Ditch the dinner party stress: embrace the 'undone' gathering
The meticulously curated dinner party, once a symbol of effortless hosting, is quietly fading from favor. After years of pandemic-induced introspection and a cost-of-living squeeze, a new, refreshingly relaxed approach to entertaining is gaining traction: the 'undone' dinner party. Forget hours spent perfecting soufflés and agonizing over floral arrangements—this trend prioritizes connection and ease over pristine presentation.
The shift away from hyper-perfection
Nell Ladipo-Horrell, founder of Clementine & Moss, a creative direction and event styling studio, sees this shift as part of a broader cultural reevaluation. “Everything I’m seeing, in fashion, food, music, it’s all moving away from this really refined, highly curated and styled ideal,” she explains. It’s a reaction against the relentless pressure to project an image of flawless sophistication. The desire, it seems, is to peek behind the curtain, to embrace the beauty of imperfection—and to reclaim our evenings.
The anxiety surrounding hosting—the fear of selecting the ‘right’ outfit or bringing the ‘perfect’ bottle of wine—is dissolving. Undone dining is about presence, about fostering genuine interaction. As Ladipo-Horrell puts it, “It gives you more time to host and chat to your guests rather than saying, ‘Oh, I just need to dip out and go cook the soufflé.’”
Intentional ease, not chaotic abandon
But don’t mistake ‘undone’ for utter disarray. This isn't an excuse to throw a haphazard party via group text and hope for the best. There’s still an element of intention involved. “You have to think, 'What’s the goal here?'” Ladipo-Horrell advises. A drinks party calls for a good selection of beverages and a visually appealing spread, perhaps achieved with mismatched glassware and foliage-adorned tables—a DIY aesthetic that feels both welcoming and stylish.
Above all, the emphasis is on creating a warm, comforting, and nostalgic atmosphere. And that doesn't require culinary heroics. Ladipo-Horrell champions the beauty of pre-made shortcuts. A supermarket hummus, elevated with a sprinkle of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil, is a perfect example. “No one is going to care,” she assures. “Your friends will just be happy to be fed!”
For a taste of spring, Ladipo-Horrell suggests these effortlessly chic options: a refreshing margarita punch, store-bought flatbreads with butter, the aforementioned elevated hummus, grilled asparagus with aioli, a hearty lamb hot pot or curry, and a playful rhubarb Eton mess. It's a menu that celebrates ease and enjoyment—a far cry from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of its meticulously planned predecessor.
The dinner party, once a performance, is quietly returning to its roots: a simple gathering of friends, fueled by good company and minimal fuss. And frankly, that’s something we can all raise a glass to.