10 Things I Learned After One Year of Weekly Dinner Parties

In July of 2024, we started hosting weekly dinner parties with our friends.

We wanted to do something nontraditional for our first theme. After going back and forth for a little while, we finally landed on Road Kill.

We dressed in camo and served a few different dishes that featured animals that his parents had run over. We took our friends completely by surprise.

Since then, we have had a dinner party nearly every week. Sometimes they are themed and elaborate, with multiple courses, specially purchased decorations and games. Other times, they are simple and straightforward. Rarely are they as strange as the Roadkill dinner.

Every time they are lovely. And full of laughter.

Today, we want to share with you what we have learned over our first year of weekly dinner parties.

1. Don’t Be Afraid of Weekdays

Yes, having a group of people over on a random Wednesday can be a lot.

Weeknights are busy, especially once children are in the picture. Laundry, housework, and prepping for the next day, the list goes on. It can make it very daunting to open up your home.

But that means for the next two weeks, or however often you meet, you get one night you don’t need to worry about dinner.

You also turn a very ordinary weeknight into something special. These dinner parties become highlights and something to always look forward to.

The trade-off is worth it, trust me.

2. Appetizers are a Hosts Best Friend

Whether it be a simple bowl of chips, charcuterie or something that took you an hour to prepare, appetizers always elevate a dinner party. Nothing is worse than having hangry guests while you hurriedly finish up dinner!

You can find some of our favourite appetizers here!

3. Express Appreciation. Every. Single. Time.

Take the time to recognize the work that was done and express your gratitude. Thank your guests. Thank your host. Whatever stood out to you – be it the bread, the candles, the playlist.

Make it a habit to notice the details.

Every single time, even if it’s your hundredth dinner party.

4. Send Them Packing (With Doggy Bags)

If you are having a weekday dinner party, make enough leftovers so your guests can take some for their lunches. We have containers that rotate between all the households, and it’s become part of the tradition.

5. When in Doubt Trivia

Trivia never fails as an easy game. If you find it devolves into a shouting match, use a group chat instead. We do all of our trivia on WhatsApp, keeping things calmer during the rounds but still allowing for lots of trash talk between rounds!

Bonus points if you have a little sweet treat as a prize for whoever wins!

6. No Show? No Shame

Life happens. People get sick. Work gets stressful. Some weeks just aren’t it. We’ve had to cancel dinners last-minute, and that’s okay.

Consistency matters, but so does grace. There’s always next week.

7. Schedule It Like a Birthday

On the other side of the coin, you do need to make the effort to schedule the time for it. Schedule around it like you would a birthday.

It’s okay not to be able to have it every week, but keep prioritizing it.

8. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

A little silly, friendly competition makes everything more fun!

We have done pie eating competitions, hot ones interviews, tent relay races, cooking competitions and more!

9. Your Dinner Parties Should Be a Little Unhinged (Sometimes)

Our first themed dinner was Roadkill, which let our guests know it was okay to push the limits. Not everything has to be Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes, it’s okay to feed your guests bugs.

Make your themes strange, experiment with recipes and get your guests out of their chairs.

10. Take Photos (Without Killing the Vibe)

You will want to remember these nights. Take posed pictures, take candid – whatever you like. Make time to snap a few pictures to enjoy later, while still staying in the moment.

Final Thoughts

A year of weekly dinner parties has taught us that committing to spending time with your loved ones over a meal makes the best memories. Be willing to show up for your friends, and willing to put a little extra effort into making a memorable evening.

It is so worth it.