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Resources / Home & Family


40 DINNER PARTY THEMES AND IDEAS

EJ


Posted by Erica Jabali



If you're planning a dinner party, you're probably already thinking about the
type of food and drinks you'll serve, along with brainstorming ideas for décor.
These 40 themes and ideas will give you plenty to choose from for your next
dinner party, and many more to come.


FOOD-FOCUSED THEMES 

 1.  Street Tacos - Not just your average tacos. Street tacos are all about
     juicy, marinated meat, such as carne asada or carnitas, and lots of sauce!
     Look up a cilantro lime dressing and be sure to have all the salsa and
     toppings a guest could want. Don't forget a cooler full of cold drinks — or
     bust out your margarita maker for the best dinner party ever.
 2.  Polenta Night - Make a huge batch of creamy, cheesy polenta and spread it
     out on a long charcuterie board. Then, put out a variety of toppings such
     as sautéed mushrooms, braised pork, a grilled vegetable medley and anything
     else you can think of. Let everyone design their own polenta bowl and dig
     in, or eat it right off the charcuterie board, family-style.
 3.  DIY Pasta Bar - Who doesn't love pasta? Make all different kinds, from
     rotini to spaghetti, ravioli to tortellini. Then, put out lots of sauce and
     topping options and allow guests to make their dream pasta bowl.
 4.  Make Your Own Pizza - I know you think this has been done before, but why
     not give it a fresh spin? Put up a few pictures of different, unusual pizza
     topping combinations and the toppings to create it. Your guests will have
     inspiration for their next pie without having to think too hard or resort
     to their old standby.
 5.  Nacho Night - Who doesn't love nachos? They'll love yours the best because
     you'll give them different options for the base. Make a batch of fries,
     serve chips, and also have some baked bell peppers as options for the base
     of the nachos. Then, put out all the toppings, from cheese sauces, seasoned
     meats, vegetables, and more. Make sure to have a dairy-free cheese for
     anyone avoiding dairy.
 6.  Finger Foods - Why not ditch utensils all together and only serve foods
     that can be eaten by hand? Slice up the basics of a Caprese salad and put
     them on short sticks for ease of eating, pre-slice bell peppers and put
     them in a cup with ranch on the bottom. Look for creative ways to make
     utensils obsolete.
 7.  Sandwich Shop - There's a reason that Subway is so popular. People love
     sandwiches! Create a make-your-own sandwich bar that will have all your
     guests wishing they could visit your sandwich shop anytime. Offer bins of
     different types of chips and cold drinks for them to finish their combo.
 8.  Breakfast - But not in the morning. Serve all the favorite breakfast and
     brunch foods for dinner instead. Fluffy, loaded omelets, eggs and bacon,
     toast, smoothie shooters, fresh fruit and more — just later in the day. Is
     there ever a time when pancakes aren't delicious?
 9.  Best Burgers - Don't go small here. Get the very best burgers and every
     possible type of topping and sauce. Offer a bun-free version for those who
     eat a gluten-free diet. Hand-sliced and air fried fries, onion rings and
     sweet potato fries make it even better!
 10. Burrito Bowls - Bring your favorite Mexican restaurant to your home with
     all the fixings for burrito bowls! Let your guests customize their burrito
     bowl just how they like it.
 11. Super Salads - Forget the bagged salads, this is a salad bar nobody will
     want to miss. Whisk together a few different dressings and cook up some
     surprising toppings, such as crunchy onion rings and spiced baked
     chickpeas, and watch your guests go to town.
 12. Potato Bar - A warm baked potato has a universal appeal and offers a
     variety of topping options. Offer bacon, cheese, sour cream and green
     onions in addition to a wide array of meats like BBQ pulled chicken and
     barbacoa.
 13. Fondue Party - Whip up a big batch of seasoned fondue cheese and dice up
     all the dippers for your guests to happily dip.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Organize dinner club host homes with a sign up. View an Example

