The label “dinner party” might come under fire, but most of us do enjoy inviting people over to eat, even if we don’t love the cooking or formal hosting itself. But where dining at home has long been far cheaper than a restaurant, the rising cost of food and drink might deter people from getting together. Can we treat guests without blowing the budget at the butcher?
When I have people over, I want to do a bit of spoiling and probably a little showing off. I’m not sure where the ideal balance lies. But I do know that more and more often, I’m searching for creative and great value dishes, rather than buying lavish ingredients.
According to Waitrose, a dinner party revival is underway, led by younger people: 48 per cent of 18-24 year olds and 49 per cent of 25–34 year olds are cooking for friends more than they were five years ago.
Waitrose says we’re keen on themed dinners, with nostalgic dishes from the 80s – Jilly Cooper’s Rivals era – back in vogue. Meanwhile, food waste charity Too Good to Go says that Gen Z are at the helm of a so-called “stay-at-home summer”, prioritising BBQs and at-home hosting, but warns that attempts to save money are often being undermined by overbuying and food waste.
