How to Plan, Create, & Host A Supper Club

Imagine this: a table laden with incredible food, rich with conversation and laughter, surrounded by your favorite foodie friends. The idea of hosting a dinner party, especially a collaborative supper club, is alluring, but if you’re like many, it also comes with a little voice whispering, “But where do I even begin?”

At Revival Supper Club, we believe in bringing life back to the table, and that doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or stressful. In fact, when done collaboratively, it’s one of the most joyous and unique ways to gather. This guide is designed to quiet that doubtful voice and give you a clear, actionable roadmap. We’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step, to ensure your first supper club is not just successful, but genuinely fun and memorable. We want you and your guests to have such a wonderful time that you begin your own supper club.

Ready to invite a little more connection and culinary creativity into your life? Let’s get planning!

The Planning Checklist: Your Path to a Seamless Supper Club

Phase 1: The Vision & Guest List (4-6 Weeks Out)

Starting early gives everyone plenty of time to get excited and prepare.

• Define Your “Why” & Vibe: What’s the main purpose of this gathering? Are you catching up with friends, celebrating something special, or simply building a new community around food? Deciding on a casual, elegant, or playful atmosphere will inform all your other choices.
• Set the Date & Time: Choose a date that allows ample time for invitations and preparation, typically a weekend evening for a relaxed pace. Confirming this early is key for guest availability.
• Curate Your Guest List: For your first supper club, start small – think 6 to 8 guests. Invite friends who share a love for food and are open to the collaborative concept. These are folx who will make the experience truly special.
  • Action: Create a preliminary guest list.
    • When inviting guests, I let them know if this is a kid-friendly party or adults only. I also let them know that sometimes life throws you for a loop, or as I say, “sometimes your oven blows up,” and I would rather my foodie friends come without their planned dish than not at all, because it is the people – not each individual dish – that makes a supper club great. So, come as you are!
• Brainstorm Your Theme (The Fun Part!): This is where the magic begins! A theme ties everything together. For your first supper club, you might opt for something simple like a specific cuisine (e.g., “Mediterranean Feast”), a color, or seasonal ingredient.
  • Need inspiration? Dive into our post on The Art of the Punny Supper Club Theme for clever theme ideas like “Pepper Pig” or “Holy Crepe!”
  • Action: Choose your theme.

Phase 2: Menu & Delegation (3-4 Weeks Out)

This is where the collaborative spirit of a supper club truly shines!

• Outline the Menu Structure: Decide on the courses you want to feature that you are making: perhaps a couple appetizers or a main, and don’t forget the themed cocktails!
  • Action: Sketch out the courses for your themed meal.
• Delegate Dishes (Your Collaborative Secret Weapon!): This is how you make hosting stress-free. Sometimes, guests are unsure where to start, and other times, guests know exactly what they want to bring when they hear the theme. When a guest is unsure where to start, you can then assign them with a course or type of dish that fits the theme. Be specific enough to guide them, but always leave room for their personal culinary creativity. For instance, “an appetizer inspired by our ‘Tuscan Countryside’ theme is more inspiring than “bring bruschetta.”
  • Action: Send out invitations, clearly stating the date, theme, and the collaborative nature. State what appetizers or main dish and inspired cocktails you are serving.
• Create a Shared Communication Hub: I send invites via Facebook so my guests can see the event details, communicate about what they are bringing, but a group chat over text or WhatsApp or even a shared document (like Google Docs) works well, too! Encourage everyone to share what they plan on bringing to avoid duplicates and ensure a diverse, delicious spread.
  • Action: Set up your communication method and share with your guests.

Phase 3: Ambiance & Shopping (2 Weeks Out)

Now we’re thinking about the atmosphere and getting a head start on supplies.

