Themes for dinner parties

Your Dinner Party Theme 101 list!

After the runaway success of my dinner party entertainment ideas blog post (who knew I was the Taylor Swift of soirées?), it turns out you lot think I actually know a thing or two about hosting a killer evening.

So, you’ve got your close-up magician booked, the cocktail shaker spinning out cosmos like it’s their job—what’s next? What else can we throw into the mix to take this night up a notch?

Cue the knock at the door. Who’s there? Some guy with a sombrero and a Birmingham accent insisting he’s here for the party. Yep, it’s time to talk dinner party themes that’ll turn your next gathering into something people will still be talking about when they’re well into dessert. Let’s dive into some themed dinner party ideas.

The Murder Mystery Dinner Party

A murder mystery dinner party isn’t just a dinner party—oh no, it’s a full-blown dinner party theme extravaganza. Picture this: you, dressed to kill (pun intended), channelling your most dramatic soap opera vibes while accusing your friends of heinous crimes over cocktails. It’s like Cluedo, but with better lighting and probably fewer fake moustaches. The best part? Themed dinner party ideas like this guarantee a fun evening filled with scandal, laughs, and side-eyes you won’t recover from for weeks.

You can opt for a DIY approach with an off-the-shelf murder mystery kit or take it up a notch by hiring professionals to manage the chaos. That way, you can fully commit to the drama (and the snacking) without having to referee a heated argument over who’s “the murderer.” Fun dinner party themes don’t get more hilariously intense than this. The only real mystery? Why you haven’t planned your next dinner party yet?

The Mexican

Planning a summer dinner party? Why not go all in and transform it into a Mexican-themed dinner party that screams fiesta vibes? Picture this: ice-cold margaritas flowing endlessly, a vibrant band strumming in the background, and Susan shaking her maracas (stop it) so furiously you start to wonder if she’s auditioning for Strictly. It’s the kind of fun dinner party that guarantees a memorable evening full of laughs and questionable life decisions.

When it comes to the dinner party menu, keep it simple yet bold. Offer a spread of tortillas, a toppings bar, and your “homemade” guacamole (just ignore the store-bought packaging in the bin). Add some tacos loaded to the brim and snacks that remind everyone why life is better with a side of salsa. Wash it all down with… more margaritas. And shots. Lots of them. Hydration can wait.

For the finishing touches, think of the fun photo props to keep your guests entertained. Steve will, of course, arrive in an oversized sombrero that practically blocks his peripheral vision, while Hilda’s moustache will spark debates on whether it’s glued on or an actual accessory with a backstory. By the end of the party, you’ll be left wondering if the sombrero survived and if the moustache actually has citizenship. This, however, is the kind of chaos that makes a dinner party unforgettable.

The Italian Themed Party

Not feeling up to dodging questionable entanglements or tequila-fueled chaos? Understandable. Instead, why not lean into the elegance of an Italian-themed dinner party and transform your summer dinner party into something unforgettable? Picture this for your backdrop: sleek decor, a playlist of dreamy Italian tunes, and your guests entertained as they create their own pizza masterpieces.

The dinner party menu? A scandalous showcase of indulgence. Start with charcuterie boards so well-curated they’d make a cheesemonger weep. Follow up with pasta dishes (although spaghetti bolognese is a trifle messy) that might have you declared persona non grata in at least one Italian province. Oh, and don’t forget a bountiful selection of toppings for those pizzas—you know someone will bring up pineapple, and you’ll just have to deal with it.

Need more flair? A splash of Campari, a glass of Chianti, a few deviled eggs and a tiramisu finish. This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a delicious meal that practically writes its own love story. The atmosphere? Cozy yet lively—a fun dinner party where laughter and the clink of glasses create a truly memorable evening. And if you’re going all in, make sure everyone leaves dreaming of their own villa in Tuscany. Bravo, host extraordinaire!

The Japanese Themed Dinner Party

Ever wonder why the Japanese have some of the longest lifespans? Spoiler alert: it’s not by stress-eating instant ramen. Their secret? A dinner party menu that’s fresh, balanced, and—yes—totally stealable for an unforgettable evening. Tonight, you’re hosting a Japanese-themed dinner that’s part culinary adventure, part cultural deep-dive. Get down to the local market and pick up some fish for this special occasion. Grab those bamboo rolling mats because sushi rolling will become your guests’ new party trick.

Set the tone with dinner party invitations in Japanese, requesting shoes off at the door and demanding everyone speak with a questionable accent.

The meal? Fresh fish, steamy rice, and a medley of other flavours leave no taste bud behind. Add a savory miso soup starter or go bold with some melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a delicious meal that bridges the gap between your kitchen and Tokyo.

By the end of the night, laughter will echo, clinking glasses will accompany clumsy karaoke tunes (originated in Japan, don’t you know), and you’ll have created a truly fun dinner party. Bonus points if your guests actually attempt to eat with chopsticks and don’t dub it a “real challenge.” Make it a memorable evening filled fresh flowers (pluck the petals and scatter them around), some fairy lights (visually appealing) good vibes, great company, and of course, a theme that actually has people talking. Clap for yourself—you’re a host with flavour and flair.

The Formal Dinner Party

Tired of the same old lineup of finger foods, lukewarm beer, and a chocolate fondue that’s more chaos than charm? It’s time to shake things up and host a proper soirée—think fine dining vibes with a glazed ham centrepiece, the kind that makes you question why you’ve been settling for pizza rolls at every gathering. Pair it with stuffed peppers in a balsamic vinegar glaze that say, “Yes, I am trying to impress you,” and voilà, you’re halfway to a formal dinner party worthy of applause.

Want to really seal the deal? Hire a butler. Someone to handle overcoats, pour wine, and generally make passive-aggressive comments about poor posture (it’s part of the authenticity, obviously). But if Downton Abbey-level drama isn’t your thing, breathe easy—you don’t need crystal chandeliers to pull off something classy. Just ask your friends to swap sweats for something that reads “I have taste” and curate an evening that doesn’t feel like an awkward networking event.

Not into catering the whole ordeal? Call in your local restaurant for a little backup. They whip up the mains while you focus on the more pressing matters—like orchestrating icebreaker party games that won’t send your guests fleeing to the nearest exit. Wrap up with a chocolate souffle, and boom; you’ve nailed the perfect theme with good food, fine wine and great company.

Unique Dinner Party Ideas

Don’t fancy these themed dinner party ideas?

Here are some titles to inspire an event full of fun...

• Around the World in 8 Dishes
• Retro 80s Game Night Feast
• Under the Sea Seafood Extravaganza
• Enchanted Forest Banquet
• Masquerade Supper Club
• Breakfast for Dinner Pajama Party
• Space Odyssey Galactic Cuisine
• Harry Potter Feast in the Great Hall
• Farm-to-Table Rustic Gathering
• Wild West BBQ Showdown
• Medieval Times Feast & Revelry
• Colour-Coded Cuisine Challenge
• Futuristic Molecular Gastronomy Night
• Tropical Luau Dinner Bash
• Party Games Night

Themes for dinner parties: Final Thoughts

The best dinner party themes don’t have to be expensive. All the ideas above can be done on a budget. The main thing to remember is that a dinner party is a wonderful way to catch up with old friends and eat some (hopefully) delicious food.

So for your next dinner party, take a theme, make it yours and you’ll have a fun way to make some great memories.

About Close-Up Chris

Close-Up Chris is a magician who loves a good dinner party! When he’s not playing music, he likes to play games and perform for dun dinner party themes. If you’re interested in hiring Chris at your next dinner party, get in touch.