RV living is all about taking the comforts of home on the road to explore as much as one can. And just because you’re on the road and have less room to work with doesn’t mean the RV-living family or couple shouldn’t be able to throw a nice dinner party. With a few tips, an RV kitchen and eating space can be transformed into an elegant get-together.
1. Dine al fresco
If your RV isn’t suited to having multiple people dining inside, utilize the outdoors and dine al fresco! Many campsites and RV parks have outdoor picnic areas complete with BBQs, grills, and firepits, so utilize those to expand your space.
If your RV has a great outdoor setup with shade, a rug, and table, you’ve got the makings of a great dinner party atmosphere at your fingertips. Taking your RV to a special spot by a river or a view can also create a party backdrop that’ll be memorable.
2. Prep—Food and RV
When hosting a dinner party, having somewhere for everyone to sit is obviously important. Even if you’ll ultimately be dining outside, it’s nice for people inside to be able to sit, even if it’s just while they grab something to eat.
Make your RV as spacious as possible by temporarily relocating certain items, rotating swivel pilot chairs, and creating as much seating as you can. Prepping food is key too; when guests show up, space will be in high-demand and utilizing that precious space for chopping food is unnecessary.
3. Plan for easy bites and sips
The food and drinks prepared for your dinner party should be easy in all aspects: easy to prep, easy to eat, and easy to clean-up.
Yummy finger food is much easier to eat than something that requires a fork and knife, especially if you’re eating in a seat that doesn’t have a table for a plate. Simple dishes also make for less clean-up in terms of dishes used to cook and serve them. An Instant Pot can make a variety of dishes easily without much clean-up required; try these recipes if you need some inspiration.
4. The more, the merrier
Not sure your RV can handle all the space and requirements for a dinner party? Recruit some friends!
Several RVs lined up in the same area can split dinner party requirements: head to one RV for drinks and apps, another for the main course, and another for desserts! This will help lessen prep and clean-up as well and gives friends a chance to put their own spin on each part of the evening.
5. Make it festive!
With food, drinks, and seating taken care of, it’s time to really make your dinner party shine! Limited space doesn’t mean limited fun and there are plenty of options. First, pick some music that will set the mood for the party but not so loud that conversation can’t take place.
After dinner, games are a great way to end the night. For outdoors, a portable set of cornhole, Frisbee, or croquet are all great options that take up limited space in an RV. If playing inside, cards or board games are great and if space allows, charades is always a crowd-pleaser!
