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Dinner party hosts ditch traditional three-course meal for new trend

A new survey shows that dinner parties have been given a revamp with hosts ditching the traditional three-course meal.

[homemade menu ]

A simple homemade menu is a great personal touch(Image: PinPep)

The conventional three-course dinner party is falling out of fashion as hosts are now favouring grazing boards, DIY desserts, and carefully selected drinks to make their events more memorable. One in ten hosts are dedicating over eight hours longer than a typical workday to planning their social events.

A survey of 1,000 adults revealed that 80% feel pressured to make their gatherings unique through aesthetically pleasing dishes, imaginative decor, or signature mocktails. Many recent dinner party hosts have chosen grazing boards and creating 'interactive elements' such as build-your-own desserts. Some are even going the extra mile to guarantee their arrangements are Instagram-worthy.

[Matilda Bea]

Matilda Bea shares inspirational hosting tips(Image: PinPep)

To help you level up your hosting this summer, Matilda Bea, renowned for her knack for creative hosting, has partnered with Cawston Press to share her top tips for sprucing up summer dinner parties, picnics, and BBQs.

She shared: She said: "I always try to add a personal and playful touch to my gatherings - whether that's through handmade menus, thoughtful place cards, or even personalised cocktails to make guests feel extra special.

"These days, I find that it's about so much more than just the food. It's the atmosphere, the details, and those great conversations around the table that really make a moment catching up with friends and family so memorable."

[sink full of Cawston Press]

Using your sink as a fridge is a great way to display what's on offer(Image: PinPep)

The formal invitation is also out with a whopping 73% opting to simply send a text. On the flip side, sustainability is seen as a key factor for 52% when organising such events, with one in 10 hosts committed to using sustainable products, allowing their guests to enjoy the feast guilt-free.

Steve Kearns, Managing Director at Cawston Press, which commissioned the study to mark the launch of its new Sparkling Can Multipacks, commented: "People are putting more thought than ever into their dinner parties."

"Many people - especially those who are younger - rarely eat a meal out without taking a photo, so the mise-en-scene has to be as spot-on as the food on the plate. Now, just as importantly, it should reflect the growing desire for more sustainable choices at the table."

MATILDA BEAS TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HOSTING:

DIY COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS:

I always make sure theres something for everyone. A DIY cocktail station is a favourite of mine. Ive even turned my sink into a makeshift bar, filled with ice - its a fun photo moment and adds to the occasion.

NIBBLES STATION:

If food isnt the star of the show, I love setting up a drinks and nibbles station - a grazing table on a coffee table or ottoman works wonders.

TABLESCAPING:

A well-styled tablescape is key for me. I love mixing materials for my tablescape - soft linens, colourful table mats, and ceramic serve ware layered together to create a personal and beautiful dining experience.

PERSONAL TOUCHES:

Whether its personalised place names, hand-painted stationery, or bespoke gift bags, thoughtful details add a personal touch and make your guests feel truly special. Handmade menus or personalised gift bags can be budget-friendly, yet instantly set the tone and create a unique, memorable experience.

GIVE YOUR DINNER PARTY A THEME:

A theme adds a whole new layer of fun to the evening. Whether its centred around a drink of the evening, the cuisine you're serving, or a seasonal touch, a theme helps set the tone and gives your guests something to vibe with. Its the little details that tie everything together.

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES:

A dinner party is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved. I love creating interactive activities like DIY cocktail bars or pizza-making to keep guests engaged and create an easygoing, fun vibe.

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