New Orleans Speakeasy Date Night: A Themed Dinner & Activity Experience

Spending intentional time together has always been important for our family, and one of the ways we’ve started prioritizing this is through monthly themed dinners and activity nights. Each month, we pick a theme, decorate the table, cook a meal around it, and end the evening with a fun activity or movie. This post is all about one of my favorite nights so far—a New Orleans / Speakeasy–inspired date night that was filled with vintage vibes, decadent food, and plenty of laughter.

This wasn’t just a dinner—it was an experience. From the black and gold speakeasy-inspired décor to the flavorful New Orleans–inspired menu and cozy movie time, the night felt like a little getaway right at home. Let’s dive into how I set it all up so you can recreate your own speakeasy dinner date.

Setting the Scene: Speakeasy Vibes with Vintage Glam

One of the best parts of these themed nights is setting the atmosphere. For this one, I wanted to capture the mystery and charm of a speakeasy with a touch of New Orleans flair.

Here’s how I decorated our table:

• Table Covering: A simple black tablecloth for drama and elegance.

• Table Runner: A gold foil table runner that caught the light beautifully.

• Centerpiece: A gold tray holding a tall dark vase filled with black feathers, flanked by vintage-style lamps for a warm, moody glow.

• Place Settings: Each setting had a gold charger with white plates trimmed in gold, paired with black napkins cinched by gold napkin rings.

• Menu Cards: At each plate, I placed a custom-designed menu card (which I’ll be offering as a Canva template download so you can make your own!) to give the evening a truly restaurant-like touch.

It was simple but so effective—every time we sat down, it felt like stepping into another world.

The Menu: A Taste of New Orleans

Of course, the food was the star of the night. I curated a three-course meal that captured the heart of New Orleans cuisine but was still approachable for a home date night.

Appetizer: Steamed Mussels in White Wine Sauce

We kicked things off with a classic: mussels steamed in a flavorful white wine sauce. The aroma filled the kitchen instantly, and it felt so indulgent but surprisingly simple to make.

👉 Get the full Steamed Mussels recipe here

Main Course: Shrimp & Grits with Collard Greens

For the main dish, I couldn’t resist making shrimp and grits. Creamy, cheesy grits topped with buttery shrimp, finished with just the right amount of spice—it was pure comfort in a bowl. I served it with a side of collard greens, slow-cooked to perfection.

👉 Get the full Shrimp & Grits recipe here
👉 Get the full Collard Greens recipe here

Dessert: Classic Beignets

No New Orleans–inspired dinner would be complete without beignets! Soft, pillowy, and covered in powdered sugar, they were the perfect sweet ending to the night. Eating them fresh out of the fryer felt like a little Café du Monde moment right in our dining room.

👉 Get the full Beignets recipe here

The Activity: Movie Night with a Speakeasy Twist

After dinner, we kept with the theme by watching Glass Onion, which has just the right amount of mystery and intrigue to pair with the speakeasy vibe. It was cozy, fun, and the perfect way to wind down after such a decadent meal.

I love pairing these dinners with either a game or a movie to round out the night. For this theme, a murder mystery board game would also be a great choice if you wanted something more interactive.

Why We Loved This Night

There was something about this dinner that felt extra special. Maybe it was the moody lighting, the richness of the food, or just being able to sit down and connect without distractions. My husband and I both agreed that it was one of our favorite date nights we’ve had at home.

And honestly—that’s the beauty of these themed nights. You don’t need to go out to create a memorable, meaningful evening. With just a few intentional touches, you can turn an ordinary dinner into something magical.

Recreate the Experience: Free Menu Template

To help you recreate this night for yourself, I’m sharing the custom Canva menu template I designed for our table. You can personalize it with your own dishes, colors, and fonts to fit your unique version of the evening.

👉 Download the New Orleans Speakeasy Menu Template

Tips for Hosting Your Own Themed Dinner Date

If you’re thinking about trying this yourself, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Pick a Theme You’re Excited About – Whether it’s a place, an era, or even a favorite movie, choose something that excites you.

2. Keep Décor Simple but Impactful – A few key elements (like black and gold for this theme) can totally transform the space.

3. Plan the Menu Around the Theme – Food ties everything together. Even one dish inspired by the theme can make it special.

4. Add a Menu Card – It’s such a small thing, but it makes the evening feel intentional and polished.

5. Choose a Matching Activity – A movie, a game, or even themed music in the background can keep the experience going.

Looking Ahead

This was just one of many themed nights we’re planning this year, and each one is such a fun way to connect and create memories. Our New Orleans Speakeasy night set the bar high, but I can’t wait to see what we come up with next!

If you’re looking for a way to bring more fun and connection into your evenings—whether it’s with your partner, your family, or friends—I highly recommend giving themed dinners a try. They’ve become a highlight of our month, and I think they could be for you too.

Want more themed dinner ideas? Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing each month’s theme here on the blog, complete with décor ideas, menus, and activities. And don’t forget to check out the recipes linked in this post so you can bring a little taste of New Orleans to your table.

✨ Cheers to good food, cozy nights, and memories made right at home. ✨