Dinner Parties on Film
eat drink man woman (1994) dir. ang lee
“Cinema’s most delectable and dramatic dinner parties.”
Drama-steeped dinner parties in film can inspire visions for theatrical at-home gatherings tailorable to varied environments and intimate conditions. In this season of celebration, cinematic decadence can be felt in the simplest shared meals. Here we look to these scenes for tips on how to bring artistry to each step of the dinner party, from general ambiance to the food that brings people together.
Setting the mood with overall ambiance
Creating a cohesive atmosphere with curated decor captivates guests before the party even starts.
A strong high-art tone is set with a dining room full of sculpture, artistic furniture, and matching modernist table settings. A sophisticated but fun backdrop that matches the haunted absurdity of some calypso-loving ghosts.
Dark wood walls, heavy curtains, embroidered linens, and tasteful florals spilling across the table create an atmosphere of gloomy decadence.
Domineering overhead lights sprout from the table and create tension in a dark and opulent outdoor setting.
Light that ups the stakes
An elevated mood is brought to the party with statement lighting that can invoke glamour,wickedness, mellow intimacy—or all three.
A commanding overhead chandelier contrasted by a soft floral centerpiece is expressive enough to eliminate the need for any additional decor elements.
A dim glow all around from candles, lamps, sconces, and chandeliers creates an air of highly dramatic debauchery perfectly poised for an Old Hollywood themed murder mystery dinner.
Flickering flames on gothic candelabras up the stakes and the sense of elegance across an almost endless banquet table.
Tall silver candlesticks emerge between floral arrangements and surround the room with a foreboding old-school opulence.
Assembling the table for conversation and simple spectacle
Even without grand centerpieces and extravagant settings, these scenes depict striking dinner parties in family homes, elevated by a few simple indicators on intimate tables.
A plate of fruit stacked with grapes and apples, bottles of wine, and a shining tea set all come together to build an atmosphere of intense grandeur, enhanced by guests in pearls and fur.
Wine, fruit, and heavy conversation over a cramped but cozy table can make a dinner party more intense than any elaborate table setting.
A flowery table with a fresh baby pink theme is made serious by a grand painting, a statement lamp, and pointed stares.
Delicate candlesticks and crystalware accompanied by casserole dishes provide charm while keeping the table focused on sharing food and discussion—the central components of any family meal.
Food as the focus
Dinner parties where the meal is at the forefront emphasize how this core element is what makes the event—after all, it is a dinner party.
Carved melons, molded rice, and intricately layered dishes illustrate spectacle while making the meal the focus of the gathering.
Coming together at a circular table keeps the food at the center, serving both dinner and dialogue at an easy reach for everyone.
Precisely plated food on orderly table settings gives a clean look to the table, aided by the symmetry of a voluminous floral centerpiece bookended by candles.
Fruit is always served at the end of a meal in Italian culture, alone or alongside cheese and dessert. Grapes piled high on a silver platter imbue the conclusion of a feast with natural sophistication.
Words by Sarah Goldman