There’s something truly special about hosting a tapas-style meal at home. It’s all about sharing good food, great company, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re setting the table for a small group or a large gathering, tapas-style dining offers a flexible and fun way to entertain.
When I host a home party, I often ask my friends to bring their own dish or something from their local deli. It keeps things interesting, and we get to share not just the food but the stories and recipes behind each dish.
Tapas with a Twist: International Flavours and Fun
One of the joys of our gatherings is the variety of food on offer. Everyone brings something different—sometimes homemade, sometimes picked up from a favourite local deli or supermarket. It’s not just the food that’s diverse, but the conversation too! We talk about the recipes, where we found certain ingredients, and often exchange ideas. Sometimes we even set up a theme for the evening, but most of the time it ends up being a mix of flavours—everything from Italian to Spanish, even Japanese. In Japan, this casual approach to shared dining is often called 'Izakaya-style'.
Having different dishes brought by everyone adds excitement to the table, and let’s face it—if one person makes all the food, everything starts to taste the same! With a variety of dishes, each bite brings something new. And the best part? It opens up conversations, with guests sharing their cooking tips and food stories as they fill their bowls and plates.
Tapas-Style Dining with Soup Bowls
A great tip for serving tapas at home is to use soup bowls to present your dishes. These bowls are perfect for serving small portions of shared meals, whether it’s meatballs, fried squid, or other tapas-style dishes. The compact size makes them ideal for passing around the table, allowing everyone to help themselves without crowding the space.
I often leave the bowls and plates on the table, and my guests can serve themselves whatever they like. This creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere, encouraging guests to enjoy the meal at their own pace.
Mixing and Matching Tableware for a Creative Touch
One of my favourite things about these meals is setting up the table with a variety of bowls and plates. I often mix and match different designs to add visual interest. It doesn’t have to be a perfectly matching set—different shapes, patterns, and styles work beautifully together and create a more laid-back, eclectic vibe.
We recommend: Susie Cooper Crown Works Soup Cup & Saucer
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Final Thoughts: Hosting Tapas Parties with Style
What I enjoy most about these gatherings is that, when everyone brings their own food, I can focus on the most important part of the evening—spending time with my friends. Sharing food creates a sense of community, and it’s always fun to see how people present their dishes. Some even bring their own garnish, like fresh herbs or sauces, to add a personal touch.
If you’re looking for a way to entertain that’s low-pressure but full of flavour and fun, why not try a tapas-style dinner party? The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and laughter, and with a beautifully set table, you can create a welcoming, stylish space for everyone to enjoy.
The dinner set we used in the photos:
Royal Doulton 'Monmouth' Tableware Set - Scalloped Rims, 1950s
