As you spend more time at home and way more time in the kitchen than ever before, you may be getting a little tired of your go-to recipes. Even if you’re trying to cut back on takeout, you can still bring a fun vibe to your dinner table.
Take your standard dinner gathering and turn it into a fun family event by adding theme nights to your cooking plan. Get your kids involved by brainstorming their favorite elements for the theme; they can create decorations and can even write out and color their own menus.
Here are seven theme night ideas—plus recipes to inspire you—to bring a little excitement to your dinner table.
1. Meatless Monday
Start each week with a vegetarian or vegan meal. Get creative, and you won’t even miss meat in your meal.
Recipes to Try
Loaded Vegan Nachos
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17221723/vegan-nachos-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Lauren Carisa Cooks
Easy Jackfruit Tostadas
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182813/easy-jackfruit-tostadas-vegan-gluten-free-plant-based-lunch-dinner-recipes-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Emilie Eats
Cauliflower Gnocchi With Crispy Zucchini and Whipped Goat Cheese
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182828/Cauliflower-Gnocchi-with-Crispy-Zucchini-and-Whipped-Goat-Cheese-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Half Baked Harvest
Quinoa Fiesta Enchilada Bake
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182903/Fiesta-Quinoa-Enchilada-Casserole-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Skinnytaste
2. Taco Tuesday
Whether it’s a Tuesday or any other night of the week, tacos are a great choice. Expand the meal with homemade guacamole and salsas to create a true fiesta.
Recipes to Try
Crock Pot Chicken Salsa Tacos
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182842/chicken-salsa-tacos-crock-pot-the-everymom.png)
Source: Fit Foodie Finds
Vegetarian Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182830/veggie-tacos-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: The Toasted Pine Nut
Ground Beef Tacos With Homemade Seasoning
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182837/ground-beef-tacos-recipe-homade-taco-seasoning-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Our Salty Kitchen
The Best Chicken Tinga Tacos
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182901/Chicken-Tinga-Tacos-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Pinch of Yum
3. Homemade Pizza Night
No one will say no to pizza night! To please even the picky eaters in your family, gather a variety of toppings and let everyone put together their own masterpieces.
Recipes to Try
Caprese Flatbread
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182856/caprese-flatbread-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Midwest Foodie Blog
Chicken Peach Ricotta Pizza With Arugula and Balsamic Glaze
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182848/Chicken-Peach-Ricotta-Pizza-Arugula-Balsamic-Glaze-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Recipe Runner
Homemade Garlic Knots
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182817/garlic-knots-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
4. Breakfast for Dinner
If breakfast is a rushed and sleepy event in your house, bookmark recipes that might be a bit ambitious to tackle at 7am but are perfect for breakfast for dinner. Go for sweet, savory, or a mix of both.
Recipes to Try
Homemade Biscuits
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182850/biscuits-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog
Easy Blender Pancakes
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182858/Blender-Pancakes-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
French Toast Casserole
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182834/French-Toast-Casserole-Show-Me-the-Yummy-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Show Me The Yummy
Whole Grain Sourdough Waffles
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182832/waffles-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Lively Table
Dairy-Free Spinach Quiche
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182854/dairy-free-spinach-quiche-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Eating Birdfood
5. Outside Dinners
Take advantage of warm weather and bring your cooking and dining outside.
Recipes to Try
Burgers With Guacamole
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182805/guacamole-burger-aka-the-beast-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Jo Cooks
Grilled Halloumi Kebabs With Mint Yogurt Sauce
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/27205419/themed-dinner-night-recipes-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Making Thyme for Health
Grilled Butternut Squash in a Foil Packet
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182801/grilled-butternut-squash-in-a-foil-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Bless This Mess
Black Bean Burgers
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182815/Black-bean-burgers-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Simple Vegan Blog
Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182810/pineapple-barbecue-chicken-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Slender Kitchen
7. Pasta Party
Go beyond your standard spaghetti and meatballs and try out new pasta dishes at home.
Recipes to Try
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17221028/Instant-Pot-Chicken-Alfredo-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Damn Delicious
Air Fryer Meatballs
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182820/Air-Fryer-Meatballs-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Plated Cravings
Butternut Squash, Black Bean, and Chicken Pasta Bake
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182822/pasta-bake-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Port and Fin
Crockpot Lasagna
![](https://media.theeverymom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17182825/crockpot-lasagna-the-everymom.jpg)
Source: Eazy Peazy Mealz