Setting Goals to Gather Better in the New Year
I tend to obsess over the things that move me or inspire me. It’s usually books, and I imagine it’s torture for the folks around me. I had a phase of true obsession over the book, “Why We Sleep,” and I can still drop knowledge around the sleep patterns of birds. I am still in my “Unreasonable Hospitality” era, meaning that I will share examples of hospitality teams going above and beyond in unique and interesting ways.
Right now, the book I’m happy to share tidbits and learnings from until you politely change the subject is “The Art of Gathering.” It’s basically a guide to creating memorable gatherings that connect people to each other. To me, that’s something worth striving for if your goal for 2025 is to build deeper relationships.
I’ve hosted my share of gatherings, events, and gym takeovers throughout my lifetime with aSweatLife. And as I’ve loved the art of gathering, I’ve added my own rules for gathering to the list of must-dos from the author of “The Art of Gathering,” Priya Parker.
At a party, food is a love language
Whether your gathering is a wedding with 20 tables of 8 people, or an event at a fitness studio, making food a social experience can be a source of conversation. The social element of dining can be as simple as serving a dinner family style and directing people to serve their tablemates before themselves. It can also mean creating a DIY smoothie bowl station at an event, where food will act as the glue to keep hungry people at your event.
And food at your gatherings doesn’t need to be complicated – just delicious. A group of Ambassadors hosted friendsgiving gatherings with the help of Amylu Foods’ Chicken meatballs, which are as yummy as they are easy.
Because these antibiotic-free, protein-packed meatballs are ready-made and packed with flavor, you can spend most of your time on creating moments of connection for your guests instead of spending hours creating a from-scratch meal.
Every gathering needs a “camp counselor”
Imagine walking into the most beautiful gathering and never being introduced to a soul. I’d venture a guess that you’ve been to a networking event like that – and just like everyone else there, you probably didn’t walk up to anyone else and no one else introduced themselves to you.
Most adults would love to chat with new friends, but require a little nudge to make a move. All it takes is one person setting the expectation that it’s time to make friends.
There are three key elements to the “Camp counselor.”
First, the camp counselor has to be alright making an announcement or two. My style is not delicate – I generally will raise my voice (either by projecting or with a microphone) until I have gained the room’s attention.
Second, the “Camp Counselor” needs to give clear directions for introductions. I like to tell guests how many people to introduce themselves to and exactly what to talk about. For our gatherings, I’ll usually give people a silly prompt. The more specific, the better.
Third, the “Camp Counselor” needs to manage personalities. In Parker’s book, she shares that one way to do this is to create time restraints at gatherings and enforce them however you see fit. I would recommend the stopwatch on your phone. When no time restraints are given, the more introverted people can be run over by the extroverts.
Every gathering needs a purpose, and it’s extra nice to tie an activity to the purpose
The purpose should be a level deeper than, “to celebrate with friends.” You could say, instead, “to share gratitude with friends” or “to set and share big goals for the year ahead.” That way, the dinner or drinks you’re serving are a vehicle for that purpose.
When aSweatLife Ambassadors gathered for a Friendsgiving with meals crafted around Amylu Foods Chicken meatballs, we did the typical friendsgiving potluck, but added a few activities built around expressing gratitude. It gave us a chance to feel more connected to each other – and enhance our mental health. We know that expressing gratitude can improve sleep, mood and immunity and it’s been shown to enhance heart health.
Ready for easy meals that will inspire your guests?
Enjoy some of the Amylu Foods Chicken meatball creations aSweatLife Ambassadors concocted. What I love about these is that you can create in advance and chill to make it easy to focus on connecting with your guests. Find Amylu Foods products near you.
Savory Stuffed mushrooms from Sophia Lin Kanno
An Italian Inspired Sunday Night Family Dinner from Ashley McCullough
Combine the following ingredients: (double for a larger group)
- As many servings of Amylu Foods chicken meatballs as people you’re serving (we suggest Garlic or Italian Style)
- 1 cup cooked orzo pasta, chilled
- 1 chopped cucumber
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 1 chopped tomato
- Dress with half a squeezed lemon and extra virgin olive oil to your taste
Protein-packed Asian crunch salad inspired by Taylor Staus
Combine the following ingredients: (double for a larger group)
- As many servings of Amylu Foods chicken meatballs as people you’re serving (we suggest Teriyaki Pineapple)
- 1 package of cabbage slaw
- 1 cup chopped red cabbage
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- Any other veggie add-ins that you have handy – like green onions, carrots, or snap peas
Dress with the following after combining in a container and shaking well.
- 1/2 cup regular sesame oil – or canola oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 Tablespoons Tamari
- 1 Tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