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SHAKE IT UP IDEAS

 1.  Rethink Seating - Instead of sitting around a table, put floor pillows on
     the ground and eat around a low table or coffee table. This is especially
     fun if combined with a family-style dining option where everyone can pass
     food and sample different dishes.
 2.  Dessert First - Serve the most anticipated meal first and then work
     backward to the appetizers. It's a fun spin on a meal that will make all
     your guests light up when they're handed a delicious dessert first.
 3.  Go Vegan - Can vegan food be a theme? It sure can! Consider trying some of
     the new vegan recipes taking the internet by storm, such as cashew cream as
     a condiment instead of sour cream or plant-based burgers. You'll surprise
     your guests with something new and avoid potential food sensitivities in
     one swoop.
 4.  Family Style - Rather than serving a plated meal, put out large portions of
     delicious food and let your guests fix a plate. Dishes like sliced flank
     steak and sides like garlic mashed potatoes and homemade bread make
     everyone happy.
 5.  Indoor Picnic - Kids love it, why not do it for adults? Put out a large
     blanket and plan an indoor picnic for your guests, just with more upscale
     food and drinks.
 6.  Murder Mystery - Pick up or download a dinner murder mystery game and
     assign each guest a part to play. They'll show up in character and you'll
     get to play host. Pick menu items based on what will best match the murder
     mystery setting.
 7.  Mini Menu - Only serve foods that are in their mini form — such as baby
     carrots and pigs in a blanket. Everything is cuter when it's mini!
 8.  Glow in The Dark - Maybe you've seen those restaurants where people dine in
     the dark. While you won't make your guests do that, consider lighting the
     dinner with glow in the dark lights or settle for romantic mood lighting
     with candles.
 9.  Drinks First - Rather than focus on the meal, put your effort into the
     drinks! Either serve one unexpected (but delicious) cocktail with a
     mocktail option or put out a few homemade juices and smoothies.
 10. Color Theme - Only make food that is a particular color, or two colors, for
     a fun twist.

 

 



TIMELESS AND TRENDY THEMES

 1. Time Period Theme - Choose a period in history and design a menu around what
    would've been eaten during that time. This is especially fun if it'll expose
    your guests to a delicious meal they've never tried.
 2. Support Local - Restaurants that serve dishes made fresh with local cuisine
    are all the rage. Create your own version at home by serving only what is
    fresh, in season and picked up from the local farmer's market.
 3. Giant Charcuterie - Keep the wine flowing and put out a huge, table length
    charcuterie board with all the cheeses, olives, nuts, baguette, olive oils,
    spreads and more than your guests could ever want. This will allow them to
    mingle, taste and enjoy throughout the evening rather than have a formal
    affair.
 4. Smoke It - Grab a slow roaster and make delicious BBQ that falls off their
    forks. Serve with classic American side dishes or versions with a twist.
    Cold root beer or lemonade is the perfect beverage to complete your
    home-smoked BBQ.
 5. Beauty Foods - Start off with a green juice, move to a fresh tossed salad
    with loads of antioxidant-rich fruits, and finish with a decadent but
    healthy dessert like apple nachos. Slice apples, top with melted peanut
    butter and sprinkle with mini dark chocolate chips.
 6. Thanksgiving - Who says you can only have a turkey dinner in November?
    Surprise your guests with a full Friendsgiving during a different month!
 7. Medieval Style - You've heard of medieval restaurants, now bring the concept
    to your guests. Serve authentic medieval style food, such as huge turkey
    legs and food people can eat with their hands. Serve beer in mead cups and
    invite guests to dress up if they want.
 8. Tea Party - Create a tea party for adults, with tons of fresh scones, tea
    sandwiches and pots of tea. Keep the sugar cubes and cream handy for
    everyone to doctor their drinks, and serve tiered dessert trays for extra
    points.
 9. Sports Themed - Brownies shaped like footballs, hissy fit dip with chips,
    burger sliders, mason jar painted like sports balls for drinks and more. Who
    needs a sports game when you can create a dining experience that will be a
    touchdown?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coordinate a progressive potluck dinner with a sign up. View an Example

