Vancouver Island Soup Party Blends Comfort and Connection

On a chilly November night in 2023, Susan Wetmore hosted a vibrant soup party in her Oak Bay apartment, transforming the cold into a warm gathering filled with conversation and comfort. The evening came alive as four different soups simmered on the stovetop, and guests mingled over glasses of wine and warm bowls, discussing family traditions, travel experiences, and culinary favorites.

Susan Wetmore, a professionally trained chef and hospitality consultant, views soup parties as an ideal way to connect. “It’s a great way to break the ice,” she explains, pointing to the relaxed atmosphere that allows guests to bond over hearty dishes. With her passion for cooking, Susan has reinvented herself over the years, becoming an advocate for creating communal experiences through food.

Hosting a soup party is especially appealing during the winter months. As people often feel busier and more stressed, a casual gathering centered around soup offers a comforting escape. “The wonderful thing about a soup party is that it’s economical, it’s filling, it’s got colour, it’s cozy, and it’s got something for everyone,” Wetmore adds, highlighting the versatility in both preparation and enjoyment.

Choosing Soups and Pairing Ingredients

When selecting soup recipes, Susan advises hosts to consider inviting dishes that are visually appealing. “You want a soup with colour,” she states. Her menu for the evening included a vibrant borscht inspired by the Moosewood Cookbook, a creamy Marry Me Chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes, a robust Italian super stew with kielbasa, and a flavorful Moroccan Harira with lamb, which she thoughtfully prepared with a Muslim guest in mind.

In addition to the soups, variety is crucial when it comes to accompaniments. Susan emphasizes that “bread is absolutely paramount to a soup party.” Her selection featured focaccia, baguettes, and naan, providing guests with options to complement the rich flavors of the soups. To enhance the dining experience, she also set up a toppings bar with sour cream, chopped herbs, and colorful garnishes.

Choosing beverages can elevate the meal further. Lighter soups typically pair well with crisp, high-acid wines, while richer soups call for fuller, rounder wines. Wetmore suggests that beer can be a great match for heartier dishes like goulash.

Creating an Inviting Atmosphere

Susan’s approach to hosting is casual and inviting. “It’s not a formal dinner party,” she notes. By arranging a buffet-style layout, she encourages guests to return for seconds and mingle freely. The decor featured eclectic touches such as vintage tureens and colorful soup bowls, along with a centerpiece of living herbs, which she felt celebrated the essence of the meal.

After dinner, she encourages relaxing activities to foster connection, like board games or storytelling by the fire. Planning for leftovers is also part of the experience. “Soup always tastes better the next day,” Wetmore says, highlighting how leftover soup can become a comforting late-night snack and a reminder of shared moments.

For Wetmore, these soup parties are more than just about food; they are about creating a space where people feel comfortable to connect and share their stories. “I love having leftovers because I can relive the moment,” she concludes, encapsulating the warmth and joy that such gatherings bring.

As the evening wound down, laughter and chatter filled the air, proving once again that a simple bowl of soup can be the heart of a memorable gathering.