How to Plan Theme Menus

Themed menus can bring focus to your dinner party and add spark to your family dinner. When you step outside your comfort zone to create a themed dinner for your guests, don't stop at the menu. Complete the transition with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, decorations and music.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick a theme. It might be related to a holiday or event, or it might be just for fun. Transform your home into a French Bistro or host a southern barbecue. Cater around an international food or set up a novelty event, such as a spa theme.
2. Choose a menu. Once you've picked your them, pick a menu. This is actually fairly simple. If you're going for Italian, think of some of your favorite Italian dishes or look up some more traditional recipes. If it's a Japanese menu, try to venture away from sushi. By all means, consider sushi, but look into Japanese barbecue and shabu-shabu. If it's a French Bistro, you might even explore the websites of actual Parisian bistros to see what kind of fare they offer.
3. Don't stop at the meal. Drinks should be themed appropriately, too. Maybe it's Ouzo for a Greek feats, negronis for Italian, lemonade with a splash of vodka or a mint julep for a southern barbecue. Keep in mind, they don't have to be alcoholic beverages. Espresso and coffee is great couple with Italian or French desserts.
4. Think about the "extras." Play theme-appropriate music--Edith Piaf's "Le Vie en Rose" or opera. Smoke Cuban cigars for Caribbean-themed parties. Buy tatami mats if you're serving up Japanese food. Do a research into the cultural traditions surrounding the theme you choose. Along with the food and drinks, these extras should create the atmosphere, creating an escape for your guests.