The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

A View from the Host's Kitchen

by Audrey Risden

Circle Suppers provide opportunities for members of the congregation to get together in small, informal groups and learn more about one another. Hosts and attendees experience the community of the church in a comfortable and welcoming seting.

The logistics of hosting a Circle Supper are relatively easy, as coordinator Jackie Schwartz takes care of arranging guest lists. Once a host signs up, Jackie contacts the host with a guest list, including phone numbers. If you are hesitant to host a Circle Supper on your own, ask a friend to co-host.

About a week before the supper, the host calls the guests and sets up the menu. This requires only assigning a type of dish -- entree, salad, side dish or dessert -- to each guest.

Once this is done, nothing more is necessary until the day of the supper. The host sets the table and waits for the guests to arrive. Although the guests may not know one another at the beginning of the evening, this is quickly remedied as guests chat over the meal and share a bit about themselves.

Spending time in these small groups is always enjoyable. As a hostess, I have enjoyed having guests who bring their favorite dishes and a wealth of lively conversation.

It has also been my pleasure to attend Circle Suppers. Guest responsibilities are not so different from those of the host. One signs up and is contacted by Jackie with the name and address of the host. The guest is then contacted by the host at a date closer to the date of the Circle Supper. The guest prepares a dish and brings it to the gathering. It is helpful if the guest lets the host know ahead of time if the dish needs to be heated.

The greatest responsibility of guests is to contact both the host and Jackie if there is some difficulty about attending an assigned dinner. This should be done as soon as any change in plans arises. While dinners do tend to work out even when a guest is unable to attend, it is much easier on the host if any changes are known as soon as possible. This makes it more likely that the spot can be filled from the guest "wait list." When this is not possible, early notice allows the host to change the menu so there is enough variety for those who do attend.

It is so nice to be a guest at a Circle Supper. Aside from the great food -- invariably something new to each of the guests -- the smaller setting gives everyone a unique chance to enjoy the company of fellow UUs.

If you would like to be a part of a Circle Supper as a host or guest, be sure to check your calendar. These evenings are worth setting aside the time.