Supper clubs are making a comeback, but this time they’re BYOB and in the backyard. The format trades exclusivity for inclusion, drawing everyone from seasoned home cooks to first-time hosts looking to connect over potluck-style meals. Fueled by community spirit and an appetite for shared stories, the movement is reshaping how Americans gather through backyard conversations and dishes passed between neighbors.
These casual gatherings are redefining what it means to dine out, bringing it closer to home and making it more personal. Here’s how these relaxed gatherings are turning into something far bigger than just dinners.
Backyard gatherings are redefining supper clubs
Across the country, backyard supper clubs are emerging as low-key social hubs, becoming a fresh answer to the question, “What should we do this weekend?” Instead of booking reservations weeks in advance or navigating noisy restaurants, people are choosing to connect over casual meals at home, often bringing their own drinks, a dish to share and a willingness to engage.
These clubs blend the intimacy of dinner parties with the spontaneity of a neighborhood hangout. They encourage participation without pressure, creating space for connection without pretense. As Dr. Ara Norenzayan of the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia says, “There is more to eating than survival. Eating and drinking are a medium through which we gather, socialize and create bonds. We celebrate, commemorate, tend to one another and enact our rituals through food.”
These words reflect the deeper purpose of these gatherings. They aren’t only about food; they center on fostering belonging and human connection. Supper clubs meet emotional and social needs, creating shared experiences that linger well beyond the meal itself.
Potlucks and the rise of slow dining
The heart of these gatherings lies in shared food and unhurried time. A potluck isn’t just nostalgic; it’s become a creative outlet, where each dish sparks conversation and reflects the cook’s personality. Without the pressure of a formal theme, there’s room for spontaneity, and the surprise of what ends up on the table adds to the charm. That same openness and creativity foster a sense of comfort and inclusion, encouraging guests to linger longer and engage more deeply.
Shared meals also strengthen social bonds and improve mental well-being, reinforcing the idea that dining together nurtures more than just hunger. In fact, sharing meals is one of the strongest indicators of subjective well-being, with effects on par with income and employment.
People who regularly eat with others consistently report higher life satisfaction and more positive emotions across ages, cultures and regions. This is why backyard supper clubs resonate so strongly, as they represent a meaningful, accessible way to boost social connection and personal happiness.
However, safety is just as important as connection when it comes to shared meals. The U.S.Department of Agriculture recently published updated food safety recommendations tailored for potlucks and community-style meals. Their guidance emphasizes keeping cold dishes chilled, hot foods properly heated and being mindful of how long items sit out in warm weather. These reminders are especially relevant as more people turn to backyard gatherings where food often travels and sits outdoors before being served.
Reclaiming community through food
Over 60% of adults in the United States report feeling lonely, while the number of people living alone has surged by more than 30% over the past few decades. This social shift has created a deeper need for informal ways to connect, making backyard supper clubs more relevant than ever.
As inclusive BYOB events, these gatherings encourage neighbors to bring along friends, co-workers or even friendly acquaintances from the farmers’ market, creating an environment that’s low-pressure but high in community value. This open-door dynamic lowers social barriers and helps foster new relationships in spaces where connection feels natural rather than forced.
This emphasis on connection isn’t limited to shared meals alone; it extends to how people spend time together more broadly. Staying socially and physically active through meaningful, shared experiences helps people feel a stronger sense of purpose and contributes to longer, healthier lives.
Supper clubs, with their casual, recurring structure, offer an easy way to build this kind of engagement into everyday life. They serve as social anchors and wellness rituals, combining community-building with a positive impact on well-being.
The new way we gather
Supper clubs are no longer reserved for the exclusive or the extravagant, as they’ve evolved into something more inclusive, local and meaningful. From mismatched chairs to potluck tables, the new format proves that connection doesn’t require perfection; just participation. As more people seek out slower, more intentional ways to come together, these BYOB backyard dinners are quietly transforming how we socialize, with a lifestyle shift rooted in community, presence and shared joy.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., a unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites, and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.