Last week, I had my first dinner party in my new house. Remember how I’ve talked about how hospitality is on my heart lately? Well, this was one way I could extend hospitality to some of my favorite people. I made tacos. I borrowed a card table from my grandparents and some extra chairs too. I baked a small pan of brownies. I made a pitcher of lemonade. And I welcomed them into my unfinished home, to sit at my table and commune with me.
I think they enjoyed my hospitality. But I definitely know that I enjoyed hosting them. The few days leading up to that party had been rough. I had felt lonely. Worn even.
But this little party with paper plates was my greatest joy that entire week. Heck, maybe even the whole month! I felt alive again — finally having community and fellowship with a group of people my age. Laughing. Telling stories. Making memories. It was exactly what I needed.
Maybe someone you know needs that kind of night. Maybe it’s you that needs that kind of night. Either way, I want you to know that it’s easy to throw together a dinner party. If you don’t like cooking, ask your guests to bring side dishes! If you don’t have enough chairs, have everyone sit on the floor! It’s not about your home, it’s about your heart.
I plan to have a dinner party every month that I can. In fact, I was so excited after our little get-together that I wrote down my menu plan for each month for the rest of the year! Is that too much? 🙂
Here are some great Dinner Party Menu Ideas for you to try!
Nacho/Taco Bar — A bag of chips and all your favorite toppings! This is great for asking guests to bring something.
Fondue Party — Melt some chocolate, melt some cheese and you got yourself a party!
Baked Potato Bar — You bake the potatoes, your guests bring the toppings!
Italian Night — Make your favorite pasta and garlic bread. Don’t forget the parmesan cheese!
Ice Cream Sundae Bar — You provide a couple flavors of ice cream and have guests bring different toppings! Yum!
Wine and Cheese Party — Have everyone bring their favorite bottle of wine and you supply a platter of cheeses. You can even have everyone bring their own wine glass if you don’t have enough.
Breakfast for Dinner — Pancakes anyone? Bacon everyone!
Homecookin’ Night — Make your favorite home cooked meal for friends to enjoy.
Chocolate Bar — Have everyone bring a type of chocolate dessert and prepare to feel guilty tomorrow!
Barbecue Night — Grill out or better yet start a fire and roast some hot dogs. Did someone say Kumbaya?
Asian Night — Stir fry is easy to make, and you can have everyone sit on the floor! How do I use chopsticks again?
What other ideas can you share?
Check out more ideas by following my boards Hospitality & Kindness and Party & Gift Ideas.
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