Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Four Simple Rules for Having a Luncheon Club



I'm kind of busy this week. 
You see, we're having our luncheon club on Friday, 
and it's my turn to be hostess.

That means that I not only get to play with dishes for real live people...
which is fun for me, 
but I also  have to cook for said people... 
which is not.  

Need I remind you that I'm a C+ cook at best? Sir Lotsa Hair didn't marry me for my culinary skill, folks. He married me for the witty repartee. That's why  I'm busy; I'm auditioning recipes. I really like the ladies in my luncheon club and don't want to poison or nauseate them. 

And so, rather than try to dazzle you with that aforementioned repartee, I thought I would drag a portion of the original post about our luncheon club out of the echo chamber. 

Just in case you're wondering why a C+ cook 
would form a luncheon club to begin with...


You see...

Years ago, the husband and I joined three other couples to form a dinner club. It was budget friendly fun for a group of couples trying to grow families. Once a month, we met at one home while our children shared babysitters at another one. Our husbands played along as the wives planned dinners by theme and divided up the meal preparation among us. 

It was great fun. 

Then our friends moved away and life got busier.  There isn’t always time for dinner clubs in the carpooling years you know...



But here I am, perched on the edge of that empty nest and in the need of a new adventure. Fortunately, several of my friends feel the same way. We tried to get the husbands on board, but not all of them were willing. Well, of course…


So we ditched the party poopers and formed a luncheon club instead. We think that will be more fun anyway. We can be full out girly without navigating through a mine field of snickering testosterone

We’re  I'm just goofy enough to make up rules. 
They are pretty simple, but here they are:


1. Luncheons are No Capri Zones.  This means we can't default to the go-to uniform of a south Georgia  soccer mom. Requested dress is a skirt or casual dress. 


2. Please come to the front door. Back door friends might be best, but not at luncheon club.  

3. This is a luncheon and not a tour of homes. Don’t meander off the common path unless invited. This allows the hostess to focus on the luncheon and not that other stuff that women are  prone to stress over… you know what I mean…

4. Plan to stay, and have fun. 


So there you have it.  In the two years since we've been lunching together, we have had  everything from formal luncheons to garden parties. At Christmas we do a progressive nibbling from house to house.

I think the key to the success of it, though, is the lunching ladies themselves. We picked a mix of friends who aren't at all about impressing one another; we're about enjoying and encouraging one another.  

And that playing with dishes part is kind of fun too.

Obviously, I won't be sharing with the porch people this week, but I do hope to have pictures of our latest adventure by the weekend and a (hopefully) computer to post them, too.

So what about you?
 Have you ever been part of a luncheon or dinner club?
Would you like to join one?


41 comments:

Sharon said...

I am SOOOO jealous!

No, I have never been part of a luncheon or dinner club. And yes, I would like to join one...

...YOURS!!

This sounds like such a fun event. The closest I've ever come to something like this is my sister's annual tea party. It's a chance to get all dressed up and fancy. You're right, it is a treat to be girly sometimes!

My book club is fun. But we don't eat.

Maybe someday I'll have to start a luncheon club myself. However, though I might soar on the decorating part of it (I can be creative in a pinch) - I might want to alert the local ER that there are incoming patients if I decide to cook. Your C+ would be my strong D-.

Could you just set one more place for this envious invisible person? I promise no one will even know I'm there...

xo

Sharon said...

And your witty repartee is one of your best assets...

...just sayin'

:)

Ann said...

Never part of a luncheon club ... but I do remember the "fad" of progressive dinners in the late '70's. You know the kind ... cocktails at one home, appetizers at another, main meal at a 3rd and dessert at a 4th.
Was great when everyone lived on base (ie: short distances) ... not so much fun when you had just a few minutes between courses and had to drive across town.

AND the ones hosting did not provide any of the food/drink. Just a clean house.
I liked that part the best. We never hosted. : )

But, I'd LOVE to be a part of YOUR luncheon club too ... like Sharon!

Cheers!

Debbie said...

Good morning! I LOVE this idea. How I would love to join your group! We were part of what was called supper 6 YEARS ago. It was lots of fun. Our kids were young (didn't even have Mel) Everyone kind of got their own babysitters and we traded houses and met once a month. Whoever hosted got to set the rules....haha...formal, not formal, kids, no kids, theme, no theme, etc. We were part of that group for 3 years before we moved away. I loved it. Have often thought it would be fun to start up with empty nesters. You may have inspired me. Have a good time at yours!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Now that sounds awesome..and since I posted on stepping my toe across the line this week...maybe this is the next place my toe needs to step over.

I have never been a part of one, but I think it would be good at this stage in life, if I can juggle it around baseball season.

I would enjoy decorating and cooking...I do that for my family only...so thanks so much for the instructions and inspiration today.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

The thing I like the best is the group you've selected, friends who are not there to impress or be impressed. That makes the whole thing FUN! Of course now that I've sait that, I remember a traveling supper club from years ago and the group in our church was like this group, even so, when it came to MY turn... I wanted it all just right!! :) I haven't made that menu since, but it was delicous that night, and I think the table was even set pretty well, but not like yours!

