ESL Podcast 174 - A Potluck

block party - a neighborhood party, often with food, games, and music

Nearly all of the neighbors came to the block party this year.

cocktail party - a party where people wear formal clothes and drinks and snacks are served

This year, the company cocktail party will be at a downtown hotel.

guest list - a list of all the people invited to a party or event

There are 30 people on our guest list, but only 20 are coming.

to attend - to go to an event, such as a party or a concert

Will you be attending the opening of the new museum?

invitations - letters or cards given to people to ask them to come to a party or event

Don't forget to put the address of the party on the invitations.

potluck - a type of party where each person brings a different food item, drink, or serving item (like plates or cups) for everyone to share

I'm a terrible cook so I always bring drinks to a potluck.

RSVP - to tell the person having a party or event that you can attend, you will come to the event

The last day to RSVP for the wedding reception is this Friday.

main dish - the biggest part of the meal; usually there is a salad or soup to start, then the main dish, then dessert

For a main dish, I'd like the steak and potatoes.

chips and dip - small snacks usually at parties; chips are things like potato chips and corn chips; dip is the thick sauce that you put the chips into before you eat it

I ate so much of the chips and dip at the party that I wasn't hungry for dinner that night.

dessert - a sweet dish served at the end of a meal

Would you like ice cream or chocolate cake for dessert?

BYOB - stands for "Bring Your Own Beverage;" each person brings their own drinks to a party or event

Since the party is a BYOB, we're bringing some beer and wine.

soda - a sweat drink, such as Coca-Cola and 7-Up

Could you please order me a sandwich and a soda?

paper plates and cups - plates and cups made out of paper that you can throw away after using them: usually used for informal meals or meals eaten outside

I'm glad we used paper plates and cups so we don't have to wash dishes.

plastic utensils - these are knives, forks, and spoons you throw away after using them

I packed a picnic for us to eat in the park, but I forgot to bring the plastic utensils so we'll have to eat with our hands.

to have (something) under control - to be sure you can manage a situation; to not worry because you know you can do something

We have the project under control and will definitely finish it on time.

There's a first time for everything! - an expression, a joke meaning that this is the first time I have succeeded or completed something

I finished doing my taxes a month early. There's a first time for everything!