Casino Themed Dinner

Planning a holiday party involves hundreds of decisions, but one of the most important choices you make is also one of the first: the theme. Sure, you could settle on “winter wonderland” or “ugly sweater” like everyone else, but if you really want to stand out from the holiday party crowd, consider something completely different, like bringing Vegas to your living room with a casino party.

Dec 23, 2013 - The best buffet ideas for a casino theme use an assortment of finger foods. Casino themes tend to contain games and lots of activity. You need to serve food that can move with people as they socialize and gamble. Anything that requires sitting down. The centerpiece to your casino-themed party will be casino activities. Since it is rather unlikely that you have a slot machine or roulette table lying around your house, consider doing some do-it-yourself decorations to make your own renditions of popular games. You can make a roulette out of a lazy Susan and marbles.

Decorations for casino parties are easy: playing cards, dice, neon lights, and anything red and black. But the menu might be a little more challenging. After all, what is considered “casino food”? Las Vegas is full of world-class restaurants in virtually every cuisine imaginable and local casino restaurants can vary by region. Still, there are plenty of menu items that would fit right into a casino themed party. Here are some of the best:

Prime rib

Whether you opt for a casino-style buffet or trays of finger food, prime rib—the king of casino dining—can be the centerpiece of your casino party menu. Thick slices can be kept warm in buffet chafing dishes, or you can cut cooked prime rib into chunks and spear with a toothpick and garnish.

Mini baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are another staple at most casino buffets, but there’s no need to serve full-size baked russets. Try small “fingerling” potatoes instead, sliced open and stuffed with shredded cheese, a dash of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.

Shrimp cocktail

Popcorn shrimp are also popular at casino buffets, but they’re a little too greasy to accommodate game playing. For alternative shrimp option, try small cups of shrimp cocktail that are easy to eat while mingling or playing table games.

Slot machine fruit

Healthy food can be party food if the theme allows, and thankfully cherries, grapes, plums, and melons are a perfect nod to slot machines. Serve chilled, or lightly sprinkle with sugar for a little casino sparkle.

Dice cheese ball

This appetizer looks like it takes a lot of work but it’s actually quite easy to assemble: simply shape two pre-made cheese balls into cubes and use olive dots on each side to transform them into big, yummy dice.

Domino brownies

To make another simple themed treat, bake a batch of brownies and cut into rectangles when cooled. Then press white chocolate chips (pointy-side down) into the brownies in various arrangements to resemble dominos.

Casino-themed beverages

When planning out your casino party menu, you can’t forget the drinks! Themed cocktails can include a Lady Luck (blue curacao, dry gin, orange juice), Poker Face (tequila, pineapple juice, triple sec, twist of lemon), Snake Eyes (apple martini), Wild Card (kamikaze shots), and Face Card (Malibu and pineapple juice).

Get inspired by Golden Acorn Casino’s Golden Grill

If you’re still not sure what to serve at your casino themed party, Golden Acorn Casino can help you get inspired. Our Golden Grill offers a huge variety of mouth-watering cuisine, from our famous prime rib specials to delectable appetizers, crisp salads, hearty soups, and much more. We’re only a few freeway exits down the I-8, so stop in today.

Fill up your guest list with a creative gala theme that builds buzz and excitement. Whether you’re planning an awards night, a milestone celebration or a fundraising event, a gala dinner theme is the perfect way to create an unforgettable corporate or charity event. Here are our favourite gala dinner theme ideas to inspire your gala dinner planning.

Gala Dinner Theme Ideas

#1 Futuristic party theme

If you’re looking for a unique gala dinner theme that offers lots of fun and flexibility, it’s hard to beat a science fiction themed gala. Transform your event into a futuristic party with the following ideas:

• Hire entertainers to dress as robots and space creatures from another galaxy
• Embrace dramatic lighting (themed lighting in neon colours, plus fairy lights, glow sticks, disco balls, or paper lanterns in different planet colours)
• Opt for metallics, such as silver coloured dinnerware and silver utensils
• Decorate with glitter and sparkly confetti
• For the menu, offer your guests a refreshing frozen mojito in neon glasses or tempt them with one of our delicious ‘astronaut food’ marshmallow stations

