Nothing beats enjoying traditional tapas with a drink or two in the Spanish sun. But, if you can't travel to Spain, then having a tapas night at home is the next best thing. As one of our favourite dinner party themes, a Spanish tapas night is sure to be a hit with your guests. This relaxed form of dining is guaranteed to keep the conversation flowing. The best part? You can make any dishes you like, so you can tailor your menu entirely around your tastes.
With a little planning and preparation, you can host the ultimate tapas party to impress. To help, we've put together this comprehensive guide to tapas, so you can pull off the perfect fiesta Española! We'll cover:
- What are tapas and how did they originate?
- How are tapas served?
- Spanish tapas menu ideas
- Alternative tapas ideas
- Spanish tapas party decorations
What are tapas and how did they originate?
While many think tapas (pronounced ta-pas) are a type of dish, it actually refers to the style of serving. Originating in the Andalucia province of Spain, tapas (plural — individually, they are tapa) are small portions of food served in separate dishes (alongside plenty of drinks) ready to be shared by the whole table.
There are various legends surrounding the origins of tapas. One is that the name comes from Alfonso XIII, who was served a glass of wine with a slice of ham draped across the top to keep the sand out. Others say tapas originated from the small saucers that bartenders placed over drinks to keep flies out. Eventually they realised that they could serve a selection of ham, olives, and cheese on the plate, and these snacks are thought to be the original tapas. However, another story claims that bartenders who served poor-quality wine also offered strong cheese alongside it in the hopes that the cheese would hide the bad taste of the drink. And, considering "tapas" means "to cover" in Spanish, any one of these stories could be true.
Since their origins, tapas have evolved and travelled across the globe. In Spain, tapas are usually an event all on their own. Some Spanish streets have multiple tapas bars, and people will usually move from one bar to another to make a whole evening of it. Here in the UK, where tapas bars are much less common, we usually visit only one tapas restaurant for the whole evening, or serve our own homemade tapas dishes for a relaxed dinner party atmosphere.
The concept of tapas has proven so popular that you can find Italian, Mexican, Greek, and even British tapas.
how are tapas served
Tapas are a selection of small hot and cold dishes served individually on serving platters and in small bowls or ramekins, usually spread across the table so everyone can help themselves. This way, people can either graze on individual dishes as they fancy, or add bits of each to a small or medium size dinner plate and eat them all together.
how many tapas dishes should I serve?
When ordering tapas in a restaurant or hosting your own tapas party at home, it can be difficult to know how many dishes will be enough. You'd be surprised how well these small portions can fill you up. As a rule of thumb, two or three tapas per person is usually enough. So, if you're making tapas for two, then four to six dishes would be the perfect amount.
Spanish tapas menu ideas
No doubt one of the best things about this style of serving is the variety, and there are usually three different types of tapas: Cosas de picar (finger foods), pinchos (small dishes served with cutlery, skewers, or cocktail sticks), and cazuelas (small dishes served with sauce).
For a good amount of variety, you might want to serve at least one of each at your tapas party. Luckily, you can make many of your cold dishes ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your guests. For hot dishes, choose simple options that you can whip up last minute before serving.
Tapas can consist of almost anything, from meat and fish to vegetables and cheese. Some popular tapas food includes:
cosas de picar:
- Olives
- Cured ham, particularly Serrano and Iberico hams
- Spanish cheeses such as Manchego
- Pimientos de Padrón (small spicy green peppers from the Padrón municipality)
pinchos:
- Chorizo
- Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette), particularly tortilla de patata (potato omelette)
- Croquetas de Jamón (ham croquettes)
cazuelas:
- Calamari
- Patatas bravas (fried potatoes in spicy tomato sauce)
- Patatas alioli (fried potatoes with garlic sauce)
- Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns)
- Boquerones en Vinagre (anchovies marinated in salt water and vinegar)
- Albondigas (pork or beef meatballs usually served in a tomato sauce)
Looking for Spanish tapas recipes to make at home? Any of these dishes are bound to impress your guests:
Rainbow paella with caramelised lemon
Prawn and chorizo skewers
tapas desserts
No meal is complete without a little dessert. For a tapas party, traditional Spanish desserts would make the perfect finale to your meal. Some examples include:
- Churros served with chocolate sauce
- Crema catalana (egg custard spiced with cinnamon and citrus, finished with a burnt sugar crust)
- Flan (also known as crème caramel)
- Tocino de Cielo (similar to flan but with a lighter custard)
tapas drinks
All tapas origin stories heavily feature wine, and no tapas evening is complete without a few drinks. For your tapas dinner party, it's a good idea to serve a selection of drinks to suit a variety of tastes. Spanish wines such as Rueda, Rioja, Mencia, or Cava would pair well with your tapas food.
