The Dinner Party Is Flourishing
The Great British Dinner Party is alive and flourishing according to a new study which reveals three quarters of people (75%) would rather hold a dinner party for friends than go out, with one in three believing that hosting a successful dinner party increases their social standing.
In a desire to be the ultimate host, the nation is looking at more elaborate ways to make a good impression, according to the survey of over 1,000 people by After Eight.
Looking good in the home is as important as looking good in oneself, with one in three of us spending money on flowers (33%) and home furnishings (9%) and one in five of us buying a new outfit (18%).
Nearly a fifth of us invest in music and entertainment for their parties to ensure the night goes with a swing. Demonstrating cooking skills is also a priority as now only 11% of people pass shop-bought food off as their own, with 68% preparing the entire menu from scratch.
However, dinner parties still need a little external help with 38% of people referring to a celebrity cook book when cooking for friends according to the research by the nation’s favourite after dinner mint.
Psychologist Corinne Sweet is not surprised that hosting a killer dinner party is high on people’s agendas: “Being a good host, and creating a buzz at home with friends and colleagues, can help boost your self-esteem and confidence, especially in difficult times.
At home you can relax, have fun, and create a great atmosphere that people will remember. Even if you're not the greatest cook, you can give people a good time, and help people connect - which will boost your confidence, and your reputation, far and wide, especially in this electronic age.”
For over half of us, it’s all the about the company. Compared with eating out with friends, most people find the atmosphere at home more intimate (84%), say it’s much easier to talk (82%) and, most importantly, the party can go on as long as you want it to when entertaining at home (81%).
After Eight spokesperson Felicity Rollings says: “Hosting dinner parties enables people to put their own stamp and individuality onto events.
"This report highlights that anything goes! People go to differing lengths to show people a good time.”
Tagged in Food And Drink