The money app Plum has published a list of questions most likely to elicit a negative response at a dinner party. Even though I am fairly unlikely to plan any such occasions any time soon, I thought it might be useful to take you through the list, to spare you any potential blushes, should the Come Dine With Me cameras be filming at your place. Incidentally, why do so many contestants on that show do steak as a main course? I guess it's seemingly straightforward to cook, yet everyone has very particular preferences about how well (or otherwise) it's done, so the potential for mishaps is great.
Anyway, to the chart we head, and these are the topics best avoided like a game of cards in the Oval Office...
10 - Did you vote in the last general election? It's an old cliche, but still very true that politics is a thorny subject to raise at the dinner table. There was a time during the Brexit referendum when it was more tinder dry than Marsden Moor in the height of summer, and had the potential to drive a wedge between friendships. I do still like to try and elicit some 'Brexit benefits' from those who insist in 2025 that it was a good idea to cut our country off from our biggest trading partners, and as soon as I've found some tangible plus points, I'll add them to this article. I promise if you come round to mine, I'll just avoid any mention of it, unless you say something untrue about more money going to the NHS.
9 - Do you think the UK monarchy should exist? Another topic that most people have pretty entrenched views on. Personally, I'm rather on the fence, so for a bit of sport, I could light the touchpaper by asking the question and then retreat to the safety of the kitchen kitchen as a bun fight erupts, but it's perhaps best avoided. I find dropping into conversation that I actually really enjoyed reading Prince Harry's book from cover to cover last year also elicits a range of responses, ranging from incredulous to bemused.
8 - Would you take Ozempic? Weight is an incredibly sensitive area in general, and this is a step up from 'ooh, you're looking well' in the cringe stakes. Commenting on someone else's weight is generally a big no-no, unless you're saying something really kind. Having said that, I did enjoy all the compliments when I lost three stone with Slimming World in 2022. Thank you to all my friends who haven't mentioned me piling it back on.
7 - Do you think migration is a good thing? Unless you're hosting one of the four Reform UK MPs for dinner (at the time of writing this, there were still four MPs anyway!), don't go there. This question could only be interpreted as spoiling for a fight, or to phrase it in the style of Mrs Merton, a 'heated debate'.
6 - Do you think Donald Trump could be a positive influence? Yes, he has his fans, and they are adamant the rest of us gullible fools are being hoodwinked somehow by the narrative of the 'mainstream media', but trying to have a sensible conversation about Trump is like trying to nail tangerine jelly to the wall whilst blindfolded.
5 - Did you vote for Brexit? Back to that rule about avoiding mentions of politics, especially when alcohol is involved, to avoid a collar grab during the soup course or eye roll mid-profiteroles.
4 - Do you support migration? Is it me, or should some of these questions be merged? I'm starting to feel like I'm living through Groundhog Day. Next!
3 - How much do you have in savings? Now you're just being vulgar.
2 - Do you have any debt? See above. Who wants to be reminded about their credit card bills whilst enjoying a prawn cocktail or espresso martini?
1 - What salary are you on? What sort of dinner party is this? Certainly not a British one.
Finally, a top tip for what to bring to your next dinner party. Forget the wine and box of melted chocolates...apparently, top gifts to offer a host these days include posh olives, freshly roasted coffee, and olive oil. The latter is now the price of a small Caribbean island, so is certainly a decent gift.
