What to bring to a potluck at work?

Some general guidelines to follow when deciding on what to serve up include:

• Feel free to be adventurous but avoid anything too exotic such as tripe or pickled herring.

• Avoid foods that have strong orders - especially if it's a potluck that is being held inside the office

• Go easy on the spice. Although you might enjoy the heat, appreciate the fact that for some of your coworkers, mild salsa is spicy

• Consider your boss and their dietary needs. Maybe your boss is a vegan or on a keto diet. Creating a dish with that in mind is a great way to earn carb-free brownie points

• Plan ahead. If your dish is something that needs to be served hot then you'll need to figure out how you're going to do that. Most offices don't have ovens and a microwave may be too small, which is why you should consider using a slow cooker, insulated carrier, or chafing dish.

Having trouble coming up with what to make. Here are some ideas:

• Appetizers. Finger foods are always a hit at potlucks. You could bring a platter of veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, or even something more creative like buffalo chicken dip.

• Casseroles. Casseroles are great for potlucks because they can be made ahead of time and are easy to transport. Some popular options include lasagna, baked ziti, or macaroni and cheese.

• Salads. A fresh and colorful salad is a great addition to any potluck. You could bring a classic Caesar salad, a pasta salad, or a spinach and strawberry salad.

• Desserts. Everyone loves dessert! Consider bringing something that can be easily portioned out, like cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. Fruit salad or a fruit platter is also a healthier option.

• Drinks. Alas, if cooking is not your thing then don't stress it because people need to drink after eating all of that yummy potluck food. That's where you come in with your 2-liter soda bottles or a jug of iced tea. You could also get fancy and make a punch, homemade lemonade, or even mocktails.