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As I have mentioned before, I love having friends and family over for dinner. Dinner is a special time to debrief after the day and catch up with those you love. But honestly, sometimes putting together a full dinner feels nearly impossible, especially if you or a loved one has had surgery, are sick, have welcomed a new baby or maybe even are moving. Growing up, my mom was always good about bringing people meals around life events, but I never fully understood or fully appreciated this outreach until more recently. A couple of years ago, a sweet friend brought my family dinner following Charlie having surgery and I have to say, it was such a welcome dinner! Not only was the chicken pot pie delicious, but being freed from thinking about how to get dinner prepared while settling him into the house was more of a gift than I previously had ever understood. Yet again, when he went through chemo and friends and family flooded our home with meals, I was so grateful and overwhelmed at the amazing power of a meal. Ever since these experiences opened my eyes, I have tried to be sure to keep my ears open for those needing a meal. If opening your home for dinner is too stressful or life is just too crazy for a get together, bringing a meal to those with changing life circ*mstances can be a fabulous way to show hospitality on the go. That being said, these are my favorite tips that I have learned recently for bringing someone a meal and I hope they might help inspire you as well!
Tip #1: Reaching Out
When first thinking through bringing a meal to someone, it is best to reach out with the greatest flexibility possible. If possible, being open with several days available for the meal delivery can be a huge blessing to those on the receiving end, just in case their circ*mstances change. For those with health related issues, you might offer for the day of the procedure, the following day or even the day before so that they already have something in their refrigerator or freezer that they can pull out to reheat. Similarly, if you are not close with those you might be serving or if someone is going through chemotherapy, ask if they have any dietary restrictions, cravings or aversions to ensure as much as possible that they will be able to eat whatever you bring. These simple first steps are so easy, but they make a huge impact for those receiving the meal.
Tip #2: What To Serve
Once you have nailed down the time of delivery and dietary restrictions, you can think through what to serve. Frequently, pasta dishes are very easy to bring and are crowd pleasers, however mixing it up can help to provide variety if they are receiving meals from multiple people. Typically, I try to consider bringing something fresh with a good mix of vegetables to add a nutritious option especially for those who have recently had babies or are recovering from health concerns.
Similarly, even if they have not mentioned any dietary concerns, I try to steer clear of more polarizing food groups such as fish, mushrooms, peanuts, etc. I come from a family with many picky eaters, so I totally understand those that are not technically allergic, but who don’t branch out much.
A few of my favorite recipe combinations are:
Shepherd’s Pie
Even the pickiest eaters around my table have enjoyed this recipe. Filled with good nutrients with ground beef, vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes, it is entirely a meal within itself. The Magnolia Table cookbook has a great recipe which has become my staple Shepherd’s Pie dish ( I reviewed it HERE!). Add a few biscuits or rolls for a side and viola, you have dinner!
Chicken Pot Pie
Along the same vein as Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie is a great all in one comfort food that again steers clear of fish, nuts, and mushrooms. There are so many great versions out there for as simple or complicated a recipe as you want to make, so it easily can be adapted to the prep time schedule you have available.
Lasagna
I have to add at least one pasta dish to this list! But seriously, lasagna is so delicious and a great option that is easy to transport. Whether you are running low on time and only want to pop in a Stouffer’s Lasagna from the freezer (they actually are fabulous) or you are making it homemade (I normally adapt this recipe by Carls Bad Cravings and it’s amazing), this dish is sure to please. Just add some garlic bread and a quick salad with Italian dressing on the side, and your meal is complete.
Mexican Bowls
Moving from Italian food to Mexican, you must add quick Mexican bowls to your list. This recipe is great for individual personalization because you can just provide all the components and then those enjoying the meal can add what they want to their specific bowl. My go to pieces for Mexican bowls are either shredded chicken or pork, black beans, rice, tomatoes, cilantro, salsa, corn, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and avocado. If you want to get really crazy, you can add Pico de Gallo, corn salsa, grilled veggies or various cheeses, but really this is totally up to you. The great part with this meal is that it involves very little cooking (other than the meat and rice) and can easily be transported in various containers.
Tip #3: Consider The Circ*mstances
Once you have determined the meal, it is important to consider the circ*mstances. Are you bringing the meal for the loss of a loved one or a health concern? Are you celebrating a new baby or helping someone move? Thinking through what the circ*mstances are can be extremely helpful in allowing the process to go smoothly. If you are bringing a meal to someone experiencing loss or in the process of a move, they likely will have other people there with them, so try to bring enough to feed an extra person or two from their usual family number. Similarly, considering the circ*mstances can also allow you to think through if they might also need utensils or paper plates. If a family is moving, it is likely they will have packed up the bulk of their dinnerware, so bringing a few paper products can be a thoughtful gesture just in case.
Tip #4: Timing
In addition to considering the circ*mstances, think through the timing of your drop off. If it is the day of surgery, someone getting out of the hospital, having chemo, a new baby is sleeping etc, they might just want to meet you at the door or even have you drop it off on their front porch without lingering long. On the flip side, they might welcome you in and want to visit, but either way having the flexibility without the expectation to stay is probably best.
Similarly, consider the timing of your meal. Are you going to be dropping it off hot and ready to eat, are they popping it in the oven or is it easily reheatable? All of the meals above are easily reheatable which makes dropping dinner off far less intimidating for me as the food can be popped back in the oven if it needs to be rewarmed.
Tip #5: Final Touches
While this tip is not entirely necessary, it can be wonderful to add a few final touches.
Disposable Containers
The first touch that I recommend is delivering all of the components above in disposable containers. By not needing any of the pieces back, it relieves the recipients from trying to coordinate a time to return your items to you.
Instructions
Secondly, adding a note of instructions can be so helpful. If you use aluminum pans, write the item name on top, how long it should cook for, or how it should be rewarmed. Or if you are using other containers, simply adding a quick note of any instructions needed can be a great way to provide an easy experience from start to finish.
Something Sweet
Lastly, bringing a fun drink or dessert to round out the meal is always a sweet touch. Have a great lemonade you love, include it! Or if they are welcoming a new baby, feel free to include a pink or blue dessert! These touches certainly are not necessary, but I know they will be appreciated.
Tip #6: Know Thy Limits
In conclusion, I do want to mention to know thy limits. If you have a crazy schedule, are out of town or extending mobile hospitality is going to be too much, don’t worry! Even a kind note or a door dash gift card will be much appreciated by those with changing life circ*mstances. Providing hospitality through a meal for others should be a service that blesses both of your lives, but not a stressor that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Give yourself grace if now is not the time and write them a note or give a gift card instead. Any thoughtful outreach is a blessing and can be the highlight of their day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a pro at meal providing or you have never attempted one, I hope that these tips will be helpful for you the next time you are approached with an opportunity to bring someone a meal. These definitely are things that I have learned over time and some are tips I wish I had known from the beginning. Either way, do you have any additional tips you have found helpful? If so, I would love to know in the comment section below!
Happy delivering!
Chloe
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