Staying in is having a serious moment, and dinner parties are getting a glow-up. In 2025, hosting is all about setting the scene, bringing the fun, and making memories with your favourite people—because the best nights don’t always happen out.
From curated vibes to creative twists on classic entertaining, this year is about making every gathering feel a little extra (in the best way).
So you can master the art of hosting in 2025, we teamed up with Westinghouse—your helping hand in the home—to ask interiors and lifestyle writer Sarah Ridley Burman to share her top tips and trends for the year ahead.
Retro Is Back (And It’s Bringing The Fun)
Retro styling is back and more fun than ever. “We’re seeing classic party dishes make a comeback—think devilled eggs, prawn cocktails, vol-au-vents, and show-stopping desserts like bombe Alaska and trifle,” says Ridley Burman.
“They’re the kind of statement bites that feel fancy but can be prepped ahead, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen all night.”
But it’s not just about the food—it’s the whole vibe. Laidback, effortlessly cool, and packed with playful details that get people talking.
“Go all in,” says Ridley Burman. “Seventies-style printed tablecloths, coloured glassware, and boldly patterned servingware will set the tone. And let’s be honest, Champagne just hits differently in a coupe glass.”
Bonus points if you can throw in a conversation pit or a kidney-shaped pool… now that’s a retro party.
Cook Book Clubs Are The New Dinner Parties
Say goodbye to same-old dinner parties and wine-fuelled book clubs—2025 is all about get-togethers with a twist.
“People want to gather with purpose, whether it’s learning something new, sharing skills, or just shaking things up,” says Ridley Burman. We’re talking crafternoons, goal-setting parties and games nights, and our new fave, the Cook Book Club.
The concept is simple. Pick a cookbook, let each guest choose a recipe, and bring their dish along for a dinner party with a difference. It’s a fun way to explore new flavours, push your cooking skills, and take the pressure off the host.
“It’s a total win-win,” says Ridley Burman. “Less stress for you, more fun (and more food) for everyone. Plus, it turns dinner into a shared culinary adventure.” And honestly? That deserves at least one chef’s hat.
Entertainer’s Tip: Whether you’re tackling a classic roast or experimenting with Ottolenghi’s latest Middle Eastern concoction, look to your appliances for a helping hand. The Westinghouse oven with air fry and roast+steam deliver delicious dishes with flair. Plus, their built-in PyroClean keeps the oven spotless.
Cocktails With A Twist
The statement cocktail isn’t going anywhere; if anything, it’s getting even bigger. “Having a signature drink is a fun way to set the mood, make your event feel special, and keep things simple,” says Ridley Burman. “Plus, let’s be honest, everything looks better when served en masse,” she adds.
Whether it’s strawberry vodka slushies for a Galentine’s brunch or a classic Negroni for a moody dinner party, matching your cocktail to your vibe is the ultimate power move. Throw in a printed cocktail menu for a finishing touch.
As for your tipple, your drink of choice could be inspired by your theme, your fave glassware, or whatever’s trending (farewell, dirty martinis—hello, Manhattans).
But the real key to cocktail success? Preparation. “Have all your ingredients ready to go, know your method inside out—seriously, a practice run won’t hurt—and keep those glasses chilled,” says Ridley Burman. Because nothing kills the vibe faster than a warm bevvy.
Entertainer’s Tip: Choose appliances that lighten the load. French door fridges are a host’s best friend, with ample space to store large platters of pre-prepared appetisers and adjustable shelves to store that towering croquembouche.
A Westinghouse French door fridge delivers all of this, and a FlexSpace Convertible Drawer that flicks from fridge to freezer at the touch of a button—making it perfect for stashing glassware for the next round of Manhattans.
Italo-Disco Tablescapes
When Italian food, music and fashion deliciously intertwine, what do you get? Italo-Disco, which is making the leap from dancefloor to tablescape like it’s no big deal.
For Ridley Burman, “pairing music with decor is a surefire way to create a dinner party for the ages—think bright, bold colours, glossy finishes, and mirror accents.”
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Decorate. “Forget the rules and mix your metallics! Go large with golden glassware paired with a disco ball or mirror-clad centrepiece—trust me, a roll of adhesive mirror-mosaics is wallet-friendly and can give just about any item disco fever,” suggests Ridley Burman. Add a tinsel curtain for extra glam.
Step 2: Plan your menu, focussing on simple but effective Italian classics like loaded antipasto platters, Caprese salad, delicious pasta for main and cannolis for dessert. “Display your dishes on coloured glass cake stands and gorgeous ceramic serving trays—the brighter the better,” she adds.
Step 3: Prepare your playlist. Don’t be too literal, but anything you can dance to mixed with some classic tunes or remixes will hit just right. Abba, Troye Sivan, Bee Gees… You get the drift.
Entertainer’s Tip: When it’s time to clean up after a night of disco dining, a Westinghouse dishwasher’s fast wash cycles you can wind down without worrying about a pile of plates.
Stepping up and helping out, Westinghouse is your trusty best pal when it comes to hosting your next dinner party. Shop their cooking, fridge and laundry range here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Westinghouse and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Urban List.