What are Open Tables all about?

Open Tables are opportunities for all of us to share a meal with others from TBC so we can practice hospitality together and have more time to get to know one another.

Through a little bit of structure to this simple idea, we aim for everyone to feel they are part of a shared experience, for hosts to have a lighter load, and for us all to connect with folks outside our usual circle.

Our hope is that we can do this multiple times a year starting with recruiting Hosts each cycle and then offering seats for Guests to fill. Once sign-ups are completed, meals can happen at an agreed time in the weeks to follow.

What does a host do?

  • arranges a time, date and location with the guests
  • communicates numbers and any dietary needs for the group
  • prepares a simple main course (guests will also contribute)
  • might suggest 1-2 guests for their table but should leave spaces for open sign-ups

How do I sign up to host?

On sign-up Sundays, please complete a form and pop it in the white box at the main entrance to the church. Alternatively, you can sign up online here:

No, please wait for guests to put their name down for a seat a few weeks later. However, if you’ve been getting to know someone new and you’d really like them to join you, please let the team know when they follow-up with you after your Host Form is submitted. We encourage you to leave at least 1 or 2 seats available for open sign-ups.

Sign-up sheets will be available at church after the hosts have been set. Helpers will be at the sign-up spot if you need any help finding a seat at one of the tables – they will have insight on accessibility, locations and more. When you sign-up you will see what type of thing you can bring along, for example, you might sign up to join ‘Sally and Joe’ and bring a dessert.

Once your table is full the planning team will provide your guest list to you. Then we ask that you organise and have your meal together one-time over the following 8 weeks. If your group wants to do it again in that time, go for it!

Yes, feel free to adapt any of these menus to suit your group. For example, if you have a vegetarian joining you, you could adapt a curry menu to a veggie curry and let the others know to bring vegetarian sides. Or if the menu suggests brownies and one of your guests makes a wonderful Victorian sponge, by all means skip the brownies! You get the idea.

We do encourage the Hosts or whoever is bringing the mains to make it somewhat complete (chilli AND rice) just in case something comes up and guests cancel or forget and you will still have a complete meal. And that’s part of the joy of embracing a little bit of chaos in coming to the table together!

Sample Menus

Chilli and Rice
Tossed salad
Corn Chips
Salsa
Cake or biscuits
Bottle of juice

Curry and Rice
Poppadoms
Naan Bread
Cucumbers & tomatoes
Yogurt or dips
Fruit sorbet
Bottled drink

Spaghetti Bolognese
Garlic Bread
Tossed salad or crudites
Brownies
Bottled drink

Chicken casserole and pasta
Steamed broccoli or asparagus
Veggie sticks and dip
Dinner rolls
Cake
Bottled drink

Bangers and mash
Peas or mixed veg
Onion gravy
Sponge cake
Bottled drink

Fajita tray bake and tortillas
Guacamole or Mexican dips
Corn chips
Grated cheese and salsa
Ice cream
Bottled drink

Lamb or Chickpea Tagine and Couscous
Honey-glazed carrots
Roasted cauliflower
Pita bread
Fruit salad
Bottled drink

Beef Stew or Vegetable Soup
Crusty rolls
Cheese plate
Fruit bowl
Biscuits
Bottled drink

Finger Sandwiches
Crisps
Scotch eggs or cocktail sausages
Donuts
Bottled drink

No, you can sign up to host each time Open Tables season begins or you can rest or join another table as a guest for a season.

Please reach out to the planning team who can help you find answers. Jemma Wraight, Emily Meeten, Becky Kremer or Margie Matthews can help.