1970s Dinner Party: Menu, Music, and Theme Ideas

The plan is to have a 1970s dinner party tonight. Our guests are invited and the costumes are ready.

The 1970s were a really good decade for music, a really rich ten years for quality and diversity. The iPod is set up with a random playlist of great music from various genres.

We’ve even created a period menu. Note: This has been selected for fun and amusement (and ease of preparation), not to compete with Delia Smith. Of course, if you experienced the 1970s, you may recall what a diverse decade it was. You may also remember that the food wasn’t that good.

Our 1970s dinner party menu

Hors d’oeuvres

Ritz crackers with pate
Twiglet

Starters

Batchelors cream of tomato soup
Prawn cocktail

Main course

Steak
Chicken in a basket

Sweets

Black forest gateaux
After Eight Mints

Drinks

Babycham with a glacé cherry
Watney’s Party Seven
Snowballs with a glacé cherry
Mateus Rosé

This got me to thinking about food and beverage brands that have survived well since the 70s. Babycham is back in shops. After Eights never disappeared. Wine boxes are back on the shelves in Tesco. HP sauce lives on and Daddies is disappearing.

What 70s food and drink brands would you have at your 1970s dinner party?

Ideas sent to me…

Food

Prawn cocktails
Duck a l’orange
Black Forest Gateaux

Buffet

Cheese sticks on a foil hedgehog
Cocktail sausages
Mini chicken Kievs
Pickled onions
Mixed grill and pineapple
Cheese fondue

Drinks

Snowballs
Singapore Sling
Harvey Wallbanger
Brandy Alexander
French Chablis
German white wine
Lutomer Riesling
Black Tower wine
Blue Nun wine
Skol Lager
Long Life beer

The Background to 1970s Dinner Parties

British dinner parties in the 1970s were a reflection of the social and cultural transformations occurring during this era. The decade was marked by a blend of traditional elegance and a burgeoning casualness, influenced by the changing attitudes towards social gatherings and food culture.

The 1970s in the United Kingdom were a time of considerable change. This period, coming after the swinging sixties was characterised by a mix of traditional formality and an emerging relaxed approach to social interactions. Dinner parties often represented this duality, serving as a platform for both showcasing culinary skills and facilitating free-flowing, informal conversations.

Economic factors, such as the 1973 oil crisis and the resulting inflation, also impacted how people entertained. Budget-conscious hosting became more common, leading to innovative and cost-effective menu planning. Despite these challenges, dinner parties remained a popular way to socialise, reflecting the British spirit of making the best out of any situation.

1970s Food and Wine

The 1970s saw a mix of traditional British fare and the introduction of more exotic, international dishes. This was partly influenced by increasing travel and immigration, which broadened the British palate.

Starters: Prawn cocktail was a quintessential starter, emblematic of the era’s penchant for both simplicity and a touch of luxury. Other popular starters included melon balls and pâté.

Main Courses: Traditional British dishes like roast beef, lamb casserole, and fish pie were common. However, there was also a growing interest in international cuisine, leading to the popularity of dishes like coq au vin, beef stroganoff, and lasagne.

Desserts: The 1970s loved their sweets; trifle, Black Forest gateau, and fondue (chocolate and cheese) were particularly popular. Pineapple and cheese on sticks were often featured as a quirky, much-loved treat.

Cheese and Biscuits: A selection of British cheeses served with an assortment of biscuits was a customary way to round off the meal.

Popular Beers and Wines

Beers: The 1970s saw a mix of traditional ales and the rising popularity of lagers. Brands like Watney’s Red Barrel, Watney’s Party Seven, Harp Lager, Long Life, and Skol were commonly served. There was also a growing interest in homebrewing, influenced by the era’s DIY ethos.

Wines: This period marked the beginning of the democratisation of wine drinking in the UK. French wines, especially Bordeaux and Burgundy, were highly regarded. However, there was also an increasing interest in New World wines from Australia and California. Blue Nun from Germany and Mateus Rosé from Portugal were notably popular for their affordability and distinctive bottles.

Dinner parties in the 1970s in the UK were a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the social and economic milieu of the time. The era was marked by a balance of formal dining and a move towards more relaxed, diverse culinary experiences. This period laid the groundwork for the eclectic and inclusive dining practices seen in British culture today.

The 1970s dinner party scene serves as a fascinating lens through which to view British society during a time of transition and change, offering insights into the evolving social customs, culinary tastes, and lifestyle choices of the period.

