It’s hunting season, and entertaining for a crowd offers a unique opportunity to gather friends, family, and fellow hunting enthusiasts for a memorable celebration. Whether you’re planning a post-hunt feast, a cozy get-together in a hunting lodge, or a themed party to kick off the season, hosting a gathering during hunting season requires thoughtful planning and attention to detail.
At our house, we plan for a full week of hunting, with family traveling from as far as eight hours away. Needless to say, we take care of everything—meals, accommodations, and all the little details. It’s always an entertaining experience, full of laughter, stories, and memories. And honestly, entertaining a crowd is so much fun—I wouldn’t change a thing!
My role? Cooking, cleaning, and of course, soaking up all the entertainment! From crafting a mouthwatering menu of delicious dishes to creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere, I’m all in. This article marks the perfect kickoff for an unforgettable week ahead.
My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive guide, sharing everything I cook and do throughout the week each day. Whether you’re planning a hunting week or hosting a seasonal event, this guide will help you impress your guests and leave them eagerly anticipating your next gathering.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The Hunt: Entertaining for a Crowd with 4 Essential Tips to Impress Your Guests!
1. Planning a Hunting Season Gathering
Setting the Date and Inviting Guests
When picking a date for your hunting season gathering, make sure it doesn’t clash with any major events going on. Send out your invites or if it’s a regular thing every year like for us, simply be ready!
Choosing the Right Venue for Your Event
When entertaining for a crowd during hunting season you need to choose a venue that allows you to embrace your inner mountain man or woman. Whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or your home, make sure you have enough space for all your hunting buddies.
Organizing Supplies and Essentials
Don’t forget the essentials—perhaps a cold beer or a glass of wine for yourself, and leftover Halloween chocolates are always a hit at our house!
But honestly, when you’re entertaining for a crowd—you’re going to need all the essentials. Stock up on toilet paper, extra shampoo, floss and spare toothbrushes, just in case someone forgets something (because it happens!). I like to take a walk down the health and personal hygiene isle at the store and simply pick up extra of everything.
Having a first aid kit on hand is also a smart move, especially since little accidents can pop up when you least expect them.
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2. Menu Ideas for a Hunting Season Party
Recipes and Cooking Tips
Serve up some wild game dishes that make even the pickiest eater put down their fork and reach for seconds if you get something!
When I’m entertaining for a crowd for an entire week, I love switching things up every day. Follow along this week to see my full meal plan and get inspired for your own gatherings! There’s nothing better than having a solid plan in place, knowing each recipe will turn out perfectly, and watching your guests enjoy every bite.
Appetizers and Snacks for Hunters
Keep your fellow hunters fueled with hearty appetizers, snacks and desserts that are easy to grab and munch on between hunting stories.
At our house, the big, tough hunters head out for the early morning hunt, come back for lunch, and then return to the woods until nightfall. To keep them fueled, I make sure to provide a hearty lunch, a satisfying supper, plenty of desserts, and a variety of snacks every day.
I like to pick up a variety of snacks for the week. Here are a few we love…
Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, Chocolate Almonds, Canadian Gourmet Chips from our Dollarama in town, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels, and Leftover Chocolate from Halloween.
Beverage Ideas
Make sure to stock up on a variety of cold drinks and warm beverages. Coffee and hot chocolate are essentials, along with a mix of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. I usually stick to classic cold drinks like ginger ale, Pepsi, and beer. And of course, I always keep a bottle of wine on hand—perfect for sipping while I cook!
Breakfast
I don’t often provide anything fancy for breakfast… I need my sleep too! But if I know what the guys like, I’ll pick up a few things from the grocery store—like Strawberry Mini Wheats, Vector Cereal, and Coffee.
The Strawberry Mini Wheats I pick up from Walmart. I always Buy 2 for $8 to save, otherwise it’s $5.97. I pick up the big box of Vector Cereal from Costco on sale. But it’s normally $12.49. And the Organic Coffee I also pick up from Costco or Amazon when Costco is sold out.
BREAD OPTIONS:
D’Italiano Bread is my #1 go-to bread for hosting…
If you’re hosting and don’t want to worry about bread going bad, grab some D’Italiano Bread. I’m not sure what’s in it to make it last forever, and it’s probably not the most healthiest option, but if you want to avoid buying fresh bread all the time, it’s a solid pick. Plus, this brand freezes THE BEST out of all the brands I’ve tried. When you thaw it, it comes out just as fresh as the day you bought it! I can only buy it at Giant Tiger and Loblaw Stores.
