Not going to create an account, so I can’t view the column.

To anyone wondering, I think the answer should be “Tell everyone it’s a potluck and assign them various dishes”.

Why don’t you just explain that and ask everyone to bring one course? That way everyone participates and you don’t have to sound deranged

sure, but expect no guests. and claim that income if you get it on your taxes.

Yes, but it’s best to wait until everyone has arrived, taken off their coats, gotten seated around the table, etc. If you announce it before, people will just stress about it.

Are you the owner of a restaurant?