Adult Luncheon Themes

Make a luncheon more interesting with a theme.

Themes for an adult luncheon will be far different from those chosen for a child's birthday party. Adult themes will have a touch of sophistication while retaining the casualness of a luncheon. Decorations, invitations and even the menu can be tailored to fit a given theme for the luncheon to enhance the overall effect of the theme.

Classic Hollywood

Recreate the bygone era of classic Hollywood of the 1930s and 1940s. Decorate with silver and black referring to the black and white movies of the silver screen. Hang vintage movie posters on the walls. Cover the table with a silver tablecloth and use movie film canisters or DVDs of Hollywood classics in a neat pile as a centerpiece. Write out menu cards with a border of yellow orbs to represent the globe lights surrounding the marquee at old theater palaces. You might consider naming dishes on the menu after famous movies or characters such as a "Baked potato with Rhett Butter" (Rhett Butler from "Gone with the Wind") or "It's a Wonderful Steak" (from the film "It's a Wonderful Life").

Wild West

For a barbecue luncheon, Nancy Berkoff in "Vegans Know How to Party: Over 465 Vegan Recipes Including Desserts, Appetizers, Main Dishes, and More" suggests creating a western theme. Decorate the table to look like an outdoor picnic complete with red and yellow condiment bottles, a red checkered tablecloth and cowboy-printed napkins. To enhance the effect, hang strings of dried chili peppers around the room and drape bandanas over the backs of the chairs. A centerpiece for the table can be as simple as a cowboy hat, small horse statue or realistic toy.

Fiesta

Throw a Mexican-inspired fiesta at lunch. Feature favorite Mexican foods such as enchiladas, tacos, fajitas or tamales. Decorate the room and table with white Christmas lights and crepe paper streamers in the colors of the Mexican flag -- green, white and red. Cover the table with tissue paper flowers or a small pinata for the centerpiece. Play soft mariachi music in the background.

Vacation Luncheon

Host a getaway luncheon theme that takes guests to the islands, without leaving the dining room. A tropical-themed luncheon can feature foods from the Caribbean such as black beans and rice from Cuba, Cuban sandwiches or Jamaican jerk chicken. Decorate with pastel colors and travel posters or pictures of pristine tropical beaches. Use coconuts and bananas arranged in a bowl as a centerpiece for the table.

References

• "Vegans Know How to Party: Over 465 Vegan Recipes Including Desserts, Appetizers, Main Dishes, and More"; Nancy Berkoff; 2010
• "The Giftionary: An A-Z Reference Guide for Solving Your Gift-Giving Dilemmas ... Forever!"; Robyn Freedman Spizman; 2003