Homebody Hosting: New-Era Dinner Parties with Restaurant Delivery

It may still be summer, but with Halloween just a little over eight weeks away, the holiday party season is already on the horizon. Gaining serious traction this year is homebody hosting. A trend that got its start in 2020, this new-era version of the private, at-home gathering, taking place in living rooms, patios, and rooftops across the country is not your mother's dinner party!

Forget the stuffy, formal dinners of the past. Today’s gatherings are laid-back, Instagram-ready, and on the host’s terms. Many Gen Z and Millennials, who became “homebodies” during lockdown, are swapping crowded clubs for intimate nights in with friends. Think cozy clothes, self-curated playlists, and guest lists filled only with people they actually want to see (kids and pets often included).

For restaurants, this shift is pure opportunity. These hosts still crave chef-made meals and craft drinks—but they’re happy to pay for convenience, presentation, and that extra wow factor. By tailoring your menu, packaging, and marketing to this new dinner party culture, you can transform ordinary takeout into high-ticket, high-margin sales.

Why Gen Z and Millennials Love Homebody Hosting

Understanding why these generations prefer at-home dinner parties helps restaurants design offers that hit the mark:

• Whole new vibe: The crystal china’s been swapped for charcuterie boards and craft cocktails in mason jars.

• Dress code: Sweatpants chic.

• Soundtrack: Spotify playlists made by the host’s best friend.

• Guest list: Only people you actually like- (included the four legged variety).

• Creative Expression – Themed décor, playlists, and plating give them a chance to showcase their personal style.

  
  

By leaning into these motivators, restaurants can create offers that feel tailor-made for this group—turning casual delivery into an aspirational dining experience.

1. Build Tiered Party Packages

Forget single-meal orders—hosts want bundles that cover the whole evening. Create themed sets like:

• Lite Bites for 4: Appetizers, a sharable entrée, and a small dessert spread.

• Feast for 8: Multi-course platters, sides, and a dessert board.

Bundle pricing increases perceived value while improving your per-order average.

2. Upsell High-Margin Add-Ons

Once you’ve got the main order locked in, offer irresistible extras:

• DIY cocktail or mocktail kits with pre-measured ingredients and recipe cards.

• Premium bread and dip baskets.

• Specialty desserts like mini cheesecakes or chocolate fondue kits.

These items often have low food costs but high perceived value—perfect for boosting margins.

3. Make Presentation Part of the Product

Your food isn’t just being eaten—it’s being photographed. Use packaging that doubles as serveware, include garnish kits for hosts to “finish” the dish at the table, and choose containers that keep items crisp or creamy as intended.The better it looks when it comes out of the bag, the more likely you’ll earn repeat orders (and free social media exposure).

4. Offer Pre-Order Discounts

Hosts plan in advance, and you should, too. Offer incentives for booking 72 hours or more ahead, such as:

• 10% off the total order.

• A complimentary dessert platter.

• Free delivery.

Pre-orders help you plan labor and inventory while guaranteeing sales before the weekend rush.

5. Go All-In on Seasonal and Holiday Themes

Tap into the party spirit with themed menus for:

• Halloween – Spooky snacks, black pasta, pumpkin cocktails.

• Friendsgiving – Family-style platters of roasted meats, stuffing, and pie.

• New Year’s Eve – Elegant finger foods, champagne kits, and midnight dessert boxes.

Limited-time offerings create urgency and make it easier to justify premium pricing.

6. Partner for Complete Hosting Kits

Work with local florists, party rental companies, or DJs to offer packages that cover more than just the menu. For example:

• Dinner + floral centerpiece.

• Cocktail kit + curated playlist QR code.

• Food + décor bundle.

These partnerships open the door to new audiences and shared marketing.

Takeaway

The at-home dinner party isn’t replacing dining out—it’s expanding it. By thinking beyond single-meal delivery and offering curated, Instagram-ready experiences, you can position your restaurant as the go-to for hosts who want to impress without cooking.

Start building your fall party menu now, and you could have profits in the bag well before the first holiday toast.

By Eileen Strauss