Dinner Party Questions
For excellent dinner conversation
Overview
Here’s our list of the best topics for deepening friends, work, family and romantic connections that we’ve curated over many years of throwing both Salon or Jeffersonian Dinners for our clients.
The goal of any Salon or Jeffersonian dinner is to create a setting which highlights the knowledge and perspectives of every individual at the table, over a single expert or speaker. Thoughts are shared, stories are told and everyone should come away feeling like they gained knowledge and deepened their relationship with the other guests.
Tips for hosts
Curate your guest list
Build a guest list of 6–15 individuals who share an interest in the conversation topic, but will bring a huge range in both diversity of viewpoints and personality in terms of their approach to a conversation to the table. Perhaps they have very different careers, or have lived in different places, or studied contrasting topics at university. The conversation will be better when guests come from different perspectives.
Choose a conversation topic and prepare question prompts
It’s important that the topic be something broad enough to discuss from a variety of angles, but narrow enough to dive deep. Prepare a set of question prompts to guide discussion about the topic. Focus on open ended questions that use keywords like “What,” “How” and “Why” — these words invite deeper responses.
Familiarize yourself with the format and set clear expectations for your guests
Remember that unlike a typical gathering where guests chat socially with the people seated nearby, a Jeffersonian Dinner invites a whole table conversation about a particular theme. In order to break this social norm, it’s helpful to set expectations for your guests in advance, and again at the start of the event. You will need a facilitator to guide guests and stop the conversation to veering off course.
Topics for dinners with friends:
Origin Stories: Share the story of your name or the significance behind it. How does your name reflect your identity?
Life's Turning Points: What pivotal moments in your life have shaped who you are today? How did you navigate these turning points?
Passion Projects: Discuss a hobby or passion that brings you joy. How did you discover it, and how does it contribute to your well-being?
Travel Tales: Share a memorable travel experience. What destination impacted you the most, and why?
Culinary Adventures: What is your favorite dish, and what memories or emotions does it evoke for you?
Bookish Bonds: Discuss a book that has had a profound impact on your life or worldview. Why did it resonate with you?
Career Chronicles: Share the journey of how you chose your career path. What motivates you in your professional life?
Hidden Talents: What is a skill or talent that few people know about? How did you discover or develop it?
Mentor Moments: Reflect on a person who has been a significant mentor or role model in your life. What lessons did they impart?
Bucket List Dreams: What are some items on your bucket list, and what inspired you to include them?
Defining Values: Discuss the core values that guide your decisions and actions. How do they influence your friendships?
Life's Soundtrack: Share a song that holds special meaning for you. What memories or emotions does it evoke?
Memory Lane: Recount a fond childhood memory that shaped your perspective on life.
Mindful Moments: How do you practice mindfulness or self-care in your daily life? Share tips and experiences.
Proud Achievements: Reflect on a personal or professional achievement that you're particularly proud of. What challenges did you overcome?
Cultural Connections: Discuss your cultural background and traditions that hold significance for you.
Epic Failures: Share a challenging experience or failure that ultimately led to growth and resilience.
Friendship Fundamentals: What qualities do you value most in a friend, and how do you cultivate meaningful friendships?
Environmental Impact: Discuss your views on environmental sustainability and the steps you take to make a positive impact.
Random Acts of Kindness: Share an experience where either you received or gave an unexpected act of kindness. How did it influence your day?
Unforgettable Encounters: Describe a chance encounter with a stranger that left a lasting impression on you.
Inspirational Influences: Who are the people, living or historical, who inspire you the most and why?
Future Aspirations: Share your dreams and aspirations for the future. What steps are you taking to work towards them?
Life's Quirks and Quandaries: Share some of the unique and quirky aspects of your personality. What are the quirks that make you who you are, and how do they contribute to your individuality?
Comfort Zones and Growth: Discuss moments in your life when you stepped outside your comfort zone and experienced personal growth. How did these experiences shape your perspective, and what did you learn about yourself?
Topics for dinners with work colleagues:
Parallel Thought Experiment: If you could observe an alternate reality where a pivotal historical event unfolded differently, which event would you choose, and how might it have shaped the world today?
