Is the Dinner Party Dead?

With the number of restaurant visits per week hitting an all time high despite the economic down-turn it would be easy to assume that the formal dinner party is dead. This however isn't true, instead of dying the dinner party has evolved to reflect a new generation excited by exotic food, keen to learn advanced culinary techniques and produce show stopping dishes in less formal settings.

The dinner party may be on its last legs but in its place we are witnessing the birth of the SOCIAL SUPPER. Trends in at-home entertaining shows we are still as likely to have friends over, pop a few corks and eat something delicious, but now we're less likely to eat at the dining table, serve separate courses and more likely to serve cuisines from all over the world.

How about something truly exotic for your social supper from our seafood collection?

Social suppers often take place in the kitchen, the garden or even on the floor with food served on wooden platters, friends lazing on floor cushions or informally browsing through the self-serve dishes. Some of the main trends in social suppers for 2017 have been:

Cauliflower - this versatile veg has been seen on trendy platters served as a meat-free main course, low-carb rice alternative and for bulking up colourful salads all year and our interest isn't set to go away any way soon.

Butter - More to the point 'butters', flavoured with herbs, spices, petals, citrus and more. People are returning to butter for better health and infused butters can enliven fish, chicken, steaks, and vegetable dishes and stay fresh in the fridge for days meaning you can prepare in advance or continue to enjoy in the days after your social supper.

Purple - A trip around your supermarket will show just how many vegetables are available in a purple variety and this year we've seen purple popping up in restaurants and home kitchens alike. Starters with purple cauliflower, mains with purple carrot and the deep hues of black rice are not only pleasing on the eye, but they are also high in healthy anti-oxidants which slow the aging process.

Retro - Imagine dishes from your early childhood like prawn cocktail, beef wellington and trifle reinvented, served on car boot sale 70's china while listening to tunes from the era followed by a classic board game with a glass of sherry.

Here at Jamie's we are huge supporters of social suppers and believe strongly that entertaining at home is the glue that can bind families, friends and communities together. Having friends around doesn't need to be a chore, when you have great food in your freezer you can feel relaxed about impromptu guests and confident to say "pop over later".

To see our range of oven ready, social supper dishes and incredible frozen raw ingredients for ambitious home cooks Browse Here.