I’ve been feeding groups of people in my home for decades. Here are 20+ of my best easy and inexpensive meal ideas for large groups.
These group dinner ideas have fed many mouths and I hope they can make hosting groups of people in your home as easy as possible.
- Create an inviting scent. A warm, inviting scent is so important! The smell of a house is something that’s easily overlooked but makes a big difference. Light a candle, spray air freshener, bake cookies, or put some apple cider in a pot on the stove before the company arrives.
- Have munchies available. Having some type of easy to grab appetizer available gives people something to do and something to gather around. It tells people where to hang out and gives them something in common.
- Play music. Music eases the atmosphere and makes people feel more comfortable. It provides a topic for conversation as well as fills the silence if needed. You can also personalize this for the people coming to your house.
- Do as many dishes beforehand as you can. Nothing is worse than wrapping up a meal to find the dishwasher full of dirty dishes. By running and emptying a load before people arrive, you can ensure a fast clean up in which others can easily jump in and help with!
- Don’t overthink it! True hospitality leaves your guests feeling welcome, loved, and nourished in your home. It’s ok for people see imperfection in your home, food, or family (hello, sibling-squabbles!).
- Pick the right recipes. I prefer recipes that require little cooking at the time of the guests’ arrival. That way I can be freed up to chat or do last minute things. All of the meals below were chosen with this in mind.
