Dinner Party Kit

Pleasantly Surprised is a design-led vegan dinner party kit that reintroduces plant-based food without the label.

After eight years as a vegan, I noticed one thing: that people are more likely to enjoy vegan dishes on first taste when they’re not framed as “vegan” beforehand. This project flips expectation into experience. Guests arrive without expectations and leave rethinking what plant-based food can be.

The kit equips first-time hosts to create that moment. A curated system of personalised menus, tailored recipe cards, and a seasonal cocktail book allows them to build a fully considered dining experience, from concept to table. The newspaper-style guide sets the tone, blending an immersive design experience with practical tips, making the process feel as engaging as the evening itself.

Designed as both a product and a repeatable service, Pleasantly Surprised evolves with its audience. Hosts can return to create new menus and experiences, expanding their repertoire without starting from scratch.