article by Jennifer Miller | Photos by Destiny Contreras Photography

For many of us, life happens in two main places: home and work. They take up most of our time and attention but rarely give us everything we need socially or emotionally. In a season of life filled with busy schedules, growing families, and the constant reminder of responsibility, many of us crave a place where we can exhale. Sociologists call these settings third spaces: environments where people gather, build relationships, and share life with people who care about them. 

Traditionally, third spaces have been places like a gym, a church group, a craft night, or a favorite coffee shop. But for many people, the most meaningful third space can be created within their homes. Hosting can feel intimidating, but it does not have to be fancy or complicated. Sometimes all you need is one simple idea, a consistent rhythm, and the courage to invite people in. 

Brittany Schimke and Hannah Manson shared how they've built connections through something very simple: a potluck dinner and a book club. Both are small ideas that have brought immense joy to their lives and the people around them. 

A SEAT AT THE TABLE 

When Brittany moved to Billings five years ago, she had a newborn, no community, and a deep longing for the kind of friendships she once took for granted. Joining MOPS helped, as did attending Faith E Church, but something was still missing. 

Brittany and her husband realized that waiting for the perfect moment to connect meant it might never happen. So, they tried something simple: a twice-monthly family dinner night. 

"There weren't many opportunities to get out with little kids," she shared, "but everyone we met felt the same way. We were all craving community." 

Every other Friday, they open their home and invite a mix of new and familiar faces. Some friends come regularly. Others drop in when they can. There are usually three to six families, and the group shifts and grows depending on who is free. They keep it simple. Brittany cooks the main course; everyone else brings sides or drinks, and kids are welcome to run around. Paper plates and plastic cups make cleanup easy. The point is not perfection. It is connection. 

The structure is loose, but the purpose is intentional: connection, laughter, and shared meals. 

Brittany calls it "tabletop discipleship" because the conversation often turns to faith, parenting, or whatever someone is walking through. But the goal is always the same. Create a place where people feel welcome, seen, and supported. She says if you are longing for community, others probably are too. Extending an invitation is often the first step. 

There is no pressure to perform. No spotless house required. Just time together, a simple meal, and room for honest conversation. 

A LIVING ROOM FULL OF STORIES 

For Hannah, a meaningful third space began with her love of reading. Books were always a way to unwind at the end of the day and escape into someone else's story. She often talked about books with a few friends, and one day she decided to turn those conversations into something more intentional. 

She sent a text to about ten women she knew enjoyed reading. The group has grown since then as friends invited other friends. They keep it simple. Everyone writes down a book they want to read, drops the titles into a bowl, and then chooses the next book together. Their list has included everything from historical fiction to thrillers to nonfiction. 

Each month, one woman hosts. Sometimes the food or décor matches the book's theme; other times, the house is messy, dinner is takeout, and no one cares. The point isn't perfection; it's presence. They discuss the book for 15 minutes or an hour, depending on the night. Then the conversation naturally shifts to life: parenting, marriages, joys, struggles, and everything in between. 

Their husbands help by watching the kids so the women can meet without needing to find a sitter. The group has even gone on a weekend getaway to Red Lodge, which turned into more laughter than reading. After a year together, the women have formed friendships that feel both steady and fun. 

"We've built something special," she said. "It's amazing how something so simple can bring women together so deeply." 

Both Brittany and Hannah began with the same longing: connection. Not the surface-level kind, but the real, life-giving kind that grows only when people show up consistently. 

In a time when loneliness quietly affects so many adults, these in-home gatherings offer something profoundly hopeful: a reminder that community is not something we find; it's something we build. Most of the time, someone makes the first move. And that simple act can turn an ordinary night into something meaningful. 

Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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