I love hosting friends and family for dinner parties. But, with family and work obligations it can be difficult to host an elaborate formal dinner party.

Plus, with younger kids at home, we tend to lean towards more casual affairs. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good excuse to get dressed up, but there is something more intimate about hosting a casual dinner party.

I have gathered eight of my favorite deliciously simple and casual dinner party menu ideas.

Click the link or the photo for more photosÂ and inspiration for each theme.

8 Delicious Menu Ideas for a Casual Dinner Party

Delicious Appetizers

Every good dinner party should have amazing appetizers. Appetizers are served to give guests a small taste of what is to come with the meal.

This prosciutto asparagus tart looks good enough to be the meal!

Mini Charcuterie Boards

A great way to host a casual dinner party is to take it outdoors! Set up a stunning table outside under the stars, and use the colors of nature to influence your color palette.

Treat your guests to mini charcuterie boards in lieu of place settings.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp and pasta has to be one of the easiest and most delicious dinner party main course dishes ever!

Make a creamy white wine sauce to toss the pasta and shrimp in, and top with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a truly restaurant quality meal.

Braised Short Ribs

Braised short ribs are perfect for entertaining.

With just a few minutes of prep, you can place them in the oven for several hours while you finish preparing for your guests!

Cozy Dinner Party

Would wouldn’t want to sit at this inviting and cozy dinner table! Set the table before the guests arrive, and allow them to serve themselves family style for the ultimate casual dinner party.

A delicious and hearty casserole is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Fireman Chicken

If you aren’t from the NE, you may not know about Fireman Chicken, but now that I know about it, I will be making it!

Fireman Chicken is the prefect dish for outdoor dinner parties, serve it hot off the grill or from a warming tray, either way, it will be the talk of the party!