Dinner Groups

What are Dinner Groups?

Dinner Groups is a term used to describe a large number of adult members and friends of UUCG who get together four times a year to get to know each other better and to enjoy good fellowship and good food. Both couples and singles participate in Dinner Groups. There are no meetings, just dinner parties. Although dinner groups are intended for adult members and friends of UUCG, some hosts elect to include children. This is definitely not required or expected, and is at the complete discretion of the hosts.

How many people attend a Dinner Group party?

Dinner groups are small in-home gatherings for 8-10 people. On a dinner group evening, multiple dinner parties are happening concurrently. The targeted number is 8 people per party, counting the hosts, but sometimes, in order to balance the numbers, this varies. For example, if 32 people sign up for dinner groups, there will be four parties with 8 people at each one. If 34 people sign up, there will still be four parties - three with 8 people and one with 10 people. If 30 people sign up, there will be four parties. Three of them will have 8 people, and one will have just 6. You get the idea (smile)!

Will I see the same people at every party?

Guests and hosts do not stay together for the whole year. The guests are mixed and matched so that new participants get to meet as many different people as possible. Everyone in dinner groups is responsible for hosting one party during the year, and they get to be a guest at three parties.

How much work is involved in hosting a Dinner Group party?

When you are the host you are responsible for the entree and beverages (most hosts provide soft drinks, water, wine, and coffee). You assign appetizers, salad, and dessert to your guests. Some hosts will occasionally change this slightly and ask a guest to bring vegetables, bread, etc. There is some flexibility to it. Most of the parties are sit down dinners, but that isn't required - one host decided to hold a picnic and that was a lot of fun!

Can I attend a party before I have to host one?

New participants are always invited to attend a party before they are asked to host one. However, when you sign up for dinner groups, it is a commitment for the four party season and you are expected to host a party - just not the first one!

What happens if I'm hosting a party and one or more of my guests cancels?

You are welcome to invite any other guests that you choose, but are encouraged to consider dinner group alternates (if any have signed up) or new members.

What happens if I am scheduled to host a Dinner Group party and run into a conflict with the date?

When you join dinner groups you make a commitment to hosting a party! So, don't cancel your party - reschedule it! Pick a different date, preferably within a few weeks of the original date, and coordinate the rescheduling with your guests.