Sherry is another fantastic option for tapas, particularly a nutty Fino or a salty Manzanilla sherry. These drinks pair especially well with olives, ham, and cheese, as well as seafood. If you're serving a lot of meat, such as beef or pork, then a dry Oloroso would be perfect. For poultry, opt for an Amontillado.
Other options include homemade margaritas, mojitos, or a jug of sangria. Simply prepare them the day of your party, pop them in the fridge, and pour generously into wine glasses or celebration glasses as your guests arrive.
alternative tapas ideas
While Spanish dishes are the most traditional tapas, many countries have their own versions. Why not take inspiration from this grazing style by choosing your favourite cuisine and creating mini dishes perfect for sharing? Below, we've put together some great alternative tapas menu ideas to help you host the perfect tapas party for any crowd.
- By type:
- vegetarian tapas ideas
- vegan tapas ideas
- healthy tapas ideas
- By cuisine:
- British tapas ideas
- Italian tapas ideas
- French tapas ideas
- Mexican tapas ideas
- Greeks tapas ideas
- Chinese tapas ideas
vegetarian tapas ideas
If you or one of your guests is vegetarian, you can easily create your own tapas menu without the meat. In fact, many traditional tapas favourites are meat-free, including patatas bravas, patatas alioli, pimientos de Padrón, and tortilla Española, as well as olives and cheese. However, some hard cheeses, such as Manchego, aren't considered vegetarian, so it's best to avoid these if you can.
Here at Denby, we also have a fantastic selection of vegetarian recipes that are packed with flavour. A small portion of our rainbow paella with caramelised lemon would make the perfect vegetarian tapas, as well as our courgette and halloumi skewers.
vegan tapas ideas
While there are plenty of traditional vegetarian tapas recipes out there, many unfortunately aren't vegan. But, with a few simple swaps, you can easily make a meat- and dairy-free banquet that everyone can tuck into.
Patatas bravas and pimientos de Padrón are both naturally vegan, and you substitute the prawns in your Gambas al ajullo for a different protein, such as mushrooms. To make your own vegan croquettes, use plant-based cheese and swap the ham for spinach (or any other vegetable you love).
Our flavoursome asparagus, tofu, and mushroom skewers would also make a delicious addition to your vegan tapas. For some extra finger foods, serve up some chopped vegetables in a small bowl, such as an open sugar bowl, alongside some sundried tomato and basil houmous.
healthy tapas ideas
Traditional tapas offer plenty of healthy options, and dishes such as olives, pimientos de Padrón, garlic prawns, and anchovies in vinegar are all light, without sacrificing on flavour.
Add a healthy twist to other classics by substituting your patatas and chorizo for chickpeas, beans, and other substantial vegetables such as mushrooms. If you're looking for finger foods, then our rye toast bruschetta and pumpkin and herb crispbreads would make great healthy tapas, along with a selection of vegetable sticks and dips.
British tapas ideas
Here in the UK, we have some fantastic ingredients and traditional dishes, so why not make the most of what this country has to offer by throwing a British tapas party? Some great British tapas ideas include buttery new potatoes, herby roast potatoes, colcannon, mini Yorkshire puddings topped with roast beef and horseradish, and mini crispbreads topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill.
Serve your British tapas alongside some crisp white and red wines, such as an English Pinot Noir or a sparkling wine, or a selection of local craft beers.
Italian tapas ideas
Did you know that the Italians have their own version of tapas? Cicchetti is a Venetian take on this popular cuisine, and often involves small Italian appetizers such as deep-fried sardines, baby octopus, marinated sardines, meatballs, and baccalà mantecato (whipped salted cod often served on bread or polenta).
