Dinner with our Ancestors: History of Hosting Dinner Parties and the Recipes They Used

November and December are filled with holiday gatherings and treasured recipes – but when did the traditions of hosting these gathering start? And how have they changed? What did they eat? Join the Washington County Historical Society as Heritage Director Alexis Foster presents the history of hosting dinner parties. From Ancient Greece to the Victorian era, this presentation covers the history of dining expectations and the food they served guests. Alexis will also take a dive into the cookbooks that are part of the Washington County Historical Society’s archive collection. Take look into the recipes used, notes taken, and the lives of those who lived in Washington County before us through the one thing that gathers everyone together: food. 

Dinner with our Ancestors: History of Hosting Dinner Parties and the Recipes They Used

Thursday, November 19, 2026

7:00 pm

Washington County Heritage Center

1862 Greeley St. S, Stillwater MN 54082

For questions or more information on this event, contact Alexis Foster at 651-439-2298 or at alexis.foster@wchsmn.org.