Gone are the days when celebrations revolved solely around alcohol. Today, more and more people are choosing to embrace a lifestyle of sobriety, and they’re finding creative and enjoyable ways to celebrate special moments.
Hosting a chic and memorable sober girls’ dinner party is the perfect example of how you can have a fantastic time without a drop of alcohol. Here are some tips for planning an unforgettable gathering that emphasises connection, delicious food, and lots of fun.
Invitations and Guestlist
Start by creating a guestlist of friends who appreciate the value of sobriety and will bring positive energy to your dinner party. Reach out to them with stylish, customised invitations that set the tone for your chic evening.
Consider sending e-invitations or using eco-friendly paper options to reduce waste. Ensure you invite likeminded people to create a positive atmosphere where all guests are on the same page.
Choose a funky theme and decor
Every great dinner party benefits from a well-thought-out theme. Choosing a theme will help guide your decor choices and set the mood for the evening. Check out these fun themes:
- Garden party: Decorate with fresh flowers and botanical elements. Set up fairy lights and floral centrepieces and encourage guests to dress the part.
- Vintage glam: Go for classic, timeless decor with a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour.
- Retro 80s night: Encourage guests to dress in their favourite 80s fashion and decorate with neon colours, cassette tapes, classic arcade games, and a disco ball. Serve up foods from that era, like sliders or mini pizzas.
- Tropical luau: Bring the spirit of Hawaii to your party with tiki torches, leis and a menu featuring coconut and pineapple treats.
- Country western BBQ: Go for a western theme with cowboy hats, hay bales and a menu filled with ribs and cornbread.
- Fairytale fantasy: Choose a favourite fairytale or fantasy theme and decorate accordingly. Guests can dress up as characters from the chosen story.
Create fun non-alcoholic drinks
Crafting fun non-alcoholic drinks can elevate any gathering. Whether it’s a sparkling berry mocktail garnished with fresh mint leaves, a zesty ginger beer concoction, or a tropical paradise with coconut water and pineapple juice, the world of non-alcoholic beverages offers endless possibilities.
Infusions of herbs, spices, fruit juices and mixers can create delicious tastes that rival traditional alcoholic drinks. Have fun experimenting with ingredients and presentation, using colourful garnishes and funky glasses. Have each guest create a signature mocktail and see who can make the tastiest one.
Plan the menu
The highlight of any dinner party is the food. Create a menu that’s delicious and visually appealing. Consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests when planning. Some ideas for a chic and memorable dinner party menu include:
- Appetisers: Serve a variety of small bites like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, chilli poppers or a charcuterie board.
- Main course: Choose a flavourful vegetarian or meat-based dish like mushroom risotto, herb-roasted chicken, or eggplant parmesan.
- Sides: Complement the main course with seasonal salads and roasted vegetables.
- Desserts: Finish with decadent desserts like chocolate fondue, fruit tarts, a New York cheesecake, or a classic tiramisu.
An interactive meal is an excellent option for a sober party so guests can keep their hands busy. A fun option is crab legs. Simply steam the crab legs for 4-5 minutes and each guest can be responsible for cracking their own crab legs and removing the meat. Serve with a tasty dip like tartar sauce and a lemon wedge.
Entertainment and activities
Keep your guests engaged with fun activities and entertainment. Interactive games are a wise choice as they keep guests busy and encourage connection.
- Board games: Set up a corner with a selection of board games for your guests to enjoy.
- Karaoke: Singing along to your favourite tunes can be a blast. Play some throwback songs from your childhood and surprise yourselves at how much you remember.
- Outdoor movie screening: If you have a suitable outdoor space, consider projecting a classic movie on a big screen for some nostalgia.
Curate a fitting playlist
Compile a playlist of songs that echo the chosen theme and desired atmosphere, setting the mood and guiding the flow of the evening. Go for a diverse selection of songs that cater to various musical preferences and activities throughout the night. You can even have your guests anonymously contribute songs to a playlist to make the evening more exciting.
Party favours
Send your guests home with party favours as a token of appreciation for them and their presence. Consider gifting items that promote self-care, like scented candles, bath bombs or personalised gratitude journals with their names.
Capture the memories
Remember to capture the beautiful moments of your sober girls’ dinner party. Set up a photo booth or use disposable film cameras to document the evening. Share the photos with your guests as a lovely reminder of the unforgettable night.
Evenings beyond the bottle
Hosting a chic and memorable sober girls’ evening shows just how possible it is to embrace sobriety and celebrate life’s moments in a mindful and enjoyable way. By paying attention to fun details like delicious food and funky decor, you can create an unforgettable evening highlighting the joy of connection and the richness or a sober lifestyle.
WORDS— AVA ROMAN