Other great Italian tapas ideas include crispy fried artichokes, slices of frittata served on cocktail sticks, mini bruschetta, and a selection of Italian cheeses and cured meats, such as prosciutto and pancetta.
Serve your Italian tapas alongside a selection of sweet and dry Italian wines, such as a Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Prosecco.
French tapas ideas
Thinking of hosting a French tapas night? Take inspiration from traditional French charcuterie boards and offer up a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and bread, alongside other French appetisers (or hors d'oeuvres) such as chicken liver pâté, olive tapenade and crostini, and brie with cranberry or red onion chutney.
French wines such as Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, Tavel, Côtes-de-Provence, or Coteaux d’Aix would pair perfectly with any of your French tapas.
Mexican tapas ideas
Want to add a playful touch to your tapas night? Why not make it a Mexican fiesta? Serve small portions of your favourite Mexican dishes, such as chilli con carne, nachos, stuffed jalapeno peppers, plenty of buttered corn on the cob, and some mini tacos — our tandoori cauliflower and chickpea tacos recipe would make the perfect Mexican tapa.
For dessert, serve warm churros with chocolate sauce, and a small plate of sopaipillas (light, sweet pastry pillows). Keep the drinks flowing by preparing a jug of margaritas. Salt the rims of your glassware in advance, so all you need to do is serve and enjoy when everyone arrives.
For more inspiration, the list of our favourite dinner party themes includes plenty of decoration ideas to help you set the scene for your Mexican tapas night.
Greek tapas ideas
A Greek theme can make a delicious, and sometimes healthy, alternative to Spanish tapas. Luckily, Greece has their own version, called mezze, which is a cross between a charcuterie board and tapas.
Some delicious Greek tapas ideas include olives, lamb koftas, lamb meatballs, and pitas served with a selection of dips such as tzatziki and houmous. You could also serve up our roasted sweet potatoes served with chickpeas and feta cheese, or a small dish of our flaked peppered cod, which has a delicious spicy feta tomato sauce.
Don't forget dessert! Slices of baklava or melopita (Greek honey pie) are sure to go down a treat.
We've listed Greek as one of our favourite dinner party themes, so why not take a look at our guide for even more ideas for your Greek tapas night?
Chinese tapas ideas
Whether it's for Chinese New Year or a casual night in, Chinese tapas is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve up small portions of your favourite Chinese dishes, including vegetable spring rolls, Chinese spare ribs, sesame prawn toast, steamed buns, homemade prawn or shrimp dumplings, and wontons.
If you fancy trying something new, our butternut squash jiaozi is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. To really push the boat out, serve up a platter of your favourite whole fish, steamed or fried with shredded vegetables, fresh ginger, and garlic.
Spanish tapas party decorations
Once you've decided on your tapas menu, next comes the decoration. This relaxed form of dining suits a rustic atmosphere and a natural yet colourful palette reminiscent of a Spanish veranda. Consider serving up your culinary creations on stoneware platters, plates, and bowls in earthy pastel tones, such as those from our Heritage or Deli collections.
Alternatively, the deep blue and turquoise hues of Azure, Azure Haze, and Blue Haze will add a touch of the Mediterranean coast to your dinner. Accessorise with plenty of bright flowers, such as carnations, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and roses, displayed in a beautiful ceramic vase.
On a balmy evening, eating outdoors can really add to the atmosphere of your meal, so why not take your tapas party into the garden? Be sure to decorate with strings of fairy lights and plenty of lanterns. These will not only offer a touch of intimacy to your feast but will provide plenty of light as the sun starts to set.
If you're looking for relaxed dining, then hosting a tapas party could be just the thing. Whether you're putting together a traditional Spanish tapas night or a party with a more unique theme, these tapas menu ideas and hosting tips will help you pull off a showstopping night to remember.
Looking for more inspiration? Our guides and how-tos have plenty of tips for entertaining. From ideas for creating the perfect night in, to advice for serving champagne and sparkling wine, we'll help you organise a party that's sure to impress.
You might also be interested in our range of tableware to elevate your evening. All of our Denby stoneware, from our plates and bowls, to our serveware, is handcrafted in our Derbyshire workshop. Our stylish glassware is mouthblown by expert artisans to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but are versatile and durable enough to be used every day. So, they're perfect for your tapas party.