Choosing a dinner party theme helps you to tie everything together, from the table setting and food menu to the entertainment and music, so that you can host a meal to remember. Whatever the occasion and whoever you're entertaining, our themed dinner party ideas are sure to inspire you.
dinner party themes by occasion.
• Summer dinner party
• Christmas dinner party
• Formal dinner party
• New Year's Eve dinner party
• Casual dinner party
unusual dinner party themes.
• Murder mystery dinner party
• Decade dinner party
• Colour-themed dinner party
mexican dinner party.
A Mexican-themed dinner party is a colourful, flavourful, and fun occasion that's perfect for informal get-togethers. You could even use one to celebrate Mexican holidays such as Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
When it comes to the menu, you can't go wrong with favourites like fajitas, tacos, burritos, nachos, and chilli con carne. Set up a serving station with sharing bowls and platters, letting everyone help themselves, not forgetting the dipping bowls filled with guacamole, soured cream, and salsa. Serve Mexican beers, including the obligatory wedge of lime, or ice-cold margaritas.
Decorate the space with succulents and cacti as well as brightly coloured pom-poms, tassels, sugar skulls, and traditional tissue-paper decorations known as papel picado. You could even hang a colourful piñata, which could double up as the dinner party entertainment. Last but not least, get the mariachi music playing!
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tapas dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Always Entertaining Deli collection
Tapas dinner parties are sophisticated yet informal. Hosts can prepare many of the dishes ahead of time, and guests will enjoy helping themselves to exactly what they like.
A charcuterie board featuring Serrano and Iberico hams, Manchego cheese, and olives is essential. You could also prepare pincho (small snacks, such as cubes of Spanish tortilla, served on cocktail sticks) alongside traditional tapas dishes like patatas bravas, ham and cheese croquettes, and Padrón peppers.
Spanish wines including Rioja, Cava, and Rosado are great for pairing with tapas, or why not impress your guests with a refreshing jug of sangria, presented in a beautiful ceramic jug and poured generously into wine glasses.
Traditional Spanish guitar music and low lighting will help you to create an inviting atmosphere. If you've invited couples over, switch to salsa music after dinner and get everyone dancing.
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indian dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Halo collection
An Indian dinner party theme is a great way to bring everyone together for great food. And if you don't feel like cooking, you could always order in from a restaurant and elevate the experience with a beautiful table setting.
Begin with an assortment of starters, such as samosas, tandoori chicken, and onion bhajis, as well as a stack of poppadoms accompanied by chutneys. You can then serve curries and rice to the table, leaving everyone to determine their own portion size. Homemade elements like raita and chapattis are easy to make yet sure to impress.
For an authentic dining experience, try sitting on the floor, get comfortable with cushions and make sure to light plenty of candles. Sitar music can be a good option for the background.
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vegan/vegetarian dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Studio Grey collection
If you or any guests follow a plant-based or flexitarian diet, why not host a fully vegan or vegetarian dinner party? This eliminates the need to prepare separate dishes and means no one feels left out when it comes to serving. It's also a great option for meat-free Mondays, Veganuary, or if you just want to try something new.
Vegan dinner party recipes have come a long way from stuffed peppers, so you're sure to find something that will impress and delight your guests. Build your dishes around seasonal ingredients to maximise flavour — The Vegetarian Society has a great list of seasonal UK-grown produce to refer to.
You could also try something similar if any guests have other dietary requirements, such as dairy or gluten intolerances. Serving everyone the same dinner party menu helps ensure all your guests feel welcome and comfortable, and it doesn't have to compromise the quality of the meal.
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thai dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Halo collection
You don't have to go to a restaurant to enjoy delicious Thai food and great ambience. Whatever your cooking ability and ambition, there are some great Thai dinner party recipes that are sure to impress friends and family.
In Thai culture, it's customary to share a variety of foods between the table, making sure to strike the right balance between salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. An assortment of starters, such as chicken satay, fish cakes, and veggie spring rolls, is therefore a great way to begin your meal.
For the star of the show, you can't go wrong with a red or green curry. Plus, these can taste better the next day after the flavours have had chance to develop, so you can prepare ahead of time and simply heat up when it's time for dinner. Coconut or jasmine rice makes the perfect accompaniment.
Thai lager is ideal for enjoying with spicy dishes, and you can pick up Singha or Chang from most UK supermarkets. Sweet, exotic cocktails, like mango daiquiris, are also a great option and give you the opportunity to have fun experimenting as a bartender. You could even set up a cocktail bar, which will double up as dinner party entertainment.
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greek dinner party.
Table setting features products from our James Martin Serve collection
Greek food makes for a delicious, and often healthy, dinner party menu. From refreshing feta salads to comforting moussaka and kleftiko, there's a dish for every season. You could even try a mezze: the Greek answer to tapas. Whatever you decide, homemade hummus and tzatziki are a must!
There are also lots of options when it comes to dessert, but we'd recommend homemade baklava or loukomadies (honeyed Greek donuts). These should be accompanied by espresso cups filled with strong black coffee. To achieve that kaïmaki foam top that's quintessential of good Greek coffee, you'll need to brew in a traditional briki pot.
