-
Nearly half of UK adults (48%) say 1980s dishes are making a comeback, with prawn cocktail topping the list of retro foods people most want to serve
-
Younger hosts are leading the dinner party revival, with 48% of 18-24 year olds and 49% of 25–34 year olds hosting more often than five years ago
-
Waitrose launches a new 1980s Dinner Party Guide to help a new generation recreate retro entertaining for today
Sequins on, sleeves rolled up, and the prawn cocktails plated… the 80s dinner party is back.
The 1980s dinner party, once the height of domestic glamour, is officially back on the guest list, as a new generation ditches low-effort dinners in favour of hosting that’s all about putting on a show.
New research from Waitrose reveals that nearly half of UK adults (48%) believe classic dishes from the decade are making a comeback, with the 1980s now the most popular era for a themed dinner party (23%).
From prawn cocktails and quiches to beef bourguignon and banana splits, Britain is rediscovering its appetite for the bold, indulgent flavours that defined the decade.
From prawn cocktails to showstopping centrepieces
Leading the charge is the ultimate retro starter, the prawn cocktail. A true dinner party darling, it has been voted the dish people most want to see back on their tables (28%). Close behind are rich, comforting classics like beef bourguignon (24%) and bread and butter pudding (24%), bringing back the full three-course spectacle of a proper night in.
The greatest hits do not stop there. Rhubarb and custard (20%), banana splits (19%) and quiche Lorraine (18%) are all back in the mix; nostalgic, indulgent and guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
The trend is already showing up in shopping habits. Sales of Waitrose No.1 Prawn Cocktail have jumped 170% year on year, while apple tarte tatin is up 104%, clear proof that these throwback favourites are firmly back on the menu.
To help a new generation embrace the trend, Waitrose has launched its 1980s Dinner Party Guide - The Dinner Party Decade: The definitive 1980s dinner party resurgence - a celebration of the decade’s most iconic food, reimagined for today.
The guide reveals how 80s food and styling is being brought back to the modern day dinner party:
-
Retro starters are having a revival, with some of the nation’s top picks including prawn cocktail (28%) and avocado-based dishes, to the ultimate 80s finger food: vol-au-vents (13%)
-
Comforting, make-ahead mains are back en vogue, including beef bourguignon (24%) and quiche Lorraine (18%)
-
Indulgent desserts are booming, with nostalgic puddings like tiramisu (sales up 413% at Waitrose), bread & butter pudding (24%) and banana split (19%) returning to menus
-
Drinks still define the occasion, with fine wine and cocktails (both 45%) and Champagne (40%) seen as the ultimate markers of a special dinner party
We’ve heard what’s hot, now let’s see what's not. Findus crispy pancakes (29%), salmon mousse (24%) and devilled eggs (22%) top the list of dishes the nation would rather not see return.
The guide points to a wider return of practical, nostalgic ingredients. As hosts look to balance effort with ease, cupboard staples are being reappraised for their convenience and versatility. This shift is reflected in sales data: Princes Corned Beef 340g is up +32% YoY, while Spam Chopped Pork & Ham 340g has declined -12.3% YoY, signalling a changing of the guard. In the same way products like Spam once defined quick, no-fuss cooking, corned beef is now stepping into the spotlight, quietly reclaiming relevance as part of a broader move towards comfort-led, low-effort meals that still feel satisfying to serve.
A new generation is reviving the dinner party
The decade’s revival is being driven by a new generation of hosts, as entertaining at home makes a comeback. Nearly half of 25 to 34 year olds (49%) say they are hosting more often than they were five years ago, signalling a shift in how younger consumers are socialising. A quarter (26%) of 18-24 year olds are hosting at least every few months; the younger generation is driving the charge in bringing the dinner party back into fashion.
But this is not just nostalgia - it is a reinvention. Seven in ten (70%) young hosts say social media has raised expectations when entertaining, with guests most likely to judge food quality (56%), cleanliness (53%) and cooking skills (47%). Hosting has become more considered, more curated and, at times, more pressured.
How to host like it’s the 80s (without the stress)
‘The Dinner Party Decade’ taps into the comeback, bringing the flair, fun and food of the decade back in a way that works for today. It blends nostalgia with genuinely useful advice, helping a new generation of hosts recreate the magic of 80s entertaining, while still enjoying the night themselves.
Inside, the guide is packed with practical and nostalgic sections, from building the perfect guest list and planning a three-course menu to bold table styling, retro drinks and creating the right atmosphere. It also revisits classic formats like buffets and sharing-style mains, alongside smart shortcuts and presentation tips, giving hosts everything they need to entertain like it’s the 80s.
To bring the era to life, Waitrose has partnered with Hilary and Michael Whitehall, seasoned dinner party hosts of the decade, who share their insights on what made a great dinner party. From thoughtful guest lists to confident presentation, and the occasional well-judged shortcut, their advice reflects a style of hosting that was as much about atmosphere as it was about the food.
Lizzie Haywood, Senior Trend Innovation Manager at Waitrose says “The 80s was 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. At the same time, expectations have shifted, with people feeling pressure to get everything just right. This guide is about helping hosts strike that balance, whether that’s planning ahead, choosing the right menu or knowing where a shortcut can help.”
Adding a dose of authentic 80s hosting experience, Hilary and Michael Whitehall add, “In the 1980s, dinner parties were a real occasion. You thought carefully about the guest list, the menu and how everything would come together on the night. It was all part of the theatre.
“But it was never about perfection. A well-judged shortcut was absolutely fine, as long as it was presented with confidence. What really mattered was creating a warm atmosphere, plenty of entertaining conversation, and making sure your guests felt looked after and had a good time.”
From nostalgic dishes and maximalist table settings, to carefully curated guest lists, the guide shows how the spirit of 80s entertaining is being reinterpreted for today. Because while trends come and go, one thing remains the same: a good dinner party never goes out of style.
‘The Dinner Party Decade: The definitive 1980s dinner party resurgence’ is available from 12th May 2026.
*Mintel: 2026 Global Food Predictions
Notes to Editors
About Waitrose
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK’s largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose has 800 specialist counters across its shops and a Beer, Wine and Spirits team that includes more Masters of Wine than any other UK supermarket. It holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