The Philosophy of Nostalgia: Discuss the concept of nostalgia as both a source of comfort and a potential hindrance to progress. How does society balance preserving tradition with embracing change?
The Mind's Playground: If our dreams were a collective space, and everyone could explore each other's dreams, how might it influence human connection, creativity, or problem-solving?
Dystopian Utopias: Envision a utopian society with a seemingly perfect structure. What unintended consequences might arise, and how could it lead to its own downfall?
The Evolution of Ethics: If an artificial intelligence achieved sentience, what ethical principles should govern its interactions with humans, and how would we ensure its moral development?
Language of the Future: Imagine a world where a universal language is created to foster global understanding. What challenges and benefits might arise from such a linguistic shift?
The Museum of the Future: Each participant curates an exhibit for a futuristic museum showcasing today's society. What elements would you highlight, and what insights would visitors gain about our era?
The Thought Experiment Society: If a secret society dedicated to conducting large-scale social experiments existed, what experiments might they conduct, and what insights could be gained from them?
AI-Assisted Creativity: Discuss the implications of a future where artificial intelligence collaborates with humans to create art, literature, and music. How might this redefine the concept of originality?
The Time Capsule Dilemma: If you could send a message to future generations, what would it contain, and how might it reflect the values and aspirations of our present era?
The Conscious Algorithm: Explore the ethical considerations and societal impacts of integrating advanced AI into decision-making processes, from legal systems to personal choices.
Sculpting Society: If you were tasked with redesigning the structure of society from scratch, what fundamental principles and values would you prioritize?
Memories for Sale: If memories could be bought and sold, what ethical concerns and societal shifts would emerge, and how might it affect personal identity?
Quantum Ethics: Explore the intersection of quantum computing and moral philosophy. How might quantum technologies challenge or redefine our ethical frameworks?
The Language of Mathematics: If mathematical principles were the primary language of communication, how might society be different, and what advantages or limitations would this bring?
The Evolution of Empathy: Consider the potential future evolution of human empathy. How might it adapt or change in response to advancements in technology and communication?
The Impact of a Common Enemy: Discuss how the discovery of extraterrestrial life might unite humanity and reshape our global priorities and collaborations.
The Currency of Knowledge: If knowledge were the global currency, how would it impact education, innovation, and the distribution of wealth?
The Morality of Immortality: Explore the ethical implications of achieving human immortality. How might an infinite lifespan influence our values, relationships, and pursuit of knowledge?
Reality Remix: If everyone had the ability to alter their perception of reality temporarily, how might this impact individual experiences, relationships, and societal norms?
The Ethics of Exploration: Discuss the ethical considerations of space exploration, including potential encounters with extraterrestrial life and the responsible use of newfound resources.
Consciousness Compression: If humans could upload their consciousness to a digital form, explore the philosophical, ethical, and existential implications of this possibility.
The Quantum Internet: Envision a world where a quantum internet is a reality. How might it revolutionize communication, privacy, and the exchange of information?
Symbiotic Societies: Explore the concept of symbiotic relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. How might AI enhance human capabilities, and what ethical guidelines would be necessary?
The Museum of Failures: Create a hypothetical museum that celebrates society's failures. What lessons can be learned from these failures, and how might they contribute to future success?
Topics for dinners with family:
Defining Family Values: What values do you think are most important for our family, and how do they contribute to our well-being?
Open Communication: In what ways can we encourage open communication and understanding within our family unit?
Family Happiness: How do you envision the role of each family member in contributing to the overall happiness of the family?
Balancing Individual and Collective: How can our family balance individual needs and desires with collective goals and responsibilities?
Family Traditions: What traditions or rituals do you believe are important for maintaining a strong family bond?
Mutual Support: How can we foster a sense of mutual support and encouragement among family members?
Role of Education: What role does education play in shaping the values and identity of our family?
Inclusive Decision-Making: How can we ensure that every family member feels heard and valued in decision-making processes?
Community Contribution: What responsibilities do we have as a family in contributing to our local community and society at large?
Preserving Family Heritage: In what ways can we promote a sense of shared history and heritage within our family?
Encouraging Intellectual Growth: How can we create an environment that encourages curiosity, learning, and intellectual growth for each family member?
