If you hadn’t heard, all things Eighties are officially back in – and it’s not just the return of double denim, leggings or hit TV show Rivals, but the 1980s dinner party that’s also making a resurgence.
Some 40 years later, and the desire to spoil friends and family with fabulous-looking food has returned: Waitrose, in a survey of 2,000 adults last month, found that 48 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 49 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 are hosting more than they did five years ago.
And when it comes to the food, they’re thinking retro – with everything from prawn cocktail (the dish people most want to serve, according to Waitrose), beef bourguignon, banana split and even bread and butter pudding on the menu.
Lizzie Haywood, senior trend innovation manager at Waitrose, said: ‘The 80s were a bold, expressive era for food and we’re seeing that sense of fun come back in a big way.
‘From prawn cocktails and quiches to indulgent desserts and standout drinks, people are rediscovering the joy of these classic dishes.
‘What’s exciting is that a new generation is reinterpreting them, bringing back the theatre, the creativity and the sense of occasion – but in a way that works for modern life.’
So ditch low-effort Deliveroo dinners, tie your hair up big and get out the punch bowl to host a 1980s dinner party with a modern twist. Here’s how to do it best…
The 1980s dinner party is back on trend – and Waitrose has revealed how to make it modern
Ease your guests in with a light starter
When it comes to the starter, ease your guests in with a light dish such as French Onion or Broccoli and Cheddar soup.
Prawn cocktail is, of course, a popular option. The dish fell out of fashion in recent years, dismissed as outdated, but now a more refined take has put it back in the spotlight with additions such as garnish.
As the Waitrose Fish Buyer noted in 1985: ‘In the South, housewives are prepared to be adventurous. They’re trying garnishes on winkles and shrimp on white fish dishes.’
If you’re opting for a more casual affair, think dips and melba toast – and it’s perfectly acceptable to cheat a little with supermarket-purchased options.
They weren’t around in the Eighties – but sales of dips are currently up 14 per cent over the year at Waitrose, with standouts including the nostalgic Cheese & Chive – while Houmous with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Taramasalata are also seeing sales increases.
Meanwhile, Findus crispy pancakes (29 per cent), salmon mousse (24 per cent) and devilled eggs (22 per cent) top the list of dishes the nation would rather not see return.
Showstopping centrepieces
Garnish is everything when it comes to embracing 1980s dinner party foods – so sprinkle your dishes with herbs and vegetables
If you want to host a more fuss-free dinner party, feed guests the old school classic – chicken Kyiv
When it comes to the main event, the bigger really is better. The Eighties were unapologetically bold and your food needs to be, too.
Waitrose reported that its Duchy Organic Fresh Whole Salmon and No.1 Beef Wellington are currently popular options, and have recorded growth year-on-year in stores and online.
And if you want to go full old-school, classics including quiche and chicken Kyiv have made a big return.
Other trending ingredients that have witnessed a sales boom at Waitrose include filo pastry (23 per cent), sundried tomatoes (29 per cent), pesto (133 per cent) and goat’s cheese (25 per cent).
If your home isn’t big enough to seat everyone around the piece de resistance, consider a buffet and let people perch on the sofa while keeping the limelight on the kitchen table.
And end with a bang
When it comes to desert, don’t be afraid of purchasing some of the items from the supermarket
In light of the trend, Waitrose has introduced a new Peach Melba-flavoured ice cream
Desserts are the course that truly reveals the carefree nature of the Eighties, but there’s no shame in combining homemade efforts with bits from the supermarket.
Nostalgic desserts such as tiramisu, trifle and apple tarte tatin will work well – and why not pair them with the Peach Melba ice cream, recently introduced by Waitrose in a nod to the Eighties revival.
The supermarket has also urged people to explore options with kiwis – an exceptionally popular fruit back then – tinned pineapple, and black cherries with kirsch.
Don’t go easy on the drinks
Don’t forget about beverages when hosting a dinner party – feel free to have fun with serving
In the Eighties, drinks were a statement – and that largely still rings true today. Serving wine, champagne and cocktails signifies the host has put effort into their evening.
When it came to cocktails, Screwdrivers (orange juice and vodka)and Harvey Wallbangers (vodka and orange with Galliano L’Autentico liqueur) were all the rage.
Today, why not make your favourite cocktail in a punch bowl or buy the pre-canned ones at the supermarket?
Sobriety has gained momentum, so make sure to have teetotal versions on offer for your guests.
And when it comes to decor, make sure to have fun with it. From fun garnishes to loud straws and ice cubes with fruit pieces frozen inside, don’t hold back.