PEANUT BUTTER OPTIONS:
Kraft Smooth, ONLY Peanuts, or the Kirkland Brand.
HONEY OPTIONS:
Billy Bee Honey or Creamed Organic Honey.
GRANOLA & YOGURT:
Granola Honey & Almonds, Harvest Crunch Dark Chocolate-Cranberry & Almond Granola, and Liberte Greek Yogurt.
Don’t miss this weeks meal plan and entertainment!
3. Decor and Ambiance for a Hunting Season Event
Creating a Rustic and Cozy Atmosphere
Set the mood with warm lighting, plaid blankets, and a crackling fire – bonus points if you can find a way to incorporate the smell of pine trees into the mix. I’m sure there’s a good amazon candle you could find. Your guests should feel like they’ve stepped into a hunting lodge, not your grandma’s living room.
Incorporating Hunting Themed Decorations
From antler chandeliers to camo tablecloths, embrace the hunting theme with decorations that would make even a deer stop and take notice. Just remember, less is often more – you want to create ambiance, not a full-blown taxidermy museum.
Table Settings and Centerpiece Ideas
Keep it simple yet elegant with rustic table settings that highlight the bounty of the season. Mason jars filled with wildflowers, antler candle holders, or even a miniature crossbow as a centerpiece can add a touch of whimsy to your gathering.
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Make a stunning first impression this season!
4. Activities and Entertainment for Hunting Enthusiasts
Hunting Stories and Sharing Experiences
Encourage your guests to swap their best hunting stories – whether they involve epic catches, near misses, or the one that got away. Remember, the more embellished the tale, the better.
Hunting Gear Envy
I love how the guys show off your latest hunting gear like it’s their jewelry. Whether it’s a new scope, camouflage jacket, or the Swiss army knife that does everything but cook your dinner, let your guests admire (and maybe envy) each other’s collections.
Consider small gestures like providing a few different broadheads for one of your buddies bows to try, or like this year, my husband bought heated rechargeable socks from Amazon. They turned out to be an amazing find! Here is the link to the HEATED RECHARGEABLE SOCKS. Just be careful not to let the battery packs fall out of the socks while walking in the bush.
Remember, it’s the little things that make a big difference in showing appreciation for your guests’ presence and camaraderie.
Entertaining for a crowd during hunting season is a wonderful way to bond over shared passions and create lasting memories with loved ones. By incorporating delicious food, thoughtful decor, engaging activities, and careful planning, you can ensure that your hunting season gathering is a resounding success. Whether you are a seasoned host or hosting your first hunting season event, the key is to enjoy the process and embrace the camaraderie that comes with celebrating this fun tradition.
Here’s to many more enjoyable hunting season gatherings in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions…
1. Can I host a hunting season gathering even if I’m not a hunter myself?
Oh my goodness, yes! I’m not a hunter—I can barely handle the sight of a deer hanging in our garage without feeling faint or queasy. But for me, it’s not about the hunt itself. It’s about the stories, the people, and the food. It’s about creating memories and enjoying quality time together. While I don’t hunt, I take pride in providing a cozy home, delicious meals, and a warm atmosphere. And let me tell you, the guys are always so appreciative of the chance to unwind and enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.
2. How far in advance should I start planning for a hunting season celebration?
It really depends on how much you plan to provide—is it just a one-day event, or are you hosting for an entire week? Personally, I start planning months in advance, at least two. Between that and running a business, my schedule is packed during this time of year, so I prep as much as I can ahead of time.
In September, I begin making and freezing homemade pie shells. By October, I’m stocking the freezer with easy meals like homemade chili or soups that just need a few finishing touches for a quick lunch. I like to watch for sales on food items as well. I also do a full spring cleaning in October—I’m a bit obsessive about having a spotless home when hosting, but that’s entirely up to you.
If your guests need to take time off work, it’s a good idea to send out invites early or at least get a sense of everyone’s availability. A simple Facebook Messenger group or group text works perfectly for this.
I hope this helps!
Thank You Credits: Cover photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.
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