Hosting expert Matilda Bea has shared her secrets to throwing the perfect dinner party – and it’s all about the little details
The traditional three-course dinner party is falling out of favour, with party hosts now choosing grazing boards, DIY desserts, and bespoke beverages to make their summer gatherings stand out. Some are even going above and beyond to make sure their setups are Instagram-worthy.
The poll of 1,000 adults found a staggering eight in ten feel the pressure to make their parties stand out, whether that is through visually stunning dishes, creative decorations, or unique non-alcoholic concoctions. It revealed that 11% of hosts will spend over eight hours – longer than a typical workday – planning their social events to make sure they are perfect.
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.
“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,” she commented.
“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.”
And while 31% are content to order their food in to save on the hassle of planning a meal, over half see cooking as an essential part of the experience.
Interestingly, text invites are the new norm, with a whopping 73% of party planners swapping paper invitations for SMS invites.
However, over half of hosts now put sustainability at the heart of their event organising, with one in 10 fully committed to eco-friendly products that let their guests enjoy the party 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. And now, just as importantly, it should reflect the growing desire for more sustainable choices at the table.”
MATILDA BEA’S TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HOSTING:
DIY COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS:
I always make sure there’s something for everyone. A DIY cocktail station is a favourite of mine. I’ve even turned my sink into a makeshift bar, filled with ice – it’s a fun photo moment and adds to the ‘occasion’.
NIBBLES STATION:
If food isn’t 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 it’s 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 it’s 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. It’s 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.