The Dinner Club RI: Tips for Hosting a Party

Dinner party locations adapt with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy al fresco meals in the warmer months. Photos courtesy of the Dinner Cub RI

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it has an outsized sense of community. From its charming small businesses to its welcoming neighborhoods, it’s a place where connections run deep, and friendly faces are never far away. 

Julia and Irvin, though not born here, embody that spirit perfectly. Through their thoughtfully curated dinner parties, they’ve built a community that reflects Rhode Island’s warmth and close-knit charm.

Julia and Irvin met at summer camp. A true rom-com love story!! Photos courtesy of the Dinner Cub RI

The pair, both from outside of Rhode Island, met during a summer as camp counselors. The rest is history. After starting their life together and getting married, they relocated to Rhode Island for work. Looking to meet new friends and form a community in Rhode Island, they started Dinner Club Rhode Island. 

Building a Community Around Dinner Parties

Since then they’ve hosted numerous parties, each with a different theme. Guests are welcomed by a fully curated menu, fun decorative flare, and ice-breaking activities. The small gatherings are a fun and welcome way to meet new friendly faces and reunite with others. 

“There’s always someone who’s been here before and someone totally new,” Irvin says. “It’s all about creating a space where people feel comfortable showing up and meeting others.”

With a mix of intention and creativity, Julia and Irvin have turned hosting into an art form. Along the way, they’ve picked up some valuable tips for anyone looking to host their own party.

Prep the Space Early

All decked out for the night! Photos courtesy of the Dinner Cub RI

“Set up the table ahead of time,” Julia advises. For her, this isn’t just about practicality—it’s about creating a welcoming environment that immediately puts guests at ease. She carefully chooses a mix of thrifted dishes, sentimental keepsakes, and quirky finds that reflect their personalities. “It doesn’t have to match perfectly,” Julia adds. “In fact, a little mix-and-match makes it feel more personal and approachable.” She also likes to add small, thoughtful touches like folded napkins, candles, or a vase of fresh flowers to elevate the ambiance. Putting in this effort early allows you to focus on greeting their guests when they arrive, rather than scrambling with last-minute tasks.

Make Cooking Manageable

Photos courtesy of the Dinner Cub RI

Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. Julia and Irvin have learned that planning ahead is key to pulling off a smooth evening. They chop veggies, marinate meats, and even pre-cook parts of the meal whenever possible. “It’s all about setting yourself up for success,” Julia says. Their philosophy is simple: focus on dishes you enjoy making.

Create the Right Atmosphere

Good food is important, but it’s the atmosphere that truly makes a dinner party memorable. Julia and Irvin are intentional about setting the mood, from the moment guests walk in the door. “Low lighting and a great playlist can transform the entire experience,” Irvin says. Warm lighting from candles, string lights, or dimmed lamps adds to the cozy ambiance. “The goal is for everyone to feel like they’re stepping into a space where they can unwind and be themselves,” Julia explains. Even small touches, like having a spot for coats or offering guests a drink as they arrive, go a long way in making the evening feel special.

Did we mention puppies? This summer they hosted a series of puppy play dates to socialize their golden retriever pups.

Why It Works

At the heart of Julia and Irvin’s gatherings is the idea of connection. It’s not about impressing guests with elaborate dishes or flawless decor. Instead, it’s about creating a relaxed space where people can share stories, laugh, and leave feeling more connected.

“Rhode Island is so small, but there’s always someone new to meet,” Julia says. Whether guests have lived here all their lives or just moved, their dinner parties offer a chance to find common ground over a meal.

Their advice for aspiring hosts? Start small and go for it. You don’t need fancy equipment or professional cooking skills—just a bit of creativity and a willingness to bring people together.

By turning strangers into friends, Julia and Irvin have shown that the simple act of sharing a meal can create a sense of belonging that feels both natural and lasting. In a state defined by community, they’ve carved out a space where everyone feels at home—one dinner party at a time.