Original Thematic Meal Ideas to Try

Looking to shake things up at the dinner table? Then plan a participatory dinner and bring friends together around a great meal. Here are a few ideas, tips and recipe suggestions to get everyone involved and ensure a fun time.

1. A Tasty Journey

This theme is perfect for those curious to try new flavours and dishes from different places around the world. You can choose to prepare a meal focused on a single country’s delicacies or explore a different culinary destination with each course.

Example:

• an Asian-style soup as a starter;
• a risotto for the main dish;
• a tarte tatin for dessert.

2. Taco Nights or Poke Dinners

Tacos or poke bowls? How about both! These options are easy to prepare, customizable and come in multiple variations. The idea is simple: Each guest brings an ingredient, and everyone helps assemble the toppings. It’s a great time-saver—just set everything on the table and let each person customize their own plate.

3. Raclette and Fondue

These two formats are perfect for prolonging the time spent at the table with good company. Ask everyone joining the meal to bring an ingredient and/or accompaniments (meat, cheese, vegetables, sauces, etc.).

4. Monochromatic Dishes

The main rule for your guests: Each dish should feature a dominant colour—think beet salad, gratin dauphinois or a curry-based recipe. Fruity desserts like key lime pie, blueberry cake or strawberry mousse also add a vibrant touch to the table.

5. Featured Ingredient

With this concept, all the dishes—whether sweet or savoury—incorporate a common ingredient to showcase its versatility. Maple syrup, which works just as well in salad dressings as in cakes, is a great example, as is lemon.

6. Mystery Meal

Each guest is responsible for cooking part of the feast—either the cocktail, appetizer, main course or dessert—without knowing what the others are making. They are just assigned their course and must select their recipe in secret, revealing it only at the last minute!

7. Home Cooking Workshop

This culinary activity, hosted by a chef who comes to your home, is a great way to bring people together. Family and friends all get hands-on in the kitchen, preparing a meal they’ll enjoy together. The benefits are plenty: learning new techniques, strengthening bonds and fostering teamwork.

Other Thematic Ideas:

• Vegetarian/vegan buffet
• No-cook and no-bake recipes
• Retro feast (dishes from the 1970s)