I have only attended Thanksgiving potlucks. Usually the host prepares the turkey, potatoes, gravy and a few sides and provides beer, wine and soft drinks. Guests bring appetizers, other sides, desserts, and more wine (although this is usually more of a hostess gift). The host coordinates who brings what so that all bases are covered and there are no duplications (unless intentional).
As for the omission of alcohol above: one side of my family doesn’t drink alcohol, so it’s not necessary. The other side of my family is quite particular, so people tend to BYO.
My entire extended family lives within 30 minutes of us, so we don’t have any of the pot pie concerns on this morning’s thread. Actually, my aunt and uncle live next door to my parents and another aunt lives about an 8 minute walk away, so they just walk (which is great because there’s no worry about drinking and to drive).