Can't wait to hear what you serve and pics of the whole thing. I am up for the 'club' part, but we all seem to pick a restaurant these days and meet there. Still... I love your idea.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Nope, I've never been in a lunch or supper club, but I've always thought it would be fun! Our church started several multi-generational Hearthsiders groups in January to do the same sort of thing, but previous commitments kept us from participating. Maybe next time.

Enjoy your lunch! BTW, I think you should still join the porch people. This is definitely tablescape-related and a great idea to share! I certainly think the porch hostess would give it the stamp of approval. Think about it...

Gaby said...

Sounds like fun! Maybe when the kids are old enough to not whine to sit at the table with the adults :)

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I've never been in a lunch or supper club but have ALWAYS wanted to. Yours sounds great because I was in a Bunco group for a while that was ALL ABOUT impressing one another. I'm so over that; so much better just to be yourself.

I think rules are a good idea. Rule Number 3 is my favorite; it made me laugh out loud. Have a great time this week, and we'll hope to see pictures soon. :)

Hugs,

Denise

Amy Kinser said...

I love what you are doing with your luncheon club and I love the rules that go along with it. I think it becomes so easy to just stay at home and become a recluse of sorts. This idea pushes those of us who are a little too content with home to go out a be more sociable and do it wearing something besides sweats.

I would love to be in your luncheon club because I would bet there is a lot of laughing, which leads to gut laughing, which leads to snorting, going on with you around.

Unknown said...

Debbie -- how my FUN!! Enjoy your turn at playing hostess -- the rules sound positively perfect to me :)

Blessings!
Gail

Shug said...

What fun! and I really think the 4 rules sound very logical...Can't wait to hear all about it!

Blessings sweet friend.
Shug

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Debbie, this post just made my heart kinda sing and ache at the same time. How I would love to belong to a luncheon or dinner club. What fun! Unfortunately, The Man has never been a social butterfly and I would never, ever get him onboard for the couples thing. And as for the luncheon thing, well, I don't have many friends in this area who don't work in the daytime and would have to rush off back to work, which is not my idea of a fun afternoon. Houston is such a big, sprawled out place, and I do have a few non-working friends in the suburbs, but they're 30 miles away, so that's an issue, as well. But I can keep dreaming that one day I will be able to pull something like this off. In the meantime, have a blast, girlfriend. I'm sure your cooking will be just perfectly fine.

Crickit said...

How fun! I think that this is wonderful idea! I have never had a luncheon club but I think it is a great idea!

I may have to start one of these myself. I love your rules too. Especially, the one about enjoying each other and not trying to out-do the next person when they have the luncheon at their house. Did you say that? Here in Calif. that would need to be a rule.

Christine said...

C+ is just my style of cooking too!
But you get an A++ for your rules. Especially the last one.
Have fun!

Miss Char said...

Well I'm just green with envy over your luncheon club Debbie, GREEN GREEN GREEN. I can't wait for the pictures and report.

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Your group sounds like it would be fun. I bet you are a better cook than you profess to be. ------Shannon

The Decorative Dreamer said...

No I have not but would love it! I agree though it has to be the right mix of gals, most importantly those who are willing to commit to making it happen. I love that you have this group and couldn't help but chuckle at your rules. LOL! The no capri's rule would have elimated half the people I know. haha! I would stress over the food thing too, so the rule about not wandering around the house unless invited would be a life saver. I totally get that one! Enjoy your day and I hope all goes well!

Lynn said...

I haven't been a part of a club but it sounds great. Have fun and enjoy your company:@)

Babs said...

Oh, a luncheon club sounds like so much fun. Love your rules. When I was first married and my husband was in the Air Force, I went to the officer's wives luncheon and loved it. I really miss those days.
Hugs and keep enjoying your luncheon club.
Babs

Maryann said...

We were in a supper club years ago but like you schedules got busy and supper club was put on the back burner, never really got back to it although I think it would be fun. Enjoy your luncheon

FrouFrouBritches said...

What fun!!! I've never been involved in a supper club or luncheon club. It sounds like great fun though. I especially like the rule about the guests staying where the food is and not meandering through the rest of the house.

What are you making for lunch?

Chatty Crone said...

Wish I lived a little closer to you. So really it is a girls more formal luncheon - sounds like fun and I bet you are a great cook - I know you. sandie

Mevely317 said...

Oh, I wanna join! (Darn those airline costs!)

Personally, I never got further than those 70's progressive dinners ... and have been trying to forget ever since. LOL!

Love what you wrote about "enjoying and encouraging" one another!

Tanna said...

I'll bet there is more fun had around that table than you could shake a stick at!! LOVE your rules, Debbie, especially that last one. We have dinner groups through our church that last six months a whirl. We are several down the line now and have always had a wonderful time and have gotten to know each other much better than the "hellos" on Sunday mornings. ENJOY your luncheon; I know I'd love to be sharing that table with you. blessings ~ tanna

Barbara F. said...

