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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
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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
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.
Learn How: 10 Flower Arrangements to Make This Winter
Get the Fireplace Roaring
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
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
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.
Make It: Savory Vegetable Soup
Serve (Healthy) Homemade Bread
Nothing pairs better with soup than freshly-baked bread. Offer friends a healthy take on the comfort food with our sprouted wheat bread.
Make It: Sprouted Wheat Bread
Serve a (Not-So-Healthy) Dessert
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.
Make It: Chocolate Brownie Pudding
Give Thoughtful Favors
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.
Make It: Custom-Mixed Sweet Orange Tea Favors
10 Slow Cooker Recipes for Winter Gatherings
See All PhotosThrow together these easy, one-pot recipes for stress-free entertaining.
