Quarantine Theme Nights: Ways to add flair to your dinner

Gone are the days where Friday night dinner means Salty Iguana — no more munching on tortilla chips while surrounded by bright, iguana-inspired decor. When 6 p.m. rolls around it’s bleak, especially considering your parents’ go-to dinner is salmon, broccoli and a roll. One way to spice up dinner time? Theme nights. Grab your feather boas and baklava for a Mamma Mia inspired meal or maybe throw on a black bathrobe, draw a lightning-shaped scar on your forehead and dig in for a Harry Potter feast. Below is a guide to three different theme nights, including decorations, recipes, outfit ideas and even movie suggestions to finish off the night.

Let’s Get Lavish

Outfit: Throw on your fanciest attire, whether it’s your freshman-year homecoming dress or a button down, and assume the posh status of royalty for dinner. While not required, tall white gloves are highly encouraged and tophats can only enhance the look you’re going for. 

Decor: This dinner is all about VIP status — to ensure everyone’s on the list, send out  invitations beforehand. Just slide them under your sibling’s and parent’s door and make sure to indicate it’s formal attire (you know your sister hasn’t changed out of her sweatpants in days). 

Meal: You know what screams upscale? Six course meals. They don’t have to be filet mignon or lobster, instead focus on the number of courses to cultivate that feeling of luxurious dining. Maybe it’s goldfish as the first appetizer and grilled cheese as the main course — whatever you have left from your last grocery run. For me, that meant a caesar salad kit, PB&J’s and JELLO pudding.

Time to Tailgate

Outfit: Kansas City has been dominating the sports world the past few years so you’re sure to have a variety of Royals, Chiefs and Sporting KC gear lying around the house. Pick your favorite team and dress like you’re headed to a game. Fan of a team that isn’t KC-based? That’s fine too — it’s not like anyone but your family will see you wearing a Broncos jersey. 

Decor: The whole point of a tailgate is that it’s outside, usually with your car trunk popped open. Take advantage of the spring weather and set up in your front yard — open up your trunk to hold the food and set out lawn chairs. 

Meal: Nothing says sports like hot dogs and hamburgers, so fire up the grill and get cooking. To please your parents, throw some watermelon or carrots with ranch on your plate — we all know your diet has consisted of Cheez-Its and cereal lately. Lay’s potato chips are a staple in all grill-outs, whether they’re original, sour cream and onion or barbeque, so make sure sure to open up a bag. 

PJ Party

Outfit: Pajamas are basically your new school uniform during quarantine, so this one shouldn’t be too difficult to dress up for. All you have to do is roll out of bed, throw on your slippers and stay in your outfit until dinnertime. For a twist on PJ chic, your sleep mask can double as a Blair Waldorf inspired headband. 

Decor: Pajamas are all about comfort right? Translate that mindset to how you dine — opt for a low coffee table instead of your usual dinner spot. Throw some sleeping bags around it, pile on the pillows and voilá — you’re ready to eat. Just try not to fall asleep. 

Meal: PJ’s and breakfast food go hand-in-hand, so swap out your typical dinner for breakfast. This is the perfect time to see if blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes are better and polish your sunny-side-up egg technique.