"There is nothing better than dinner with the girls. If throwing a dinner party is on your summer bucket list, consider this your sign to send those invitations. There’s magic in a long overdue catch-up with the girls, and making your dinner extra special will make it an event you and your friends won’t forget. Who doesn’t love a good theme party? From decor to menu ideas, we’ve got your dinner party plans covered. Ahead, check out some of the best dinner party theme ideas to take your girls’ night to the next level.
1. Coastal Grandmother
The coastal grandmother trend isn’t going anywhere, and for good reason. Laid-back beach vibes, a white and blue color palette, and woven textures truly never go out of style. For this coastal-inspired dinner party, opt for white or blue linens, woven placemats, and lush hydrangea blooms for the center of your table. To really lean into the theme, dine al fresco (AKA eat outdoors) and keep plenty of chilled wine on hand. Keep your menu simple—a lemony pasta paired with a crisp white wine is ideal. Looking the part as the hostess is half the fun, too! Reach for a flowy sundress, a classic button-up, or your favorite striped sweater for a laid-back, coastal vibe that’s both comfortable and chic.
2. Garden Party
If neutrals aren’t your style, throw a garden dinner party bursting with color. Summer flowers and produce are nearing their peak, so it’s the perfect time to let Mother Nature inspire your menu, decor, and outfit. Pick some wildflowers (or grab a few bouquets from Trader Joe’s) and place them in bud vases up and down your table—then save the rest for flower crowns. Take advantage of summer’s best fruits and veggies—plump tomatoes, juicy watermelon, and sweet peaches are in season and are completely delicious. A head-to-toe floral look is also a must! If you have a floral print sundress, a garden party is the perfect place to wear it.
3. Italian
Pizza and pasta are instant crowd-pleasers, which means an Italian-inspired dinner party is a no-brainer this summer—especially since tomatoes are in season. Homemade pizza, pasta, and salads made with summer tomatoes are simply the best. Opt for a general Italian theme or get specific and throw an Amalfi coast-themed dinner party. Although this theme might feel similar to the coastal grandmother aesthetic, there’s one main difference: lemons. Infuse a blue and white color palette with pops of yellow by placing lemons at the center of your table. Serve limoncello and lemon sparkling water with dinner, and opt for lemon-infused desserts like sorbet or cookies. Set up an espresso bar for after-dinner sips, and if lemon desserts aren’t your speed, a tiramisu would be a perfect way to cap off your Italian dinner.
4. Greek
I think we can all agree that the vibes in Mamma Mia! are immaculate. Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer falling in love on a remote Greek island? Bring the vibes to you by hosting a Mamma Mia! themed dinner party. Hang disco balls from the trees, blast ABBA’s best hits, and serve a Greek-inspired menu. Greek cuisine is fresh, simple, and delicious, making it ideal for a beginner chef. Serve a hummus and veggie tray alongside some pita bread and tzatziki for dipping. Put skewers on the grill for an easy main dish—chicken, steak, or shrimp work great. Then end the evening with baklava and a late-night rendition of “Dancing Queen,” of course. Sequined go-go boots optional.
5. Nancy Meyers-Inspired
What would a dinner party theme ideas round-up be if Nancy Meyers wasn’t mentioned? Some might argue that she is synonymous with the coastal grandmother aesthetic (it started with Something’s Gotta Give after all), but there’s more to her than that. Nancy Meyers’s films are beloved because they feel cozy, comfortable, and inviting. It’s classic, no-fuss casual elegance. Recreate this ambience at your dinner party by sticking with decor that is simple and beautiful. Neutral linens, ceramic dishware, and white floral arrangements are a fantastic place to start. Have plenty of red wine on hand and be generous with white taper candles. Keep the menu simple and comforting—think dishes like a charcuterie board, pasta and a salad, and a fruit pie with ice cream. And last but not least, a Nancy Meyers-appropriate playlist is essential. A simple search on Spotify or Apple Music will give you plenty of options.
6. Champagne and Cheeseburger Party
Keep things simple by serving two things that your girls are sure to love: burgers and bubbly. I love the idea of a champagne and cheeseburger party. This unlikely pairing may not make sense at first glance, but the acidity from the champagne actually works very well with something indulgent and savory like a cheeseburger. Decor for this dinner party theme can be entirely up to you. Lean into the luxury of the champagne with a black and white color palette, or keep things more casual like the burger. Fries on the side are a no-brainer, and be sure to bust out your prettiest coupes and champagne glasses. Tie the stems with thin ribbons for a feminine finishing touch.
