Don't bring these things to a potluck -

Anybody with a brain and even the tiniest tendency to be lazy knows that potlucks are the ideal kind of party. Everyone shows up with a little something, no one has to bear a huge burden, and you know for certain that there will be at least one thing there that you can eat. 

Whether it's a group of friends getting together in the backyard, a church or school function in a park, or a family event where you think people will love you no matter what, we have some news for you: people will judge you if you don't abide by proper potluck etiquette.

You see, it's all in the good spirit of giving and sharing until someone shows up with something far below par—or if their dish is a slow-blooming poison.

In order to ace the next potluck, check out this gallery, based on a list by The Daily Meal, to see what you should absolutely not bring. 

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Leftovers - Revived dishes are not meant for sharing.

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One bottle of wine - Unless the deal is that everyone brings one, offering one bottle of wine at a potluck is like bringing a cake that serves two. And it doesn't matter how expensive it was! You'd be better off buying cheap pre-made cocktails or a pack of beer.

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To-go fried chicken - Don't be that person who brings a bucket of greasy chicken, in the hopes that the sheer fried calories will stop people from seeing how little effort you put in.

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Bag of chips - This is the laziest, cheapest option and everyone knows it. Beyond that, there’s likely already going to be someone who brought more bags. 

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Canned vegetables - Just because it's in a nice serving dish doesn't mean it's going to be well received.

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Macaroni salad - Even if you can see past the fatty ingredients, this dish falls prey to the same fate of any mayonnaise-based food item: if it's out too long, you're in trouble. 

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A box of doughnuts - Not only are they loaded with refined sugars, but grabbing a box to-go shows how last-minute your preparation was. 

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An entrée - Unless you’re specifically asked to prepare something, bringing along a main dish (which involves some hands-on work to serve) can be seen as an insult to your host's cooking, or as trying too hard. 

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Pre-sampled dish - You wanted to make sure it tasted good, or it just looked so beautiful... either way, bringing a dish with a piece missing will make you look like you just brought leftovers.

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Condiments - Condiments do not count as a side dish. A jar of olives is also not acceptable on its own. 

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Diet food - Diet restrictions like gluten-free and vegan excluded, this rule applies to sugar-free, carb-alternative, not-so-secretly healthy items. 

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Unassembled dish - Your host will likely need the kitchen (if there is one), so bring something ready to go.

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Trail mix - This is not a great potluck dish because it requires lingering around the table. And unless the party you’re attending is in the woods and involves a hike, leave the trail mix for your lunchbox.

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Bagged candy - Unless you’re coming over to pass out Halloween candy, candy bags are not something with which you should arrive at someone's party. 

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Tortilla chips and jarred salsa - Salsa is very easy to make from scratch, and it will instead show that you put time and energy into it.

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Blue cheese - Cheese is a fantastic potluck food, but some kinds smell like dirty feet, so it's good to be mindful about that. 

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Crudité platter - Vegetables are important, but showing up with raw broccoli and cauliflower from the grocery store is a bare-minimum effort, and it’s likely that someone else will show up with one as well. 

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Nuts with shells - Ones like peanuts and walnuts are great for a cocktail party, but if they’re still in their shells, those shells will get everywhere. And your host will loathe you.

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A dessert that will make everyone sleepy - For example Sex in a Pan, or "Sin in a Pan" at church potlucks, has whipped cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, flour, and instant chocolate pudding. The sweet punch will cause a huge crash, and it's not doing your friends' blood sugar levels any favors.

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Tuna salad - The smell will most certainly throw off the aromas coming from the other foods. Tuna does not play well with others! 

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Saucy things - Ribs and wings are delicious, but the sauce can make matters very messy, very fast. 

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Cheese slice sandwiches - Plastic-like cheese on white bread is no longer acceptable. Opt for a cheese plate instead, and bring a pre-sliced loaf. Same goes for tortilla pinwheels: deli meat, cream cheese, and store-bought tortillas are below par for a potluck. 

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Utensils - This is the ultimate cop-out, and the host likely has it covered anyway.

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Boiled eggs - Hard boiled eggs are healthy foods that should be incorporated in a healthy diet, but they smell sulfurous and can kill the party vibe. Same goes for egg salad, especially if the party is under the sun. 

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Sushi - The fish don't fare well with being left out for too long.

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Don't forget things to serve your dish - Your host likely has a few spoons, but not a dozen. Try to bring one that's specific for your dish.

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Don’t bring anything too complicated - Opt instead for things you can easily cut, serve, and enjoy without making a mess. Most potlucks involve some moving around, so bring dishes that are easy to sample and serve with one hand.

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Don’t bring something you’re not willing to share - Hoarding your own dish, or making something vegan and not letting non-vegans eat it, kills the vibe. 

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Nothing -

Even worse than bringing (some of) these previously listed foods is not bringing anything. Don't be that person.

See also: 30 unconventional foods to barbecue

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