Whether you’re hosting your closest girlfriends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply romanticising your life with good food and great company, a themed dinner party adds the perfect flair. Here are five stylish and fun dinner party ideas—each with its own thoughtfully curated menu to inspire your next soirée.
The Mediterranean Winter Soirée
Think linen napkins, olive branches, soft candlelight, and a warm winter breeze that feels like summer nights on the Amalfi Coast.
Menu:
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Starter: Whipped feta with honey drizzle, served with warm pita and crudités
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Main: Lemon-herb grilled chicken or seabass with orzo salad and blistered cherry tomatoes
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Side: Charred broccolini with garlic and almonds
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Dessert: Olive oil cake with citrus glaze
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Drinks: Sparkling limoncello spritz or chilled rosé
Parisian Bistro Night
A cozy, candlelit table set with vintage plates and Edith Piaf playing in the background. Think chic black and neutrals, red lips encouraged as the dress code
Menu:
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Starter: French onion soup with gruyère toasts or beetroot and goat cheese salad
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Main: Steak frites (or mushroom bourguignon for vegetarians)
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Side: Haricots verts with shallot vinaigrette
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Dessert: Chocolate mousse or crème brûlée
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Drinks: Red Burgundy, French 75, or sparkling elderflower soda
Tropical Tulum Escape
Embrace the earthy tones, woven textures, palm leaves, and dreamy sunset lighting. The dress code? Boho chic, barefoot optional is the dreamy vibe.
Menu:
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Starter: Grilled corn elotes or ceviche with tortilla chips
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Main: Achiote chicken tacos or grilled fish with mango salsa
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Side: Cilantro-lime rice and roasted plantains
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Dessert: Coconut panna cotta or churros with chocolate dip
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Drinks: Mezcal margaritas, hibiscus agua fresca
Dinner in the Garden
A night of whimsical, romantic and floral—like a secret garden picnic at golden hour. Cottage core meets Bridgerton—lace, pastels, and flower crowns welcome when you thinking about what to wear.
Menu:
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Starter: Zucchini fritters with herbed yogurt or burrata with heirloom tomatoes
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Main: Herb-crusted lamb chops or mushroom risotto
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Side: Baby greens with edible flowers and a citrus vinaigrette
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Dessert: Lavender shortbread cookies or berry pavlova
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Drinks: Sparkling rosé, floral gin cocktails, or cucumber mint mocktails
Retro Dinner Club (1960s-Inspired)
Think velvet, vinyl, and bold colours—Mad Men meets modern glam.
Menu:
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Starter: Shrimp cocktail or deviled eggs with truffle salt
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Main: Beef Wellington or vegan mushroom loaf
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Side: Creamed spinach and duchess potatoes
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Dessert: Baked Alaska or classic pineapple upside-down cake
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Drinks: Dirty martinis, old fashioneds, or cherry cola mocktails
The final touches
Set the tone with matching playlists (each theme deserves a soundtrack!). Create simple name cards or menus to elevate the setting and don’t forget an Instagram-worthy photo moment—your guests will thank you.
Whether you’re channeling coastal elegance or garden whimsy, a good dinner party is never just about the food—it’s about the feeling.
So pick your theme, curate your menu, and let the magic unfold.
ALSO SEE:
In the mood for winter comfort food? These are your healthy alternatives
Featured Image: DupePhoto
