In this age of rampant food allergies, it's best to quickly jot down the ingredients of your dish so that people can determine whether it's okay for them to eat it. Cheese and crackers, a veggie tray from the produce section or a box of cookies from the in-house bakery are all good options. Unless you plan on bringing a stash of disposable bowls and spoons, it's best to stick to food that can be eaten off a plate with a fork. Don't show up with a dish that needs tons of assembly or oven time, particularly if you don't know the host well.
Potluck dishes should be ready to eat upon arrival.It means that you can easily put your contribution down on the table without pulling the host away from their own conversation. Always bring an appropriate serving utensil for your dish with you.