Themed Dinner Party
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Themed dinner parties are a fun, fresh way to turn any meal into a memorable experience. From solving a mystery over appetizers to traveling the globe one bite at a time, these creative themes bring flavor, flair, and a little extra magic to your table.
1. Taste the World
Why settle on one cuisine when you can explore the globe in a single evening? A "Taste the World" dinner party invites guests on a culinary adventure, with each course inspired by a different country. Kick things off with Italian bruschetta, move to spicy Thai curry, follow it up with Moroccan tagine, and finish with a silky French crème brûlée. Decorate each place setting with mini flags or travel postcards, and play an international playlist to keep the vibes globe-trotting and delicious.
2. Murder Mystery Dinner
Dinner with a side of intrigue? Yes, please! A Murder Mystery Dinner is the perfect mix of food, fun, and a little friendly suspicion. Guests are assigned characters and arrive in costume, ready to solve a “murder” that unfolds as the courses do. Whether it's set in a haunted manor or a glitzy casino, the theme can shape your décor and menu—think themed cocktails, moody lighting, and dramatic reveals. It's immersive, unforgettable, and your guests will be talking about it long after the killer is unmasked.
Online Murder Mystery Kits are available here, or you can hire The Dinner Detective and let them guide you through the mystery.
3. Movie-Inspired Dinner
Lights, camera, dinner! A Movie-Inspired Dinner brings your favorite films to life—through food. Choose a beloved movie (like The Godfather, Ratatouille, or Crazy Rich Asians) and design a menu that mirrors the dishes on screen. Add themed décor, dress up like characters, and even screen the movie during dessert. It’s a cinephile’s dream and a fun way to get creative with your cooking and styling. Bonus points for punny menus and themed cocktails!
4. Farm-to-Table Dinner
Fresh, flavorful, and feel-good—this dinner is all about celebrating seasonal ingredients and simple, wholesome cooking. Center your menu around what’s fresh from the farmer’s market: think roasted veggies, garden herbs, and a rustic tart or two. The vibe is earthy and relaxed, with wood accents, mason jars, and soft string lights. Share where your ingredients came from—it adds heart to the meal and turns dinner into a deeper connection to the food (and each other).
5. Ingredient-Themed Dinner
Take one standout ingredient and build your entire menu around it—like lemons, truffle, or even cheese! An Ingredient-Themed Dinner challenges you to get creative with flavors and textures, weaving the star item into every course from appetizer to dessert. It’s fun, unexpected, and a great conversation starter. Decorate in the color or aesthetic of the ingredient, and give your guests a little tasting menu or card explaining each dish’s twist.
6. Elegant Multi-Course Dinner
Time to pull out the fancy plates! An Elegant Multi-Course Dinner is your chance to go full-on fine dining at home. Plan a five- or six-course meal with thoughtful wine pairings, beautiful plating, and seamless transitions between courses. Set the mood with candles, cloth napkins, and soft music, and consider printing a formal menu for an extra luxe touch. It’s a slow, indulgent evening—perfect for celebrating milestones or just treating your guests to something extra special.
7. Dinner in the Dark
Ready for a sensory adventure? A Dinner in the Dark experience heightens taste and smell by removing one key element: sight. Serve your courses blindfolded or in a dimly lit room and watch your guests guess what they’re eating purely by flavor and texture. It’s playful, mysterious, and totally unique. Keep the food easy to handle and be mindful of allergies or dietary needs—then sit back and enjoy as the table erupts in laughter, surprise, and appreciation for every bite.
Customized Menus
Something Small Catering in Columbia, SC specializes in customizing menus for any dinner party theme. Whether your event is at home or in an event venue, we work with you to create the perfect menu for your dinner party theme.
