From Salon · Ashlie D. Stevens · · 3m
You should throw a soup party
Throw a soup party for cheap, cozy gatherings with minimal stress.
In brief
Throw a soup party for cheap, cozy gatherings with minimal stress. Hosting a soup party with three soups and simple toppings creates affordable, low-stress social events without expensive decorations or complex preparations. Originally reported by Salon.
Soup party time!
The author recalls childhood fantasies of hosting elaborate parties for friends who would celebrate milestones like weddings and baby showers.
“When I was a kid, I used to read “The Joy of Cooking” and imagine the elaborate parties I would someday throw for the friends I was certain adulthood would bring.”
Budget-friendly solution
Fresh out of graduate school, the author used soup parties to feed friends without spending much money, starting with simple soups like chicken noodle and tomato soup.
“For literal dollars, I could put a couple of enormous pots on the stove, buy some good bread and oyster crackers, and feed a roomful of people until they were comfortably full.”
Three-soup rule
The author recommends a menu of three distinct soups: smoky black bean soup, chorizo-chicken corn chowder, and olive bar tomato soup, each with different textures and flavors.
“I like to build a soup party menu around different experiences: think something creamy, something vegetable-forward and perhaps something especially hearty.”
Toppings cornucopia
The author suggests a playful array of toppings including crunchy items like saltines and Ritz granola, fresh herbs, creamy elements like sour cream, and punchy sauces for customization.
“Something crunchy: Ranchy, buttery Saltines; savory Ritz granola; and cacio e pepe oyster crackers, three party-cracker recipes I’ve shared previously, all of which you can find here, alongside tortilla chips, oven-toasted sourdough, cornbread muffins and White Cheddar Cheez-Its.”
Simple decorations
The author favors short, fall-colored decorations with minimal fuss, such as candles in autumn shades and mums arranged in short vases without interrupting conversation.
“For my decorating instincts, I tend toward three descriptors: Short, fat and fall-colored. Think squat, unscented candles in autumn shades.”
Clear party rules
The author emphasizes writing clear invitations with dates, times, addresses, menus, and instructions for guests to serve themselves and enjoy the evening without stress.
“Include the date, time, address and menu, noting vegan, vegetarian or nonalcoholic options.”
Preparation timeline
The author outlines a step-by-step schedule for preparing a soup party: ordering ingredients on Wednesday, cooking soups on Thursday and Friday, and assembling the party the day before.
“Wednesday: The big shop. Order or pick up your soup ingredients, toppings, drinks and dessert components.”
Movie night
The author suggests watching familiar fall classics like 'Hocus Pocus' or 'Coraline' to create a cozy atmosphere without requiring guests to sit in reverent silence.
“For the movie, I still favor familiar fall classics like “Hocus Pocus” or “Coraline.””
Leftovers and ending
The author notes that a successful soup party ends with guests carrying leftovers home, emphasizing the practical and social benefits of the event.
“When the evening was over, there were people carrying leftovers out the door.”
Why soup parties work
Soup parties are affordable, low-stress social events that bring people together without expensive decorations or complex preparations.
“A beautiful party and a photographable party aren’t necessarily the same thing.”
Vegan and vegetarian options
The author ensures that soup parties include vegan and vegetarian options, such as smoky black bean soup and olive bar tomato soup.
“On the menu: Smoky black bean soup (vegan), chorizo-chicken corn chowder and Olive Bar tomato soup (vegetarian).”
Simple dessert
The author recommends a simple dessert like cheese and fruit arrangements for guests who don’t eat dairy, or non-dairy ice cream for those who do.
“Include something sweet for guests who don’t eat dairy, or let somebody bring the (non-dairy) ice cream.”
Low-pressure entertaining
The author emphasizes that soup parties require minimal effort and can be scaled down to fit any budget or available kitchen space.
“And don’t feel obligated to make three if two, or one, make more sense for your budget, available burners or energy.”
Leftover strategy
The author suggests using deli tubs or cute jars to store leftovers for guests to take home, ensuring they have food for the next day.
“If you’re sending people home with leftovers, keep deli tubs or cute jars ready to fill.”
No fancy tableware
The author encourages using mismatched tableware that still looks intentional, such as secondhand bowls and spoons in a single color story.
“I’ve never thought a table needed 12 identical bowls to be beautiful.”
The party ends
The author concludes that a successful soup party ends with guests carrying leftovers home, creating a cozy, low-stress social experience.
“When the evening was over, there were people carrying leftovers out the door.”
The short version
Hosting a soup party with three soups and simple toppings creates affordable, low-stress social events without expensive decorations or complex preparations.
