Dinner party ideas

Dinner party ideas including Hawaiian Luau, Arabian Nights Feast, Mexican Fiesta Hollywood Soiree, and Sports Night.

HAWAIIAN LUAU

Whether you're trying to escape the winter frost or take advantage of the long summer evenings, a luau is a fun and casual way to get together with friends. As your guests arrive, present them with leis, which can be purchased inexpensively from your local party supply store.

Décor: Use a potted orchid (real or fake) as a centerpiece, and place a colorful umbrella in each of the drinks. Move the party outside, and flank the patio with tiki torches.

Cuisine: Citrus-marinated mahi-mahi or a spicy satay represent the colorful cuisine of the Polynesian culture.

Drinks: MaiTais, or virgin daiquiris for the alcohol-free crowd, will bring the islands into your dining room.

Soundtrack: Low-key hula music enables conversation during dinner; guitar-heavy surf rock will keep them moving after dessert.

ARABIAN NIGHTS

For an intimate taste of faraway place, a Middle Eastern feast will be an evening your guests won't soon forget. A dimly-lit room with a Persian rug would be the ideal locale for your Arabian night, but the smell of exotic herbs will be enough to transport the party to a desert oasis on the other side of the Earth.

Décor: Burn incense cones, and light candles in brass candlesticks. Set the table with tapestry-patterned placemats for the finishing touch.

Cuisine: Braised lamb with herbed couscous on the side is exotic and tasty.

Drinks: Serve a dry red wine: Shiraz or possibly Cabernet Sauvignon nicely complement the rich flavors of Middle Eastern foods. Black tea is a spicy and aromatic option for all ages.

Soundtrack: Middle Eastern mandolins may have you belly-dancing by the end of the evening.

MEXICAN FIESTA

Take your guests south of the border with a night of Mexican food and culture. Spice up the night with a few different types of tequila, and provide maracas and sombreros to liven up the night.

Décor: Set a pinata as a centerpiece on top of a small Mexican blanket.

Cuisine: A taco bar is fun and easy; Enchiladas are a little less messy.

Drinks: Margaritas, frozen or on the rocks, will put your guests in the mood. Orchata, sweetened rice water, is a traditional, non-alcoholic Mexican favorite.

Soundtrack: Mexican folk music is upbeat and lively.

HOLLYWOOD GALA

Bring some Hollywood flair to your next dinner party by seating your guests in director's chairs. Put on an old movie, with the sound turned down, to create ambiance without distracting from conversation.

Décor: Old film reels purchased at a local thrift shop make a unique conversation piece in the center of the table.

Cuisine: Caviar will make your guests feel like celebrities. Lemony baked chicken breasts with a side of steamed asparagus reflect the light and healthy lifestyle of the rich and famous. Or serve a thick steak for a taste of old-school Hollywood decadence.

Drinks: Martinis with garlic-stuffed olives make a sophisticated statement, while teetotalers can enjoy a refreshing glass of naturally carbonated spring water flavored with fresh lemon.

Soundtrack: Rat pack classics evoke the glamour and style of days gone by.

SPORTS NIGHT

There doesn't have to be a big game in order for you and your friends to show your support for your favorite team. If there is a game on, keep the sound turned down to encourage conversation. Miniature footballs or basketballs are an indoor-friendly diversion for even the rowdiest fans.

Décor: Banners and posters celebrating your team and its superstars set the tone for the night.

Cuisine: Hot dogs and fries are a sports-stadium staple, or try a meaty chili in the winter months.

Drinks: Beer and sports go together like sneakers and laces, but cola works as a non-alcoholic option.

Soundtrack: High-energy dance mixes will keep the party hopping.