How to host a great 1970s-themed private dinner party in the UK

Hosting a 1970s-themed private dinner party in the UK can be a delightful and memorable experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you organise an exceptional event:

1. Theme and Decor:
   • Colour Scheme: The 1970s were known for bold colours. Think oranges, browns, yellows, and greens. Use these colours in your table settings, decorations, and even lighting.
   • Decor Elements: Incorporate iconic items like lava lamps, vinyl records, disco balls, and psychedelic posters. Hang beaded curtains in doorways and consider having a small area set aside for a ‘lounge’ with bean bags and shag rugs.
   • Table Setting: Use vintage tableware, patterned tablecloths, and napkins to evoke the era. Consider using fondue sets as a centrepiece.
     
2. Music and Atmosphere:
   • Playlist: Compile a playlist of 70s hits across genres, including disco, rock, and pop. Think ABBA, Bee Gees, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac.
   • Dancing Area: If space allows, create a dance floor where guests can groove to 70s music. You could even host a mini disco with appropriate lighting.
     
3. Dress Code:
   • Attire: Encourage guests to dress in 70s fashion. Think bell-bottoms, platform shoes, psychedelic prints, jumpsuits, and leisure suits. Afro wigs and headbands can add a fun touch.
     
4. Food and Drink:
   • Menu: Classic 70s dishes include prawn cocktail starters, chicken Kiev, beef stroganoff, and Black Forest gateau. Vegetarian options could include quiche and stuffed mushrooms.
   • Drinks: Serve popular 70s cocktails like Tequila Sunrise, Harvey Wallbanger, and Pina Colada. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options like punch.
   • Presentation: Use serving ware that reflects the 70s style. Think wooden boards, glass bowls, and ceramic dishes.
     
5. Activities and Entertainment:
   • Trivia Quiz: Organise a 70s-themed quiz. Questions could cover 70s pop culture, including music, movies, and historical events.
   • Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with 70s props like oversized sunglasses, feather boas, and peace sign necklaces.
   • Classic Games: Introduce board games or card games popular during the 70s.
     
6. Invitations:
   • Create invitations that match the 70s theme. Use retro fonts and imagery, and specify the dress code and theme.
     
7. Party Favours:
   • Consider giving guests themed party favours like retro candies, customised 70s-style t-shirts, or vintage-style keychains.
     
8. Catering to Preferences and Allergies:
   • Ensure you’re aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests and have suitable options available.

Remember, the key to a great themed party is attention to detail and creating an immersive experience. By blending the iconic styles, music, and flavours of the 1970s, your party is sure to be a hit!

1970s Dinner Party Playlist

A 1970s-themed dinner party playlist should capture the diverse and vibrant music of the era. Here’s a mix of genres including disco, rock, pop, and soul:

1. Bee Gees – “Stayin’ Alive”
2. Abba – “Dancing Queen”
3. Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way”
4. Gloria Gaynor – “I Will Survive”
5. David Bowie – “Heroes”
6. Elton John – “Rocket Man”
7. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
8. Donna Summer – “Hot Stuff”
9. The Rolling Stones – “Brown Sugar”
10. Blondie – “Heart of Glass”
11. Earth, Wind & Fire – “September”
12. Rod Stewart – “Maggie May”
13. Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”
14. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here”
15. Chic – “Le Freak”
16. John Lennon – “Imagine”
17. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
18. Diana Ross – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
19. The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
20. Eagles – “Hotel California”

This playlist includes some of the most iconic songs from the 1970s, ensuring a lively and nostalgic atmosphere for your dinner party. Remember to adjust the playlist according to the preferences of your guests and the mood as the evening progresses. Enjoy your 70s-themed party! Here it is on Spotify, 20 hits from the 1970s, 1 hour 36 minutes of music.

Update 30 August 2019:

I’ve just spotted a page on The Guardian that shows several seventies dinner party food dishes in photos. A couple are a little worrying! >> see the evidence (opens in a new tab)

1970s live music could be another theme for a 1970s dinner party. Here are some live music icons from the 1970s.

Kevin Harrington

I’m a UK-based B2B marketing consultant, specialising in strategic advice for SME business owners. I bring extensive hands-on expertise to every client engagement. Senior leadership roles across technology, media, payments, and publishing have shaped my practical approach. Highlights include serving as Chief Marketing Officer at The Panoply plc (now TPXimpact), Chief Commercial Officer at Tungsten Network, and Global Marketing Director at BBC Worldwide. Over the years, I’ve guided numerous SMEs through transformation and value creation. Helping businesses evolve and thrive is a genuine passion. Practical marketing insights and succession planning strategies are at the heart of what I do, as I believe growing a business’s asset value should be a rewarding and positive journey for every entrepreneur.

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