Dinner parties have morphed into regular rituals for Brits, according to new research.
While once reserved for special occasions, more than one in three (36%) say they host a soiree at least once a month, a figure rising to over one in two (56%) of those under 24-years-old. And it’s Gen Z which is turning the tables on the traditional format, who surprisingly boast the best mobile phone etiquette (57%) compared to just 36% of the over 65s who did not partake in the no-phone zone.
Dinner parties seem to be a bastion of face-to-face social interaction, with almost half (46%) of Brits making a conscious effort to put their phone away and be in the moment, and almost one in five of those under 34-years-old (17%) abandoning online connections to meet new people at a dinner party.
While the cost of eating out was cited as the reason for hosting at home (28%), with childcare a key factor for 35–44-year-olds (17%), there seems to be more to the resurrection of the dinner party phenomenon.
The research was released today by M&S Food to mark the launch of its newly upgraded Slow Cooked range.
And M&S Food’s Matt Dawson, who travelled the world discovering authentic recipes, new flavours and traditional cooking techniques to bring the latest international cuisine into our home, said: “In a world that’s constantly pushing for bigger, faster, and flashier, the return of the humble dinner party offers a refreshing reminder of the joy that comes from sitting around the dinner table with the people you care about most.”
Interestingly, 18-24s are less likely to drink alcohol at a dinner compared to over-65s (17% vs 27%). One of the reasons could be the rise of the ‘school night’ midweek hosting, with over half of (58%) 18–24-year-olds regularly throwing dinner parties on weekdays.
The ‘Taste of the Nation’ research shows that Brits’ dining habits are evolving, with younger generations embracing global cuisines such as Japanese, African, and Korean food, while traditional British food remains a firm favourite among over 65s.
British food is still the most popular but people are experimenting more with international flavours, particularly those under 34: for them, peri peri is more popular than pesto.
Soy sauce, followed by sweet chilli and Indian curry, topped the table for the most popular condiments, spices and sauces as almost one in four (23%) say they like to experiment with different cuisines when buying food.
There is also a growing appetite for convenient yet healthier options as people strive to balance time constraints with health-conscious choices.
The research also reveals how convenience plays a significant role for many, with 42% factoring ease of cooking into their purchasing decisions and one in three (33%) saying they like to cook meals that require as little prep or effort as possible.
In response, M&S Food has launched a newly upgraded Slow Cooked range with global dishes bringing maximum flavour to the dinner table with minimum effort.
M&S Food Ambassador Mark Wright said: “You can’t beat a good dinner party at home—it’s where the real magic happens!
“Forget waiting for a table or stressing over the bill; it’s all about gathering your mates, serving up proper tasty food, and having a great night with friends and family.”