I’m game for a good dinner party anytime, especially during the warmer summer months when the shenanigans can be hosted outside in the backyard. So many more opportunities there!
The thing is…I like to spruce things up a bit in terms of theme and food ideas. Sure, the typical backyard BBQ or casual family style table set up is always nice, but hosting a themed dinner only adds more interest and all around fun to the event.
Themed Parties Made Easy
Because it is indeed the Summer time and the weather is so inviting, I’ve recently been thinking of all of the different ways to host a party and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.
I’m not exactly looking for something that entails a ton of new decorations, tableware, and elaborate menus to serve. I’m thinking of a party that has all of the interest appeal without the stress.
That’s why I have been mainly thinking of different food themes, as opposed to all encompassing party themes, with dress codes and all of the other bells and whistles.
All of these themed ideas provide the intrigue, delicious food, and planning that can be as formal or as casual as you wish. If you choose to add the costume suggestions and themed decorations, even better!
The best part? You can even take a potluck approach to any of these ideas. Just ask the friends to bring a dish that coincides with the overall theme, and your work just became a little easier ?
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Burger Slider Night
When I say Burger Night, I don’t mean your typical ground beef quarter pounders with a topping bar area. I’m thinking a variety of small slider burgers.
Make a batch each of beef, turkey, and veggie burger sliders for variety. Set out a small condiment and topping selection, and let your guests do their own thing!
DYI Taco Bar
There are so many different ways you can go with this theme. Maybe you want to stick with the traditional ground beef taco for a protein. You can also go with chicken, pulled pork, fish, shrimp…or even a mix of 2-3 meats.
The options are endless!
Set out warm shells, sides of lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, cheeses, or any other topping that works with the main ingredient.
(For seafood or pulled pork…think toppings like mango or pineapple salsa, chipotle or sriracha sauce, corn, cabbage, avocado, lime, jalapenos, and pico de gallo).
Hot Dog Bar
The typical hot dog bar isn’t just about the hot dogs. You can customize yours in a variety of ways.
My personal favorite is to include the all beef hot dogs, sweet italian sausages, and brats to make it complete.
Serve along side some baked beans, corn, pasta salad, or any other traditional barbecue sides.
Set out some rolls, condiments, sauces, and vegetables to finish it off, and enjoy!
DIY Pizza Party
I’m thinking something more intimate, hands on, elegant, but an also casual affair.
With a few delicious appetizers, a bit of wine, and custom personal pizzas, you can throw a great party with less work for you!
Check out how Alex handled her DIY pizza party here (How to Host a Picture Perfect Pizza Party).
Everything from the table setting, to the convenient cooking plan and toppings variety, speaks of a delightful evening with friends.
Psst…as an alternative to frozen pizza crusts, consider a pack of flatbread from your grocery store’s bread aisle. We use them A LOT and they make for yummy personal pizzas any day.
All American Backyard BBQ Party
Who doesn’t love the traditional barbecue set up? Perfect for the warmer months and it goes hand in hand with a potluck approach.
Have your guests bring a side dish, throw your favorite proteins on the grill and serve up some refreshing drinks.
The only other thing you need is comfy backyard seating for your guests, good tunes, and great conversation.
For more inspiration, check out this list of yummy barbecue favorites, here (30 Best Easy Summer Side Dish Recipes That Are Refreshing) or this one (110 Old-Fashioned Barbecue Recipes).
Sandwich Bar
It really doesn’t get any easier than this! Set up a sandwich board or 2 (depending on how many guests you have), and let them create their own meal.
The only work for you is cutting up some veggies, laying out the meats, cheeses, breads, and condiments. The rest is up to your guests to decide how simple or extravagant they like their sandwiches to be.
For inspiration on the types of sandwich components you may want to include, check out my post, 43 Best Hot & Cold Sandwich Recipe Ideas You’ll Love!
For more detailed tips on setting up an awesome Build-Your-Own sandwich bar, check out this article here (The Ultimate Build-Your-Own Sandwich Board).
Dessert Party
Everyone has a sweet tooth, and I can’t think of any better way to celebrate our sugary cravings, than with a Dessert Party.
Set up a table with various treats, serve up a few complimentary drinks, and indulge for a moment.
Whether you decide to include an ice cream sundae bar, a pie station, chocolate fountain or even just an array of cookies, cakes, and other yummy bite sized treats, your guests won’t be able to resist the temptations.
For tips on throwing a stress free dessert party, check out this post, (How to Plan a Dessert Buffet) and this one (34 Mouth-Watering Party Dessert Ideas You’ll Love) for mouth watering treats to include.
Indian Dinner Party
Hosting a party with an Indian food theme, is a great way to add a festive tone to any gathering.
From aromatic curries to colorful spices, and yummy street food recipes, Indian cuisine offers a wide range of flavors for your guests to enjoy.
Serve a couple of signature drinks like Masala Chai or Jaljeera Mojito, and savor every bite!
For tips on hosting an Indian dinner party with menu ideas, and preparation steps, check out this post here (Indian Dinner Party Menu with Sample Menus).
Mediterranean Dinner Party
Whether you opt for a set menu of various courses or go with a more casual tapas style approach, your guests will love the opportunity to enjoy a Mediterranean themed meal.
From unique olive oil samplers and yummy crostini appetizers, to savory Spanish meatballs and mezze platters, the mouth watering options are endless.
I personally enjoy a tapas style dinner any night of the week, because it features a range of dishes and flavors to indulge in, without a lot of fuss.
Taste Of Italy
There are so many different ways to host an Italian themed party. You can opt for a four course family style meal with a set menu. You can go with a Build-Your-Own pasta bar, bruschetta bar or even the Build-Your-Own pizza approach mentioned above.
Anther fun idea for your Italian themed party would be to set up a buffet for even more variety on your guests’ plates.
Tip – Arrange a crostini board or bar for the appetizer portion of the meal to wet their appetite!
Breakfast For Dinner
Anyone who has ever had Breakfast For Dinner, knows exactly what I’m thinking here. Isn’t that why the all American diner exist, anyway?
Breakfast anytime you want, right?
Nothing fancy is needed here. You can simply add a couple of small centerpieces throughout the dining area and a casual table set up like you would for any brunch gathering.
For drinks, set up a few small areas…coffee, breakfast juices, mimosa station, bloody mary station. Anything goes!
BTW…you can find plenty of coffee drinks here if you want to up your game on that station.
With just a little creativity, your guests will walk away wishing breakfast could be dinner, every day!
Here are a couple of posts to check out for inspiration as to how to handle your next Breakfast For Dinner party.
Easy Delicious Breakfast Recipes & Brunch Ideas For A Crowd
Breakfast Buffet Ideas for a Party
Vegetarian Party
I guess you could say…by nature, I am more of a meat and potatoes sort of gal. However, when the itch hits me for my veggies, I can literally just fore-go the rest.
Check out these lovely little vegetarian dinner party recipes below, and don’t forget to check out my number #1 recipe (Best Recipe For Easy Fried Sautéed Southern Cabbage With Onions) that has had thousands drooling for months now.
40 Easy Vegetarian Appetizers That Your Whole Party Will Love
30 Exciting Vegetarian Party Food Ideas (From Snacks to Main Dishes)
Moroccan Dinner Party
Many years ago, I was introduced to Moroccan cuisine when I was invited to a friend’s birthday party (held every year at a wonderful Moroccan restaurant near by). I instantly fell in love with it.
Not only is the food amazing, but I loved the overall ambiance. The pillow seating on the floor, the colorful tapestries, the belly dancers…and above all, the actual eating ritual.
You may not have the belly dancers (meh), but you can prepare the delicious food And maybe a pillow seating family style dinner. ?
Check out these suggestions below, for how to pull one off.
For a more formal affair, head here…Moroccan Themed Party Ideas & Decorations.
For more budget friendly inspiration, check this one out! 10 Moroccan Dinner Night Ideas to Impress Your Guests
Fondue
Again…another food experience that encompasses intimacy among friends, delicious finger food, and great conversation.
The beauty of fondue is that there are several base options you can go with. You can opt for the traditional cheese fondue, a savory broth fondue, or a sweet fondue like chocolate or caramel.
The dipper options are also endless. Anything from bread and crackers, to meats of your choosing, or fruits for the dessert fondue.
Go with all three types of fondues and you have a complete 3 course meal!
For a complete guide on how to fondue like a pro, check out this article here for instructions and recipes (Fondue Recipes for a Dinner Party).
Hawaiian Luau
I once attended a Luau dinner show in Orlando, FL years ago, and I have talked about it many times over since then. Between the entertainment, decorations, and delicious food, it was an experience I will never forget.
While a dinner show on the beach is not always an option, there is definitely a way to pull off a party in your backyard just as festive and memorable as that one was for me.
