Starting a supper club doesn't have to be complicated. This checklist will walk you through the essentials so you can stop planning and start hosting.
Before You Do Anything
Decide what kind of supper club you want to host (friends and family, community, or ticketed)
Write one sentence that describes your club and what makes it yours
Choose a name — even a working one gets you started
Not sure where to start? Easy first gatherings by club type:
Friends & Family Club: A game night with a simple spread or a sip and paint evening are perfect low-pressure first events. They take the focus off the food and put it on the fun.
Community Club: A wine or cheese tasting is one of the best ways to break the ice with a new group. It gives people something to talk about and naturally sparks conversation.
Paid & Ticketed: Start with a strong theme and build everything else around it. A clear theme is what turns a dinner into an event people will pay for and talk about afterward.
Set Up Your Space
Identify where your first gathering will be held
Estimate how many guests your space can comfortably seat
Make a note of any equipment or serving pieces you still need
Plan Your First Menu
Choose a theme or cuisine for your first dinner
Build a menu you can execute confidently — this is not the time to experiment with everything
Plan what can be prepped ahead of time
Note any dietary restrictions you want to accommodate
Build Your Guest List
Decide how many people you want at your first gathering
Write down your first invites
Send a save the date at least two weeks in advance
Handle the Logistics
Set a date and time
Decide how guests will contribute (potluck, bring wine, or covered by you)
Create a simple RSVP using a free digital platform like Evite or Punchbowl — both are free and include RSVP tracking
Confirm attendance two days before
On the Day
Set your table and prep your centerpiece or table decor the night before or first thing in the morning — that way there's no last-minute panic to have the table ready
Prepare a simple welcome drink so guests have something in hand right away
Plan a small moment to open the evening — a toast, a welcome, or a single question for the table
After the Gathering
Note what worked and what you would do differently
Follow up with guests and share the next date while the energy is high
Start your second guest list
The first one is always the hardest.
After that, you'll wonder why you waited so long.
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