MMM…GOOD SOUP: 1 Look, 3 Event Ideas
1 LOOK, 3 events
(1) GO ALL OUT: Soup Tasting Bar
(2) GRAB & GO: Soup To-go Bar
(3) GO VIRTUAL: Soup Spotlight: “Guess the Restaurant”
Did you know that January is National Soup Month? As the winter chill deepens, there’s no better way to warm up than with a bowl of your favorite soup—be it the classic chicken noodle, zesty tomato basil, or creamy broccoli cheddar—or perhaps something a bit more adventurous. This January, invite your residents to join in the celebrations with a series of soup-centric events. Whether it’s indulging in an all-out soup-tasting extravaganza, grabbing a quick and comforting bowl on the go, or participating in our engaging virtual soup spotlight, we have just the right flavor for everyone!
Event #1 GO ALL OUT: SOUP TASTING extravaganza
Host a sumptuous Soup Tasting Bar showcasing a diverse range of soups and create a memorable experience for residents. From traditional favorites to a bit out there creations, offer an experience that will warm their stomachs and their hearts this winter season.
Have a variety of soups - think rich chili, creamy bisque, hearty minestrone, and aromatic pho. Use small serving cups to allow residents to sample multiple types without overwhelming them. Ensure each soup is well-labeled and consider dietary preferences and allergens.
Offer a selection of toppings that complement the soups. Include options like croutons, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a range of hot sauces. Organizing the toppings creatively can enhance the visual appeal and interaction at the event.
Provide a selection of breads such as crusty bread, garlic knots, and soft rolls. Ensure there’s enough variety to suit different tastes and soups. Consider setting up this station near the soups to facilitate easy pairing.
Event Inspiration
EVENT #2 GRAB & GO: Soup to-go bar
If a sit-down event doesn’t warm your schedule, don't worry; that’s where our Soup To-Go Bar comes into play. It’s a practical solution for busy residents who want to enjoy a warm meal without the wait. This event is easy to set up and manage, offering a quick and satisfying option for your community.
Choose 2-3 popular soup options, such as chicken noodle, vegetarian chili, and creamy tomato. Keep these soups warm in crockpots and clearly label each option. Consider offering both hearty and light choices to cater to different dietary preferences.
Provide sturdy takeout containers with lids, along with disposable sleeves for easy carrying. Set up this station efficiently so residents can quickly select their soup, grab a container, and go.
Offer pre-packaged toppings like shredded cheese, croutons, and dried herbs. Include a small selection of bread or rolls in paper bags for convenience. This allows residents to customize their soup without slowing down their departure.
Consider setting up in the leasing office, community room, or even a covered outdoor area during lunch hours or as a dinner pick-up option. Feel free to make it as personalized as you can, for example, with a branded recipe card, a community newsletter with the soup containers, or a small thank-you note to reinforce community appreciation.
Event Inspiration
EVENT #3 GO VIRTUAL: soup spotlight: “guess the restaurant”
If organizing a physical event doesn't fit your schedule, our virtual "Soup Spotlight: Guess the Restaurant" offers a fun and interactive alternative. This event can engage residents without requiring them to attend in person, perfect for busy schedules or those who prefer to participate from the comfort of their own homes.
Collaborate with 3-5 local restaurants to feature their signature soups. Ask them to provide high-quality photos and interesting facts about their dishes, which you can use for your social media posts. This not only supports local businesses but also adds an authentic local flavor to the event.
Schedule daily posts on platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook to showcase each featured soup. Include the soup's photo, a brief description, and the fun fact provided by the restaurant. Engage residents by adding interactive elements such as polls or comments to guess the restaurant's name.
The next day, reveal the correct answer and give a shoutout to the restaurant on your social media. Consider offering small incentives like gift cards to the guessed restaurants, which can be awarded randomly to participants who guessed correctly. This not only encourages participation but also fosters community spirit and supports local businesses.
Since this event is hosted online, it requires less physical setup and can be managed remotely, making it an efficient option that still offers significant resident engagement. Plus, featuring local restaurants helps build relationships within the community and offers them valuable exposure. And most importantly, residents can join in the fun whenever and wherever it suits them, making it an inclusive and accessible way to connect with the community.