The Big List of 20 Dinner Party Themes

Tired of hosting the same old get-togethers?

Whether you’re gathering with close friends or meeting new people, dinner party themes can take your event to the next level.

Themes not only set the tone but also create a memorable experience for your guests, making your party fun and unforgettable.

From culinary adventures to nostalgic throwbacks, this blog gives you 20 dinner party themes to inspire your next gathering.

Plus, we’ve included tips for decorations, food, and drinks to make each theme a hit!

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1. Around the World Potluck

Theme Idea: Celebrate culinary diversity by asking guests to bring dishes from different countries.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Pad Thai, fajitas, Italian arancini, and Sangria.

Décor Tips: Use mini flags, global maps, and mismatched plates to evoke the sense of a cultural experience.

2. Murder Mystery Dinner

Theme Idea: Host an evening of suspense, secrets, and delicious food.

Food & Drink Suggestions: A multi-course meal with dramatic names like “Poisoned Potion Punch” or “Killer Chocolate Cake.”

Décor Tips: Use dim lighting, dramatic table settings, and plenty of candles. Bonus points for themed costumes!

3. Breakfast for Dinner

Theme Idea: Flip the script and serve classic breakfast dishes for dinner.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Pancakes, bacon, omelets, and mimosas.

Décor Tips: Create a cozy brunch vibe with checkered napkins, juice carafes, and small potted plants.

4. Hollywood Red Carpet Night

Theme Idea: Give your guests the star treatment with a glamorous Hollywood-style party.

Food & Drink Suggestions: These should be chic yet simple—think finger foods like mini quiches or champagne cocktails.

Décor Tips: Roll out a red carpet and include gold accents for that Oscars look.

5. Taco Fiesta Night

Theme Idea: A Mexican-inspired fiesta with tacos as the centerpiece.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Taco bar with fixings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and margaritas.

Décor Tips: Bright-colored streamers, sombreros, and maracas are all you need.

6. 70s Disco Dine-In

Theme Idea: Channel the groovy vibes of the 70s with disco balls and retro eats.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Fondue, pigs in a blanket, and grasshopper cocktails.

Décor Tips: Think lava lamps, disco balls, and retro vinyl records.

7. Themed Movie Night

Theme Idea: Choose a favorite movie and center your party around it.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Serve snacks and drinks inspired by the movie, like butterbeer for a Harry Potter night or seafood for a Little Mermaid viewing.

Décor Tips: Hang posters or create a photo booth with props from the movie.

8. DIY Pizza Night

Theme Idea: Empower guests to create their own pizzas.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Provide dough, sauces, and endless toppings. Serve Italian wines or craft beers.

Décor Tips: Red-and-white checkered tablecloths and pizza-themed placemats.

9. Great Gatsby Party

Theme Idea: A roaring 20s experience full of elegance and art deco style.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Canapés, oysters, and plenty of champagne.

Décor Tips: Think black, gold, and pearl accents, plus jazz music in the background.

10. Garden Party Extravaganza

Theme Idea: Host an outdoor soirée with fresh, vibrant dishes.

Food & Drink Suggestions: A charcuterie board, seasonal salads, and floral cocktails.

Décor Tips: Set up fairy lights, floral centerpieces, and picnic-style seating if possible.

11. Mystical Harry Potter Banquet

Theme Idea: Bring Hogwarts magic to your dinner table.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Butterbeer, shepherd’s pie, and treacle tarts.

Décor Tips: Hogwarts house banners, floating candles, and wizard hats.

12. 90s Nostalgia Dinner

Theme Idea: Take a trip back to the 90s with retro vibes and crowd-pleasing food.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Bagel bites, pizza pockets, sugary cocktails, and Dunkaroos for dessert.

Décor Tips: VHS tapes, lava lamps, and pop music posters set the stage.

13. Under the Sea

Theme Idea: Get ocean-centric with marine décor and seafood-focused dishes.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Sushi, shrimp scampi, fish tacos, and beachy cocktails.

Décor Tips: Use shells, blue table settings, and mermaid motifs.

14. Farm-to-Table Feast

Theme Idea: Focus on sustainability by using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Farmers’ market salads, roasted chicken, and fruit cobblers.

Décor Tips: Mason jar vases, burlap runners, and wooden plates to emphasize the rustic vibe.

15. Carnival Night

Theme Idea: Create a playful and fun fair-like atmosphere.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Corn dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade.

Décor Tips: Bright stripes, circus themes, and plenty of string lights.

16. Wine & Cheese Night

Theme Idea: Elevate your gathering with a refined pairing of wine and quality cheeses.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Multiple cheeses, crackers, charcuterie, and paired wines.

Décor Tips: Marble platters, wine glasses, and simple floral arrangements.

17. Mediterranean Mezze Night

Theme Idea: Create the perfect Mediterranean escape.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Hummus, pita, falafel, grilled veggies, and wine.

Décor Tips: Olive branches, candles, and rustic tableware.

18. Elegant Black and White Party

Theme Idea: A sophisticated dining experience focused on monochrome elegance.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Black sesame crusted salmon, truffle pasta, and white wine.

Décor Tips: Black and white table settings with candles and glass accents.

19. French Bistro Dinner

Theme Idea: Bring Parisian café vibes to your home.

Food & Drink Suggestions: Coq au vin, baguettes, and crème brûlée with French wine.

Décor Tips: Red gingham tablecloths, candles, and French café music.

20. All-Dessert Party

Theme Idea: Skip dinner entirely and focus on indulging your guests’ sweet tooth!

Food & Drink Suggestions: Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and boozy milkshakes.

Décor Tips: Pastel hues, tiered trays, and playful candy dishes.

Hosting Made Fun and Memorable

Choosing the perfect dinner party themes isn’t just about the food; it’s about creating an experience your guests will talk about for years.

Whether you’re indulging in gourmet wines or channeling your inner wizard at a Hogwarts-inspired feast, the right dinner party themes can make all the difference.

Happy Celebrating!