With a few easy party decorations, supplies, and yummy authentic Hawaiian recipes, your guests will be talking about your tropical Luau gathering for years to come, as well.
For 25 of the most mouth watering recipes to include on your menu, check out this post here 25 Yummy Hawaiian Luau Party Foods for an Epic Backyard Bash.
Cocktail Party (Casual/Semi-Formal)
What is the one thing you like most about cocktail hour at a nice event? The drinks and hors d’ oeuvres of course! The mingling is nice too 🙂
Who says you have to wait for the next wedding or other event to enjoy exactly that?
No crazy planning needs to be had. You can simply throw a gathering that involves the delicious finger foods and drink options without stress.
If you want to include on your invite that semi-formal dress code is suggested, great! Though in my opinion, casual atmosphere is just a nice.
All it requires, is yummy appetizers, a bit of music in the background, a few signature drinks, and good company.
Psst…Check out a few of my favorite playlists here.
Movie Night
Hosting a movie night party is always a great way to hang out with friends any time of the year. With just some comfy pillows, blankets, and a good movie selection, entertaining has never been easier!
You can put together a DIY movie setting with just a couple of accessories, most of which are already in your home.
And the best part?
The food is easy, cheap, and can be created to suit anyone’s movie night cravings!
Check out my favorite movie selections below for a variety of themes and age groups to choose from.
50 Inspirational & Motivational Movies That Will Change Your Life
35 Best Animated Popular Family Kids Movies To Watch 2024!
What Is The Best Romantic Comedy (Rom Com) Chick Flick Movie Of All Time To Watch?
64 Scariest Horror Halloween Movies Of All Time, To Watch
Garden Party
Hosting a simple garden party is a great way to enjoy friends and family for a few hours without a lot of stress.
While most of us think of this type of gathering during the spring and summer months, they can also be hosted during cooler months indoors, with just a little planning and a few decorative touches.
The food is typically easy and delicious, with a few signature drinks involved. The ambiance is casual and the conversation enjoyable.
Perfect way to host a few guests when you are craving a light afternoon gathering!
Traditional Seafood Broil
If you’ve never been invited to a seafood broil, then you are missing out on some seriously mouth watering food. Not to mention the memorable experiences with friends and family, that goes along with it!
A seafood broil is typically held backyard style, but can easily be managed indoors as well. The prep is done in large batches for stress free serving and the clean up is a breeze.
Just pick your favorite seafood to add to the pile with a few traditional side dishes if you wish, and host a party your guests will talk about for years.
For the best sides to complete your menu, check out this post here (What to Serve with a Seafood Boil? 13 Best Side Dishes).
Farm To Table
Hosting a farm to table style party is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family. Not only is the communal dinner table intimate, but the seasonal ingredients are refreshing and satisfying.
There are a variety of things you can do to host such a party that make it easy and manageable. For instance, you can set up a couple of stations for appetizers, salads, and desserts, leaving only the main course for you to be concerned with serving at the table.
When the main course is ready, have someone help you set the platters and bowls out on the table so everyone can pass them around and make their own plates.
You can focus on the conversation instead!
For delicious farm to table recipes during the summer months, check this post out or this one for the cooler fall months.
Sushi Party
Who loves sushi? This girl here!!
I will eat sushi any time I get a chance, so this type of dinner party is one I can completely get behind, especially if I can host it right in my own home.
With just a quick tutorial on sushi rolling (if that is the type you will be serving) a few easy delicious recipes and party hosting tips, this guide will have you well on your way to hosting a sushi party like a pro.
Sounds likes a fun night with friends, to me!
Medieval Dinner Party
If you’ve ever been to a Renaissance Faire, you don’t need me to tell you how fun it would be to host a Medieval style dinner party at home.
Not only is the food delicious, but the overall theme begs your guests to become fully involved. You can go with an intimate, low key dinner or make it an elaborate feast if that is what you wish.
Anything goes!
Just be sure to have some of those yummy Medieval times dishes ready, because your guests are indeed looking forward to that part of the event!
(For Renaissance faire style food, check out these ideas here).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hosting a dinner party, you can make it as simple or elaborate as you want. The idea is to find something fun, whether it be more of a food theme or a full on party theme.
These suggestions all come with the idea that your guests will have a great time and you can also enjoy their company as well without the unnecessary stress dinner parties are often associated with.
What do you think?
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite dinner party theme is and which one you will host next!
