How To Host A Soup Dinner Party That Will Impress Anyone

Beautiful casual tablescape  

Coming up with ideas for a table setting is always my favorite part. I kind of LOVE how this table turned out as it highlights rustic and organic elements.

• Use an interesting pattern to cover the table, like this Kantha Bengali quilted throw. They are a hand-sewn tradition in India, and are made from fabric remnants so you get a gorgeous combination of colors and patterns. They make terrific table covers, picnic blankets, bed throws, or sofa/chair throws. It really sets the tone for this earthy palette of colors too.
• Speaking of earthy, the place settings couldn’t be more so! Use individual sized wooden cutting boards as “plates” to hold the bread bowls of soup. Place a ceramic tile underneath, for a layered look. Grab some mini wooden plates from Crate & Barrel to hold the salad.
• The centerpiece is a vintage soup tureen I picked up at a thrift store, and makes second helpings easy to retrieve for guests. Small bowls of olives & stuffed peppers are placed on the table so they’re easy to nibble on.
• Small pots of herbs double as party favors for guests to take home. Each one has a plant stake with guest’s name written on it. The plants are a nice alternative to flowers for this particular setting, and the fragrance is intoxicating.
• Set up a welcome table so guests can grab a small shot of soup and a hot toddy cocktail as they head into the party.

Soup party menu 

To help you plan, I’ve laid out the menu and recipes for you. Of course, if you have your own favorites you can incorporate those as well.

• I wanted this dinner to have lots of seasonal flavors. Welcome guests with a tray of spiced apple hot toddies. They’re a fun way to get the party started. 
• Another fun idea is to offer butternut squash soup shots right off the bat. Serve them on the welcome table as guests enter.
• Serve one or two hearty soups since this is a seated dinner party (see recipes at bottom).

What to serve with soup at a dinner party

Items that pair well with soup are varied and will depend on the type of soup you’re serving. In general you want to add sides that compliment the soup in texture and flavor.

• Start with a small cheese board to nibble on before the main course.
• Place small bowls of finger snacks in the center of the table for guests to graze on, like olives, stuffed sweet peppers, pickles, nuts, cheese, and crackers.
• This beet & goat cheese salad is perfect for the occasion, or try this delicious green salad with oranges, fennel, & avocado. 
• Another great salad to try is this butternut squash baby kale salad. It’s wonderful for fall and winter.
• Grilled cheese tartines are like a grilled cheese sandwich with a twist.
• Serve baskets or cutting boards of crusty bread.
• These gluten free cheddar biscuits are a good choice for those who can’t eat regular bread.

Sides for a soup party

When you want side dishes that are a bit heartier, try one of these recipes.

• Try adding sauteed brussels sprouts with bacon as a side dish. Serve them in small bowls in the center of the table for guests to share. This gives the dinner a restaurant feel.
• You can forego bread or roles and serve this savory bread pudding instead. It’s cheesy and herb-y and delicious.
• Add corn spoon bread or this cheesy creamed corn casserole on the side.

How to serve soup at a dinner party

• Serve a big batch of soup in a vintage style soup tureen. Place it in the center of the table for a pretty and functional centerpiece. 
• Bread bowls make a fantastic presentation to serve soup in, and it’s edible! Put one at each place setting and fill it to the rim with soup. This is a unique detail for home entertaining.
• Remember those soup shots we welcome our guests with? Those can be served in vintage demitasse cups, shot glasses, or these cute espresso cups similar to what I used.

What dessert goes with soup

Since you’re probably hosting this party in fall or winter you’ll want a dessert that’s tailored to the season.

• One of my favorite and easiest desserts to serve with soup is pumpkin pie dump cake. I prepared them in mini baking dishes for individual servings. Serve pumpkin, and pumpkin spice all through winter, I say!
• If pumpkin isn’t what you want, try this rustic apple galette with caramel drizzle. It reflects the overall feel of this party.
• Serve something unexpected like this chocolate & cheese dessert board.
• These chocolate marshmallow nut bars are loaded with texture. A nice change after smooth and silky soups.

Soup recipes

• This curried pumpkin soup is another fantastic fall recipe that works well as welcome soup shooters. Or how about this rosemary white bean soup?
• Serve slow cooker white chicken chili as the main course. It’s hearty and filling, and is delicious in these bread bowls. Or try this smoked chicken chowder recipe.
• You can also serve a less traditional soup/chili fusion like our cheesy chili recipe or slow cooker Brunswick stew. 
• Serve turkey vegetable soup or chicken tortilla soup. These would not work as well in the bread bowls though, because the thin liquid factor.
• This chicken & wild rice soup is classic and sounds amazing.
• Try this buffalo chicken orzo soup for a spicy twist.
• Add a touch of Italian with minestrone soup.