An ancient dinner party would surely seem a lot more interesting than our equivalent now. The mixture of games, food, wine and dancing alongside philosophical debate seems like the perfect place to learn.
It is no surprise that the ancient world produced amazing thinkers- Socrates, Plato and Xenophon (of only a few mentioned!) with the environment of a dinner party operating as the perfect environment for free thought and discussion amongst friends. It would be held in a large room, with pillowed couches arrayed along the walls. The wide open space would be left open for entertainment including live dancers and singers. It would usually be held honouring a success such like a victory in battle, public debates or political court case. It would encourage a sense of unity between the people and operate as a time for celebration.
Let me correct the title- maybe only girls would be missing out!
Given that ancient societies were highly patriarchal, the dinner parties acted as male-centric gatherings. The exclusion of women would be a fundamental contrast to our version of the event today, and represents the progression made throughout history.
