If you're invited to a potluck and you’re going to bring vegetables, make sure to prepare them in a way that helps them stand out among the more exciting and substantial dishes.

Be careful not to bring bland, unappetizing fare, like crudités. Including a dip might make your crudités more appealing, but make sure it’s spectacular.

Avoid bringing a store-bought salad or potato salad. A fancy salad from a premium store may be okay, but not the standard supermarket refrigerator fare.

Consider well-rounded dishes such as a colorful salad with hearty grains, but this choice may depend on the crowd. A nourishing ratatouille would strike the right balance.

Roasting up veggies could work. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower caramelize superbly in the oven, and you can add garlic and herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Keep your veggie dishes vegetarian or vegan unless nobody has dietary restrictions. This will prevent soggy ingredients like dressings from wilting your vegetables.