How to Host a Saturday Supper
A while back I read an article about a family that decided to start hosting an informal spaghetti and meatball night every Friday. It was a simple, casual get together. There was no need to clean up ahead of time. The guest list varied from week to week. Sometimes it was a very intimate group; other times it was quite large.
Reading their story inspired me to bring more community into our lives. I decided that our version of a weekly spaghetti and meatball night would be “Saturday Suppers.”
Once a month, we open our home to anyone and everyone for a “potluck” from about 2:30pm-6pm. I put the word potluck in quotes because it’s intentionally designed to be low stress—there’s no need to make something from scratch (or even bring something if it’s too stressful).
So far, we have hosted 13 of them. I keep the invite in Evite. At the start of each month, I schedule a date, make a copy of the previous invitation, and update the date. All of the invitees are kept with the invitation, so it’s really minimal effort each month to send out an invite.
At various points during the month, if I meet someone new, I go ahead and add them to the invite list, so they’ll be in there when I send out the next invitation. I’ll invite new colleagues, new neighbors, or someone I meet casually around town. The idea is to cast a wide net as we strengthen our connection and community.
We don’t do much to prepare for the event. We do pick up our house before people arrive, but we prefer our house to be picked-up anyway, so that’s not any extra stress.
We turn on Pandora, set out plates, forks, cloth napkins, glasses, our water dispenser and whatever we are contributing to the potluck. It’s really simple and straightforward.
Sometimes a lot of people come and other times only a few families come. Each time is a different experience. Our most recent one was really fun for me. Matt was busy taking photos for SXSW, and it was supposed to be cloudy/rainy, so I almost canceled. However, the sun broke around 10am, and I figured it would be a good way to occupy the boys while Matt was away.
Four other families came, so there were about 20 of us in all. It was the first hot, sunny day we have had in a while, so all the kids jumped into the pool (even though it’s only about 60 degrees!). I sat in the shade by the pool to keep an eye on the kids and then would rotate up to the food table on the deck when the kids would get too cold and get out of the pool.
Eventually, the kids (ranging in age from 3 years-old to 9 years-old) found their way under the deck and under the house. They built The Mysterious Kids’ Society with just the light of one flashlight.
I love that children can play with significant independence near our house and yet still be within close range of adults. They were using my phone as a flashlight, and here are the creepy photos/videos that came back!
If you’re craving more community in your life, just start making it happen!
7 Comments
mama schlick
This is amazing. You are so brave! How do you deal with kid dynamic? My little one is not neurotypical and can get easily overwhelmed or frustrated by peer interactions especially in big groups. Or is that not really an issue with you. I just love that you do this. We live in the city and have no outdoor space and a smallish apt. I know it can be done, but I’m just trying to think how best to manage it all. For us we need to think of our neighbors and kids stomping/yelling. Maybe I should just invite fewer guests? Oh and I love the new blog!
saracotner
Hi, mama schlick! Thank you for your kind words! To be honest, there has definitely been drama! My oldest is really attracted to older children and can be mean to younger children. One family almost stopped coming because of this, but when we became aware it was happening, we intervened. It seems to be resolved now, and I am much more intentional about saying to the children when they arrive, “Please let me know if someone is being mean to you. You deserve to be treated with kindness.” In your situation, I would recommend a smaller group. Did you read Monday’s post about just doing something with one other family? Also, could you consider meeting at a nearby park instead? Are you able to rent out pavilions in your area? In Austin, we can rent out covered tables at the park for a very affordable price. Definitely let me know if you have more questions. Community is awesome!
Christine
Whoa. For whatever reason, my feedly did not show any of your posts since you re-started in February and then BAM like 20 showed up. I wonder if it has something to do with your migration to wordpress or is just an odd quirk. A lot of changes in your life! Just got caught up.
Sara Cotner
Hi, Christine! Sorry about that. I’m glad you found your way back! And I hope all is well with you!
Kate
Can I ask how you word the invitation? This sounds right up our alley, but I am afraid people would th8nk it is more formal than it is meant to be…
Sara Cotner
Of course, Kate! You can always ask anything! Here is the exact wording from our invitation: Join us for a casual get together! Please bring a dish to share (it’s okay if it’s purchased at the grocery store/convenience store or if you show up empty handed–all are welcome!) Come just to hang out, relax, and connect! Kate, let me know if you any other follow-up questions!
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