A Fashion Lover’s Guide to Summer Dinner Parties

Meredith Hayden, better known as Wishbone Kitchen, has mastered the skill of combining the seemingly unrelated worlds of fashion and food. Hayden’s career started in the fashion industry, working for Vogue. A few months into her role, she began taking culinary classes at night and eventually left her role in 2020 to begin her private chef business, Wishbone Kitchen. Hayden gained her following while spending her summers as a private chef for fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra in the Hamptons. Now, she’s working on a cookbook, attending Dior fashion shows, and collaborating with fashion brands such as Tory Burch and Nuuly, where she hosts dinner parties inspired by her outfits.

Courtesy of Meredith Hayden @wishbonekitchen

This summer, we’re taking a page out of Wishbone Kitchen’s book and hosting fashion-forward dinner parties. Whether you have a studio apartment or a beautiful outdoor patio, hosting a dinner party is something anyone can do, and it's a perfect addition to your summer bucket list. Below is a series of dinner party theme ideas inspired by 2024 fashion trends, accompanied by table-setting inspiration, outfit ideas, and food and drinks to match.

Denim Dinner

One of the biggest emerging trends this summer, both in the streets and on the runway, is denim on denim. From matching denim sets to full-on denim dresses and rompers, I’m totally here for this '80s revival moment. This fashion trend translates beautifully into a dinner party theme: Denim Dinner. The dress code for this party is simple: denim on denim. For the food, let the term “Texas tuxedo” inspire you. The menu can consist of BBQ classics like ribs, brisket, and mac and cheese. For cocktails, serve spiked sweet tea and lemonade to stick with the Texas barbecue theme.

Table Setting and Outfit Inspiration:

Check your local thrift store for unique glassware and denim pieces that can be recycled for decor.

Courtesy of Reformation, Sistered States, Pinterest

All Things White

White has been one of the most prominent colors of the summer, with designers shifting away from bold hues to more understated neutrals, predominantly white. Inspired by Micheal Rubio’s white party, your own white party can be just as chic without breaking the bank. When wearing all white and eating over white decor, choosing relatively mess-free food is essential. Start with a cocktail hour featuring small bites like an artfully decorated cheese board, summer salads, and other bite-sized creations. For cocktails, design a menu where each drink is named after a celebrity, such as a DiCaprio Daiquiri or a Swift Spritz. Get creative, or have each guest come up with their own cocktail to bring along.

Table Setting and Outfit Inspiration:

Think crisp linens, white candles, and elegant glassware. Choose sleek, white outfits that balance style with comfort.

Courtesy of Reformation, Petite Michelle Louise, One Fab Day

Picnic Party

If you love the aesthetic of a picnic but hate the grass and bugs, this dinner party idea is for you. Gingham has been dominating the fashion landscape this spring and summer. This playful print is a timeless staple, perfect for a picnic-themed dinner party. For the dress code, encourage guests to wear something they’d don for a picnic, ideally featuring gingham. Whether it’s a red gingham dress, boxer shorts, or a cute matching set, there are endless ways to wear this trend. Serve classic picnic staples like sandwiches. Opt for classics like turkey clubs or BLTs, or go for more elevated options like brie, fig jam, and prosciutto on a fresh baguette. For added fun, and less cooking for you, have each guest bring a different type of sandwich.

Table Setting and Outfit Inspiration:

Use a roll of white paper for your table cloth with crayons. Incorporate bright, fresh flowers and rustic elements to complete the look.

Limoncello

From the runway, the streets and our Tik Toks feeds, it's everywhere—butter yellow. Undoubtedly the color of the summer, this delicate hue is not only fun to wear but also perfect for a dinner party theme inspired by limoncello. Guests can dress in butter yellow, opting for a silky maxi dress for a more dressed-up look or linen pants for a casual vibe. The menu will be lemon-infused, featuring dishes like pasta with lemon caper sauce, slow-roasted lemon chicken, and fresh lemon sorbet. For drinks, serve Limoncello spritz. This dinner party is the perfect summer send-off.

Table Setting and Outfit Inspiration:

Decorate with lemon-themed centerpieces, yellow accents, and elegant glassware. Choose outfits that reflect the light, breezy nature of summer.