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CUISINES OF THE WORLD

 1. Go Greek - The Mediterranean diet is a classic favorite for a good reason.
    Piles of fresh veggies and feta cheese make an easy, iconic Greek salad.
    Spanakopita is easy to find frozen for a quick, fan favorite appetizer. Move
    on to main dishes like gyros or chicken souvlaki for a finger-licking good
    time.
 2. Cinco de Mayo - Don't save the fiesta for only one day a year. Go all out
    with Mexican fare on any other day of the year.
 3. Cook French - Make like Julia Child and only serve delicious French cuisine.
    Sip on a glass of rosé, skip the salad and serve baked egg instead, and nail
    an authentic dish like Coq au Vin. Dessert is easy — serve ice cream with
    fresh fruit.
 4. Chinese Takeout - Except everything is made in-house. Serve chow mein and
    fried rice in to-go containers with chopsticks that your guests can carry
    around. Be sure to have a pile of fresh egg rolls and mix up a big batch of
    Thai iced tea to share.
 5. Go Italian - Everyone loves comfort food. Begin with bruschetta and a
    selection of wine. Move to a crisp Italian salad and a classic dish like
    lasagna or chicken piccata. Finish with tiramisu and a decaf coffee. The
    only tricky part will be getting your guests to leave.
 6. Fish and Chips - Pretty self-explanatory — but so delicious! You could also
    serve some shepherd's pie and bangers and mash for a fully English themed
    dinner.
 7. Backyard Luau - Take it outside. Decorate with tiki torches and serve
    roasted pig, rice, blended beverages and pineapple upside down cake for
    dessert.
 8. Retro Diner - Pump the 50s diner hits, serve the best hot dogs and burgers,
    grab the classic Coca-Cola in the glass bottles, and serve the biggest
    milkshakes. Checkered décor and cotton candy bags can finish off the perfect
    flashback night.



Hosting can be a lot of fun and a lot of work. Now, you'll have 40 strong dinner
party themes and ideas to get you started. We hope your next dinner party is the
best one yet! 

Erica Jabali is a freelance writer and blogs over at ispyfabulous.com.


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Resources / Home & Family


40 DINNER PARTY THEMES AND IDEAS

If you're planning a dinner party, you're probably already thinking about the
type of food and drinks you'll serve, along with brainstorming ideas for décor.
These 40 themes and ideas will give you plenty to choose from for your next
dinner party, and many more to come.






