Blog
Tips, guides, and stories from the Dine Competitions community
How to Create a Cooking Competition on Dine With Me
A complete walkthrough for setting up your first competition — from naming it to setting dates and inviting friends.
Public vs Private Competitions — What's the Difference?
Should you invite specific friends or open your competition to the community? Here's how to decide.
Rating Categories Explained — How Dishes Are Scored
Taste, Presentation, Creativity, and beyond. Learn how the scoring system works and how to win.
Tiebreaker Rules — How Winners Are Decided
What happens when two participants score the same? Discover our transparent tiebreaker system.
10 Creative Competition Ideas to Spice Up Your Dinner Party
From silent dinners to costume cook-offs, themed nights, and romantic couples competitions.
Find a Chef: Learn from the Best, Teach What You Love
Discover professional and amateur chefs for cooking lessons, improve your skills, or share your expertise.
How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party — A Complete Guide
From planning your menu to setting the scene, everything you need for an unforgettable evening.
Best Cooking Games for Adults — 8 Fun Ideas for Your Next Gathering
Mystery baskets, blind taste tests, budget battles, and more creative games for food lovers.
More Than Cooking — Why Dinner Competitions Bring People Together
It's not just about the food. Discover how cooking competitions create meaningful connections.
How to Support Charities Through Food — Make Every Meal Count
Learn how Dine With Me enables you to donate competition winnings to charities and make an impact.
Understanding Competition Deadlines — Submission vs End Date
A clear explanation of the two key dates and how they shape your competition timeline.
Summer Dinner Party Ideas 2026 — 8 Themes Your Guests Will Love
From Mediterranean nights to BBQ cook-offs, discover 8 summer dinner party themes perfect for groups of 4-10.