17 Tips For Hosting A Relaxed Lunch Party

There is a scene in Mary Tyler Moore's "The Dinner Party" episode where she hosts a gathering with only six cuts of meat, but seven guests show up, one of them uninvited. Hilarity ensues, but only because we know it's fiction and viewers aren't there to experience the discomfort such a situation would engender in real life. So don't be like Moore. Prepare some extra food, just in case Henry Winkler shows up uninvited.

Indeed, at a lunch party, everyone should feel welcome, saving unexpected guests from feeling embarrassed. Consider having frozen appetizers or pre-prepared finger foods that can be easily heated or assembled. Keep a selection of cheeses, crackers, and nuts on hand for a simple but tasty grazing option. Additionally, set a flexible seating arrangement that can be changed at the last minute. And if no extra guests do show up, encourage your attendees to indulge. 

Creating a relaxed ambiance for a lunch party involves a thoughtful blend of atmosphere, decor, and hospitality. Start by choosing a soothing color scheme, such as soft pastels or earthy tones, for tablecloths, napkins, and decorations. Opt for natural light whenever possible, as it imparts a warm and inviting feel.

Consider incorporating subtle background music with a playlist that complements the mood. Acoustic tunes or light jazz might work, as they don't call too much attention to themselves. Indeed, as Psychology Today reports, listening to jazz is fun, provides stress relief, and can even help its listeners to live longer. In fact, a study reported in PsyPost found that listening to unfamiliar music may even lead people to eat more food — an ideal situation for a lunch party. To enhance the sensory experience even further, infuse the space with pleasant scents with fresh flowers.

Shared experiences of all types help facilitate bonding. Cooking together typically involves negotiating, communicating, and seeing how people handle challenges, which is a surefire way to bring people closer. Indeed, this may be why one of Martha Stewart's rules for hosting a successful party is to encourage her guests to join her in the kitchen and get involved in the cooking process of their meal.

This bonding tactic not only adds an element of fun and engagement but also enhances the overall dining experience. It transforms the gathering into a shared culinary adventure, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Participants also feel a deeper connection to the dish when they contribute to its creation. From chopping vegetables to stirring pots, guests become active participants in the event, turning a simple meal into a memorable social occasion that goes beyond just sharing food.

If weather permits, eating outside on the patio or veranda during a lunch party can create a more relaxed setting, there's something about just being outside that seems to soothe people. Indeed, let the natural light and fresh air provide the atmosphere — nothing artificial beats them.

Additionally, outdoor dining often allows for more space and flexibility, enabling guests to move around freely and engage in conversations without feeling confined. The beauty of nature becomes an inherent part of the decor, adding a touch of tranquility and beauty to the event. Moreover, outdoor dining lends itself well to various casual cooking options, such as barbecues or picnics. The connection with nature can enhance the flavors of the food without you needing to put in any extra work. Between the sunlight, bird song, and the scents wafting over from your flower garden, all the atmospheric work has already been taken care of.

Some lunch parties are between old friends who know each other and need no introductions. Others involve a mixture of different people who have never met before. Both can be relaxing, enjoyable events. In the latter case, it's important to make sure all guests have met at least once before sitting down at the table. Meeting while standing and clutching a drink can be a lot less awkward than sitting down at a table and having to make an uncomfortable 90-degree turn to look a stranger in the face.

When introducing guests to each other at a lunch party, begin by choosing a natural moment, perhaps during appetizers or when guests first arrive. Keep contact brief, sharing just enough information to spark a potential conversation. Highlight common interests or connections between individuals to facilitate a smooth transition into conversation. Don't overdo it though, lengthy accolades can make both the recipient and interlocutor uncomfortable. 

Lastly, be mindful of body language. Ensure you aren't unintentionally excluding anyone and encourage an open circle by subtly adjusting your posture. By fostering a welcoming environment through thoughtful and personalized introductions, you set the stage for a more enjoyable and connected lunch party experience.

For an intimate and relaxed lunch party, consider keeping the number of people low to create a more meaningful experience. Limiting the number of attendees allows for more personal connections to blossom and develop, fostering a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. When planning your guest list, prioritize quality over quantity. Invite close friends, family members, or individuals who share common interests to ensure a harmonious gathering. 

This approach encourages a sense of camaraderie and makes it easier for guests to engage in conversations. Smaller guest numbers also make it more manageable for you as the host, allowing you to focus on the details and spend quality time with each guest. With a smaller group, you can offer more personalized attention, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. At the same time, beware of inviting too few guests — this may result in forced conversation, and tensions may arise if some people don't take to each other well.

Ultimately, the best way to relax guests at a lunch party is to lead by example. In other words, if the host is relaxed, the guests are more likely to do the same. One way to reduce your stress level is to select a dessert that doesn't require last-minute preparations like whipping cream, melting chocolate, or assembling a complicated pastry. 

Instead, opt for something that can be prepared well ahead of time, even the day before without compromising the flavor or texture. Cheesecakes, trifles, and tarts are excellent choices as they often benefit from some time in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and textures to set.

In addition, consider serving individual portions or pre-slice larger baked goods for easy serving during the lunch gathering. By planning and prepping your desserts in advance, you'll not only save time on the day of the event but also ensure that you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests. A well-prepared sweet course closes out the meal nicely, leaving everyone with a sweet memory of your relaxed lunch party.

Of all the things that can instantly put a damper on a relaxing afternoon, a horde of screaming children takes the cake. Not only is the loud noise irritating for all involved but it will also prompt frantic parents to jump to the rescue in futile attempts to quell the madness, just to end up throwing in the towel and deciding to go home early. All of this can be avoided by deftly distracting them so the adults can chill. 

Activities will depend on the age group involved and usually require some advanced preparation, like stopping at the store for materials. For younger children, coloring books and plenty of crayons and markers will often do the trick. Older kids might appreciate a new book to read, a series of board games, or a puzzle. Or if outdoor spaces are available, you might even be able to play hide and seek well into the late afternoon. And don't forget to keep the snacks coming — hungry children are grumpy children.

Bringing plated food out of the kitchen and serving it to your guests two-by-two is a fine way to host a lunch party, but it also smacks of sophisticated or even stuffy. For a more relaxed lunch party, it may be appropriate to dial back the formality a bit. One way to do that is to set up a buffet station and allow guests to get up and serve themselves whenever it strikes their fancy. This way, you're also not boxed into serving just one type of side or main protein that everyone may not enjoy.

Another idea that will work for smaller groups is to bring the various food plates to the table, but mostly within everyone's reach, and allow guests to dish their meals out for themselves. This also ensures they can get the exact portion amount that's ideal for them. If conversation lags, you can also always ask someone to pass the salad and get going from there.