Progressive Dinner Parties Made Simple

Cheese puffs and wild rice soup are being served at the Smith's home. Italian wine and Caesar's salad are being chilled across the street at the Lincolns' residence. Two doors down, roast beef and root vegetables simmer in a rich gravy. And who can resist walking another block to delve into a variety of creamy pies cooling inside the Timmerman's refrigerator.

Progressive dinner parties have once again become great ways to socialize just as they were in the 50s and 60s. Despite what they seem, the parties don't require a lot of work or expense. The party keeps on moving all night long as long as the participants are well prepared and informed. Anyone can try it including neighbors, newcomer groups, church clubs, relatives or just families who like each other.

Pick the group you would like to invite to join in the dinner party. Then, plan your courses depending on how many stops will be made that evening. The courses can include soups, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, main entrees, desserts (of course), wine tasting, or after-dinner ice cream drinks such as a Pink Squirrel or Brandy Alexander.

You can even step up the party a little with a theme. If you pick Mexican, make sure all the cooks choose something for their course that signifies that country. Even the decorations can represent the theme. You can also plan a progressive dinner during a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Just keep the plans and menu simple so more stress is not added to someone's already long list of things to do.

If the weather is great around your area, then plan the party for outdoors with a grilling portion of the evening. But make sure everyone has a Plan B to take the festivities inside in case Mother Nature gets a little nasty.

If you want to invite families, then make sure the food is kid-friendly, too, or give them an alternative to the fancy adult dishes.

Remember to keep the distance between houses minimal. Driving more than 10 or 15 minutes between courses could dampen the spirits of the guests. And if there is alcohol involved, designate drivers in each vehicle that will not be drinking that evening.

For beverages, the hosts at each location can offer soda, other non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea, wines and beer.

If you are one of the hosts, make sure you have your home and food ready before you go to the first location. That way, you can relax and enjoy the entire evening without fretting.