Menu

Appetizer: Kentucky Beer Cheese, with your choice of crackers

Sides: Baby’s Baked Spaghetti Cups, Red Potato Salad, Hoppin’ John

Mains: Cajun Fried Chicken Strips, Fried Pickles, Triple Dips

Desserts: Bourbon Bliss Peach Cobbler, Fried Pecan Bites

Cocktails: Southern Belle, Mint Julep

History of Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that has its roots in African and African-American cuisine. It is believed to have originated in West Africa and was brought to the United States through the transatlantic slave trade. The dish has its similarities to rice and bean dishes in African cultures.

Hoppin’ John traditionally consists of black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, cooked together with onions, peppers, and various seasonings. It is often served on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

The name “Hoppin’ John” is thought to have evolved from the African name for black-eyed peas, which is “holle/hoppin’ john.” Over time, the dish has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is enjoyed throughout the year, not just on New Year’s Day.

Hoppin’ John has a rich cultural significance, representing the blending of African, Caribbean, and Southern American influences. It showcases the culinary traditions and contributions of African-Americans and has become an enduring symbol of Southern comfort food.

Southern Fried Playlist

Decorating Tips

Whether your Southern Fried Picnic is indoors or out, you can decorate your space with red gingham, Ball mason jars, string lights, lemons, vintage signs, and of course, picnic baskets. Adding fresh flowers or bright, artificial bouquets for any supper club is a good idea. Opt for yellow sunflowers for this supper club to contrast the red gingham and give your supper a fun, summertime feel.

Shop the Look

Transform your picnic theme into a charming picnic scene with this red and white gingham tablecloth. The classic pattern will pull your supper club theme together in a picture-perfect way; it’s really what we visualize when we think the word, ‘picnic!’ A red gingham tablecloth perfect for your Southern Fried Picnic supper club whether you’re hosting your supper clubbers indoors or out. This one is made with durable cotton, so it is meant be taken out and used as the backdrop of many more bright days to come. (This would also be a great tablecloth for the Pepper Pig Supper Club!)

Include a touch of vintage charm with these Ball Mason Jars, perfect for your Southern Fried Picnic supper club. You might even have a stash of a few recycled jars in the pantry, so now’s the perfect opportunity to dust them off and put them to use! These glass jars are iconic and add a rustic flair to your table setting. Use the smaller ones for serving refreshing beverages, and use the oversized jars for creating beautifully layered salads, acting as a container for pickled vegetables and toppings, showcasing a variety desserts, or displaying bright bouquets. (Add a string of twine around the glass jars for a country-fried/countrified feel.) These versatile jars are functional after supper club ends, too!

Could you have a Southern Fried Picnic without a picnic basket? Sure, but why would you want to? This wooden picnic basket is as pretty as it is functional. With double handles for easy carrying, an adorable red gingham lining, and a spacious interior, this versatile basket is a great choice for a Southern Fried Picnic supper club. Use the basket to hold your plates, napkins, and utensils during your supper club gatherings, or pack it with delicious homemade treats (duh!) and take it along! I love this charming addition for your next supper club, don’t you?

Vintage style signs like Y’all Come Eat and No Hoggin’ the Bathroom are perfect for adding a welcoming or lighthearted touch to your supper club and home.

Create an inviting atmosphere for your Southern Fried Picnic with these vintage-style, shatterproof outdoor string lights. With a generous length of 200 ft, these lights are perfect for illuminating your backyard or outdoor space with a warm and old-fashioned glow. Their durable construction (made with shatterproof plastic bulbs!) make them a great choice for any outdoor occasion, but this is especially so for a Southern Fried theme. Transform your space into a whimsical and enchanting setting that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and the joy of outdoor festivities.

Add a touch of sunshine to your Southern Fried Picnic with these happy faux silk sunflower arrangements. This set of four lifelike sunflower centerpieces brings the warmth and cheerfulness of summer blooms to your table. These timeless and low-maintenance floral decorations effortlessly enhance the ambiance of your picnic, or picnic theme, evoking the joyful spirit of a summertime gathering.

What Southern Fried Picnic would be complete without a few decorative lemons adorning the space? And look at these adorable lemon-themed paper products to round out our fun theme!

Bourbon Suggestions

Below are suggested top-shelf bourbon suggestions for the Southern Fried Picnic supper club. Feel free to explore and make adjustments based on your preferences and budgetary constraints.

for the Southern Belle
Buffalo Trace ($25 for 750 mL)
I recommend Buffalo Trace for the Southern Belle because its spice notes perfectly enhance the peach bitters.

for the Mint Julep
Maker’s Mark ($23 for 750 mL)
For a classic mint julep, I recommend Maker’s Mark for its smooth and sweet finish.

for the Bourbon Bliss Peach Cobbler
Evan Williams Small Batch ($27 for 750 mL)
Evan Williams has spicy, earthy notes to compliment the cobbler’s sweet peach.

All About That Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is strongly associated with the southern United States, particularly the state of Kentucky. Its history in the region dates back to the late 18th century, when settlers first began to distill spirits from the plentiful supply of corn in the area.

The exact origins of the name “bourbon” are somewhat unclear, but it is generally believed to have been derived from Bourbon County, Kentucky. At the time, this area was a major center of the whiskey industry, and many of the brands that are still popular today were first produced there.

Over the years, bourbon became increasingly popular throughout the United States and even internationally. Today, it is legally recognized as a distinct type of whiskey by the U.S. government, and its production is tightly regulated to ensure quality and consistency.

Many people consider bourbon to be a quintessential part of southern culture, and it has been celebrated in music, literature, and film. Its complex flavor profile, which can include notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, has made it a favorite of whiskey lovers around the world.

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