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8 impressive dinner party menus

If you’re struggling with ideas for your next dinner party, then this selection of menu ideas will help you organise the perfect meal for your guests. Whether you want a nostalgic menu featuring dishes straight from the 70s, or a more casual night in with finger food and sharing boards, we’ll help you create a night your guests won’t forget.

  1. The modern menu

    Add a touch of elegance to your dinner party with this modern menu plan. Start off with some pan-fried scallop pops and wow your guests with this flavoursome Vietnamese-inspired roast beef. Finish the evening with a fluffy orange angel food cake that is sure to impress.

    The modern menu
  2. The nostalgic menu

    Take your guests back to the 70s with this classic menu. Begin the evening with creamy mushroom vol-au-vents and golden chicken en croûtes. End the meal on a high note with this showstopping chocolate banoffee blancmange centrepiece.

    The nostalgic menu
  3. The French-inspired menu

    For a sophisticated but relaxed dinner party, try this French-inspired menu. Featuring an oozy honey, garlic and thyme baked Camembert and a hearty slow-braised beef in red wine with shallots and bacon, this menu is sure to impress. Serve a traditional and fruity clafoutis for dessert.

    The French-inspired menu
  4. The Italian-inspired menu

    Finger food enthusiasts will love this Italian-inspired menu. Serve up an antipasti sharing board piled high with cured meats, olives and mozzarella. Follow it up with a punchy and sweet pear, prosciutto and Gorgonzola pizza. The Aperol spritz trifle is the star of the show, with its vibrant, citrussy layers – dig in!

    The Italian-inspired menu
  5. The decadent and indulgent vegetarian menu

    Start your dinner party off with a dish that looks too good to eat, with some lavender honey and goat's cheese bruschetta. Guests will be super-impressed when you bring this impressive honeycomb pasta dish flavoured with rosemary, basil and pecorino to the table. Follow this classic chocolate mousse recipe for a luxuriously creamy dessert.

    The decadent and indulgent vegetarian menu
  6. The fresh and fragrant plant-based menu

    This plant-based menu is brimming with big flavours. For a starter, try these giant mushrooms stuffed with crunchy hazelnuts and fresh thyme. Continue serving up the flavour with a vegan Thai green curry, made from creamy coconut milk and Thai basil leaves. Try making this nectarine and basil galette recipe for a fruity dessert your guests won't forget.

    The fresh and fragrant plant-based menu
  7. The Middle Eastern-inspired menu

    This menu delivers big, tongue-tingling flavours, like baba ganoush with dukka and flatbreads. Impress your guests with this wild mushroom Israeli couscous, made from both shiitake and dried porcini mushrooms. Embrace classic Middle Eastern flavours with a simple and delicious no-bake honey and pistachio cheesecake.

    The Middle Eastern-inspired menu
  8. The Mexican-inspired menu

    For a fiery fiesta, try this Mexican-inspired menu plan. Start with mini Mexican sweetcorn fritters, loaded with avocado, coriander and chilli for a mouthful full of flavour. Encourage your guests to dive in and assemble their own zingy crispy chipotle cauliflower tacos. Don't be afraid to get messy with these churros with a chilli-chocolate dip – the ultimate Mexican dessert.

    The Mexican-inspired menu