6 Dinner Party Theme Ideas Guests Will Never Forget

friends gathering around table outdoors — Credit: knape / Getty Images

While a homemade spread and gathered loved ones are cause enough for celebration, adding a theme to your dinner party can help the meal feel like a cohesive event. From the décor to the menu to the dress code, guests will get a full sensory experience, plus a common topic to discuss and bond over. Look to our list of dinner party theme ideas for inspiration.

Nikki Anderson, Southern California-based event planner and founder of Runaway Indie

How to Choose a Dinner Party Theme

"When choosing a theme for your party, there are a few important things to keep in mind,” says event planner Nikki Anderson. “First, consider the space you’re working with." Whether it's inside or out, your own home or a venue, it'll play into how you'll be able to decorate and what you'll be able to incorporate. "Think about the colors and accents that can elevate the event space," says Anderson.

Budget, of course, can be a factor—but hosting a themed dinner doesn’t have to be more expensive than throwing any other dinner party. "Consider ways to upcycle décor and furniture if you’re watching your wallet, or ways to trim costs on things like florals and food," says Anderson. "This also helps avoid an overly-themed look. Sometimes subtle and tasteful is best."

The following dinner party theme ideas that will keep your mealtime fêtes from going stale.

01 of 06

Amalfi Coast

mixed herb lemon table centerpiece white table runner — Credit: Jenny Quicksall

Go for a coastal aesthetic with crisp white and blue linens and centerpieces of fresh citrus and herbs. (If you have a set of wicker patio furniture you can clean up or thrift a piece or two, now is the time!)

Make pizza dough before guests' arrival, and set up a station for sauce, cheese, and toppings to allow guests to customize their pies. Toss together a classic antipasto spread to nosh on while the pizzas bake. For dessert, some gelato (served in vintage glassware) is a must in the summer.

02 of 06

Après-Ski

decorvow serving mulled wine in kitchen with holiday decor — Credit: Mike Krautter

No skiing experience necessary for this dinner party idea—though Martha is particularly a fan of the cross-country variety. Warm up your guests with mulled wine or hot cider upon arrival, and create a menu centered around a cozy communal feast like cheese fondue or braised meat (pot roast is always a hit). If you have a fireplace, light it up, and opt for cozy candle centerpieces.

03 of 06

Farm-to-Table

fruit and veggie centerpieces gideon photo — Credit:
Gideon Photo

For the menu, focus on incorporating farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients into each dish (for example, pasta with spring vegetables, wedge salads, and wine from sustainable vineyards). Decorate with the farmer's market bouquets and thrifted, gauzy linens—and note that this dinner party is best thrown alfresco!

04 of 06

"White Lotus" (or Another Pop Culture Fave)

thai cucumber salad with chiles, peanuts, and herbs — Credit:
Bryan Gardner

Create a menu inspired by a beloved TV series, current or in reruns. When selecting a show, think about your favorites, sure, but also about what would best create a cohesive theme or intended vibe.

For instance, why not have a Southern Thai dinner party before the next episode of White Lotus? Guests who are also fans can dress as luxuriously as the characters, or contribute a drink or dish inspired by a series.

05 of 06

Brunch After Dark

Who doesn’t love brunch food? Course out elevated versions of these mid-morning classics, like creamy deviled eggs, slow-cooker bacon jam, or our turkey-pastrami croque-madame casserole. Espresso martinis or orange juice-based drinks can be fun to sip, and guests should wear their brunch best.

06 of 06

Seafood Boil or Buffet

small dish of seafood — Credit:
Jose Villa

This one is particularly favored by Martha. "One of my favorites, which I serve at my annual open house in Bedford, is a delicious fresh-seafood buffet of oysters and shrimp," Martha has said of past gatherings. Steal a page out of our founder's playbook, and then opt for a Martha's Vineyard-inspired dress code and décor to complete the vibe.