As we enter the holiday season, I find myself mentally preparing for the onslaught of potlucks.

Whether it’s your office, church group, or book club there’s something about the holidays that seems to require a potluck. And as much as I enjoy baking and cooking and sharing the results of those efforts with others, at some point it all just becomes much too much and I start looking for other options. I still want to serve good food that I love and am proud of, but sometimes I have to just accept the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day and baking cookies just isn’t going to fit in there.

Whether you, like me, are buried under a landslide of holiday cheer, or you simply don’t enjoy cooking, here are some great local options for letting you focus on the true purpose of all these potlucks–building community over great food.

Hot Dishes

#1: Dinner by Design

If you have access to an oven, or can bake before you go, the dishes here are sure to please. (The macaroni and cheese is a favorite.) If you are looking for more appetizer style dishes, check out the”Game Day” menu options.

Hours: Mon – Thu: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm  
Fri: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Advance Notice Required: No, but your selection will be limited to items at hand. To guarantee a particular dish, use the online ordering form.
Location: 2750 Carl T Jones Dr SE Suite 1400V, Huntsville, Alabama 35802
How to Order: Order Online
Menu: Available here
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#2: What’s for Supper

Hours: Pick up is Monday evenings from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Advance Notice Required: Up to one week, depending on when your event falls. Pick up is Monday evenings.
Location: 3053 Leeman Ferry Road, 35801
How to Order: Order Online or call (256) 682-7899
Menu: See the Weekly Menu Here
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Beverages

#3: Piper and Leaf

With their delicious sweet tea now available by the gallon, signing up to provide beverages is a snap. If you have a bigger crowd, they also offer 5 gallons of tea (which is a steal, comparatively.)

Hours: Tue – Sat: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Advance Notice Required: No, they will brew while you wait. (However, if you are ordering large amounts or don’t have time to wait, then call in advance.)
Location: 2211 Seminole Drive, Studio 151, Huntsville, Alabama 35805
How to Order: Walk into the shop or call (256) 698-9209
Menu: Available Here
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#4: High Brow Cold Brew Coffee

Do you have a contingent of coffee drinkers and no desire to man the coffee pot? These bottles of cold brew coffee concentrate are the ticket (or mix with equal parts egg nog and milk for a seasonal treat.)

Hours: Purchase at The Switchhouse, Beans and Bytes Cafe, or request delivery.
Advance Notice Required: None if picking up at a store. At least 24 hours if requesting delivery.
Location: Purchase at The Switchhouse, Beans and Bytes Cafe, or request delivery.
How to Order: Message through Facebook to request delivery.
Menu: 32 oz bottles of cold brewed coffee concentrate made from freshly roasted beans.
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Baked Goods

#5: Honeypie Bakery

In need of a gorgeous cake, zillions of cupcakes, or the perfect candy? The ladies at Honeypie Bakery do it all!

Hours: Mon –  Sat: 12;00 pm – 5:00 pm
Advance Notice Required:
Location: 2827A Highway 72 East
Huntsville, AL 35811
How to Order: Call (256) 701-4906
Menu: Available Here (They also take requests.)
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#6: Mason Dixon Gluten Free Bakery

Do you have potluck participants with dietary restrictions? Gluten free? No nuts? No lactose? Vegetarian? Vegan? Mason Dixon specializes in delicious baked goods that everyone can enjoy equally (no cardboard here!).

Hours: Mon – Thu: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Advance Notice Required: No, but your selection will be limited to items at hand. To guarantee a particular item, call ahead.
Location: 9009-F Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, Alabama 35802
How to Order: Call (256) 213-7545 or email masondixonbakery@gmail.com
Menu: Available by Clicking on the Menu Tab
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