TikTok appears to be promoting the idea of hosting dinner parties in 2025, though not everyone may afford such gatherings, especially if they are not affluent. The social media app seems to recognize the seasonality of spring as a time for dinner parties during the economically vibrant month of April 2025. However, the notions of “dinner party” conjure up images of “quiet luxury,” contrasting with the more laid-back social gatherings such as potlucks or picnics, reminiscent of the cottagecore trend from 2018.
Upon opening TikTok, users are met with an array of content depicting opulent dinner settings, from lavish floral arrangements to beautifully crafted ceramic plates. These elements, including taper candles adorning the tables, suggest a return to dining experiences that convey a sense of exclusivity.
Historically, food has signified social status. In the 18th century, pineapples were seen as a wealth symbol due to their rarity, while celery represented affluence in the 19th century. The Victorian era marked the reign of the elite in hosting dinner parties, as these events required time and resources that only the wealthy could afford.
In 2025, fresh food continues to act as a symbol of wealth, driven by the rising costs of groceries. Venues like viral TikTok bakeries and Erewhon’s extravagant offerings have become cultural status symbols akin to streetwear. Celebrity endorsements, such as Hailey Bieber’s advertisement featuring vibrant produce and Lori Harvey’s birthday dinner party, emphasize this trend. Designers are increasingly incorporating food items like pasta and tomatoes into fashion apparel, turning food and clothing into objects of spectacle.
According to Megan Wahn from Bon Appetit, necessities like food and clothing have transformed into items for enjoyment and show. Andrea Hernández, author of the food and beverage trends newsletter Snaxshot, observes that the notion of groceries as a luxury is a post-2020 sentiment, reflecting food scarcity and increasing grocery prices. For the current generation, fancy smoothies symbolize accessible affluence, akin to the “avocado toast trope” for millennials.
Ultimately, the rise of dinner parties may not be as direct an indicator of economic recession as traditional metrics like GDP decline or high unemployment. Nonetheless, cultural cues suggest that the gap between the wealthy and less affluent could widen to the point where showing prosperity involves showcasing one’s ability to meet basic needs like buying eggs. Consequently, flaunting food at a dinner party may serve as a contemporary display of wealth.