Dinner Party Themes That Will Give Your Guests Something to Talk About

By Yana Kouretas

Dinner Parties have always been in style, but they seem to really be making their official comeback this year. I don’t know about you, but it feels like every weekend, people are plastering dinner party photos on social media, showing off unique themes, mouth-watering cuisines, and extravagant decor. They seem to have overtaken Saturday night going-out-to-dinner plans, with people yearning for an outlet for creative dining and intimate conversation, in a more homely setting.

While they always appear to come together so nicely, dinner parties are a lot of work, especially for the host, who probably paid extra for the ingredients and unique decor and was likely confined to the kitchen for hours before guests even arrived. It’s not for everybody. But when you’re ready to open your home and bridge your community of friends, we have a few ideas in mind to help make your dinner party an especially memorable one.

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1. ‘Nancy Meyers’ inspired

It’s safe to say the Nancy Meyers aesthetic is having a moment in 2025. If you have no idea what we’re talking about, you may want to check out a Nancy Myers movie—think The Holiday, It’s Complicated, or Something’s Gotta Give. The films basically capture the essence of bliss, nostalgia, and warmth, all while exuding cozy vibes, with soft neutrals, wood-adorned homes, cashmere wardrobes, and feel-good soundtracks. In other words—the equivalence of an iced tea on a spring day or a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

It’s Complicated Movie by Nancy Meyers

*Courtesy of Pinterest

Something’s Gotta Give Movie by Nancy Meyers

*Courtesy of Pinterest

Home Again Movie by Hallie Meyers-Shyer (Daughter of Nancy Meyers)

*Courtesy of Pinterest

Can you feel the warmth and coziness? Here are some features that can put the finishing touches on your Nancy Myers inspired dinner party.

• White Wine and Rose

• Lots of floral arrangements, such as hydrangeas or white roses

• Lemon-themed table arrangements

• String Lights on your back deck

• Roast Chicken Dish

• Light dessert dish, like a Fruit Tart

• Antique table lamps, lots of throw pillows

• Blue Checkered or gingham tablecloth

*Courtesy of Pinterest

*Courtesy of Pinterest

2. Apres Ski/Fondue Night

No skiing is necessary here. Keep your guests warm with a glass of spiked cider, Irish coffee, or mulled wine when they walk through the door. You’ll want to center your menu around a cozy communal feast, like pot roast, cheese fondue, or a large charcuterie board. The space should feel like unwinding after a long day on the slopes: either complete with a crackling fireplace or ambient candle centerpieces.

Some ideas:

• Warm blankets draped over chairs

• Guests dressed in theme–ski goggles, boots, cozy sweaters, even comfy lounge sets

*Courtesy of Pinterest

*Courtesy of Pinterest

3. Breakfast/Brunch After Dark

Who doesn’t love breakfast—all the time! For those who want a more casual party idea that incorporates some of our tried and true foods, this one’s for you. The options are endless—you can stick with the staples—pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and fruit salad. Or, you can take it up a notch and whip up some more elevated breakfast dishes, like pastries, french toast bake, frittatas, Eggs Benedict, cinnamon rolls, and more. The best part about this theme is that the food will speak for itself and the decor will likely just fall into place later.

The key part about hosting a breakfast/brunch dinner party is that you can make several dishes ahead, instead of having to cook them in the moment. Starting on your french toast bake, casserole, or cooking your meat the night before will ensure you’re able to fully be present and indulge with your guests.

Some ideas:

• Self-serve coffee bar

• Lots of drink options: Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, Espresso Martinis,

• Juice carafes for orange and apple juice

• Colorful floral arrangements

• Casual Buffet Style

• Guests can wear their breakfast best—whether it's more elevated brunch-style wear or their favorite pair of pajamas!

*Courtesy of Pinterest

*Courtesy of Pinterest

4. Vintage or 1970s themed

Dinner parties can offer a glimpse into this generation’s most beloved dishes, aesthetics, and overall interests, but they’re also a great way to revisit the funky, retro dinner parties of decades past, such as the 1970s buffet party.

An image showing a classic 1970s dinner party scene

*Courtesy of Pinterest

A woman decorates tables for a Christmas dinner party in the 1970s

*Courtesy of House and Garden

Elaborate food at a 1970s dinner party

*Courtesy of Pinterest

50 years have certainly not dimmed our affections for some of the quintessential 1970s dinner party stables. The event really can’t go on without an elaborately and colorfully set table, lots of people hovering over the food with a heavy dose of conversation, over-the-top decor, and mayo-centered dishes and finger food. Although many of the unique, intricate dishes from the 70s haven’t quite made their way back into style (Salmon Loafs, Jello salads, etc.), this theme is the perfect opportunity to give your guests a special treat and revive a fantastical atmosphere that is far removed from the mundanity of our every day lives.

It’s hard to fully capture the fun, retro, nostalgia of this decade—but luckily, there's plenty of inspiration to go around.

• Finger foods: cheese balls, shrimp cocktails, min quiches, deviled eggs

• fruit punch bowls

• dry martinis

• party games, like Twister

• Patterned table cloths

• Candlestick Centerpieces

• Guest wearing 1970s-inspired outfits

*Courtesy of Pinterest

*Courtesy of Pinterest