One of the best things about writing about food on Cup of Jo is reading the responses. I love hearing about people enjoying eating delicious food and sharing it with others. Here are 11 reader comments on everything from frozen meatballs to puppy parties.
About great party ideas:
“I’m a huge dog lover, so my partner organized a ‘puppies and their people’ brunch party for my birthday. People with dogs brought their dogs! The whole afternoon was so light and fun.” — Christina
About having a home specialty:
“My Italian mother always freezes hundreds of meatballs (‘If I die, I want them to have something good at my funeral’). We all know this, so I can’t tell you how many spontaneous meals I ate and how many people she encouraged me to attend. My mother said that if I ever opened a restaurant, it would be called ‘What’s One More?'” – Emily
“My dad made me a wooden M&M dispenser that hangs in the kitchen. It has a little drawer that you can use to remove a few M&Ms.” — Midge
When hosting:
“When a guest asks, ‘Is there anything I can help you with?’, let them do it! Small, meditative tasks that can be easily done while chatting (like folding a napkin or arranging flowers in a vase) can help reassure anxious friends about the social experience.” It can give a friend, who is typically a planner, a way to feel truly relaxed and cared for after feeling like he or she has contributed, as well as creating an organic warmth to the space. — Catherine
“I am a former chef who immigrated to Portugal from America. Dinner parties keep me occupied because cooking for others is my great joy and I miss it. By hosting dinners, we become part of the Portuguese community. We invited our landlord, neighbors, language teachers, and even people we met at the grocery store. Our friendships grew as we spent time together at the table. Seeing our successful integration, other expats ask: “What’s your secret?” I tell them, this is dinner and the best friend-making activity on the planet. ” — Cynthia
About what to bring:
“I often show up with a box of ice cream drumsticks. A friend of mine recently told me that he remembered being at a 4th of July party and looking out the window and hoping that a girl walking down the sidewalk with a big box of drumsticks would come to the party. So did I, and we still all celebrate the 4th of July together.” – KG
“Whenever my husband and I host, a friend brings us some Secret Flaming Hot Cheetos. My husband and I hide them in the kitchen and eat them as a snack while we clean up.” — Caitlin
“When I can’t think of anything to bring, I pick up a package of Tate’s thin chocolate chip cookies. They’re a big hit with kids and adults alike and pair well with a bottle of Prosecco. Ina Garten loves them too, so I know they’re delicious.” — HJM
With the theme of casual food,
“For my birthday, I had friends over for brunch. All I had to do was make waffles and mortadella tarts (both from this website!) and prepare maple syrup, fruit, and coffee. It was easy to put together, and my friends still comment on how fun it was and the stakes were low.” — Caitlin
“One cold day, I was alone and bored, so I texted everyone I knew: “Come over tonight. Please bring me some soup.” To our surprise, 12 people showed up with soup to share. We were all standing in the kitchen trying out Norwegian fish stew, chicken noodles, lentils, pasta fagioli, chili, white bean, and kale soup. Some people brought tins of spaghetti. I didn’t have enough bowls, so I used various mugs and glasses. The lack of bowls and the fact that not everyone knew each other didn’t matter at all. I received the soup! ” — Wendy
What are your favorite tips for entertaining guests or just enjoying delicious food with friends? We’d love to hear more.
P.S. 5 no-recipe fall recipes, 11 readers share their favorite meals, Is sheet cake the best cake?
(Pizza photo courtesy of J.Anthony/Stocksy)
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