• Plan your Playlist: Music sets the mood! Start curating a playlist that perfectly matches your theme and desired vibe. Remember how “Pepper Pig” supper club had a playful, food-themed songs? Music truly brings another layer of life to the table. You don’t need to have food-themed songs, either. If you are doing a ‘Tuscan Countryside’ theme, choose some classic Italian tunes. If you are doing a ‘Southern Fried’ theme, choose southern and country songs for your playlist. Utilize Google lyrics searches to cast a wide net for your list.
  • Action: Start building your playlist.
• Envision Your Decor & Table Setting: You don’t need to break the bank for decor. Think simple and impactful. Consider how you will set the table and where your guests’ dishes will go. I utilize a separate foldaway table for dishes because some require a warming tray, and I don’t like the aesthetic of electrical cords coming from my supper table. Utilize existing items like dimmers, candles, or battery-operated string lights to transform your place.
  • Action: Gather or make a list of decor items you’ll use or need to purchase.
• Start your Shopping List (Non-Perishables): Get a head start by purchasing pantry staples, beverages, paper goods (if using), candles, or any other items that won’t spoil. Prepping in advance saves you time and stress later.
  • Action: Create a master shopping list and buy all of your non-perishable items.

Phase 4: The Final Countdown (1 Week Out)

The home stretch! These steps ensure smooth sailing.

• Confirm with Guests & Dishes: Send a friendly reminder a week out, double-checking what everyone is bringing. This is a crucial step to avoid any last-minute surprises or forgotten courses! It’s also a good time to gently remind them about arrival times, dietary notes, and suggest guests bring take-away containers as there is always an abundance of food at supper club.
  • Action: Complete a final check-in with all guests and remind guests to bring take-away containers.
• Deep Clean & Prep Your Space: Clear clutter, tidy common areas, and make sure you have enough comfortable seating ahead of time. Don’t leave this to the day of! Designate clear spots in your fridge and on your countertops or tables for incoming dishes. Locate any warming trays, cocktail glasses and tools you will need, too.
  • Action: Get your home party-ready.
• Final Grocery Run (Perishables): This is for your fresh ingredients! Purchase all produce, dairy, meat, and anything else perishable for your dishes and the overall supper club 24-48 hours before your supper club.
  • Action: Complete your grocery shopping.

Phase 5: The Day Of (A Calm & Joyful Approach)

The day is here! Focus on enjoying the process and the company.

• Kitchen Prep & Your Dish: Do as much prep as possible in the morning or early afternoon/. Start cooking your assigned dish(es) with plenty of time, allowing for any unexpected delays.
  • Check out our Prep Ahead Power Tips for reducing day-of stress!
• Set the Table & Ambiance: Lay out plates, cutlery, glasses, serving dishes, and any warming trays or trivets you may need. Arrange your decor and light candles. Crucially, turn on your playlist – let the good times roll!
  • Action: Transform your space into a welcoming dining haven.
• Welcome Your Guests & Their Culinary Creations: Have designated space ready for guests to place their dishes. Offer to help with any last-minute warming, plating, or garnishing.
• Enjoy the Revival! This is the most important step. Take a deep breath, relax, connect with your foodie friends, and savor the incredible collective meal. Remember the whole point is to bring life back to the table through shared food and laughter!
  • Action: Be present and soak in the joy.

Beyond the Checklist: Tips for a Seamless First Supper Club

• Embrace Imperfection: Things may not go exactly to plan, and that’s ok! A spilled drink, slightly overcooked dish – these become part of the shared story. Focus, instead, on the company and the good food, not flawless execution.
• Don’t Overextend Yourself: Especially for your first time, keep your own assigned dish(es) simple if others are bringing complex ones. You’re the host, not the sole chef!
• Communication is Key: Keep lines open with your guests about dishes, dietary needs, and arrival times. Clear communication prevents stress.
• Document the Joy: Snap photos of the dishes, the table, and your friends laughing, chatting, and enjoying themselves. These are precious memories you’ll want to revisit! You can absolutely delegate this job, as you may be busy with your hosting duties. Don’t forget to share the photos with your group afterwards!
• Focus on the Connection: At the end of the day, a supper club isn’t just about the food; it’s about the connections you foster. Be present, engage with your guests, and have fun.

Conclusion:

Hosting your first supper club might feel like a big leap, but with this checklist in hand, you’re more than ready to bring life back to your table. It’s a truly rewarding experience that fosters connection, sparks culinary creativity, and builds unforgettable memories that linger long after the last dish is cleared.

So, pick a date, choose a theme, and get ready to host your very own supper club!

Ready to dive even deeper?

Grab your FREE Revival Supper Club Starter Kit for editable planning templates, more theme ideas, and essential delegation tips!

What theme are you excited to try for your first supper club? Share it in the comments below – we’d love to hear your ideas!