Host a Progressive Dinner Party on Your Patios this Summer
Host a Progressive Dinner Party on Your Patios this Summer!
Summer is the perfect time for getting together with neighbors and enjoying the outdoor space your neighborhood provides.
A progressive dinner or patio party is an event where each successive course is prepared and eaten at the residence of a different host (sometimes thought of as a round-robin). Each participant can create one of each: appetizer, main course, dessert or after dinner drinks. This is a great way to spend time with neighbors and get to know them better.
Essentially it is a unique twist on a potluck event, instead of guests bringing all of the food to one location, the guests move to where the food is.
4 Reasons to Host a Progressive Patio Party:
- Get to know your neighbors
- Welcome a new family to the neighborhood
- Show off your culinary skills
- Cost-effective way to host a party
Many families are feeling the stress of the economy these days but still want to get together with friends for a dinner party. A progressive dinner / patio party is an excellent way to host a party without one person being solely responsible for the costs involved. Sharing hosting responsibilities is a great way to still have a fun party without all of the clean up and cost falling on you. Three to Four hosts should be plenty to create a successful progressive patio party!
Create a Guest List
Keep in mind the size of each home. Some homes can easily accommodate 30 people while others cannot. Be mindful of each homeowner involved. Keep the homes close together so you can walk to each home as a group. This way there will be no need for parking, carpooling or designated drivers.
Choose Your Menu
Be sure to coordinate with neighbors to create a full menu that will go nicely together. You can pick a theme (regional cuisine, raw food, vegetarian, etc) and determine if your patio party will be casual or more of a fancy affair. It is a good idea to stick to menu items that can be prepared in advance since your guests will be moving from home to home and will not be in the kitchen waiting for everyone to arrive.
Organizing a progressive patio party can be a lot of fun. It is a great way to get to know your neighbors and a good time to show off your outdoor spaces!
