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10 Tips to Host a Gathering in Your RV

  • Campspotter
10 Tips to Host a Gathering in Your RV

Planning and cooking for a family gathering in a small space, like an RV, may sound tricky, but with a few clever steps, you can create a cozy and memorable gathering for everyone. Whether you’re hosting an intimate Thanksgiving on wheels or celebrating a family reunion in a cozy camper, these tips will help you prep, cook, and arrange the space like a pro.

1. Clean Out the Fridge Ahead of Your Prep

empty fridge in RV, ready for hosting a gathering

Create as much room as possible for your family gathering. Clean out the fridge before you even start prepping your ingredients; you’ll need the space to store your dishes before the meal, as well as to keep leftovers afterwards, too.

2. Choose One-Pot Dishes

pasta and servingware in pot for small gathering in RV

Maximize ease and kitchen space by choosing recipes that can be made in one pot, like stews, casseroles, or pasta dishes. These meals are hearty, tasty, and, best of all, minimize the clean-up.

For dessert, try a one-pot delicacy like a cobbler or crumble that you can bake and serve directly from the dish.

3. Use Your Kitchen Gadgets

Instant Pot on display at department store

A multi-function tool like the Instant Pot or a tried-and-true crockpot are handy kitchen gadgets for RVers, as they can cook up a delicious meal while also saving space. When using additional appliances, make sure you’re using extra extension cords as necessary to avoid tripping breakers in your RV. 

4. Grill It Outside

woman grilling outside to host gathering at her RV

If the weather permits, throw your ingredients over the grill. Grilling not only frees up space inside for cooking up other dishes, but it also brings people outside to chat and relax. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving meal, a grilled turkey is also a crowd-pleaser.

Read Next: Thanksgiving Camping Recipes

5. Offer Portable Snacks

person picking up skewered appetizer off plate for RV gathering

Keep things efficient from the start by offering handheld snacks or appetizers, like sliders, mini-skewers, or veggie cups. They’re easy to grab and don’t require utensils.

6. Go Multi-Purpose With Your Counter Space

knife and avocados on cutting board over sink to save space in RV

When cooking in small spaces, especially in an RV, every inch of countertop matters. Create more surface area for yourself with the following tips:

  • Use cutting boards over the sink (or even over your stove top when you’re not cooking). A large wooden cutting board can also double as a serving platter.
  • Storage bins or coolers can either hold drinks or act as additional buffet space on counters or tables
  • Hang a few small baskets or hooks on the wall to store utensils, napkins, or cups, so your countertops stay clear for prepping and serving

7. Prep, Prep, Prep

unrecognizable young man chopping veggies in RV to host gathering

Cooking for a family gathering in a small space or RV is all about the prep work. Pre-chop all veggies, fruits, and garnish the day before, as prepping ingredients ahead will save valuable time and space on the big day.

Also consider making sauces, soups, and desserts ahead of time. Pre-cooked items can be easily reheated in a microwave or on the stove. Depending on your dish and how early you’re making it, popping it in the freezer or a cooler with plenty of ice can keep it fresh and take up less fridge space until you’re ready to use it.

Read Next: 20 Easy Camping Recipes for Your Next Trip Outdoors

8. Buy Desserts 

a slice of pumpkin pie ready to serve for RV thanksgiving

If you’re not in the mood to bake a cobbler or pie, make life a little easier by picking up a dessert from your favorite bakery. This saves time, RV clean-up, and supports local businesses.

9. Maximize Seating

friends seated outside RV on chairs for Thanksgiving gathering

Sure, you might have limited seating inside your camper, but one of the best parts of hosting a small gathering (especially in your RV) is that you can take the party outdoors!

Set up tables and lightweight, foldable chairs and entertain right outside your RV. Make it as comfortable and exciting as possible with touches like outdoor rugs (so guests can lounge right on the ground), a fire pit, and a variety of seating options. Decorations on your RV and porch area can amplify those festive vibes. 

If you still have limited seating, keep people moving with planned activities or different stations so that some people are standing while others are sitting.

10. Get Creative with Decor to Set the Mood

RV camper decorated with pumpkins and lights for Thanksgiving gathering

Decorating your RV or campsite can make all the difference in bringing in that holiday cheer. Here are a few ideas to get everyone in a festive mood: 

  • Go for mini decor: Little touches like mini pumpkins, LED candles, or small bouquets in mason jars can set the vibe without cluttering your space.
  • Use battery-operated lights: If it’s a night-time gathering, a few strings of fairy lights or battery-operated lanterns are easy to set up and create a warm ambiance.
  • Task the kids to find tablescape treasures: Send the children on a scavenger hunt to find flowers, pinecones, and other little nature trinkets to place on the tablescape.  

Read Next: How to Decorate a Campsite for the Holidays

Host a Family Gathering in Your RV

With these space-saving and time-maximizing tips, your next RV family gathering will be a hit, no matter how tiny the space. Enjoy an intimate and memorable time with your loved ones. 

Image Credit: Adobe Stock – Seventyfour, Adobe Stock – OceanProd, Adobe Stock – Aitor, Adobe Stock – JammyJean, Adobe Stock – Andrei Armiagov, Adobe Stock – Nick, Adobe Stock – MaryLynne, Adobe Stock – David Pereiras, Adobe Stock – sriba3, Adobe Stock – Seventyfour, stock_studio