FOOD-FOCUSED THEMES 

 1.  Street Tacos - Not just your average tacos. Street tacos are all about
     juicy, marinated meat, such as carne asada or carnitas, and lots of sauce!
     Look up a cilantro lime dressing and be sure to have all the salsa and
     toppings a guest could want. Don't forget a cooler full of cold drinks — or
     bust out your margarita maker for the best dinner party ever.
 2.  Polenta Night - Make a huge batch of creamy, cheesy polenta and spread it
     out on a long charcuterie board. Then, put out a variety of toppings such
     as sautéed mushrooms, braised pork, a grilled vegetable medley and anything
     else you can think of. Let everyone design their own polenta bowl and dig
     in, or eat it right off the charcuterie board, family-style.
 3.  DIY Pasta Bar - Who doesn't love pasta? Make all different kinds, from
     rotini to spaghetti, ravioli to tortellini. Then, put out lots of sauce and
     topping options and allow guests to make their dream pasta bowl.
 4.  Make Your Own Pizza - I know you think this has been done before, but why
     not give it a fresh spin? Put up a few pictures of different, unusual pizza
     topping combinations and the toppings to create it. Your guests will have
     inspiration for their next pie without having to think too hard or resort
     to their old standby.
 5.  Nacho Night - Who doesn't love nachos? They'll love yours the best because
     you'll give them different options for the base. Make a batch of fries,
     serve chips, and also have some baked bell peppers as options for the base
     of the nachos. Then, put out all the toppings, from cheese sauces, seasoned
     meats, vegetables, and more. Make sure to have a dairy-free cheese for
     anyone avoiding dairy.
 6.  Finger Foods - Why not ditch utensils all together and only serve foods
     that can be eaten by hand? Slice up the basics of a Caprese salad and put
     them on short sticks for ease of eating, pre-slice bell peppers and put
     them in a cup with ranch on the bottom. Look for creative ways to make
     utensils obsolete.
 7.  Sandwich Shop - There's a reason that Subway is so popular. People love
     sandwiches! Create a make-your-own sandwich bar that will have all your
     guests wishing they could visit your sandwich shop anytime. Offer bins of
     different types of chips and cold drinks for them to finish their combo.
 8.  Breakfast - But not in the morning. Serve all the favorite breakfast and
     brunch foods for dinner instead. Fluffy, loaded omelets, eggs and bacon,
     toast, smoothie shooters, fresh fruit and more — just later in the day. Is
     there ever a time when pancakes aren't delicious?
 9.  Best Burgers - Don't go small here. Get the very best burgers and every
     possible type of topping and sauce. Offer a bun-free version for those who
     eat a gluten-free diet. Hand-sliced and air fried fries, onion rings and
     sweet potato fries make it even better!
 10. Burrito Bowls - Bring your favorite Mexican restaurant to your home with
     all the fixings for burrito bowls! Let your guests customize their burrito
     bowl just how they like it.
 11. Super Salads - Forget the bagged salads, this is a salad bar nobody will
     want to miss. Whisk together a few different dressings and cook up some
     surprising toppings, such as crunchy onion rings and spiced baked
     chickpeas, and watch your guests go to town.
 12. Potato Bar - A warm baked potato has a universal appeal and offers a
     variety of topping options. Offer bacon, cheese, sour cream and green
     onions in addition to a wide array of meats like BBQ pulled chicken and
     barbacoa.
 13. Fondue Party - Whip up a big batch of seasoned fondue cheese and dice up
     all the dippers for your guests to happily dip.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Organize dinner club host homes with a sign up. View an Example



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SHAKE IT UP IDEAS

 1.  Rethink Seating - Instead of sitting around a table, put floor pillows on
     the ground and eat around a low table or coffee table. This is especially
     fun if combined with a family-style dining option where everyone can pass
     food and sample different dishes.
 2.  Dessert First - Serve the most anticipated meal first and then work
     backward to the appetizers. It's a fun spin on a meal that will make all
     your guests light up when they're handed a delicious dessert first.
 3.  Go Vegan - Can vegan food be a theme? It sure can! Consider trying some of
     the new vegan recipes taking the internet by storm, such as cashew cream as
     a condiment instead of sour cream or plant-based burgers. You'll surprise
     your guests with something new and avoid potential food sensitivities in
     one swoop.
 4.  Family Style - Rather than serving a plated meal, put out large portions of
     delicious food and let your guests fix a plate. Dishes like sliced flank
     steak and sides like garlic mashed potatoes and homemade bread make
     everyone happy.
 5.  Indoor Picnic - Kids love it, why not do it for adults? Put out a large
     blanket and plan an indoor picnic for your guests, just with more upscale
     food and drinks.
 6.  Murder Mystery - Pick up or download a dinner murder mystery game and
     assign each guest a part to play. They'll show up in character and you'll
     get to play host. Pick menu items based on what will best match the murder
     mystery setting.
 7.  Mini Menu - Only serve foods that are in their mini form — such as baby
     carrots and pigs in a blanket. Everything is cuter when it's mini!
 8.  Glow in The Dark - Maybe you've seen those restaurants where people dine in
     the dark. While you won't make your guests do that, consider lighting the
     dinner with glow in the dark lights or settle for romantic mood lighting
     with candles.
 9.  Drinks First - Rather than focus on the meal, put your effort into the
     drinks! Either serve one unexpected (but delicious) cocktail with a
     mocktail option or put out a few homemade juices and smoothies.
 10. Color Theme - Only make food that is a particular color, or two colors, for
     a fun twist.

