Drop In Dinners
Lisa at Learning the Lessons of Nixon has inspired us to start our own version of her Family Dinners. And you’re invited.
The idea is that at least half of the effort of having people over for dinner is the hassle of emailing back and forth, trying to find a date that works for everyone, then hoping that no one gets stuck working late and the kids stay healthy. This hassle can be largely overcome by just saying "Ok, standing invitation for dinner on Tuesday night. If you can’t make it this week, come next." The menus are centered on the sort of low-fuss dishes that can be cooked in large batches as easily as in small (and that freeze well if no one shows up some week). And it will be good for us to have a precipitating event that forces us to vacuum the cat hair off the living room furniture once a week.
I’m serious about the invitation. Since we can’t guarantee that we’ll be home every single Tuesday evening, I’m making a list to send everyone whose interested a weekly notice of a) whether we’re on and b) what’s for dinner (this week, it’s homemade pizza). If you’re in the greater DC area and would like to be added to the list, send me an email.
October 30th, 2005 at 10:44 pm
this is a fabulous idea that I’m inspired to start here in Toronto. I did a similar thing during my eldest son’s first year. I had a standing invitation to all mom’s and kids for a Friday afternoon playdate. Definately saved my sanity in the early days of being a mom and made me feel connected to a community. Wish I was able to take you up on the pizza offer!
October 31st, 2005 at 4:15 am
This is a fantastic idea. I was just thinking the other day how I’d like to improve my social life (since I don’t go out as much since the kids) . I don’t know if I’ll manage to go through with it, but you’ve certainly got me thinking! In a few months, I’d love to hear an update about how its gone. I can’t imagine I’ll get to DC (from Sydney Australia) so I’ll stay off the email list for now.
October 31st, 2005 at 9:31 am
Great idea. But alas, while I’m closer than everyone else that’s responded so far, I still think that 2.5 hours is too far to drive for dinner on a work night. Hope your dinners are a success.
October 31st, 2005 at 10:34 am
A friend of mine and her roommmates used to have Hokey Tuesday Fun Night, a rotating weekly dinner with their circle of friends. New friends would be introduced into the mix regularly with the caveat that once you had attended three times, you were obligated to host.
We don’t know enough people in Cleveland to make that work, but I have made a small circle of friends and have started first Friday/Saturday of the month standing dinner plans.
Wish I could come by your place for dinner tomorrow night, but it’s a bit of a drive!
October 31st, 2005 at 11:50 am
What a wonderful idea! I wonder if we could emulate you. Hmm….
October 31st, 2005 at 12:28 pm
Wow, what a nice idea. When we lived in NYC, and Lee was in grad school, most of our friends lived within a few blocks of us. We used to pick up “stray” people for dinner all the time–Lee would bring home a classmate, or one of our neighbor-friends would just drop by and we’d eat, hang out, drink beer, etc. Very low key and totally fun. If you’re still doing this when we get back from Columbus, maybe we could join you sometime…
November 2nd, 2005 at 11:28 am
I’m stealing this idea and running with it. Invitations are going out this afternoon. I would love to hear how last night went!
November 2nd, 2005 at 4:55 pm
I love that so many of you like the idea — I wish you lived closer.
The first dinner was last night, and we had one guest. She was a little late, and I was afraid no one was going to come, but it worked out fine. The food was good, and it’s nice having a clean house for a change.
November 25th, 2005 at 4:18 pm
Any word on how these are going? My wife and I talked about this idea last night, and I think we’re gonna try it too, though we might wait until after this semester and the holiday season are over. I’m writing a post on it now.
October 16th, 2006 at 11:27 pm
Any updates on this idea? It’s been close to a year since the last post, and I just read it. I am reading “The Friendship Crisis”, and can relate. Although we had Wednesday night dinners for our high school kids and their friends, I never even considered doing it for ourselves – the adults. What a GREAT idea! I’d love to hear how all of your experiences went!