How do I host something regular that becomes real community?

You want to host something regular that becomes community. Community is not found; it is hosted, usually by one person who was willing to go first and keep going. First, make it small and fixed. A date that repeats — first Sunday, every Thursday — removes the largest obstacle, which is not willingness but scheduling. Anything requiring a new decision each time will quietly stop. Second, keep the threshold low enough that you can do it tired. Elaborate hosting fails, not because people do not appreciate it, but because you will not do it in a hard month. Soup is enough. The food was never the point. Third, expect the first three to be awkward and hold anyway. Most attempts die at the second, when the novelty has gone and the habit has not formed. The fourth is usually where it turns. Fourth, invite the same people repeatedly rather than widely. Depth comes from repetition with the same faces. A different guest list each time produces a series of pleasant evenings and no community. Fifth, let others bring something. People belong to what they have contributed to, not to what they were served. What is the fixed date, and who are the same six people?