how to host the best dinner party

by Alina Orozco

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So you want to throw a dinner party? We put together 12 dinner party ideas for each month of the year, including cocktails, dinner party menus and decor ideas, with themed decorations and easy to follow tips. Here are 12 dinner party ideas you should host this month.

Themed Dinner Party Idea for Each Month of the Year

We curated a monthly dinner party idea, complete with themes, seasonal menus, and cocktails for an adult girls’ night or a cozy couples get together. Become the hostess with the mostess with these easy and fun dinner party ideas.

Each of these ideas incorporates seasonal ingredients and unique, festive themes to make your dinner party unforgettable. Happy hosting!

January: Warmth & Intentions Dinner Party

Embrace the chilly weather with a rustic, cabin-inspired vibe. Think twinkling string lights, wooden accents, and plenty of cozy blankets and pillows. Invite friends to create a scrapbook or vision board for the year ahead.

Menu Idea:

Starter: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup topped with crispy bacon, thyme and cream
Main: Braised Short Ribs with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, and turnips)
Side: Kale Caesar Salad with homemade croutons
Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream

Cocktail:

Grapefruit Moscow Mule Recipe
A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with grapefruit, ginger beer, fresh lime, and rosemary.

February: Galentine’s Night In
A chic and glitzy gathering, perfect for celebrating friendship. Think pink heart-shaped decor, and soft lighting.

Menu Ideas:

Starter: Baked Brie with honey and toasted almonds, served with fresh baguette slices
Main: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with a side of creamy risotto and roasted asparagus
Side: Mixed greens with pomegranate, candied pecans, and a champagne vinaigrette
Dessert: Chocolate Fondue with fruit, marshmallows, and shortbread for dipping

Cocktail:

Pear Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail –Pear vodka, a dash of pomegranate juice topped with sparkling wine create this festive and delicious drink

March Dinner Party Idea : Spring Awakening Garden Party

Celebrate the season of renewal with a bright, floral atmosphere. Think fresh flowers, pastel table settings, and light, airy vibes.

Menu:

Starter: Goat Cheese Crostini with honey, fresh thyme, and fig jam
Main: Grilled Salmon with lemon-dill sauce, served with wild rice and sautéed baby spinach
Side: Roasted Spring Vegetables (carrots, fennel, and radishes)
Dessert: Lemon Lavender Pound Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar

Cocktail:

Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz : A Simple Vodka Soda with a Twist Elderflower liqueur, vodka, sparkling water, and a splash of lemon juice, garnished with a lemon twist.

April Dinner Party Idea : A Tropical Destination

Bring the sunshine to your table with tropical décor and flavors that remind you of a beach vacation. Think palm leaves, tiki mugs, and colorful Hawaiian sunsets.

Menu:

Starter: Ahi Poke Bowls with avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds
Main: Grilled Coconut Shrimp with a tangy mango salsa, served with cilantro-lime rice
Side: Tropical Fruit Salad with pineapple, mango, kiwi, and a honey-lime dressing
Dessert: Coconut Macaroons drizzled with dark chocolate

Cocktail:

Mai Tai
Rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup, shaken and topped with a splash of dark rum. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

May Dinner Party Idea: Mexican Fiesta

Vibrant and fun! Bright color and lots of delicious flavors celebrate with delicious cocktails and decorate with lots of bright colors.

Menu:

Starter: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with tortilla chips
Main: Beef or Chicken Tacos with assorted toppings (sour cream, salsa, cheese, guacamole)
Side: Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Salad with chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese
Dessert: Churros with chocolate dipping sauce

Cocktail:

Fresh Lime Skinny Margarita
Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup, served in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge.

June Dinner Party Idea : “Farm-to-Table Feast”

Theme: Rustic Country Picnic
Celebrate the bounty of summer with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Picture a rustic wooden table, mason jar centerpieces, and checkered tablecloths.

Menu:

Starter: Caprese Salad with heirloom tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic drizzle
Main: Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with a fresh corn on the cob and roasted baby potatoes
Side: Cucumber and Dill Salad with sour cream and fresh dill
Dessert: Fresh Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream

Cocktail:

The Garden Gimlet
Gin, lime juice, and basil simple syrup, shaken and strained over ice. Garnish with a sprig of basil.

July Dinner Party Idea: “Picnic in the Park”

Theme: Summer BBQ
A laid-back, casual dinner outside (weather permitting), with a focus on smoky, grilled flavors and fresh summer sides.

Menu:

Starter: Deviled Eggs with smoked paprika and chives
Main: BBQ Ribs with cornbread and grilled corn on the cob
Side: Coleslaw with a tangy vinegar dressing and pickled cucumbers
Dessert: Peach Cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Cocktail:

Whiskey Lemonade
Bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda. Serve over crushed ice with a lemon wedge.

August Dinner Party Idea : “Late Summer Harvest”

Theme: Vineyard Vibes
A wine-focused evening with rustic charm. Think vineyard-style tables, wine glass chandeliers, and an abundance of cheeses and fruits.

Menu:

Starter: Cheese Board with brie, goat cheese, gouda, figs, olives, and crackers
Main: Roasted Duck Breast with a blackberry compote, served with wild rice pilaf and sautéed green beans
Side: Heirloom Tomato Salad with basil and burrata
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Tart with raspberry coulis

Cocktail:

Sangria
Red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, citrus slices, and a touch of honey, served chilled with fresh fruit.

September Dinner Party Idea : “Harvest Celebration”

Theme: Cozy Harvest Gathering
As fall begins, celebrate the changing season with warm, comforting dishes and autumnal décor. Think plaid, pumpkins, and cozy candles.

Menu:

Starter: Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic glaze
Main: Apple-Cider Braised Pork Loin with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts
Side: Cinnamon-Maple Roasted Carrots
Dessert: Apple Crisp with vanilla ice cream

Cocktail:

Autumn Orchard
Apple cider, bourbon, and a dash of cinnamon, served over ice with an apple slice garnish.

October Dinner Party Idea : “Halloween Costume Party”

Theme: Spooky Chic
Fun, spooky, and a little glamorous! Get creative with costumes (optional but fun), eerie décor, and a mix of dark, mysterious dishes.

Menu:

Starter: Blackened Deviled Eggs (using activated charcoal for color)
Main: Squid Ink Pasta with garlic, olive oil, and shrimp
Side: Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Risotto
Dessert: Blood Orange Sorbet with a “bloody” raspberry coulis

Cocktail:

Vampire’s Kiss
Black vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of club soda, served with a cherry. Garnish with a rim of black sugar.

November Dinner Party Idea : “Friendsgiving Feast”

Gather around for a cozy dinner with friends before the holiday rush. Think autumn-colored linens, hearty dishes, and a feeling of gratitude.

Menu:

Starter: Roasted Squash Salad with quinoa, arugula, and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette
Main: Roast Turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy
Side: Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows and brown sugar
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream

Cocktail:

Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, garnished with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange.

December: “Holiday Cheer”

Theme: Festive Holiday Party
Celebrate the season with sparkles, warm lights, and cozy holiday traditions. Think gold and silver décor, and lots of candles.

Menu: