How to Have a Progressive Dinner Party
Socialize, Eat and Mingle with Neighbors in a Revolutionary Way
Aug 25, 2008
Imagine a social event where a group of friends, neighbors and/or family members each contribute potluck style to a dinner party where each course is served in the host's respective home. This enjoyable alternative to conventional get-togethers is known as a progressive dinner party, and is gaining popularity among a wide group of people.
What is a Progressive Dinner Party?
Simply put, a progressive dinner party is held at a number of different homes, with each home hosting a separate course. To allow for the right mix of courses and locales, progressive dinner parties should ideally consist of a maximum of 4 to 5 courses, each course lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, with the hosts/hostesses living in close proximity to one another. This will allow for enough variation in scenery and food, yet still keep the evening's progression running smoothly and in a timely fashion.
Why Participate in a Progressive Dinner Party?
There are many benefits of progressive dinner parties, as opposed to their traditional counterparts. The two main reasons to choose a progressive dinner party of a regular get-together are:
- Cost factor. Since everyone is hosting a different element of the party, the financial contribution from each household is much smaller than if one home was responsible for all the elements of the dinner.
- Entertainment factor. Because everyone will be constantly shifting from one location to another, things will constantly be interesting and provide for little, if any, downtime.
How to Plan and Organize a Progressive Dinner Party
Planning and organization is of high importance when considering this kind of party. Here are some tips for planning a progressive dinner party:
- For planning purposes, decide how many courses are to be had ahead of time. Since the guest list will be solely based on each guest's household preparing and hosting one course, it is important to have an idea of course numbers before proposing the idea to others.
- Use a guest list. By keeping track of who is invited and their RSVPs, planning will go smoothly.
- Keep invites to a minimum. Due to the nature of this kind of roving event, the key to success and enjoyment by all hosts/hostesses is to keep the number of hosting homes to a strict number.
- Be flexible. Keep in mind that if the progressive dinner party is to consist of four courses (cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres, appetizers/soups/salads, main course and dessert), each host/hostesses will probably have their own idea of which course they would like to be responsible for attending to. Each person's preference should be taken into consideration.
Other Ideas for Progressive Dinner Parties
One of the best things about these kinds of events is that they need not be restricted to a typical four- course meal. Parties can be as diverse as the hosting group. Here are some ideas for planning the meal:
- The meal doesn't need to be dinner. Why not try a progressive brunch party, cocktail party or dessert party?
- Break the mold of traditional menus. Some fun variations on progressive party meal plans include: ethnic fare, seasonal/holiday cuisine, favorite dishes and comfort food menus.
- Share recipe ideas. If the progressive party theme is successful, consider asking each host/hostess to provide copies of their recipes. A cookbook can be compiled of the group's favorites and given as gifts.
For more information about progressive dinner parties, including simple recipe ideas, visit Rachael Ray's website.
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