By Saanika Madhwani.
As Winter sets in, it's only natural to seek warmth and the energy that comes with good food and good company. Hosting a Latin American-inspired dinner party is the antidote to those grey days.
Bring a convivial mood to your table with colour, rhythm and a spirit drawn from the culinary traditions of Latin America. From shared dishes to refreshing drinks and turning up to bachata on the speakers, here's how to set a festive scene that's both relaxed and joyous:
Atmosphere That Feels Like a Latin Fiesta
Start with a visual feast - lay your table with brightly patterned runners and mix-and-match colourful plates to capture the eclectic mood of Latin America. Soft lighting from string lights or candles creates an inviting glow, while layered textures and rich tones add visual contrast.
Bursts of fresh flowers like marigolds and dahlias provide fragrance and a lively pop, bringing warmth indoors even in the middle of Winter. Finally, informal seating arrangements encourage guests to mingle and blend.
Sip on Latin Classics
Kick off the festivities with a selection of classic cocktails to welcome your guests. A zesty Peruvian pisco sour, a refreshing Cuban mojito, or the ever-popular Mexican margarita provide a great start to the evening. Keep salt, lime and tajín on hand for rimming glasses and don’t be shy about placing a bottle of tequila on the table - just in case the party really takes off.
Preparing pitchers of your favourite cocktails ahead of time makes it easy to share and encourages guests to serve themselves at their own pace. For non-alcoholic options, consider a fruity agua fresca or a sweet horchata to keep in theme for the night.
Plates Meant for Sharing and Celebrating
The heart of any Latin-inspired gathering lies in communal eating. Embrace a casual, DIY feel with dishes designed to pass, shar, and customise.
Begin with a vibrant ceviche bar - freshly diced fish marinated in citrus, with coriander and chilli ready for guests to build their bowls. Follow it up with small plates like grilled chorizo, charred peppers, or spiced prawns to keep the flavours layered. These dishes add a rich element to balance the citrus of the ceviche.
Warm empanadas are an excellent choice for appetisers, whether beef-filled or mushroom-based for a vegan-friendly twist, they are a comforting, easy-to-handle option.
Corn ribs, a modern take on street-style elote - cobs of corn cut lengthwise, char-grilled and generously dusted with cotija cheese, lime and chilli - provide the perfect bite-size indulgence.
Slow-cooked quesabirria beef, served with warm tortillas for DIY tacos, invites fun, messy and delicious dining. If you want to tap into current trends, lay out a nacho grazing table - layered crisp tortillas with all your favourite fix-ins, creating a playful and visually appealing centrepiece.
Last but not least, offer additional sauces generously; no Latin American cuisine is complete without condiments - guacamole, sour cream, spicy salsas, and a cooling pico de gallo - so guests can personalise their plates. Aim for easy-to-manage portions that keep your guests circulating, plates in hand and conversation flowing.
Grooves to Keep the Party Alive
Complete your dinner party vibe with music that energises and complements the menu. Curate a playlist blending traditional salsa, upbeat reggaeton and irresistible cumbia rhythms with contemporary Latin pop. Mixing classics from artists like Selena and Shakira with the latest hits from Bad Bunny or Rosalía will keep energy high and feet tapping.
Send Guests Home Smiling
Latin American dining is a celebration of warmth, generosity and good company. Let guests linger, laugh and graze at their own pace, soaking up the flavours and music as the night rolls on.
Bring a little sunshine to Winter with bold dishes, bright plates and an atmosphere of togetherness that lasts long after the table is cleared.
