Dinner Party Themes You Can Use

For a bit of organized adult fun…

Having your friends and family over for dinner doesn’t have to be a pain if you can come up with a few twists and turns along the way and come up with an adult dinner party theme.

So, if you fancy a party with a difference, then how about hosting a party that no one will forget with an amazingly original theme with the ‘wow’ factor?

Of course, dinner parties can be fun just on their own, but they can be double the fun if you incorporate a dinner party theme – with every single bit of the planning matching the theme so you can’t go wrong!

From invites to food choices, the chosen theme leads the way.

What could be simpler?

And we know what great fun it can be organizing themed parties for children, so why not for adults too?

We all love to have a bit of organized fun with an element of competition, but sometimes we want to feel a little bit more ‘civilized’ than just having drinking games, which we all know can end disastrously!

So, for a bit of cheer up from modern day life, have a think about some of the best- themed dinner party ideas out there for adults…

What Theme Will You Choose?

Beach Party with a Twist


Okay, so we’ve all had a beach party at some stage of our adolescence but now that we’re maturer and wiser, why not take it a step further and think picnics, summer drinks, b-b-q feasts, tutti frutti, and aloha?

Your adult-themed summer dinner party could bring all the vibes of summer into your indoor or outdoor party with palm tree leaves, pineapples, and flamingos just for starters!

Cocktails with paper straws and everyone dressed for the beach with the Beach Boys or Summer Lovin’ blasting away – what’s not to love?

Beach bonfires with an emphasis on seafood to serve, beach backyard campfires conjure up the idea of hot dogs and chips, and rustic b-b-q food makes our mouths water already.

Balloon volleyball, scavenger hunts, sandcastle competitions – let your imagination run with the ocean.

Just don’t forget your shades…

A Roaring Twenties Bash

Maybe a time period dinner party themed decade is more your thing?

Everyone loves the Roaring 1920s as a dinner party theme with gangsters, molls, guns, cigars, and cheeky long black gloves.

Now think ‘The Great Gatsby,’ flappers, gin and it, champagne and caviar and of course, jazz music and you’ve got yourself a rave…

Perhaps you’ve always longed for a cocktail tasking evening – the 20s theme is a fabulous time to host this – gin, champagne, or absinthe were very popular drinks then.

Devilled eggs, grilled oysters, smoked salmon, sugar-glazed hams – the list of refined buffet food is endless for a dinner party menu.

And entertainment is easy for this themed party – you have the dancing sorted straightaway with the Charleston and card games such as poker, blackjack, or Canasta.

Costumes are superb with the rows of pearls and headdresses, feather boas, and cocktail dresses for the ladies and men in their black DJs.

Fabulous fun!

The 1980s – Superheroes and their Sidekicks


However, if you love the 80s more– why not have a dress-up dinner party with Superman or Wonderwoman as your inspiration? Since when has dressing up as a superhero just been for the kids?

If you’re up for being creative, you could produce some fabulous poison – edible green jello or other equally luminous coloured liquids such as with blue and red colourings can be added to your spirits to make great punches and can introduce the Hulk or maybe Captain America to your party.

Food can include chicken wings that can become batwings, wonder dogs, supermanwiches – the list is endless.

With a bit of dressing up, a few decorations, and a super menu, you can have great fun as you marvel your way back in time with your friends.

Movie and Celebs Theme Dinner Party


Lights, camera action!

If you just love the movies and all their beautiful celebrities, then maybe having a Hollywood night is just the dinner party theme for you.

This is your chance to shine as the glamourous person you always knew you should’ve been in a fancy-dress costume you adore.

Remember, a glamourous Hollywood party starts with a glamourous celebrity invitation for your guests and an A-lister menu.

Glitz and glam all the way, please.

So, bubbles, cocktails, and martini style drinks are a must.

Put a red carpet next to your front door, and you’ll set the Hollywood tone right away – add a few props such as clapperboards, directors’ chairs, cameras, popcorn, cinema tickets for entry, put gold stars everywhere and you’re well on your way.

Movie theme games such as most recognised movie theme songs can be awarded with awards and trophies, and yet more champagne is the order of the day.

Just add gold stars to hors d’oeuvres and puddings to make everything sparkle that little bit more.

Music can be the theme tunes to all the blockbuster movies – they’ll be something for everyone to love on that playlist.

Let the fun begin…

A Dinner Party based around Soup

The art of the dinner party is often understated and under-appreciated, yet it is through such gatherings that true culinary creativity, experimentation and enjoyment are realized. And what better centerpiece for a memorable meal than a delicious soup?

Consider planning an evening's festivities around this versatile dish with its intriguing range of presentation possibilities and flavor combinations. Let us explore the magic of the dinner table by gathering friends and family around a cauldron of warm, savory delights - each offering its own unique take on the ultimate comfort food.