When it comes to the table setting and decorations, blue and white of course works well with this dinner party theme. If you can, eat outdoors and play dimotiki music to get that taverna feel.
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italian dinner party.
Table setting features a product from our Halo Speckle collection
Italian food is a crowd-pleaser so a great dinner party idea if you're not sure what your guests might like, although it is best to check for allergies and intolerances first. You also have the option to keep things quick and simple or go all out with complex recipes and elements like handmade pasta and pizza dough.
The quality and freshness of ingredients is key to great Italian food so, if possible, visit your local market the morning of your dinner party to pick out juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves. On Italian products like cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, look for the Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP) / Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) logo, which is used to certify authentic, traditionally made products.
For a dinner party menu that's sure to impress, serve four courses paired with good Italian wines:
- L’antipasto: Nibbles, perhaps in the form of a charcuterie board.
- Il primo: A small pasta dish.
- Il secondo and i contorni: The main meat or fish dish, plus sides.
- Il dolce: Dessert, perhaps a panna cotta or tiramisu.
Finish by serving espressos and digestifs, such as grappa or limoncello.
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moroccan dinner party.
A Moroccan dinner party should be a relaxed affair, with an abundance of delicious food served on sharing platters and homemade flatbreads allowing for dishes to be scooped up.
Slow-cooked stew spiced with ras-el-hanout is a must, and a cast-iron casserole dish will work just as well if you don't have a tagine. Other popular menu choices include herbed couscous, zaalouk, and fried sardines.
Tradition states that guests should be welcomed with a glass of mint tea, poured with a flourish from an ornate metal teapot called a berrad, although a regular teapot and teacups will work. The drink is usually brewed with Chinese gunpowder tea, fresh spearmint leaves, and sugar, although other aromatic herbs can be added.
To finish the meal, serve orange slices garnished with cinnamon and orange blossom water.
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american dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Natural Canvas and Studio Blue collections
American-themed dinner parties are great for casual get-togethers and go down a storm with kids. There are lots of different menus to try too, from Thanksgiving-inspired roast dinners to Texas-style barbecues.
One fun dinner party idea is to serve breakfast, whatever the time of day. Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly brewed coffee are musts, as are stacks of fluffy blueberry pancakes with jugs of maple syrup. Add to the feast with streaky bacon and scrambled eggs, bagels with cream cheese, and biscuits with gravy.
Another crowd-pleaser is a make-your-own-burger party. Create homemade patties then set up a toppings station with classics like ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, and cheese, as well as more unusual toppings like peanut butter and avocado. A huge bowl of mac and cheese is another great option. Serve with milkshakes or bottles of cola for that retro diner feel.
Whatever menu you decide on, give it that 4th July feeling with fireworks for entertainment; a red, white, and blue colour scheme; and some all-American music.
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summer dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Studio Grey collection
Make the most of good weather by taking your summer dinner party outdoors and getting the barbecue fired up. You can create a fun and laid-back atmosphere that's great for relaxing with friends or family.
Everyone loves classic foods such as burgers and sausages, but you can elevate the experience with more inventive dishes. We've got lots of great summer recipes for you to try, including refreshing salads that can be prepared ahead of time and delicious chorizo and prawn skewers that will please your guests. You can also try our refreshing summer drink ideas.
To create a beautiful setting, adorn your table with plants and lanterns and stick with your usual dinnerware rather than going plastic. You could also try hanging festoon lights overhead to create a cosy atmosphere as the sun goes down.
christmas dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Studio Blue collection
A Christmas dinner party can be a great way to celebrate the festivities with an intimate gathering of family and friends. Just make sure to send your invitations early, as your would-be guests are likely to be busy at this time of year.
It might be a good idea to go for something a little bit different with the menu, especially if it's close to 25th December. Using traditional ingredients like turkey, cranberries, and brussels sprouts in creative ways will allow you to stay on theme while keeping things interesting. Try using warm spices like cinnamon or ginger to create wintery cocktails and desserts, like this Orange & Ginger Chocolate Torte.
Your table can be easily beautified with natural elements, like pine tree sprigs and cones, as well as a display of unscented candles. Keep things sophisticated with a green/blue colour scheme and instrumental music.
For entertainment, you could host a Secret Santa gift exchange (take a look at our gift ideas under £15). There are also lots of themed dinner party games you could play, such as Christmas charades.
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new year's eve dinner party.
Table setting features products from our James Martin Serve collection
A buffet is a great choice for a New Year's Eve party, allowing guests to enjoy nibbles in-between glasses of champagne and sharing stories of the year gone by.
You can make it a sophisticated affair by serving bite-sized versions of your favourite mains, using luxurious and high-quality ingredients, and making your own breads and dips. Choose recipes that can be made ahead of time so you don't miss out on the celebrations, incorporating lighter dishes like salads to balance out the indulgence.
Getting the table setting right is also important. Forego the disposables in favour of consciously made tableware and napkins, and use hand-written place cards to label each dish. A classic metallic colour scheme works well for decorations, with fairy lights being an absolute must.
