How to Host a Soul-Warming Soup Night

Ward off the winter blues with a combo that always wins — friends + food.

With temperatures this chilly, it’s tempting to cancel all social plans and hole up inside with the TV as your only companion. Unfortunately, this way of living can leave you feeling lonely and isolated during a season when the lack of sunlight may already have you down. Chances are, some of your friends are dealing with these same feelings. Lift everyone’s spirits by hosting a night of nourishment — for souls and bellies, alike. Read on to see how to do it.

Keep It Intimate

Group Of Friends Sitting Around Table Having Dinner Party

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Group Of Friends Sitting Around Table Having Dinner Party

Photo by: monkeybusinessimages

monkeybusinessimages

This gathering is meant for connection and fellowship, so honor that idea by keeping your guest list small. A smaller crowd will likely make you and your guests feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Make It Cozy

When prepping your home for the night, think cozy rather than fancy. Get out your fuzziest blankets and pillows, and light your favorite winter-scented candles.

Display Fresh Blooms

Winter Flower Arrangements

Parrot Tulips

White and green parrot tulips are very versatile and can be used to to create formal, casual, country or high design looks. For a classic holiday touch, pair white and green parrot tulips with dusty miller. The small touch of dove grey will break up the green and white and also introduce a rich texture.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Brighten the atmosphere with a fresh flower arrangement. Friends suffering from cabin fever will appreciate the thoughtful touch. 

Get the Fireplace Roaring

Neutral Living Room With Green Armchairs, Rustic Fireplace

Tall, Rustic Fireplace in Cozy Living Room

The architect created a tall, grand space for the living room. To make the tall space feel cozy, all ceiling planes were covered with barn board and reclaimed beams. What really makes this space amazing is the massive fireplace, anchoring the room. With all those natural tones, the client didn't want the space to be all neutral, so a colorful rug became the starting point to build the palette, bringing in green chairs for fun.

Photo by: James R. Salomon Photography

James R. Salomon Photography

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, get a fire started before guests arrive. Stack firewood within easy reach to keep the fire going the remainder of the night.

Greet Guests With a Cold-Weather Cocktail

You will be surprised at how much this cold weather cocktail tastes like your favorite chocolate covered cherries. Pour a hot cup to chase away the chill.

Chocolate Covered Cherry

You will be surprised at how much this cold weather cocktail tastes like your favorite chocolate covered cherries. Pour a hot cup to chase away the chill.

The walk from the car to the front door can be a doozy on a frigid winter night. Take the chill off by immediately greeting guests with a toasty cocktail. 

Serve Warm, Hearty Soup

vegetable soup

Wholesome, hearty vegetable soup with garden-fresh ingredients

Adding white beans to this 10 vegetable soup recipe adds color, texture and a great dose of protein. Photo by www.silvermanphoto.com.

Make a big batch of soup to serve for dinner. Choose a protein-packed recipe to ensure your soup is hearty enough to satiate guests’ appetites. For example, this vegetable soup features a plentiful portion of beans for that extra punch of protein. Looking for a recipe with meat? Try our turkey pot pie soup, chicken soup or turkey white bean and kale soup.

Serve (Healthy) Homemade Bread

Sprouted grain breads are nutritious, flavorful and easy to digest.

Nothing pairs better with soup than freshly-baked bread. Offer friends a healthy take on the comfort food with our sprouted wheat bread.  

Serve a (Not-So-Healthy) Dessert

Pudding topped with vanilla ice cream

Chocolate Brownie Pudding

If it's hard to satisfy your sweet tooth, this chocolate brownie is sure to do the trick. A molten lava cake and brownie hybrid, this chocolatey treat is even more tasty topped with vanilla ice cream. Get the recipe.

By this point, you’ve nourished your guests with a hearty, healthy bread-and-soup combo, so now it’s time to offer a bit of indulgence. Choose a dessert that’s warm and comforting, like this chocolate brownie pudding — or one of our other 31 decadent chocolate desserts.

Give Thoughtful Favors

Vial of Mixed Tea

Sweet Orange Ginger Tea Party Favor

Use bulk spices to create your own custom blend of tea to give as a holiday favor.

Send guests home with a little something to lift their spirits in the days to come.

10 Slow Cooker Recipes for Winter Gatherings

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Throw together these easy, one-pot recipes for stress-free entertaining.

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Next Up

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How to Make Traditional Wassail in a Slow Cooker

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Hot White Russian With Salted Caramel Cocktail Recipe

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Chelsea Deboer’s Holiday Hot Chocolate Recipe Will Warm You Up This Winter

Get cozy this season with the Down Home Fab host's favorite hot chocolate recipe — perfect for your cozy night or holiday gathering.

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