From traditional recipes to modern variations, we can embark on a journey of culinary discovery as we mix and match flavors, textures and temperatures in order to create a truly arresting experience that will tickle all the senses.

One way to do this is to set up a soup buffet with various different recipes. You will want to make sure there are some vegetarian options or gluten-free/dairy-free options for those guests with dietary preferences.

The first step in setting up a soup buffet is to choose a variety of soup recipes that will cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Consider offering a mix of classic favorites and unique, flavorful options. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic Tomato Soup: A comforting and familiar choice that appeals to a wide range of guests.
• Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy and slightly sweet option that is perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: A hearty and nourishing choice that is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Thai Coconut Curry Soup: A flavorful and exotic option for those who enjoy a hint of spice.
• Mushroom and Barley Soup: A vegetarian-friendly choice that is rich in flavor and texture.

Feel free to experiment with different soup recipes and consider incorporating seasonal ingredients to add a touch of freshness and variety to your buffet.

Displaying Toppings and Garnishes

An important aspect of a soup buffet is the opportunity for guests to customize their soups with a variety of toppings and garnishes. Here are some ideas for arranging a visually appealing display.

• Toppings Bar: Set up a dedicated area with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, croutons, chopped herbs, diced onions, and sour cream. Use small bowls or containers to keep the toppings organized and easily accessible.
• Bread and Crackers: Offer a selection of freshly baked bread and a variety of crackers for guests to enjoy with their soups. Display them in baskets or on wooden boards for an inviting presentation.
• Fresh Herbs and Spices: Provide a selection of fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or parsley, as well as spices like chili flakes or black pepper. Arrange them in small pots or jars for a visually appealing display.
• Soup Shooters: Consider serving smaller portions of soup in shot glasses or small cups, allowing guests to sample multiple flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

By creating an attractive display of toppings and garnishes, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your buffet but also provide guests with the opportunity to personalize their soups according to their preferences.

Just the two of us…


Perhaps you want to wine and dine with your loved one? Impress that significant other? Or maybe you’re in the mood for love?

Whatever reason you may have, having a romantic dinner party is an ideal dinner party theme.

And it doesn’t have to be restricted just to the two of you – a couples’ romantic night is fun for all lovebirds.

What better time of year than to spread the love than at Valentine’s Day?

Red is obviously the main colour theme here and from the love-heart invites through to the red wine and strawberry pudding, the theme literally runs throughout.

France is the infamous land of the romantics, so why not serve French food as the French are as well-known for their culinary prowess and their delicious vino rouge or champagne, as they are their romantic skills– foie gras, oysters, snails (if you’re brave), cheese and of course – crème Brulee.

After food games could include Blindman’s Bluff, Valentine’s Hearts Bingo, Name that Love Song, or Dear, I Love You – ahh!

French Finesse High Tea


Keeping on with the French theme – two themes for the price of one – not bad, eh?

Paris is one of the best places in the world to have afternoon tea, so why not indulge you and your friends in an indulgent and sumptuous tea fit for Queen Marie-Antoinette herself? After all, she did recommend we all eat cake…

Silver-tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as pastries and cakes (madeleines, millefeuille, and macarons) to die for and with an extensive choice of tea from Assam to orange tisane.

With pretty invitations, napkins, cups, and saucers, what nicer way can you while away a rainy afternoon with friends, laughing and chatting over a very civilised Parisian afternoon tea?

This is your chance to be as prim and as for proper as you like – maybe it’s time for your Sunday best, hats, and white gloves as an optional extra!

Italian Bruschetta Bar Dinner


There’s absolutely nothing like this simple set-up with its endless possibilities when it comes to the Italians and their dining ideas.

This is a great fun take on the house party as your guests make their own food as they can customise their own food and drinks!

The ‘Build Your Own Bruschetta Bar’ adult-themed dinner party is a table or bar full of different spreads which are ready to be put onto grilled bread – spreads include the classic tomato and basil and the marinated eggplant and zucchini to the red onion or bacon jams.

There are simply loads of toppings you can conjure up too, from parmesan and mozzarella cheese to roasted peppers and salami.

This theme is literally pick and mix with all your favourites Italian flavours. Pizza is, of course, compulsory…

Italian wine is essential, and all decorations should be in green, white, and red.

Whatever the theme, there’s a party…


Hosting a dinner party is an excellent way to enjoy the company of close friends and loved ones while gathering around the table. When selecting the perfect theme for your gathering, it's important to consider grown-up sensibilities and modern tastes.

With careful consideration and detailed planning, you can create an evening that is truly unforgettable. From exciting game nights and sophisticated soirées to cabaret spectacles to a murder mystery dinner party, the possibilities are as endless as the stars in the night sky. Keep these ideas in mind when selecting the ideal theme for your elegant evening of conversation and dining.

Let’s Party!