I wish I could be a part of your group, Debbie. I think it sounds charming and fun. I might have a little bit of a hard time with the 'no capri zone' :) xo

Shanee said...

I have heard of dinner clubs but not luncheon clubs. What a great way to have some fun without the boys. Hope you have a wonderful time.

Denise said...

Since I'm one of the lucky luncheon club friends, I can attest to the fact that it's LOTS of fun! I look forward to it weeks ahead of time. It is a little stressful when you're the hostess but mostly because you want to make your friends happy. I also know that you're better than a C+ cook. Can't wait until Friday!!

PS You probably should have mentioned that several members are teachers which is why we can do this on a weekday during their school breaks.

Debbiedoos said...

That does sound awesome, except I only have another friend who would actually like to entertain and be a part of this club LOL. I think we will stick to bunco, however I love the idea, and your table is so pretty.

Alycia Nichols said...

You are SO funny!!! I love the idea of a luncheon club! I have 2 friends with whom I share lunch on a rotating basis at our homes. My turn is this Saturday, the day after yours. These are friends I've had since grade school, so it's not about impressing them. They DO, however, expect a beautifully set table and a lot of food. They don't care WHAT food, just so long as it's food...and LOTS of it! :-) They don't drink, so I have a glass or two of wine (yes, for breakfast!) while I'm preparing for their arrival. It's always fun and chatty and testosterone-free! :-)

Kathleen said...

No, no luncheon club. Lots of dinner parties with the same people over the last 30 years. No rules, they think I am crazy as I like to do the table up. They are minimalists.
I am sure whatever you do will be wonderful, your tables are always so well thought out!

Savannah Granny said...

Debbie, I love the idea and the rules. My garden club serves lunch once a month. A different lady hosts each month so we usually host about every two years. Boy do they need rules. Some are in their late 80s so rules don't work so good.
Our bunco group serves coffee, dessert and fruit. They are a great bunch of ladies.
No impressing with either group but a lot of truly elegant hostesses and great cooks. They are not trying to impress, they are just great.
You could be my daughter. You are about the age of my first daughter. I may have asked before but with my sometimers acting up I am not sure. Where do you live in Georgia or are you living as a foreigner?
Blessings, Ginger

Unknown said...

I would only like to join your luncheon club, please. Southern California is too casual and I love a reason to get dressed up!
Well, and the food, too.
xo
lynn

Pondside said...

I found your blog in the usual way - on someone's sidebar - Corners of My Life, I think. I couldn't resist the title of the post - what a great idea. You have the recipe for a perfect luncheon club.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a blast. Nope, 'haven't done anything like this since my Sorority days. You gals are gonna have fun!

I wanna come!!! (wish I could)
It sounds like a hoot and a half!!!

God bless ya and have a fantastic weekend sweet Debbie!!! :o)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You may not cook much but your decorations are beautiful. I do not cook either, but I clean:) Somebody has to

Rettabug said...

What beautiful tablescapes & how FUN to sit down with like-minded adult women!! Girlfriends are the BEST!

I belonged to a dinner group when I was single & I took my DH to one of the gatherings for our second date. He was impressed & thought I could cook. Little did he know, they always let me bring the rolls...store-bought ones! LOL

I would just LOVE to be able to join you & your friends & listen to your witty repartee in real life.

Hugs,
Rett

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I think that's a great idea and sounds like so much fun! If I lived closer I'd want to be a part of it too!

Anonymous said...

How I would LOVE to be part of your luncheon club. I could totally manage the dressier appearance - and I'd even cheat on m y gluten free diet to eat the innovative menus I'm sure you all take pains to serve. I fear a month's salary would have to go into upgrades on table settings - but I'd manage that. What I would NOT manage, though - is the food preparation on my end. I could look the part, but if you think you're C+ then meet me with a decided C-.

I have a handful of things I do well - then - can you spell "caterer"?

Actually - I'm hosting monthly teatimes for my partners in my new Constellation Academy venture. We meet mid-month on Wednesdays and I set out a nice casual tea for luncheon while we work.

Speaking of tea . . . something of an herbal variety has my name on it about now - hope Della feels better!

Joy!
Kathy

Decor To Adore said...

I love the idea of a luncheon club. I meet about 4 times a year with my local blogging peeps and we always have the BEST times!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Great idea, so nice that you have friends to take turns doing this. My age group doesn't want to go to a lot of trouble, and prefer to eat out for lunch :-(

I haven't been in a lunch/dinner club, but did start a teaparty group several years ago, we did it for about two years. I had a few rules too - mainly that no one wore jeans! It's amazing how many want to do that (all ages!) Hats were optional, but most wouldn't wear them. One Easter it was a hat party with hats a must. One person wore a baseball hat. Funny? She thought so.

Love those peeks at the tablescapes, were those yours? Very pretty.

Sorry to be late with replying, we have been out-of-town (babysitting a precious 5-year-old grandson in SC!!)

Katherine

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