So, you’ve hit the true “adulting” stage where you swap clubbing with your friends to invite them for a dinner party? We’re here to take the stress out of hosting a dinner party by giving you the ultimate how-to guide for finding the perfect dinner party theme for you. From dinner party ideas to themed soirées that’ll transport your pals across the globe, you can find it all here.
What is a Dinner Party?
Picture this: a cosy gathering of friends, clinking glasses, laughter filling the room, and a table full of delicious dishes that could rival a five-star restaurant (we can imagine!). That’s the magic of a dinner party.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a chance to unwind, connect, and indulge in good food and even better company. After the dinner is done, the games come out. Be sure to have some games or activity ideas in your back pocket, especially if someone starts talking about politics…
How to Host a Dinner Party
Now, onto the main event: hosting! First things first, let’s talk prep. Plan your guest list, choose a date that works for everyone (or as close as possible), and send out those invites.
Whether you’re a MasterChef or your best meal is an omelette, pick a menu that suits your cooking abilities and theme. Oh, and don’t forget the vibe, which some might say is most important. The music, lighting, and décor can elevate your dinner party from ordinary to extraordinary.
When the big day arrives, channel your inner Gordon Ramsey (minus the aggression) and embrace the chaos. Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it, but remember, imperfection is part of the charm. As the host, your job is to keep the drinks flowing, the conversation lively, and the mood just right. And hey, if a dish flops or the soufflé deflates, laugh it off and pour another round. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating memories that’ll last long after the last plate is cleared.
Dinner Party Themes
Now, onto the pièce de résistance: finding the perfect theme. Sure, a classic dinner party is always a hit, but why not spice things up with a little theme? Here are a few themed dinner party ideas inspired by our Tablescape Collection to get your creative juices flowing:
Go Mexican or Spanish with Spicy Senorita
Hola, amigos! Get ready to transport your guests to the vibrant streets of Mexico or Spain, thanks to our Spicy Senorita artwork.
Start by decking out your space with colourful papel picado banners, cacti, and sombreros for that authentic fiesta feel. For food, think beyond tacos (though they’re always a hit) and whip up some mouthwatering enchiladas, fresh guacamole, and spicy shrimp ceviche. If you do go for tacos (we don’t blame you!), set up a DIY taco bar so guests can customise their creations. What’s the missing piece? Just like the artwork, make sure you have chillies prominent in either your food or drinks.
Speaking of beverages, what’s a fiesta without drinks? To stay on theme with our artwork, serve up ice-cold margaritas (maybe make it spicy!), tangy palomas, and refreshing micheladas to keep the party going all night long.
For entertainment, why not set up a salsa dancing competition or a piñata filled with sweet treats for this Mexican themed dinner party? And for talking points, dive into the rich history and culture of Mexico, from its ancient civilizations to its vibrant art scene. Whether your guests are discussing Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits or debating who makes the best guacamole, there’s plenty to keep the conversation flowing at a Mexican themed dinner party.
Try French Cuisine with Cafe Culture
Bonjour, mes amis! Channel the romance of Parisian café culture with a soirée straight out of the streets of Montmartre. Set the scene with bistro tables, flickering candles, and a playlist of classic French cafe tunes – don’t be shy; you can look up the Emily in Paris playlist.
For food, indulge in a variety of decadent pastries, crusty baguettes, and creamy cheeses. Serve up flutes of bubbly champagne to add a touch of elegance to start the night. There are plenty of iconic French dishes you can add to your menu, like escargot, ratatouille and savoury crepes. Pair your dinner with the best wines from French wine regions like the iconic Bordeaux. Just make sure to end the dinner with sweet macarons.
To keep guests entertained, you can do a trivia quiz on all things French or go for scandal with card games like ‘Cards Against Humanity’. Get the conversations flowing and delve into the world of French literature, art, and philosophy – who doesn’t love talking about Les Mis? There’s plenty to inspire lively discussion among your guests.
Greek Vibes with Kalimera
Opa! Take your guests on a Mediterranean vacation with a Kalimera-themed dinner party inspired by the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Deck out your space with blue and white décor, olive branches, and flickering lanterns to create a tranquil island vibe.
For food, serve up classic Greek dishes like moussaka, grilled lamb souvlaki and of course, baklava. Don’t forget to accompany your feast with plenty of tzatziki, hummus, and warm pita bread for dipping.
For drinks, why not whip up a batch of refreshing ouzo cocktails or serve up glasses of crisp Assyrtiko wine? And for entertainment, you could get everyone into the spirit with greek dancing or watch the classic ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Let your conversations explore the rich history and mythology of Greece, from the ancient gods of Mount Olympus to the legendary tales of Homer’s Odyssey. Whether your guests are debating the merits of feta cheese or sharing their favourite Greek island getaway stories, there’s no shortage of conversation starters.
Classic Italian Style with Buona Sera
Ciao, bella! Go for the “la dolce vita” lifestyle with an Italian themed dinner party inspired by our Buona Sera artwork. With so many amazing places in Italy to set the scene, you can’t go wrong with the rustic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Go for chequered tablecloths, string lights, and vases of sunflowers for that classic Italian charm with your decorations.
For food, start with plenty of crusty bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. For your Italian mains, you are spoilt for choice! You can go for a pizza night where your guests can create their own pizza or serve up hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese, creamy fettuccine alfredo, or a cheesy lasagna.
For drinks, you can begin the dinner party with some classic Italian cocktails like Aperol spritzes or negronis. When the food comes out, you can pour a Tuscan Red or a Sicilian white wine, depending on your menu!
Get the party going with a game of bocce ball, or like our Buona Sera, whip out a deck of cards. There are also plenty of talking points, such as Italian art, architecture, and Italian cuisine, from the Renaissance masterpieces of Michelangelo to the culinary delights of gelato and tiramisu. Whether your guests are debating the best pizza toppings or sharing their favourite Italian travel memories, there’s plenty to keep the conversation flowing. Buon appetito!
With these themed dinner party ideas, you now have all the ideas cooking to make your dinner party the best yet! Still not sure what theme to go with? Book a session at our Pinot & Picasso studios and create one of our Tablescapes artworks. Let your masterpiece be your inspiration!
