This Is What Your Table Would Have Looked Like at a 1970s Dinner Party: 7 Groovy Recipes

Ever wondered what your table would have looked like at a 1970s dinner party? I decided to take a nostalgic trip back in time and explore the most popular recipes of that groovy decade. With a little help from the Woman’s World Test Kitchen and TikTok, I pulled together the seven most iconic dishes that defined the era, from fondue to Jello mold and everything in between. If you’re looking to host a retro-themed dinner party (I have tips for that, too) or simply want to experience the flavors of the past, these 1970s inspired recipes are sure to transport you. So, let’s get cooking like it’s 1975!

How to throw a 1970s-inspired dinner party

Throwing a great dinner party reminiscent of the seventies involves capturing the essence of the era’s vibrant culinary trends and laid-back social atmosphere. Set the mood with vintage tableware, colorful linens and disco-era decorations. Encourage your guests to dress in ’70s fashion, from bell-bottoms to disco attire. Create a playlist featuring iconic hits from the era to keep the party grooving. Serve classic cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger or Grasshopper for a touch of nostalgia.

More on the ‘70s: Catch Up With ‘That ‘70s Show’ Cast!

The best 1970s-inspired recipes

Are you feeling a little nostalgic? We are, too! Dive through the best of the seventies with these iconic dishes that screamed “party.”

1. Beef stroganoff

A classic dish featuring tender strips of beef sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream and served over egg noodles. Plus, we use minute steaks and canned cream of mushroom soup to save some time.

2. Quiche Lorraine

A savory pie filled with a rich custard of eggs, cream, and Swiss cheese, often including bacon or ham, baked in a flaky pie crust. And this shortcut recipe makes prep work even faster with store-bought pie crust.

3. Fondue

Both cheese and chocolate fondues were all the rage. Cheese fondue involved dipping bread cubes into a melted mixture of cheeses and wine, while chocolate fondue allowed guests to dip fruits, marshmallows, and other treats into warm, melted chocolate. Try the cheese fondue recipe below:

And this dark chocolate fondue:

4. Stuffed mushrooms

You can’t go wrong with mushrooms stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs and sometimes sausage, then baked until golden and bubbly. While you can’t go wrong with classic button mushrooms, our test kitchen opted for creminis for a richer, umami flavor. And that spinach, tomato and Pecorino Romano filling? Delicious. Make it below in just 20 minutes:

5. Shrimp cocktail

A sophisticated starter featuring chilled, cooked shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, typically presented in a martini glass or on a bed of ice. Our recipe includes a delicious four-ingredient dip filled with fresh lime and smoky paprika for a kick. Plus, avocado slices and pomegranate make it a touch more party-worthy.

6. Cheese balls

A party staple, cheese balls were made from a blend of cream cheese and other cheeses, often mixed with herbs, spices, and nuts, and served with crackers for dipping. You’ll find two easy recipes, one that’s filled with chopped pecans and one with let’s just say a lot of cheddar cheese to go around.

7. Jell-O mold

A quintessential 1970s dessert, Jell-O molds were often made with colorful gelatin and included a variety of add-ins like fruit, marshmallows, and even vegetables for a visually appealing and wobbly treat. Did you know? Jell-O grew in popularity after World War II for its easy preparation and affordability. And now, it’s making a comeback. We have three layered Jello-O recipes below to try:

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More nostalgic dishes to try:

This Black Forest Cake Recipe Is a Show-Stopping Chocolate Cherry Delight

Apricot-Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe Makes Dinnertime Extra Delicious

This Ranch Deviled Eggs Recipe Puts a Creamy, Tangy Spin on a Classic Appetizer