Nicosia, Cyprus. Dinner parties are increasingly shifting away from formal table settings toward shared experiences and smaller, more meaningful gatherings. Rising restaurant prices, crowded venues and a preference for intimate hosting are moving entertaining back into the home.
A return to domestic entertaining
Across Europe, hosts are placing less emphasis on impressing guests and more on involving them. Food remains central, but is often paired with an activity such as solving a mystery, listening to music, or cooking together.
Pinterest trend reporting has repeatedly indicated growing interest in themed hosting and intimate gatherings, suggesting the focus is shifting from a perfect table to an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable staying longer.
Cyprus chefs note a post-Covid shift
In Cyprus, chefs report similar changes. “There has been a clear shift, especially after Covid,” said Dimitris Kamaritis, co-founder and culinary director of Biotrofi, which specialises in private dining experiences.
He said people are dining out less frequently and choosing to host more intimate gatherings at home. According to Kamaritis, these occasions are less formal but more curated, with smaller groups and a stronger focus on quality rather than quantity.
Kamaritis said clients increasingly want guests to feel part of the experience rather than simply being served. “Guests love the theatre of food and the interaction,” he said, adding that creating an engaging experience is as important as serving good food.
Sharing as a long-standing tradition
Kamaritis said shared eating has long been central to social life in Cyprus. “Cypriot food culture is built around sharing and connection,” he said, citing meze-style dining and long meals around the table as examples of interaction taking precedence over formality.
Murder mystery dinners and practical menus
One format reflecting the trend is the murder mystery dinner, which has regained popularity as a way to prevent conversation from stalling. Guests are assigned characters and clues, and the mystery unfolds before or during the meal between courses.
For this type of dinner, food that can be prepared in advance is considered most suitable. Mezze platters, slow-cooked meals or buffet-style serving can allow the host to remain present rather than spending the evening in the kitchen.
Kamaritis said the theme can also be adapted to Cyprus, with storylines set around familiar settings such as a family celebration, a seaside hotel, or a village wedding.
How would you like to involve your guests more directly at your next dinner party?
