Dinner Clubs Are Back—Here's How to Start One That Lasts

Perhaps one of life’s loveliest pleasures is sitting around a table filled with delicious food and great company. And therein lies the entire concept of dinner party clubs. These trending dinner parties aim to bring people together in regular cadence to eat, clink glasses, and connect. 

Ahead, we're detailing the history and popularity of supper clubs—and teaching you how to start your own. Cue instant "Martha" status.

The Rise of Supper Clubs

Though they're enjoying a resurgence right now, dinner clubs aren't exactly new. "Supper clubs go back to the 1930s, born out of the prohibition era as a way to celebrate being able to socially enjoy alcohol along with a cultural experience again,” explains Trinette Faint, founder of Chez Faint, a social networking company with its own dinner club.

Their recent resurgence, as evidenced to a surge in TikTok and social media content, is likely in part to both a growing nostalgia around pre-internet days and the effects of the isolation experienced during the COVID pandemic. "I feel it’s part reestablishing the social order we lost for those years—and part because they’re just a lot of fun," Faint explains.

That era reinforced how critical human connection is, and, five years later, dinner parties are roaring back to keep people together. "There is no better way to connect with people than over food," says Faint. "Preparing a meal takes time, creativity, and love, and is a direct reflection about how we feel for one another."

How to Start a Dinner Party Club 

Maybe you want to connect more with your neighbors, bring some beloved pals together, or create a networking group. Whatever the case, starting a dinner club is surprisingly simple—yet will have you seem like an expert host.

Choose a Co-Host, If Desired 

This is optional, but you might find things go more smoothly when you have a right-hand working with you. For example, hosting expert Rachel Leonard Kennedy started a dinner party club with her neighbor. Together, they plan everything from the guest list to the vision to the menu. 

“We had a little sit-down meeting at my kitchen table and went over the exact vibe we wanted,” she says. “How we wanted people to feel, where the event would be hosted, our budget, and the intent of the celebration.” A co-host also extends your reach and helps broaden your collective friend group.

Create Your Guest List

Your guest list is important because it helps determine the size of your dinner party club, along with the general atmosphere. “It should be a group of people who have something in common—although they do not need to know each other,” Faint says. “The party can serve as an opportunity for people to meet and get to know each other.” 

However, when its finally party time, Faint recommends letting people sit next to who they want versus having assigned seats. This will keep the atmosphere comfortable—which equals conversation, connection, and memories made. 

Determine the Cadence & Location

Next, figure out when, how often, and where you’d like to meet. Some dinner party clubs happen at the same place (like at someone’s home or a local intimate venue), while others change things up. Depending on the guest list, volunteers may take turns hosting, or you can designate a consistent host to keep things simple. 

As for timing, Faint says that a good cadence is bi-monthly. You could also meet seasonally or around holidays. Either way, consistency helps build momentum and anticipation.

"Reach out to ten people to get a sense of their schedules for the next six months," she suggests, "and find an agreeable window that would work for everyone." 

Come Up With a Theme

Don’t overthink this one, but do have fun with it! Maybe your themes are centered around different types of cuisine, the time of year, or even something like a movie, color, or food item.

For example, Kennedy’s first event was during the Winter Solstice, the second one was Easter, and the third one was a June fête en blanc. "This plan help us be relaxed during the planning process, keep our 'why' in mind so we don't get overwhelmed, and make every decision—from the color scheme to the digital invite wording—super easy," she says. 

Send Your Invitations

Make your first dinner party club gathering official with a formal invitation. Digital is great, and there are lots of apps that can relay all the important info and help keep your guest list organized. 

“Schedule the first party within a few weeks, if possible,” Faint says. “Doing it somewhat immediately allows you to have a ‘trial run’ to see what works and what doesn’t, and to course correct for the next one.” 

Build Your Menu

This is your chance to really lean into the theme and flex your creative skills. Faint says to consider all dietary restrictions and to provide an array of appetizers with pre-dinner cocktails and mocktails. It’s up to you whether you want to create the entire menu yourself, have it catered, or opt for a potluck-style event.

Whatever the case, lean into the theme—and don’t forget dessert and coffee. You can also incorporate beautiful table settings and décor to help set the mood. 

Enjoy the Moment

When your party day arrives, let the excitement bubble over and try not to stress the little details. "Keep the mindset of, 'This is for fun and nobody knows what we didn’t get done.'"

"This mantra is suggesting you give yourself grace if, at the last minute, something you had planned doesn’t go perfectly," Kennedy explains. Guests can feel when you’re on edge, so let the small stuff slide.

Send Thank Yous and Repeat 

The next day, send out personalized thank-you notes (or texts) to everyone who attended. You can also include the date and location of the next event to help build excitement.

Encourage guests to share any favorite moments or photos, and ask for feedback if you’re open to it. Then, start planning the next one while the energy is still high. Momentum is key to keeping your club going strong!