How to Host a Holiday Party on a Budget: Make Stone Soup

Don’t skip hosting a holiday party to save money – make it a “Stone Soup” party!

The idea of Stone Soup is taken from an old story. Though there are many variations, the soup is always started with nothing but water and a stone (a nail in one version), and enhanced by contributions from others until the pot is full and the soup is delicious.

Soup is a wonderful metaphor for community. As ingredients go into the pot, each adds its own flavor, color, and texture. The finished soup is richer and more nourishing than any of the ingredients alone. What a wonderful message to reinforce!

Your Stone Soup doesn’t need to start with just a stone and hot water, but the basic process is the same. And with a little creativity, you can turn the meal into a lasting memory and affirmation of friendship.

Follow these steps to create your own Stone Soup tradition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A large stock pot (size determined by the number of guests)
• Stock for the soup - chicken, beef, vegetable, or any combination (amount determined by number of guests; consult a cookbook for suggestions)
• A small, clean, smooth stone
• A big spoon for stirring
• A ladle for serving
• Knives and cutting boards for prepping ingredients
• Salt, pepper, and spices (for fine-tuning your soup)
• Bowls and utensils
• Bread and/or crackers to share with the soup
• Snacks and beverages
• Pens/pencils and paper

1. Set your time and date – start early! Part of the fun of the evening is everyone working together to prepare the ingredients, and the soup needs time to cook.

2. Plan for activities while the soup cooks – you might want to watch a game on TV, watch a movie together, or just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Consider adding a service project to the party, like having your guests address holiday cards for soldiers or hospitalized children (acquire a list ahead of time).
   Plan for light munchies but not too much; your guests will enjoy their soup more if they’re hungry!

3. Determine your soup base – as host, you provide the base for the soup. Use your favorite stock – chicken, beef, vegetable, or any combination.
   Purchase a smooth decorating stone from a craft store, wash thoroughly and place it in the pot with the soup.
   Tip: When the soup is served, whoever gets the stone hosts next year’s Stone Soup event!

4. 
    
   Sample Invitation

   Invite and instruct your guests – tell your guests what you’re doing and what is expected of them. You want them to bring ingredients to make your soup base into soup. They’ll need a little guidance, but don’t tell them exactly what to bring. Their individual choices are part of the magic of Stone Soup.

5. Before your guests arrive:
   Set up your prep area(s); try to make room for at least two or three to work simultaneously. They’ll have fun chopping and dicing together!
   Set out snacks and beverages.
   Assemble materials for any planned activity – address lists and pens for addressing holiday cards, coaster for drinks in the TV room, etc.
   Put your soup base on to heat – don’t forget the stone.
   Tip: Don’t fill the pot more than one-third full of stock until you see how much the added ingredients will raise the liquid level; add extra stock as needed.

6. At the party:
   Enjoy your guests and the joy of shared work and resources, and relax…the soup will be wonderful.
   Make the connection – this is the most important part! There are several ways of making the connection between Stone Soup and “community soup.” Here are some suggestions, but don’t limit yourself. Your authentic voice will make the story powerful.
   While the soup is cooking, give guests paper and have them write one trait they appreciate about every other guest, including hosts. During dinner, read them aloud. Remind your guests that community is like soup – all the ingredients work together to make a nourishing, sustaining mix.
   During dinner, propose a toast to the steaming, hearty soup you’ve created together and to the love, energy, and talents they bring to your “community soup.”
   Give guests small thank you cards as they leave, explaining the concept of “community soup” and expressing your thanks for their friendship.
   Be creative – come up with your own unique connections!