Family Stories and Anecdotes: What are the family stories or anecdotes that you believe best represent our collective identity?
Conflict Resolution: How can we navigate and resolve conflicts within our family in a constructive and respectful manner?
Individual Pursuits: What role do you believe individual passions and pursuits should play within the family dynamic?
Environmental Responsibility: In what ways can our family contribute to environmental sustainability and awareness?
Individual Freedom Within the Family: How do you see the concept of individual freedom within the context of our family structure?
Lessons from Family History: What lessons from our family history do you think are most valuable for future generations?
Instilling Responsibility: How can we instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in our family members?
Family Goals and Aspirations: What family goals or aspirations do you have for the short and long term?
Adaptability and Resilience: How can our family adapt and thrive in the face of changing circumstances and challenges?
Celebrating Achievements: What do you believe is the importance of celebrating achievements and milestones within our family?
Contributing to Each Member's Well-being: How can our family contribute to the well-being and happiness of each member?
Encouraging Creativity and Growth: In what ways can we encourage creativity, expression, and individual growth within our family?
Commitments for Family Strength: What commitments can we make as a family to continuously strengthen our bonds and support each other's journeys?
Generational Wisdom Exchange: Explore the diverse perspectives within the family by sharing a piece of advice or wisdom you've received from an older family member. How has this guidance influenced your life, and what timeless lessons do you think are important to pass on to the next generation?
Topics for dinners with romantic partners:
Our Journey So Far: Reflect on the milestones of your relationship. What are the moments that have defined your journey together?
Love Languages: Share and discuss your love languages. How do you express and prefer to receive love and affection?
Dream Destinations: Explore each other's dream travel destinations. How do these places align with your shared vision of the future?
Childhood Crushes: Playfully reminisce about your childhood crushes. How have your ideas of love evolved since then?
The Power of Compliments: Discuss the compliments that mean the most to each of you. How do words of affirmation strengthen your bond?
Challenges and Growth: Share a challenging moment in your relationship and discuss how it led to personal and relational growth.
Shared Hobbies: Identify and celebrate the hobbies or activities you both enjoy. How do these shared interests contribute to your connection?
Relationship Role Models: Talk about couples you admire. What qualities do they possess that you aspire to incorporate into your own relationship?
Favorite Dates: Reminisce about your favorite dates together. How do these shared experiences contribute to your relationship's unique story?
Communication Styles: Explore your communication styles. How can you enhance your understanding of each other through effective communication?
Intimacy Exploration: Discuss your comfort levels with intimacy and physical affection. How can you create a space for deeper connection?
Love in Action: Share specific ways you like to show love. How can you incorporate more of these actions into your daily lives?
Fantasy Vacation: Imagine your ideal romantic getaway. How would you spend your time, and what experiences would you prioritize?
Support System: Discuss the importance of having a support system in your romantic relationship. How can you better support each other's individual goals?
The Power of Apology: Share your perspectives on apologizing and forgiving. How do these acts strengthen your relationship?
Fears and Hopes: Openly share your fears and hopes for the future. How can you work together to alleviate concerns and pursue shared aspirations?
Unexpected Surprises: Discuss the impact of unexpected surprises in your relationship. How do these moments contribute to the joy of being together?
Love Letters: Write short love letters to each other, expressing what you appreciate most about one another. Share and discuss.
The Role of Laughter: Explore the role of humor in your relationship. What inside jokes or shared laughter moments bring you closer?
Family Traditions: Share and discuss your family traditions. How can you incorporate and create new traditions as a couple?
Navigating Differences: Discuss the differences in your personalities or interests. How can you navigate these distinctions to enhance your relationship?
Relationship Milestones: Outline the milestones you envision for your future together. How can you work collaboratively towards these goals?
The Art of Compromise: Reflect on past instances of compromise in your relationship. How can you continue to find middle ground and grow together?
Love in the Mundane: Discuss the significance of small, everyday moments in your relationship. How can you continue to appreciate and find joy in the ordinary?
Reflections on Tonight: Take a moment to reflect on the evening. How has this dinner deepened your connection, and what intentions do you have for the future of your romantic relationship?