Fun Dinner Party Idea for Your Family
Dinner parties are always fun for spending quality time and sharing delicious food with family and friends. They tend to be even more exciting when you pick a special theme.
Following a particular theme makes it all come together seamlessly, from the decor to the menu to the invitations. However, with so many options in front of you, how do you decide what to do?
If you’re at a loss for picking a suitable theme for your dinner party, here are a few unique ideas to get you’re creative juices flowing.
1. Breakfast for Dinner
Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation famously asked, “Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?”
Many experts acknowledge that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and people generally agree. In the United States, cereal sales amounted to $8.22 billion in 2018.
A hearty breakfast is like jet fuel, allowing us to start the day off on the right foot. However, would you really turn down a plate of eggs, waffles and sausage at dinnertime?
When planning your next dinner party for your family, consider incorporating a “breakfast for dinner” theme. Take out the waffle iron you insisted on for the holidays and make homemade Belgian waffles that your family can top with fresh fruit, syrup and Redi Whip.
Add more quirkiness to this fun party idea by having everyone wear their favorite pajamas. You could even serve up a classic mimosa with champagne and orange juice for the grown-ups.
2. Movie Night
Stay in this Friday night with a movie-themed dinner party. With this idea, you can put together a memorable menu of movie foods that nod to some of the greatest films of all time.
For example, a traditional French ratatouille recipe is perfect for evoking the same emotional response of food critic Anton Ego in the famous Disney film. Your kids will also love baked dinosaur chicken nuggets for a Jurrasic Park theme.
Feel free to customize your menu item names to match the movie you intend to watch. How about a “Hufflepuff pastry” for a Harry Potter theme, or “Hulk-smashed potatoes” for an Avengers movie night instead. The possibilities are endless.
3. Make-Your-Own Pizza Party
Who doesn’t like pizza, particularly a pie they can make themselves? Have your friends join your family for a make-your-own pizza party.
You can purchase fresh pizza dough or ready-made crusts that your family and guests can layer with all their favorite toppings. Then, pre-chop mushrooms, onions, green peppers and olives. Have pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni on hand, as well.
It’s the perfect time to dig through your spice cabinet and pull out all the essential seasonings, such as parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, basil and fennel. Of course, olive oil makes any pizza extra yummy and can help prevent your crust from burning.
Set out your ingredients buffet-style and let everyone fix their pizza the way they like before popping it in the oven. Serve wine to the grown-ups, offer soda to the kids and finish the meal with a slice of cheesecake, tiramisu or Italian cookies.
4. Taco Fiesta
A taco fiesta-themed dinner is just as convenient as a pizza party. Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, so you really can’t go wrong with this dinner party idea.
Cook your ground beef, turkey or chicken and chop your veggies. Tomatoes, onions, scallions, shredded lettuce, corn and jalapeno or mild peppers are typical taco toppings. You’ll also want to put out shredded cheese, black beans, taco sauces, salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
Make sure your guests have lots of options available. Start the buffet line with hard or soft taco shells, or allow everyone to make a taco salad in a bowl instead. Don’t forget the side of tortilla chips to snack on.
5. Beach Party
Is the weather warming up by you, or are you patiently awaiting the days where you can slip on your flip flops and shades? If you simply can’t wait any longer, welcome summer a bit early with a beachy dinner party.
Play old surf-rock tunes or some Calypso steel drum tracks to set the mood. Meanwhile, easy-baked coconut shrimp will send your guests sailing away to the islands. Make sure also to have a sweet and spicy pineapple dipping sauce, a perfect pairing for your shrimp.
Round out your dinner menu by serving up a fruity Bahama Mama cocktail with an umbrella, of course. There are several fun ways to bring this theme to life.
6. Family Heritage Night
Is there a better way to break bread with your family than having a family heritage night? Celebrate your family’s history and culture by cooking foods from your countries of origin.
You might also want to incorporate old family recipes passed down for generations. Involve your spouse and kids in preparing the different menu items. It’s a great way to connect with your children and teach them about their family history.
Invite your friends over to learn and celebrate your cultural heritage, as well. Perhaps they can also bring over dishes from their own heritage.
Dinner Party Ideas for Lifelong Memories
Whether you keep it small with only the family or invite everyone you know, dinner parties can spark lifelong memories for you and your loved ones. After all, the best part about sharing a meal is spending time together. Try one or more of these dinner party themes for your upcoming gathering and see where your creativity can lead you.
