came to relax, not to listen to a sales talk. If your dish is a hit, let the compliments come naturally.

Save the product promotion for another time.

Taking Credit for Someone Else’s Dish

Passing off a store-bought pie as your own or accepting praise for a friend’s famous chili at a potluck is dishonest.

It may seem harmless, but it creates serious tension and discomfort for others if the truth comes out.

Give credit where it’s due and be proud of what you contributed, even if it was store-bought.

Honesty keeps things friendly and fun.

Turning It Into a Family Reunion Without Warning

Bringing an unexpected crowd to a potluck can create stress for the host and strain the food supply. Inviting your cousins, neighbors, or in-laws without asking assumes there will be enough to go around.

More people also means more seating, more cleanup, and more chances for things to go sideways.

If you want to bring extra guests, always check with the host first.

Potlucks are about community, but that works best when everyone knows who’s coming and plans accordingly.

Ignoring the Food Table Etiquette

Reaching across dishes, skipping the serving spoon, or touching food with your hands is a surefire way to make others uncomfortable.

The food table may be casual, but it still deserves respect.