From the moment I read about hosting a recipe swap party in a women's magazine, I knew I had to try it. Moms work hard both within and outside of the home. A chance to spend a casual evening with friends enjoying foods your husband and kids turn their noses up at sounded absolutely too enticing to miss.

The premise for the party is simple. Invite about twenty women over (at least a dozen will probably make it) and have them bring a dish they either love or have been wanting to try, but just not on their families. Each person should bring at least a dozen copies of the recipe with them, or email them to the host in advance for her to print. Once everyone arrives, start eating! If you like something you try, grab the recipe. If not, no hard feelings. I even had one gracious guest do a demonstration on the proper way to prepare sushi!

When I compiled my list, I tried to invite women from many facets of my life. There were a few women from work, church, my neighbors, and moms that sit week after week with me at my kids' sporting events. Most of the women only knew one or two others, but that didn't hamper conversation. Women are net workers and soon found others moms with information they needed, as in where to sign up for recreational football. A few of the women were single, some had no children or were expecting, and the ages ranged from the twenties to the nearly retired. The amalgamation made for more fun when we did the one conversation starter I had planned.

I had typed a list of about 25 questions and had them folded in strips in a basket. If the question had to be answered by a wife or mother, I had that indicated on the back of the strip so the woman could reselect. Here are the questions, but feel free to create your own.

What was the best family vacation you ever had?
What was the worst family vacation you ever had?
What was your best birthday ever?
The most beautiful place on earth is…
Worst restaurant experience.
Best customer service experience.
Worst date in high school.
Most spontaneous thing you've ever done.
Biggest pet peeve about your husband.
Best surprise ever from your husband.
Best thing about having child(ren).
The biggest surprise about having child(ren).
Name and type of all the pets you have had.
Describe the worst haircut/style you ever had.
If you could go back to high school with the knowledge and confidence you had now, what would you do differently?
Who is the person, besides family members, that you have known the longest and still communicate with on a regular basis?
Worst food you have ever eaten and why did you try it?
Best food you have ever eaten.
The hardest thing about being a mother is…
Where is one place you have always wanted to go but haven't gotten there yet?
If you could do anything at all and be guaranteed success, what would you do?
Best part about leaving the kids with dad tonight.
The best gift I've ever received.
An embarrassing moment from high school or middle school I would be willing to share is.
The first car I ever owned was a…But the dream car I would love to have is a…
What actor(s) makes you willing to part with precious money and pay to see him on the big screen at the movies?
What posters hung on your bedroom wall as a teenager?
Describe your worst learning to drive experience.

All in all, everyone reported the evening was a success. One mom left smiling and bragging that she was ready to attend summer cookouts armed with her new collection of recipes. As for me, I am on my way to the grocery store to buy staples for making sushi!

 

Tammy Hanna is a Stafford mother of two and educator.