Food & Drinks

The Dinner, Supper, Gourmet or Pot Luck Club

Supper Clubs – from Gourmet to Pot Luck

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We are HUGE fans of the folks over at The Daily Grommet, that go-to site that is always on top of the most happening things out there for home, style, family and you! They ran this great post on Debi Shawcross’ book, Friends at the Table, The Ultimate Supper Club Book, last week which inspired us to throw out a few suggestions as well. Take a look at what The Daily Grommet has to say and check out Debi’s book!

Gourmet Clubs, Supper Clubs, Pot Luck Suppers

You know those old fashioned Supper Clubs, right? It is when people get together and everyone brings something as part of the meal. However, every one’s interpretation of a ‘supper club’ might be different, but here is ours.

A Gourmet Club – theoretically it should require formal attire, the food should be elegantly prepared and the table should be formally set, silver, linens, flower arrangements and all. In other words, an elegant dinner party where everyone makes a dish.

A Supper Club can be interpreted two different ways. First, a less formal Gourmet Club, but still yummy food, and a table should be well set and very pretty. Remember presentation is part of the dining experience. A Supper Club can also be a group of people who meet once a month at a different restaurant to dine, wine and socialize together. If they can find a place with dancing, even better.

A Pot Luck Supper – well we all know that, I hope! Bring your favorite food or casserole, put it on the kitchen counter with everyone else’s dishes, bring the kids and your Mom and start drinking, eating and laughing with your good friends.

For right now, let’s put together the makings of a Gourmet Club.

GOURMET CLUB RULES

• 1. Invite five couples who LOVE to eat and cook.
• 2. Each couple will be responsible for bringing one part of the meal. Entree; Starch &Veggies; Salad & Breads; Desserts.
• 3. The Host couple is responsible for setting the table and supplying all wines and beverages. Of course, everyone takes a turn to host.
• 4. Send out an email requesting that everyone disclose allergies, dislikes and preferences.
• 5. Appoint a photographer for the group. One of you
• 6. Everyone will email the host their recipe within a couple of days at the end of each party. At the end of the year, gather the recipes and photos and self-publish your Gourmet Club Book via www.blurb.com, (a venue where you can self publish for as little as $10.00 a book). Don’t forget to take pictures of each dish!
• 8. Schedule the dinners for every other month with the last or the first one as a Wine Tasting party. Do your research and select the kinds of wines to serve. Everyone brings a bottle or two.
• 9. Take your time serving the meal. It should be an experience. Each course should be savored, conversation enjoyed. For a five course meal, it should take you an easy three hours. Be European! where they eat slowly, enjoy eat bite, love each glass of wine and die happy!
• 10. Hire help for that2867091108_28b5ba11f8_b night. A couple of teenagers, or ask at a local restaurant if they have anyone who want to help you. Everyone bring a few dollars to chip in. It is well worth it!

What? you don't have an 8 piece sterling place setting or the right Limoge? Who cares - make the table pretty with flowers, ribbons, or very simple and elegant.

Don’t have the space in your house? Wrong. Go to www.ballarddesigns.com and get a couple of round table tops and cloths. You can set them up anywhere in your house and fold them up until the next time.

If your group really gets enthusiastic, enroll yourselves in some cooking and wine classes. That only adds to the depth of your culinary experiences and pleasures!

What a memory!