Three-course dinner parties are falling out of fashion with Brit hosts turning to alternatives

Scottish Sun

18-06-2025

Plus the best gifts to bring to a dinner party
FEAST ON THAT Three-course dinner parties are falling out of fashion with Brit hosts turning to alternatives
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A SURVEY has found that Brits are moving away from traditional three-course dinner parties in favour of more laid-back alternatives.
The traditional three-course dinner party is falling out of fashion as hosts turn to grazing boards, build-your-own desserts, and carefully curated drinks.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
3
Grazing boards are becoming a popular alternative to the three-course dinner party
Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
3
Matilda Bea loves using personalised touches to make guests feel special
Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
3
Cawston Press has launched its new sparkling can multipacks
Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
A poll of 1,000 adults who've hosted such an event found grazing boards are used by 27 per cent, while 10 per cent like to include fun 'interactive elements' like build-your-own puddings.
And 10 per cent make a point of using sustainable products so guests can dine with a clear conscience.
While a quarter (27 per cent) ensure their setup is picture-perfect, specifically so it looks good on social media.
As many as 80 per cent feel pressure to make their gatherings stand out, whether through beautifully plated dishes, creative décor, or signature mocktails.
Known for her creative hosting flair, Matilda Bea has teamed up with Cawston Press to share her go-to tips for elevating dinner parties, picnics, and BBQs this summer.
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.'
The study went on to find 36 per cent of respondents would rather head to a casual gathering, such as one centred around a specific theme like an 80s night.
And more than a tenth (11 per cent) will spend upwards of eight hours – longer than a working day – planning their own soirees.
More than half (55 per cent) consider cooking themselves a key part of the process, but 31 per cent are happy to mix this up with ordering a few bits in.
Ruth Langsford accused of 'rage baiting' as she reveals her VERY odd 'secret ingredient' while prepping famous spag bol
Fewer than one in 10 (eight per cent) will send out a formal invitation, either printed or digital – preferring to simply send a text (73 per cent).
But 42 per cent rarely or never risk trying a new recipe when hosting a dinner party, sticking to the tried and true.
Dinner parties are also getting an eco-boost, with 56 per cent saying sustainability is important to them when hosting one.
And when invited to someone else's event, 77 per cent will bring a bottle of wine to say thanks – while 42 per cent opt for flowers, and 36 per cent a box of chocolates.
While 11 per cent will bring some mixers or soft drinks to help get the party going, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Managing director Steve Kearns at Cawston Press, which commissioned the research to celebrate its new Sparkling Can Multipacks, designed to help hosts elevate their at-home gatherings, said: '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-scène has to be as spot-on as the food on the plate.
'And now, just as importantly, it should reflect the growing desire for more sustainable choices at the table.'