Bored of the same old dinner parties and searching for an awesome and unique way to have a blast and bond with friends? You’ve come to the right place! Starting a supper club may be the ultimate solution, adding a fresh spin to the classic dinner party!
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In this super easy-to-follow guide, we’ll dive into what a supper club is, how to create your own, share some imaginative menu and theme ideas, and even recommend some entertaining take-home gifts for your guests!
So, What’s a Supper Club?
A supper club is a fun gathering where people come together to enjoy a meal, often centered around a specific theme or focus.
Unlike a regular dinner party, supper clubs are more organized and may involve guests contributing to the meal or participating in a shared experience, like a cooking class or wine tasting.
Famous Supper Clubs from the Past
Supper clubs have an intriguing history, with some well-known examples going back centuries. Let’s check out a few famous historical supper clubs that have left their mark on the food and social scene.
The Kit-Cat Club
The Kit-Cat Club was an early 18th-century English supper club that met at a tavern in London. The club consisted of Whig politicians, writers, and artists, and its members included famous figures like Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison.
The Kit-Cat Club was known for its lively discussions, political influence, and, of course, its food. The club’s signature dish was the “Kit-Cat” – a type of mutton pie.
The Algonquin Round Table
The Algonquin Round Table, also known as the Algonquin Circle, was a group of New York City writers, critics, and actors who met for lunch each day at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. The group, which included Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and Edna Ferber, was known for their witty banter and intellectual discussions.
While not a traditional supper club, the Algonquin Round Table embodies the spirit of friendship and shared experiences that supper clubs represent.
La Côte Basque
La Côte Basque was a legendary French restaurant in New York City that operated from 1958 to 2004. Known for its fancy decor and amazing cuisine, La Côte Basque was a favorite hangout for celebrities, politicians, and socialites.
The restaurant hosted numerous private supper clubs and exclusive events, making it a symbol of glamour and sophistication in the world of supper clubs.
The Stork Club
The Stork Club was a high-society nightclub and supper club in New York City that operated from 1929 to 1965. Owned by Sherman Billingsley, the club was a popular destination for celebrities, politicians, and socialites, offering fine dining, dancing, and entertainment.
The Stork Club was known for its strict dress code, signature cocktails, and lavish parties, making it an iconic example of the glitz and glamour associated with supper clubs of the time.
Creating Your Own Supper Club
Starting your own supper club is way easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps:
- Choose a theme or concept for your supper club. This could be anything from a specific cuisine to a focus on local ingredients or even a book club-style discussion.
- Decide on a guest list and how often you’d like to host your supper club. Aim for a manageable number of guests (6-12 is a good range) and consider hosting monthly or quarterly gatherings.
- Create a menu and figure out how you’ll handle expenses. You can ask guests to contribute a dish, split the cost of ingredients, or cover the cost yourself.
- Plan the logistics of your supper club, such as the location, seating arrangements, and any necessary equipment or supplies.
- Don’t forget to use some of these Home Appliance Hacks for Effortless Parties over on Porch!
Menu Ideas for Your Supper Club
Need some inspiration for your supper club menu? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Seasonal menus featuring fresh, local ingredients
- Ethnic cuisine nights, like Italian, Indian, or Mexican
- Vegetarian or vegan menus for a healthier twist
- Potluck-style gatherings where each guest brings a dish to share
- Interactive cooking nights where guests learn to prepare a dish together
Don’t forget to include links to recipes or provide printed copies for your guests to take home!
Hosting a Secret Supper Club
For an added element of mystery, consider hosting a “secret” supper club. This can involve keeping the location a mystery until the day of the event or using a blindfolded taste test to create a sense of exclusivity. To pull off a successful secret supper club:
- Send out invitations with minimal details, only revealing the date, time, and dress code
- Use a private social media group or email list to communicate with guests
- Be creative with your menu and decor to keep guests guessing
Themed Supper Clubs
Themed supper clubs are an awesome way to add some extra excitement to your gatherings. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- “Around the World” with dishes from various countries
- “Farm-to-Table” gatherings featuring locally sourced ingredients
- “Murder Mystery” dinner parties with a whodunit storyline
- “Decades” theme with dishes and decor from a specific time period
- “Movie Night” supper club where guests enjoy a meal inspired by a popular film
Remember to incorporate themed decor and ambiance to enhance the overall experience.
Fun Take-Home Gifts for Guests
A thoughtful take-home gift can leave a lasting impression on your guests and serve as a memento of the evening. Here are some ideas for themed gifts:
- Custom recipe cards featuring the dishes served at the event
- Themed kitchen towels or aprons that match the supper club’s theme
- A small jar of homemade jam, sauce, or spice blend used in one of the dishes
- A mini cookbook with recipes from the evening or related to the theme
- A wine stopper or bottle opener as a nod to the beverages served
Starting a supper club is an amazing way to bring friends together and create lasting memories over delicious food. With a little planning, creativity, and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to hosting unforgettable gatherings that your guests will rave about.
So, what are you waiting for? Jump into your supper club adventure today, and don’t forget to share your own ideas in the comments below!
Happy hosting!