Does everyone need to host?
Yes. If you sign up to attend Dinners in the Home, you are expected to host. If you would prefer to be a substitute, indicate that on the sign-up form. Substitutes are not required to host, but they are not guaranteed to be called.
How many people are in a Dinner in the Home group?
Groups typically include eight people. If you can comfortably host only six, note that on the sign-up form, and we will accommodate your request as best we can. If your home is small, consider hosting at the church or at a friend’s home.
What are my responsibilities as a host?
After you receive the Dinners in the Home email with your guest list, contact your guests by phone or email as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks before the assigned date, to confirm attendance. If guests cannot attend, you may reschedule within a few weeks of the assigned date or ask the coordinator to find substitutes. If a convenient alternate date is not available, it is best to keep the original date and invite substitutes.
Tell guests what to bring, usually an appetizer, salad, or dessert. You may also request something else, such as bread or vegetables. Confirm the date, time, and address, and share any helpful details, including the expected number of guests, dietary needs or requests, the main course, directions, and parking information.
If a guest cannot attend, contact Rita Piper to request a substitute. If no substitute is available, you may invite someone else from the church.
On the night of the dinner, the host prepares the main course and provides beverages.
What if the date does not work for me when I am bringing a dish?
Let your host know as early as possible. The host may choose to invite a substitute. If no substitute is available, you may offer to deliver your dish ahead of time.
What if I am hosting and someone cannot attend?
As the host, you may contact Rita for a substitute, invite a UU friend, or continue with a smaller group.
What about last-minute emergency cancellations?
If you need to cancel, remember that others are counting on your food contribution. If possible, prepare or purchase your item and drop it off. If you are hosting and learn at the last minute that someone cannot attend or bring food, be flexible and proceed without that dish.
What if I am vegetarian or have special dietary needs?
Please tell your host well in advance so your needs can be shared with others who are bringing food. If you included dietary needs on the sign-up sheet, they should appear on the schedule. Even so, please mention them when your host contacts you.
How are singles assigned? May I bring a guest?
If you sign up as a single, you will be assigned one seat. Please do not bring a guest.
If we sign up as a couple and my partner can’t attend, can I bring a guest?
Yes, you may bring a guest.
Should I bring my dish cooked or ready to cook?
It is best to cook your dish in advance. Ask your host whether it can be warmed when you arrive, and do not assume a microwave will be available.
May I bring an out-of-town guest?
Ask your host and wait for confirmation before inviting a guest. Extra guests may be accommodated only if space permits. Please give plenty of notice so the group can plan for additional food.
What if my group is too small?
If you are hosting and your group is too small, contact Rita to check the substitute list, or invite UU friends to round out the group. A typical Dinner in the Home includes six to eight people.
What if I am allergic to cats or dogs?
Please tell your host about any pet allergies so they can plan accordingly. You may also want to bring any medication you need to stay comfortable during the evening.
If you have any questions, contact Rita Piper.
