Get Creative: Picking a Theme for Your Holiday Fête

Think back on holiday parties and dinners you attended last year. Are there any that stand out? Besides the winning recipe you picked up for baked brie, a scandalous tidbit of local gossip you overheard, and so-and-so’s fabulous fashion faux-pas everyone’s still talking about, what exactly set them apart?

The annual procession of gatherings and dinners can seem spectacularly interchangeable: elegantly dressed guests sipping red wine and eggnog, nibbling on cheese cubes and spiced nuts, discussing the weather or the state of the economy. The secret to creating a successful and memorable event is choosing a great theme. Whether you’re hosting dinner for six close confidants, or throwing your doors open to sixty friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, take the time now to come up with a truly fun and unique idea—it will make the rest of the planning process infinitely easier.

Consider the time of year, occasion for celebration, number of guests, space and serving implements at your disposal, and types of food and drink you are interested or comfortable preparing and serving. Think outside the box and start making lists, drafting menus, throwing around wild ideas for table settings and dessert sculptures. You can always be realistic and edit everything down to size later, but, for now, let your imagination run wild. Below are a few ideas to get you started—we will revisit and expand on them in the coming weeks.

Ladles & Lagers

Baby, it’s cold outside, and a selection of hearty, steaming soups are guaranteed to warm guests up from the inside out while cool brews keep the conversation flowing.

Chalet Chic

Take a cue from the snow-covered slopes with fondues both sweet and savory. Cheese and chocolate are both natural matches for beer.

Beans & Brews

Feed a crowd on a budget with a satisfying, slow-cooked casserole filled with creamy beans and rich, smoky sausages and meats. Crisp, dry beer will cut the heaviness of the dish.

Tipsy Treats

With a desserts buffet, guests won’t have to clear their plates to get to the best part of the evening. Elevate ordinary cakes with the addition of a little beer, spike standard sweets for stellar results, and drizzle bread pudding with a boozy sauce.