Best Tips for Hosting A Soup Swap Party (2024)

Are you looking to warm up your winter gatherings with something unique and delicious? How about hosting a Soup Swap Party?

This cozy and enjoyable event is perfect for beating the cold, connecting with friends, and, of course, sharing some hearty soups.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of organizing a successful soup exchange gathering, all while keeping it simple and delightful.

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Why Host a Soup Swap Party?

Before we dive into the details of planning and hosting, let’s talk about the “why” behind a soup swap party. There are plenty of good reasons to consider:

Warmth and Comfort

Winter can be chilly and dreary, and nothing beats the cold like a steaming bowl of soup. A soup swap party brings that comforting warmth to your get-togethers.

Connection

It’s an excellent opportunity to gather friends and family for some quality time. Sharing a meal has a unique way of bringing people together.

Variety

A soup exchange allows you to taste a wide variety of soups in one sitting, from classic favorites to exotic flavors. It’s a real treat for your taste buds.

Convenience

Everyone goes home with servings of each soup for later. This is great for busy people or people who don’t enjoy cooking.

Tips for Hosting a Soup Swap Party

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of hosting your own soup swap party. Follow these tips for a seamless and enjoyable event:

Invitations

Send out invitations well in advance, either digitally or on paper. Mention the date, time, and location, and ask each guest to prepare a soup to bring to the party.

Be sure to invite enough people to ensure you have a variety of soups to try and for guests to take home. However, remember each person has to make enough to go around so don’t invite too many.

5- 10 is a good number. Make sure the invites include any guests’ allergies or dietary restrictions.

Soup Guidelines

Encourage creativity but establish some ground rules for the soups. For example, make sure they know how many guests will be attending. This ensures everyone goes home with a hearty supply.

Making a double batch of their usual soup yields enough to bring a few containers for swapping, one for taste testing, and a bit to keep for themselves.

It’s entirely up to them whether they choose to bring their soup freshly made or frozen. However, bringing it already frozen does make travel much easier.

Also keep in mind, that not all soups freeze well, read this for soup-freezing advice.

To ensure a smooth exchange, remind them to divide their soups into quart-sized, reusable containers.

These containers should be labeled with the soup name, date, and any dietary information, like vegetarian, dairy-free, or vegan, if applicable, including possible allergens.

Ask folks to bring their soups and stews in slow cookers to ensure they stay warm for taste testing.

Setting the Date

Hosting your Soup Swap Party in January can be especially meaningful as it coincides with National Soup Swap Day. It’s a fun tie-in, but you can host this event any time during the winter.

Tasting Station

Be sure to have a power strip or two to set up the slow cookers. Have ready-made place cards with the names of the soup or stew and the chef, as well as any important information such as potential allergens and dietary information.

Paper table runners to match your theme could be used and then written on with Sharpies to label items. You could use black and make them like chalkboards or tan for a more rustic look.

Make it easy for your guests to sample the soups with small tasting cups and spoons. Disposable options work well to minimize cleanup.

What to Serve at Your Soup Swap Party

While the star of the show is undoubtedly the soup, it’s always nice to have some accompaniments and beverages to complement the meal. Here’s a quick list:

Fresh bread or rolls

Warm crusty bread or rolls and crackers are also a must for sopping up those delicious soups.

Add a griddle or panini press and make it into a sandwich station. Include items like lettuce, avocado, ham, cheese, tomato, and condiments.

Toppings

Don’t forget the extras! Provide a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, croutons, and fresh herbs.

Salad

A light salad can balance the richness of the soups.

Beverages

Hot cider, wine, and sparkling water are great choices.

45 Best Party Juice Recipes Perfect For Your Next Bash

Dessert

Keep it simple with cookies or a fruit platter for a sweet ending.

For more ideas of what to make for your soup swap, check out some of ourfavorite soup recipes.

Leftovers

Since each guest brings multiple quarts of soup, you’re likely to have leftovers. Encourage everyone to bring containers to take home portions of their favorite soups. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Have plenty of extra freezer labels, markers, and disposable containers. Provide foil-lined boxes to ensure everyone gets their new stockpile of soups home safely.

More Soup Swap Party Ideas

Soup-er Chef Contest

Consider having a friendly soup competition. Set up a voting station with categories like “Best Flavor,” “Most Creative,” and “Spiciest Soup,” or even just 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. Provide small prizes for the winners.

Entertainment

Plan some fun activities to keep your guests engaged, such as a soup-themed trivia quiz, a cozy fire, or even a hot cocoa station for non-soup lovers.

Final Thoughts on Hosting A Soup Swap Party

Hosting a soup swap party is a wonderful way to gather your loved ones during the winter season.

With the right planning and a variety of delicious soups, your guests will leave with full bellies and warm hearts.

So, why not embrace this heartwarming tradition and host your very own soup swap party soon? Enjoy the winter warmth, the company of friends, and, of course, the delightful soups!

If you’d like to do a meal exchange that isn’t limited to soups, check out these dinners perfect for sharing.