Hosting a dinner party can feel daunting, but what if you turned it into a regular, relaxed affair with friends? Enter the supper club: a rotating dinner party where friends take turns hosting intimate gatherings. It’s a fantastic way to build deeper connections, explore new cuisines, and rediscover the joy of shared meals.

When I created my first supper club, it was the spring of 2013. My goal was to have a total of 12 people who either loved to entertain or were wanting to grow their comfort level in opening their home.

There were six of us to start. Each of us found one more person and the “Channeling Ina Supper Club’ was born.

This picture was from my “Mad Men” themed party. I asked people to dress in their favorite early 60’s fashions. For place cards, I had candy cigarettes and used colors that were popular at the time. I served Caramelized Onion Dip and Gimlets to set the tone for the night.

Why a Supper Club?

In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face connection is more crucial than ever. A supper club provides a dedicated space for:

• Meaningful Conversations: Without the distractions of phones and screens, you’ll find yourselves engaged in deeper, more meaningful conversations.
• Shared Experiences: Cooking and sharing meals fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. You’ll learn from each other’s culinary adventures and discover new flavors.
• Community Building: A supper club strengthens existing friendships and can even introduce you to new people within your social circle.

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Hosting can feel intimidating, but it’s a valuable life skill. Here’s why you should embrace the challenge:

• Improved Hospitality: Hosting hones your hospitality skills. You’ll learn to anticipate guests’ needs, create a welcoming atmosphere, and ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.
• Culinary Exploration: Stepping outside your culinary comfort zone is inevitable in a supper club. You’ll be encouraged to try new recipes, experiment with flavors, and discover hidden talents in the kitchen.
• Personal Growth: Hosting requires organization, planning, and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations. These skills are invaluable in all areas of life.

My approach

• The Guest List: Keep it curated. Aim for 6-12 people with diverse interests and backgrounds. The more eclectic the crew, the more fascinating the conversation.
• The Rotation: Designate a host for each gathering. This keeps things fresh and prevents anyone from feeling overwhelmed. That host is responsible for everything for that month. They can pair up if they are nervous about doing it alone.
• The Theme: While it is not mandatory, I think a theme is a great launching off place. Add a touch of whimsy! A Mediterranean Night, MadMen, or a HoeDown at Home, can elevate the experience.
• The Contribution: Hosts set the theme, the menu, and sharing the recipes. Everyone walks away with a the ability to recreate the party at their own home.

Dos & Don’ts

Do:

• Embrace the Unexpected: Don’t be afraid to try new recipes or experiment with flavors. Be sure to try any new recipes out at least once, so you are comfortable prior to hosting time.
• Play Games: Card games, dominoes, charades, or even a simple “Two Truths and a Lie” can break the ice and spark lively discussions.
• Create a Playlist: Music sets the mood. Choose something upbeat and energetic to get the party started.
• Remember You are in Mixed Company: Don’t bring up subjects that can be weighty or uncomfortable to discuss. There is a time and a place for those chats, but not here.Don’t:
• Overthink it: The goal is to have fun, not to impress. Keep things casual and relaxed.
• Be a Food Police: Trust me, no one wants to feel judged for their culinary creations. Everyone will need to share their food allergies beforehand and they need to be kept in mind, but don’t yuck someone else’s yum.
• Forget to Clean Up: A little teamwork goes a long way.
• Let the Night Drag On: Know when to call it a night. I think a set time is helpful like 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This way your guests know when to say good bye.

A Few Extra Touches

• Set the Scene: Dim the lights, light some candles, and decorate with flowers or greenery.
• Capture the Moments: Encourage guests to snap pics to document the evening. Share on social media and even create your own hashtag.

A Note on Hospitality

True hospitality isn’t about creating a flawless, Pinterest-worthy dinner party. It’s about opening your home and heart to others, sharing your passions, and creating a space where people feel valued and connected.

So, gather your friends, set the table, and embark on a culinary adventure. You might be surprised at how much you learn about yourself and the people you love.

There you have it, my friends! Now go forth and gather your tribe! With a little planning and a whole lot of personality, your supper club will be the talk of the town.

P.S. Don’t forget to tag me in your Insta stories! I can’t wait to see what you create.

With grace, grit & gratitude,

xx, JeriLynne