#2 Masquerade party theme

Invite your guests to an extravagant masquerade ball in the style of Phantom of the Opera or Venetian Carnival. Create a night to remember with these creative gala ideas:

• For a classic masquerade, full of intrigue and mystery, hire live musicians to play waltz music
• For a masquerade with a contemporary twist, set up a DJ with R&B, hip-hop, and techno tracks
• Invite your guests to participate in a mask or costume contest
• Hire fire performers, jugglers, trapeze and circus performers, and roving entertainers to meet and greet
• Serve a sumptuous three-course feast with heavenly gourmet food, including delicious canapés
• Arrange for a dancing instructor to teach guests how to dance ballroom-style
• Offer silent auctions, raffles and lucky door prizes on the night
• End the night with fireworks from our beautiful balcony

#3 Moulin Rouge party theme

For an immersive and unique event, choose a glamorous Moulin Rouge party theme. Bring the feeling of Paris to your venue with these ideas:

• Drape our venue in vibrant red fabrics with classic 1800’s Parisian posters
• For centrepieces, think shiny gold decor and glittery red pinwheels
• Keep guests entertained with cabaret performers and dancing
• Offer sparkling champagne and gourmet French cheeses from the Moda cheese station

#4 1920s Great Gatsby party theme

Swing your guests back to the 1920s with a classy Great Gatsby party theme. To make this stunning gala theme work, try the following ideas:

• Invite your guests to don elegant flapper dresses and classic black tie attire
• Treat your guests to live jazz tunes with glittering city views
• Choose rich yet subtle colours to create a sophisticated backdrop
• Serve luxurious canapes alongside champagne and mint juleps

Casino Themed Food Menu

#5 Hollywood party theme

Casino Themed Decor

Captivate your guests with an old Hollywood or Oscars-themed gala dinner. Here are some ideas to make your event sparkle like an A-list event:

• Roll out a lush red carpet for arriving guests and hire photographers for the evening to greet arrivals
• To decorate your venue, think dazzling LED lights, themed lighting, black tablecloths paired with gold tie back chair covers, and red orchids
• If your event involves prize-giving, offer Oscar-themed golden statues as part of the prize
• Use audiovisual technology and screens to make your event dynamic
• Serve red velvet cupcakes (to complement your red carpet) and invite your guests to sip sparkling champagne while enjoying dazzling city views from our balcony

#6 Hawaii theme

Enchant your guests with a laid-back Hawaiian theme that evokes a tropical beach. Here’s how to bring a Hawaiian gala theme to life:

• Create a beachy atmosphere with tropical flowers, tiki torches, beach umbrellas, surfboards, tiki masks, and colourful fairy lights
• For centrepieces, place flowers or shells in the bottom of clear, glass bowls and add floating candles
• Hire a photo booth with fun Hawaiian luau props
• Serve sangria, mimosa or fruit punch
• Embrace a tropical buffet and starters with tropical flavours, such as octopus and melon pintxo or ceviche of reef fish with orange blossom

#7 Casino Royale party theme

When it comes to extravagant and exciting gala dinner theme ideas, a Casino Royale theme is always a favourite. To make this gala theme work, consider the following ideas:

• Set the tone for a high-class affair by inviting guests to wear sharp and sophisticated black-tie attire
• Think elegant decor and fun touches such as a red and black balloon archway, themed lighting and a lighting bar
• Include casino props, full-sized gaming tables, gaming chips and professional croupiers
• Serve cocktails and martinis alongside live cocktail music inspired by the James Bond movies
• Offer signature black and white desserts such as chocolate dipped strawberries (tuxedo style) and delicious cheesecakes

#8 Wine tasting gala theme

Casino Themed Shirts

Often, charity gala dinner themes involve a silent or live auction, but have you considered this unique twist: hosting your next gala event with a wine auction? Here’s how to pull it off:

• Serve a grand four-course meal, featuring some of the wines that will be auctioned
• Serve cheese plates and desserts that pair well with the wines
• Complement the wines with a classic paella or risotto station

Final Thoughts On Gala Themes

Interested in holding a corporate or charity event with a unique gala dinner theme? The Moda Events team can help bring your dream gala dinner theme to life. We can tailor a specific menu and beverage package suitable for any theme party, and partner with a number of amazing suppliers.