Host Your First Progressive Dinner
Get some friends, family or neighbors and plan the dinner experience that travels to a different house for each course of the meal.
How it Works
A progressive dinner is a fun, social way to share a meal—each course takes place at a different house or location. It’s a little food adventure that lets everyone enjoy new flavors, settings, and great company along the way.
Organize 2-3 people to host with you
Choose a theme and menu
Invite 8-30 guests
Walk or drive from house to house for each course of the meal
Sample Timeline
House 1
Cocktails/Mocktails
5:00 PM
Citrus Rosemary Gin Spritz or
Cucumber Lime Cooler
–
Spiced nuts, marinated olives, and citrus crostini
House 2
Appetizers
6:00 PM
Sauvignon Blanc or Sparkling Lemonade
–
Caprese Skewers
Mini Crab Cakes
Bruschetta Trio
House 3
Main Course
7:00 PM
Chardonnay or Sparkling Water with Lemon
–
Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
House 4
Dessert & Coffee
8:00 PM
Espresso Martinis or Decaf Cappuccinos
–
Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes
Berry Parfaits with Vanilla Cream
Cheese & Fruit Board
How to Plan
Planning a Progressive Dinner takes a bit more coordination than your average dinner party, but the payoff is worth it—it’s the kind of event guests will be talking about for months. Follow our step-by-step guide to make planning simple, seamless, and fun.
Choose a Theme That Sets the Mood
Set the tone for your guests and add flair to your event with a thoughtful theme. Pick something seasonal—like a summer BBQ, fall harvest, or holiday celebration—or keep it simple with a casual dinner party. Your theme helps guests know how to dress, what kind of food to expect, and what vibe to anticipate.
Select the Right Co-Hosts
Whether you’re hosting a progressive dinner with friends, family, or neighbors, choose trusted co-hosts who share your enthusiasm for good food and great company. It’s ideal to collaborate with people whose style complements yours—but don’t forget to factor in travel time between each home when planning the route.
Create a Realistic Timeline
Once you’ve gathered your co-hosts, it’s time to plan the schedule. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 45 minutes per house with 15 minutes for travel between stops. During the event, each host should gently help guests transition to the next home to keep the evening running smoothly and prevent it from going too late.
Let Your Theme Guide the Menu
Feeling overwhelmed? Let your chosen theme inspire your menu. Remember, guests are coming for the experience—not a five-star restaurant. Keep dishes manageable, and avoid trying new recipes for the first time. Each host should provide enough food for their course, but it’s perfectly fine to invite guests to bring a side dish, beverage, or dessert contribution.
Pick the Perfect Date
Coordinate with your co-hosts to choose a few possible dates, then let guests weigh in on which works best for the group. This approach ensures maximum participation and minimizes last-minute cancellations.
Send a digital or physical invitation that includes:
- Explanation of what a Progressive Dinner is
- Link a digital spreadsheet for people to indicate the dates that they're available
- Hosts names, courses, and timeline
- Indicate Kid Friendly or Adults Only
- Ask Guests for Food Allergies
- Special Notes (e.g. Shoes Off, No Politics, Where to Park)
Prepare for a Memorable Evening
You’re about to host a fabulous progressive dinner your guests will rave about for weeks! Get organized by making a to-do list and a shopping list well in advance. The more you accomplish before the big day, the more relaxed you’ll feel as you focus on final touches, food preparation, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Celebrate and Enjoy the Experience
You’ve planned an unforgettable traveling dinner—congratulations! With two or three co-hosts, you can share the hosting responsibilities and truly enjoy yourself as a guest at the other homes. Savor each stop, connect with your guests, and take in the experience you’ve created together. Just remember to keep an eye on the timeline so the evening flows smoothly and doesn’t run too late.
Progressive Dinner Tips:
- Wear name tags for unfamiliar guests
- Stick to the timeline
- Bring unfinished food and drinks to next location
- Play background music
Progressive Dinner Planner
Get ready to save hours planning your next Progressive Dinner — our planner launches soon!