Every month—or two, or three, depending on how life goes—my friends and I make time for one of our favorite get togethers: themed dinner parties. They’re not just about eating; they’re about connecting, getting creative, and, let’s be honest, having an excuse to go all out.
Here’s how it works: at the end of each dinner, we brainstorm 2–3 new themes, throw them into a hat, and draw one by one until we land on the final theme—the one we’ll use for our next dinner. The hardest part? Finding a date that works for everyone! Summer months are especially tricky, but we find the time because these gatherings are so worth it.
Rotating Hosts
We rotate hosting duties to keep things fresh and fair. With many of us living in different cities, it’s a great way to balance the travel load, and it gives everyone a chance to flex their hosting skills.
Now, I live in a cozy two-bedroom apartment with no dining table—just a kitchen island and a comfy spot in front of the TV. But guess what? Hosting isn’t about having the perfect space; it’s about making your friends feel welcome. Whether it’s apps on the couch or a buffet-style setup on the island, there’s always a way to make it work.
This Month’s Theme: Color!
For this dinner, our theme was color—each dish had to match a specified hue. First, we assigned colors (yellow, green, red, etc.) and meal types (appetizer, main, dessert) by drawing them out of a hat.
I landed on Yellow Appetizer. Initially, I was overwhelmed by choices (hello, Pinterest), but I finally decided on a dish that was light, fresh, and perfect for summer: yellow gazpacho.
Yellow Gazpacho Recipe
Gazpacho is a chilled, raw vegetable soup, and this golden version was a hit! Here’s what I used:
- Yellow tomatoes
- Yellow bell peppers
- Fresh corn
- Yellow onions
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper
I blended everything together, let it chill overnight, and served it in clear appetizer bowls from Party City. A sprinkle of toppings for garnish made it Instagram-worthy, and the best part? No oven required—perfect for a summer heatwave!
The Menu
Since it was a smaller group this time, we kept the courses simple:
- Appetizer (Yellow): My gazpacho—fresh, vibrant, and totally refreshing.
- Main Dish (Green): Pesto chicken parmesan with pesto pasta—a fresh, herbaceous dream.
- Dessert (Red): Red velvet cake served with red fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and grapes.
It was just the right amount of food for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
Keeping the Decor Simple
I almost went overboard with rainbow balloons, colorful tableware, and every Pinterest idea under the sun. But summer was busy, and I decided to let the food do the talking.
Instead, I kept the decor neutral and laid out a few straw placemats as a table runner. To tie in the theme, I added fresh, colorful flowers—effortless but effective!
One thing that the group did collectively without even talking… dressed in our foods color theme! I was so happy to see the commitment to the theme when each couple walked through the door.
Brainstorming the Next Theme
Before wrapping up, we threw three new theme ideas into the hat, passed it around, and eliminated options one by one until we landed on our next dinner concept. It’s always a fun way to end the night—and build anticipation for the next gathering!
Theme Ideas to Try
Need inspiration for your own dinner parties? Here are a few of our past and future ideas:
- Tea Party: Finger sandwiches, scones, and dainty desserts.
- Food & Drink Pairings: Think sliders with milkshakes or pie with tea.
- Chinese Food Favorites: From egg rolls to sweet and sour chicken.
- Jersey Shore Night: Italian classics with (optional) costumes.
- Soup Soirée: A cozy lineup of soups and breads.
- Chili Cook-Off: Let the spice levels battle it out.
- Board Party: From charcuterie to dessert boards, anything goes.
Why You’ll Love It
Themed dinners aren’t just about the food—they’re about creativity, connection, and a little friendly competition. Whether you host in a sprawling dining room or a tiny apartment, it’s all about making memories with your favorite people.
Ready to plan your own? Grab your friends, pick a theme, and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Looking for an idea for your next themed dinner party? Check out some of our favourite themed parties we’ve had with friends:
