Building friendships is an important part of small groups. There is no better way to encourage personal conversations to take place than to have food in the room. There is something about the act of eating food that brings down barriers and puts people at ease.
Nothing – not a conversation, not a handshake or even a hug – establishes friendship so forcefully as eating together.” Jonathan Safran Foer
I admit I am food challenged when it comes to small groups. It is “hit or miss” whether most of the members enjoy the foods or snacks I provide. Even the same items one week can generate a completely different response on another week.
I am not the only one who struggles with this. I know others experience the same thing.
What are your best food ideas for small groups?
What are your best food and snack recipes?
Where are the best locations in a home to serve and eat the food?
What are the best purchased “no-fuss” foods?
What are the best ways to display the food?
Question: What are your best food ideas for a small group gathering? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
I made a s’more dip for our life group once. You layer in chocolate chips and marshamellows in a casserole dish and bake it briefly, til it melts. Then at life group we had Graham cracker sticks that people would use with the dip, like a very sweet version of chips and salsa. It was a huge hit and very easy to make!
Thanks Michelle! It sounds scrumptious.
Also, thanks for sharing your blog. It hits close to home and I have a tremendous amount of respect for you writing on the topic to help others.
I usually serve one of the of the following. Keep it simple so others will be able to pick up the responsibility and not have to spend much.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Hummus and pita chips
Fresh fruit with yogurt/honey dip
Fresh veggies and dip
Cookies
Crackers and cheese
Thanks Linda! This is a nice list of ideas. I agree that Ease, time and cost need to be considerations.
I have to agree with Linda here. Don’t get me wrong, I love when our group has Taco Tuesday, Jerk Chicken and other extravagant meals. My concern is:
*Does it become a concern for a future group leader who isn’t gifted in this area?
*Is it duplicatable it is for someone on a more limited budget?
Food is such a great way for people to interact with each other. I tend to keep things simple when it’s my turn to bring food.
Maybe something fun like bringing m & m’s, Skittles, Reese’s Pieces and use it as a conversation ice breakers. What is your favorite and why? How do you eat them? This is really funny as people have a wide range of eating colorful candies from throwing them in their mouth by the handful to separating the out by color and eating them in a color order.
The biggest hits at our small group are “bars”. Potato, Taco, Pasta, Make your own pizza, a couple of soups. That way everyone can dish up just the way they want – which accommodates the growing trend of special diets, and children’s (and adult) idiosyncrasies. I don’t really have to cook – just prepare ingredients. We usually do this potluck style, so each family brings an ingredient or two. If you decide to do this just google “{type of food} bar ingredients” and you will get a list of potential things to include. Great to meet you over at the ProBlogger Challenge.
That is such a great idea!!
Cheri – I like the idea of having a food bar. Not only does it provide food unique to each person, it is also ust plain fun. Thanks for sharing this idea.
Do it yourself plates are fun for small groups. Curry is a good choice because you can have lots of things to add in small bowels available. Serve rice and the curry and then things like coconut, peanuts, scallions, mandarin orange slices, golden raisins, chutney, Indian pickles, chopped egg … It’s making my mouth water just to think about it!
Lisa – Thanks for this food idea. It is a way to have individualized meals for each person. My mind is now thinking of different “bowl” foods that could work in this way. Thanks again!
My favorite food idea is caramel M&Ms with Oreos! and milk!
Christopher – I will be sure to roll out your favorites if you visit my small group! I like your choices as well. Thanks for the food ideas for a small group gathering.