Hosting a lunch party is a great way to show your friends and family how much you care. Lunch is usually a less formal occasion than dinner, so people have more freedom to relax and have fun!
Lunch is a great time to have a party, especially on the weekends, because people are usually free and able to attend. It can also be easier for families to accommodate daytime outings, either by bringing children along or by finding daytime childcare. Think about your guests’ typical schedules and pick a day of the week when they are likely to be available midday.
Lunch parties also tend to be less expensive than dinner parties. Because lunch is typically lighter and less formal than other meals, you can get away with serving simple dishes that are easy to prepare.
Some great lunch party ideas include:
- A potluck style lunch where everyone brings their favorite dish
- A picnic lunch in the park
- A build-your-own sandwich or wrap bar
- A soup and salad bar
- A barbeque in your backyard, on your block, or at a local park
Tips for Hosting
When hosting a lunch party, there are some key things to keep in mind in order to make the event a success.
Before Your Party
Reach out to your friends and invite them to your lunch party! It’s important for hosts to have a head count in order to plan for the right amount of food, drink, and seating. For dinner parties, you should invite your guests a few weeks in advance, but because lunch is a less formal occasion, it’s okay to reach out to them closer to the party date. Because of the informal setting, it’s also okay to reach out via text message or DM rather than sending an e-vite or email.
No matter where you are hosting a lunch party, you will want to create a welcoming atmosphere. This can be done by playing music, setting out a nice tablecloth and place settings, and making sure the space is well-lit.
Your guests should enter a space that is comfortable and inviting. This means having enough seating for everyone, as well as making sure the temperature is comfortable. No one wants to be stuck in a stuffy room or sitting on a hard floor!
Food & Drink at a Lunch Party
At your lunch party, it is important to have a variety of food options available, as well as a variety of drinks. This means having both savory and sweet items, as well as providing options for those with dietary restrictions. This way, everyone will be able to find something they like to eat. If you’re not sure what to make, ask your guests for suggestions.
If you are offering alcoholic beverages, make sure you have some non-alcoholic options – especially in warm weather! It is also important to have enough food to feed everyone who is attending the party. No one wants to leave a lunch party feeling hungry!
Hosting a Lunch Party
As your lunch party kicks off, take the time to greet each of your guests as they arrive. You will also want to make sure that you are available to chat with your guests and answer any questions they may have about the party space or your lunch party menu.
As the party host, you will want to think about activities that your guests can enjoy. This could include playing games, using conversation cards, or taking a tour of your home. Whatever the activity, it should be something that will get everyone talking and laughing.
Most importantly: enjoy yourself! The best parties are the ones where the host is having a good time too. By planning ahead and considering your guests’ needs, you can throw a lunch party that everyone will enjoy!
Looking for some new friends to host at a lunch party? Learn how to meet people in San Fransisco!