You’ve identified some new people in your community and invited them over for dinner. The house is presentable, the menu is planned, and now it’s time to figure out what to talk about. Or maybe you’ve been invited to someone’s house and you’d like to be prepared to socialize. If you’re introverted like I am, it can be difficult to come up with conversation in the moment. Even if you already know your guests, conversation doesn’t always flow easily. Let’s explore some simple ideas for dinner party conversation starters.
Lighthearted dinner party conversation starters
Keep in mind a few topics that would be easy for anyone to talk about. Asking about their preferences in a variety of categories is always an easy way to start talking. Think about your answers to these dinner party conversation starters as well so you can contribute your own ideas.
Some ideas:
- What foods do you enjoy?
- Have you been anywhere interesting lately?
- What are your hobbies?
- What are you reading?
- Do you have some favorite shows or movies?
- What do you like to do on weekends?
- Do you have any creative outlets?
- Where would you especially enjoy going on vacation?
- Is there something you’ve been hoping to learn?
- Do you follow any sports?
- What website is the biggest drain on your time?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- What is something you’ve always wanted to try?
- What was your dream job as a kid?
- What are some of your favorite childhood memories?
Dinner party conversation starters with teens and kids
It’s important to include everyone in the conversation, so planning ahead a bit in case there are younger people there is a good idea. Maybe it’s been a while since your kids lived at home, or maybe you never had children. In any case, steering conversation around school and activities is generally a safe bet.
Some possibilities:
- Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?
- What’s your favorite subject in school?
- What is your hardest class?
- What are your teachers like?
- Do you follow any celebrities or athletes?
- What is your dream car?
- Who is your favorite super hero?
- What super power would you like to have?
- What is your favorite book or movie?
- What do you and your friends like to do?
- What big goals do you have?
- If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
- What would you do if you won a huge cash prize?
- If you could invent any app or gadget, what would it do?
- If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What other ideas do you have?
Look briefly into upcoming local events before getting together, because that type of thing is another good springboard for conversation. There are also some great card games available that help get people talking. You might check out Table Topics. Each edition contains 135 cards with discussion prompts. There are other options as well. Let me know if you find something you really love!
Regardless of what you talk about, be sure to make note of what you learn about your friends and acquaintances so you can follow up later as appropriate. Asking related questions can help you navigate subsequent visits. Most importantly, remembering their goals and preferences will affirm your friend and make them feel seen and heard. Valued.
Most of the questions presented here could work for any age, so make a point of including everyone as much as you can. The ultimate goal is to enjoy each other and create connection. The best dinner parties aren’t just about delicious food but the memorable conversations shared around the table. So get curious, ask meaningful questions, and watch your gathering come alive with connection and laughter.
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Fondly,
Crysti
