
Where a name appears it means that that family is bringing that dish. The other three tick columns are for my reference.
Column one labeled "In" gets checked once I have bought all of the ingredients (or bought that item, if it's pre-prepared).
Column two labeled "Ready" gets checked once I have made the item and it has been stored in the fridge or pantry, ready to put out on serving platters, or already in a serving bowl.
Column three labeled "Out" is checked once the dish is put out on the buffet, so nothing gets forgotten in the back of the fridge.
It worked for me! And it's okay, I don't mind being called a geek - my friend Laura calls me that often enough that it's a term of endearment.