The revival of the dinner party – and how to host a night worth remembering

The dinner party was originally reflective of social order before its democratisation, and later decline in the 20th century, when the rise of restaurants, women’s paid work and ready-made meals made formal entertaining less common – that was until the resurgence. While it cannot be confined to a singular reason, its revival is intimate, sustainable and aesthetic. With pandemic lockdowns reframing home cooking and social media making intimate dinners aspirational again, communal eating has gained traction – with the likes of Club Sup reacting to this cultural craving.

Dinner Parties Are Making a Comeback

Originating in 2021, founder Sophie McIntyre harkened to the need for human-centric experiences and conceived Club Sup as a modern supper club designed to connect people in the wake of lockdowns. “[Club Sup] started in 2021 after I had spent some of my early 20s feeling a bit lonely and lost after a big breakup. I had moved into a share house and met the people in my life that completely changed the way I thought about myself and the future,” says Sophie. “It gave me so much confidence, love and light and I wanted everyone to have a way to access that.” From there, what was designed as a prodigious passion project grew in scale, with Club Sup now hosting transcontinental events – in London and Australia.

However, the growth hasn’t solely scaled continents but the meaning behind the gatherings. “I think eating or sharing a meal is one of the most human things we do across so many walks of life and cultures,” adds Sophie. “Nearly everyone feels good when they’re eating so yes it was always going to be a meal – although as we have grown we have expanded into to new events like lunches, book swaps or crafts.” Hosting more than 150 events spanning Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – and buoyed by the 1,500-plus guests who have been brought together – it’s unsurprising that Club Sup has caught the eye of revered brands such as Ganni, The Ordinary and Penfolds.

“We’re seeing that all Gen Z want is to get offline and live real experiences as they’ve lived so much of their lives online. Club Sup will always be there for people to come together and connect,” adds Sophie.

How to Host a Dinner Party

Hosting a modern dinner party today is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. When thinking about how to host a dinner party, start with the intention rather than the menu.

Begin with an arrival – a cocktail, perhaps, or a small plate that encourages guests to linger. Lighting should be low and flattering, with candlelight or shaded lamps creating softness. Choose music that sits just behind the conversation, and scents that complement rather than compete with the meal.

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Conversation, not presentation, remains the true measure of a good host. Encourage flow rather than perfection – serve dishes that can be shared, poured and passed. A simple roast chicken with a generous side or a bowl of pasta finished at the table is as impressive as any tasting menu. In 2025, dinner party trends lean toward sustainability and sentiment. Guests value provenance – seasonal produce, hand-thrown ceramics, linen napkins that have lived a little.

“[At Club Sup] we curate the right feeling for people to be safe and comfortable to connect and the rest is up to everyone else. Because every event is different with a different list of people and you have to allow for that – you have to allow for everyone’s lives and experiences to shape the event,” says Sophie. “So the structure is the brand I have built and the spontaneity is the people that join us.”

The simplest advice? Curate. Create an evening that feels designed yet effortless – one that moves at the pace of good conversation and leaves guests reluctant to leave.

Dinner Party Essentials

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