When it comes to New Year's Eve dinner party entertainment, sparklers and fireworks are the natural choice. Party games and selfie stations with fun photo props are also popular. The playlist will be essential for getting everyone in the party mood, so think about who you're inviting and line up enough upbeat songs to last the whole night.
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formal dinner party.
Table setting features Natural Canvas Rectangular Platter and champagne glasses
If you are hosting a formal dinner party, make sure to set your table with polished wine glasses, tumblers and a water jug, cutlery, and napkins, and plan exactly what dinnerware you'll use to present your dishes.
Try welcoming your guests with sparkling wine and canapes before serving three or more delicious courses. While you want to choose recipes that will impress, you should avoid spending too long in the kitchen once your guests arrive, so look out for dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Stick to one cuisine, such as British or French, to ensure that your courses complement each other well.
We have lots of great James Martin recipes you could try, including Halibut and Scallops with Deep Fried Aubergine, Edamame Beans, and Miso, a perfect starter that cooks in minutes; Poulet Saute au Vinaigre, a sophisticated crowd-pleaser; and Baked Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit, which can happily remain in the fridge until it's time for dessert.
It's good etiquette to serve after-dinner coffee to finish your dinner party. We have ceramic drippers and cafetieres that allow you to brew high-quality coffee at home, as well as cups and saucers, sugar bowls, and milk jugs that will look stunning on your table or tray.
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casual dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Halo Speckle and China dinnerware collections
If you're having friends or family over for supper, our cast-iron recipes are perfect. They're comforting meals that bring people together, such as chilli con carne, fish pie, and veggie lasagne, and which can be fully prepared before guests arrive. Plus, our cast-iron dishes can be served straight to the table, allowing everyone to help themselves and they also keep dishes warm until it's time to tuck in for seconds.
In addition, we have cheat's puddings that are ideal for casual dinner parties. Quick and easy yet super tasty, they're sure to put a smile on everyone's face.
When it comes to the table setting, make sure there's plenty of room in the centre for sharing dishes and ensure that there are forks, knives, and spoons ready on the table. A bit of background music and good lighting will help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Rather than organising dinner party entertainment, have a pile of games nearby that you can dive into if it takes everyone's fancy. Make sure to choose fun team games with simple rules and quick gameplay, such as charades or Taboo.
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murder mystery dinner party.
Murder mystery dinners are increasingly popular, and with lots of home kits available, it's easy to host your own. However, planning is crucial, as you'll want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that your guests know what to expect.
Most murder mystery dinner party games include dinner party invitations that provide information about the person's character and the fictional crime they'll be investigating. There should also be advice about hosting, which will help you determine when and what food to serve as well as how to theme your home and table. Appropriate background music is a good way to encourage conversation and get everyone in the right mood.
You can find a free, printable murder mystery game on BBC Good Food. It's a great dinner party idea for Halloween or if you just fancy something different.
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decade dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Imperial Blue collection
Decade-themed dinner parties are great for a dose of nostalgia or fun and work particularly well if you're celebrating a birthday. They're easily brought to life with the right food, decorations, music, and outfits.
- 1920s: The glitz and glam of the roaring 1920s is a good place to start. Following the rations of the First World War, people began to indulge more in meats and cakes, so dishes like glazed ham and Victoria sponge are on the menu. A black and gold scheme will help you achieve that art deco feeling. Elements Black and Halo dinnerware are ideal for serving.
- 1960s: By the 1960s, people began inviting guests around for more 'exotic' dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, beef goulash, and coq au vin. Don't forget the Beatles playlist and lots of flower-power decorations. Our Heritage dinnerware is ideal for serving.
- 1970s: As foreign holidays became more popular, 70s dinner party menus featured dishes like gazpacho, paella, tiramisu, and rum baba. A cheese fondue or buffet, complete with cheese and pineapple hedgehog, are fun options for more casual get-togethers. Our Porcelain collection is ideal for serving.
- 1980s: To celebrate 30 years of Imperial Blue, we teamed up with food writer and photographer Miss Foodwise to create 80s recipes that are perfect for entertaining. Composed of Crayfish Cocktail Salad, Coronation Chicken Curry, and Peach Melba Arctic Roll, it's a retro yet delicious dinner party menu fit for modern diners.
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colour themed dinner party.
Table setting features products from our Heritage collection
A colour theme makes choosing dinner party outfits and decorations simple. Putting the menu together can be trickier, but creative cooks will enjoy taking on the challenge. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you don't want to compromise the quality of your meal purely for the theme.
You could go for a single colour, with red, orange, or green typically working well, or a colour combination, such as white and black. Another idea is to select a rainbow theme. Dishes featuring a variety of naturally colourful ingredients are often the most visually appealing, so this is sure to score you some points on presentation.
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We hope you've found the perfect themed dinner party idea in our list and have a great time picking out the perfect recipes, entertainment, and decorations. If you're worried that your current collection isn't up to the task, we have all the dinnerware you need for a stunning and practical table setting, whatever the occasion. We also have high-quality cookware and bakeware to help you create themed dinner party dishes that your guests will love.