35 Dinner Party Themes Your Guests Will Love
Mexican Fiesta Taco Bar
Missed Cinco de Mayo? Everyone loves an authentic Mexican taco any time of the year. Take inspiration from the Wedding Chicks DIY taco bar and impress your guests with vibrant Mexican-inspired decor. Grill up some fajita veggies, shred the chicken and don’t forget the cold Cervezas!
Murder Mystery Dinner
Murder mystery dinners make for a fun get together with old friends or an icebreaker to get guests talking. Catch My Party features a super style mystery dinner, complete with a classic British dinner of prime rib and mashedpotatoes. Encourage guests to dress up in Sherlock Holmes inspired attire to really bring the theme together.
Bite-sized Dinner
Looking to really surprise your friends? Make all your food mini! This bite-sized dinner from Big Girls Small Kitchen looks delicious and makes us squeal with excitement. Since the portions are small, display each dish at varying heights so guests can pick and choose easily.
Block Party Dinner
With the massive recipe roundup on Moms and Munchkins, you’ll be sure to find dishes that everyone in the neighborhood will love. Go simple with your dinner decor—think gingham table clothes, white plates and sunflowers.
Beach Bonfire Dinner
If you’re by the ocean, take advantage of the natural decor around you and host a simple beach bonfire. We love Sugar and Charm’s campfire salmon and her delicious twist on the classic smore. As you watch the sunset, guests will already be planning the next beach party.
Backyard Campfire Dinner
You don’t have to go camping to enjoy the great outdoors. Set up a campfire with these simple tips from Design Mom. We love her campfire fish or or opt to go classic with hot dogs.
Rustic BBQ Dinner
No one says no to a country BBQ. Frosted Petticoat did a BBQ theme for their rehearsal dinner, but you can steal the decor and recipe ideas for your own relaxed and rustic dinner party.
Bruschetta Bar Dinner
Want a simple dinner party that still gives guests some variety? Host an Italian bruschetta (not “brucschette”) bar! The spread on What’s Gaby Cooking is easy to put together—just gather your favorite Italian ingredients, grill bread and enjoy!
Elegant Summer Dinner
The summer dinner party planned by Jessica’s Dinner Party isn’t only elegant—it’s mouthwatering too. Elevate simple American fare like steaks and shrimp cocktail. Don’t forget to up the elegance in your decor, too, with crisp white linens and silver serveware.
End of Summer Dinner
Say goodbye to summer with this realxed backyard dinner by Your Homebased Mom. We especially love her clever decor that mixes daisies and pumpkins—the perfect way to welcome autumn.
Game Day Dinner
Are you ready for some football?! Or baseball? Soccer? Whichever team your family cheers for, invite the neighbors over for a game day dinner. The recipe roundup on How Sweet Eats will certainly provide endless inspiration.
Breakfast for Dinner
Who doesn’t love breakfast? Take these creative ideas from Mint Loves Social Club and recreate the most important meal of the day for your next dinner party. We especially love her mini take on all our favorite breakfast items.
Crawfish Boil Party
If your guests have never cracked into a freshly steamed crawfish—they’re in for a treat. This crab boil from Hither and Thither covers all the necessities from ingredients to supplies. And if you’re wondering about decor, all you need is a table and some newspaper.
Farm-to-Table Dinner
This elegant harvest dinner by Parties for Pennies is great for a low key evening with friends. We especially love her chalkboard constellation that brings the night sky indoors.
Masquerade Dinner
Who says dress up is just for kids? Invite old and new friends over for a masquerade dinner party! The recipes over on Sarah Funky are great for a winter menu.
Molecular Gastronomy Dinner
Are you a gourmad in the kitchen looking to really impress guests? Try the complete molecular gastronomy menu by Arielle Clementine. Wow your guests with deconstructed dishes and elaborate recipes.
Casino Night Dinner
This casino night party decor on Kara’s Party Ideas goes above and beyond. Taking inspiration from casino card games, serve up classic Vegas fare like shrimp cocktail and ribeye steaks.
Dumpling Dinner
This dumpling dinner party by Cakies is perfect for trying a variety of Asian tastes packed neatly in pillow-y dumplings. Either go simple with decor or get Asian inspired with bright reds and oranges.
Chili Cook Off
It’s time for a throw down. Get the whole neighborhood together to crown the chili king (or queen!). The decor and party supplies tips by The Midwestival are a must.
Fall Harvest Dinner
The aumtumnal menu over on The Yellow Table is drool-worthy, but her tips for a simple fall decor are helpful too!
Hawaiian Luau Dinner
The luau decor over on Studio DIY meets the three F’s: fun, funtional and fabulous! We love her simplified take on the Hawaiian luau. All that’s missing is some poke, rice and potato salad.
Moroccan Dinner Party
Transport your guests to a different culture with a Moroccan-style meal. The recipe and decor ideas by Pretty Mayhem are easier to execute than you think!
Soup Dinner Party
Who says soup needs to be a starter? Make it the main course with a soup dinner party. If you can’t pick a favorite, Eat Drink Pretty has three that she made for her guests.
Pizza Party
Homemade pizzas are an easy entree to make for a crowd, especially with the recipe roundup by A Night Owl. Add old school Italian pizza shop decor like gingham table cloths and a national flag.
Retro Dinner Party
Although Mad Men may be over, the retro craze is here to stay. Bring back the 60s with this dinner party idea by Always Order Dessert. Old school punch bowl included.
Wine & Cheese Party
A wine and cheese party may not seem like much food until someone consumes half a wheel of brie. The spread by Passports & Pancakes is delicious and showcases some non-cheese add-ons that will leave everyone feeling full.
Mediterranean Dinner Party
This Greek meze meal by Club Narwhal is perfect for light summer fare. Invite friends over and imagine yourself somewhere off the coast of Santorini.
Vegan Dinner Party
Have a guest list with lots of dietary restrictions? A vegan dinner party is a great way to accomodate their needs and provide a delicious meal. The ideas over on Sandra Vungi Vegan will leave even meat lovers satisfied.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Dinner Party
Calling all leftover lovers. Even if you’re nowhere near Thanksgiving time, cook up a small turkey day meal! Liz and Ryan shares all the classics on their Thanksgiving Leftovers dinner.
Sushi Dinner Party
Sushi for a group can be a splurge, but making sushi at home is easier than you think! Check out the recipes and tutorial over on Mary Makes Dinner and impress your guests with your newly discovered sushi ninja skills.
Japanese Dinner Party
Combining some of our favorite Japanese dishes, Lindsay Eryn’s menu is as authentic as it gets. Use what you have for place settings—but don’t forget the chopsticks!
Garden Party
This outdoor garden party by Two Peas and Their Pod is perfect for a low-key dinner. Don’t have a backyard? Find a favorite spot in a public park or bontanical garden!
Rooftop Dinner Party
Make use of that apartment rooftop by hosting a dinner party overlooking the city skyline. The Sweetest Occasion’s menu is sure to leave any party guest satisfied.
Spring Harvest Dinner Party
As you wave goodbye to winter, welcome spring and all its bountiful harvest with recipes by The Nashvillian Blog. The bright green salads and entrees will get everyone excited for fresh ingredients and sunny days.
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