 

 


TIMELESS AND TRENDY THEMES

 1. Time Period Theme - Choose a period in history and design a menu around what
    would've been eaten during that time. This is especially fun if it'll expose
    your guests to a delicious meal they've never tried.
 2. Support Local - Restaurants that serve dishes made fresh with local cuisine
    are all the rage. Create your own version at home by serving only what is
    fresh, in season and picked up from the local farmer's market.
 3. Giant Charcuterie - Keep the wine flowing and put out a huge, table length
    charcuterie board with all the cheeses, olives, nuts, baguette, olive oils,
    spreads and more than your guests could ever want. This will allow them to
    mingle, taste and enjoy throughout the evening rather than have a formal
    affair.
 4. Smoke It - Grab a slow roaster and make delicious BBQ that falls off their
    forks. Serve with classic American side dishes or versions with a twist.
    Cold root beer or lemonade is the perfect beverage to complete your
    home-smoked BBQ.
 5. Beauty Foods - Start off with a green juice, move to a fresh tossed salad
    with loads of antioxidant-rich fruits, and finish with a decadent but
    healthy dessert like apple nachos. Slice apples, top with melted peanut
    butter and sprinkle with mini dark chocolate chips.
 6. Thanksgiving - Who says you can only have a turkey dinner in November?
    Surprise your guests with a full Friendsgiving during a different month!
 7. Medieval Style - You've heard of medieval restaurants, now bring the concept
    to your guests. Serve authentic medieval style food, such as huge turkey
    legs and food people can eat with their hands. Serve beer in mead cups and
    invite guests to dress up if they want.
 8. Tea Party - Create a tea party for adults, with tons of fresh scones, tea
    sandwiches and pots of tea. Keep the sugar cubes and cream handy for
    everyone to doctor their drinks, and serve tiered dessert trays for extra
    points.
 9. Sports Themed - Brownies shaped like footballs, hissy fit dip with chips,
    burger sliders, mason jar painted like sports balls for drinks and more. Who
    needs a sports game when you can create a dining experience that will be a
    touchdown?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coordinate a progressive potluck dinner with a sign up. View an Example



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CUISINES OF THE WORLD

 1. Go Greek - The Mediterranean diet is a classic favorite for a good reason.
    Piles of fresh veggies and feta cheese make an easy, iconic Greek salad.
    Spanakopita is easy to find frozen for a quick, fan favorite appetizer. Move
    on to main dishes like gyros or chicken souvlaki for a finger-licking good
    time.
 2. Cinco de Mayo - Don't save the fiesta for only one day a year. Go all out
    with Mexican fare on any other day of the year.
 3. Cook French - Make like Julia Child and only serve delicious French cuisine.
    Sip on a glass of rosé, skip the salad and serve baked egg instead, and nail
    an authentic dish like Coq au Vin. Dessert is easy — serve ice cream with
    fresh fruit.
 4. Chinese Takeout - Except everything is made in-house. Serve chow mein and
    fried rice in to-go containers with chopsticks that your guests can carry
    around. Be sure to have a pile of fresh egg rolls and mix up a big batch of
    Thai iced tea to share.
 5. Go Italian - Everyone loves comfort food. Begin with bruschetta and a
    selection of wine. Move to a crisp Italian salad and a classic dish like
    lasagna or chicken piccata. Finish with tiramisu and a decaf coffee. The
    only tricky part will be getting your guests to leave.
 6. Fish and Chips - Pretty self-explanatory — but so delicious! You could also
    serve some shepherd's pie and bangers and mash for a fully English themed
    dinner.
 7. Backyard Luau - Take it outside. Decorate with tiki torches and serve
    roasted pig, rice, blended beverages and pineapple upside down cake for
    dessert.
 8. Retro Diner - Pump the 50s diner hits, serve the best hot dogs and burgers,
    grab the classic Coca-Cola in the glass bottles, and serve the biggest
    milkshakes. Checkered décor and cotton candy bags can finish off the perfect
    flashback night.

Hosting can be a lot of fun and a lot of work. Now, you'll have 40 strong dinner
party themes and ideas to get you started. We hope your next dinner party is the
best one yet! 



Erica Jabali is a freelance writer and blogs over at ispyfabulous.com.


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