Insight of the Day: Dinner parties becoming regular rituals for Brits, research reveals
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
Why is this topic trending?
Dinner parties are undergoing a revival in the UK, shifting from being occasional formal events to becoming regular social rituals, especially among younger generations. New research from M&S Food’s ‘Taste of the Nation’ report shows that 36% of Brits host a dinner party at least once a month, with the number rising to 56% among Gen Z (18-24s). This trend is driven by economic factors, the desire for face-to-face social interactions, and changing dining habits.
Overview
The research highlights several key insights into how dining habits are evolving in the UK:
More than one in three (36%) Brits now host a dinner party monthly, rising to 56% among Gen Z.
46% of people actively put their phones away during dinner parties, valuing in-person social interactions.
The cost of dining out is a major reason for hosting at home (28%), with childcare being a factor for 35-44-year-olds (17%).
Younger generations (18-24s) are hosting more midweek dinner parties (58%), leading to a decline in alcohol consumption.
British food remains popular, but younger diners are embracing global cuisines like Japanese, African, and Korean.
Convenience is a key driver, with 42% choosing easy-to-cook meals and 33% preferring low-prep options.
Detailed findings
Gen Z is leading the dinner party revival, with more frequent gatherings that prioritize social connection over formal dining traditions.
Smartphone etiquette is shifting, with Gen Z being more likely to put their phones away (57%) compared to older generations (36%).
Economic pressures are reshaping how people entertain, with many opting to host at home instead of dining out.
Global flavors are gaining popularity, particularly among those under 34, with peri peri surpassing pesto as a favorite flavor.
Convenience is becoming increasingly important, as 42% prioritize easy-to-cook meals and 33% opt for minimal prep time.
Key takeaway
Dinner parties are evolving from formal, special-occasion events to frequent, casual social gatherings, especially among younger Brits. The shift is driven by economic factors, changing food preferences, and a desire for more intimate, tech-free social interactions.
Main trend: "the rise of casual dinner parties in the UK"
Description of the trend
Dinner parties are no longer reserved for special occasions. Instead, they have become regular, casual gatherings, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize socializing, affordability, and global flavors.
Consumer motivation
Consumers seek meaningful, in-person connections, a cost-effective alternative to eating out, and the ability to experiment with different cuisines in a relaxed setting.
What is driving the trend?
Economic concerns – Rising costs are leading people to host at home instead of dining out.
Desire for connection – 46% of people actively put their phones away, showing a preference for face-to-face socializing.
Midweek hosting – Over half of Gen Z (58%) host weekday dinner parties, making convenience a priority.
Changing drinking habits – Younger generations (18-24s) are drinking less alcohol (17% vs. 27% of over-65s), especially on weekdays.
Motivation beyond the trend
Culinary exploration – Younger generations experiment with global flavors, moving beyond traditional British cuisine.
Convenience & efficiency – One in three (33%) prefer meals with minimal prep time, making easy-to-cook meals more popular.
Tech-free socializing – Younger generations actively disconnect from their phones during dinner parties, focusing on real-life interactions.
Description of consumers article is referring to
Age: Primarily Gen Z (18-24) and Millennials (25-44), who are more likely to host casual, experience-driven dinner parties.
Gender: Gender-neutral trend, with both men and women engaging in hosting.
Income: Middle-class and upper-middle-class consumers, balancing affordability with social experiences.
Lifestyle: Socially active, cost-conscious, and globally influenced in their food choices.
Conclusions
Dinner parties have become a regular social event, driven by younger generations looking for budget-friendly ways to connect.
Alcohol consumption is declining among younger hosts, especially on weekdays.
Convenience and global flavors are shaping dinner party menus, with younger consumers exploring new cuisines while prioritizing easy cooking.
Implications
For brands
Promote easy-to-cook, globally inspired meals – Highlight low-prep, high-flavor meal solutions for casual hosting.
Tap into the trend of midweek hosting – Market lighter, non-alcoholic beverage options for younger consumers.
Leverage social experiences – Position dinner parties as a lifestyle trend, emphasizing tech-free, intimate gatherings.
For society
A shift toward home-based socializing, with more people choosing to entertain at home rather than go out.
Growing interest in global cuisines, leading to a broader appreciation for international food culture.
For consumers
More affordable ways to socialize, as hosting at home becomes a cost-effective alternative to dining out.
A shift toward mindful, in-person socializing, with more people prioritizing tech-free gatherings.
For the future
Expect brands to introduce more dinner party-friendly, convenient meal solutions.
Continued rise in non-alcoholic drinks as Gen Z and Millennials prioritize social experiences over excessive drinking.
Consumer trend
"casual dinner parties as a lifestyle"
Dinner parties have evolved into frequent, informal gatherings that focus on social interaction, affordability, and culinary exploration.
Consumer sub-trend
"midweek hosting & mindful drinking"
Younger consumers are hosting dinner parties on weekdays (58%), leading to a decline in alcohol consumption and a rise in convenient meal solutions.
Big social trend
"tech-free socializing"
More people are actively putting their phones away to focus on face-to-face interactions, reshaping how social events are experienced.
Worldwide social trend
"cost-conscious entertaining"
As inflation impacts dining out, more people are choosing to host at home, making budget-friendly hosting solutions more desirable.
Social drive
"culinary exploration at home"
With growing global food influences, younger generations are experimenting with international flavors while hosting dinner parties.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025
Develop easy-to-cook, dinner party-friendly meal kits.
Create marketing campaigns centered around casual, tech-free social gatherings.
Expand non-alcoholic beverage offerings to align with mindful drinking trends.
Strategy recommendations for brands to follow in 2025
Promote convenience – Offer quick, easy meal solutions for casual hosting.
Highlight social experiences – Market dinner parties as a fun, budget-friendly alternative to dining out.
Emphasize non-alcoholic beverage options – Cater to Gen Z’s preference for mindful drinking.
Leverage social media & influencer marketing – Encourage home-based entertaining through engaging content.
Final sentence (key concept)
"Dinner parties are becoming a cultural shift in the UK, evolving into casual, frequent gatherings where social connection, affordability, and global flavors redefine the way people entertain at home."
What brands & companies should do in 2025 & how to do it
Create easy-to-prepare, globally inspired meal options.
Market dinner parties as a cost-effective, social lifestyle trend.
Develop new non-alcoholic beverages for weekday hosting occasions.
Final note
Core trend
"casual dinner parties as a lifestyle" – Hosting at home is becoming a regular, socially driven experience.
Core strategy
"affordable, experience-driven entertaining" – Position dinner parties as a fun, budget-friendly alternative to eating out.
Core industry trend
"rise in non-alcoholic and low-prep meal options" – Consumers want easy, flavorful options for hosting.
Core consumer motivation
"seeking social connection & culinary exploration" – People value tech-free, in-person interactions and global flavors.
Final conclusion
The dinner party is back, but in a more casual, frequent, and socially connected form, offering brands new opportunities to shape how modern Brits entertain at home.
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