Looking to plan an annual company dinner that’s actually exciting and fun? Well, you’re in the right place! The right theme can turn a standard dinner into something worth remembering for your team so it's worth getting right. To help you out, we’ve curated 16 standout company dinner theme ideas that can be planned by yourself or with a trusted event management company in Malaysia. In fact, a few of them can even double as clever launch event gimmick ideas if you're rolling out something new.
- Midnight in Paris
- Oscar Award Show
- Winter Wonderland
- Wild West Rodeo
- Masquerade Ball
- Retro Disco Fever
- Casino Royale
- Bollywood Bash
- Cyberpunk
- A Night at Hogwarts
- Pirates of the High Table
- A Night in Tokyo
- Heroes vs Villains
- Murder Mystery Dinner
- Tropical Nights
- A Roman Affair
1. Midnight in Paris
About the Theme:
A romantic, stylish evening inspired by the elegance and charm of Paris. This theme is perfect for individuals that enjoy good wine, soft music, and aesthetic detail.
Decoration Idea:
Decorate the venue with candle-lit tables covered in lace linens, mini Eiffel Tower centerpieces, fairy lights, pastel florals, and vintage French posters while incorporating chalkboard menus to create an authentic cafe feel.
Entertainment:
Hire a jazz band for ambiance while including a wine and cheese pairing station or an optional art activity like watercolor postcard painting. You could also set up a vintage photo booth with berets and scarves to keep things light and playful while staying true to the Parisian vibe.
Food Suggestions:
Start with a cheese and meat platter, then serve main dishes like French-style chicken stew (coq au vin) or duck. For dessert, go with treats like macarons, crème brûlée, and small butter cakes (madeleines). Drinks can include red wine, champagne, or a sparkling grape mocktail for a non-alcoholic option.
2. Oscar Award Show
About the Theme:
It’s all about glitz, glam, and golden moments where guests dress to impress for an awards-style evening and everyone gets their time in the spotlight.
Decoration Idea:
Roll out the red carpet and set the tone with gold stanchions and a branded photo wall. Tables can feature miniature Oscar-style trophies as centerpieces that are paired with soft uplighting, and fun names inspired by movies or celebrities. For an extra touch, project silent film clips or team highlight reels onto the walls.
Entertainment:
Run a company awards ceremony with a mix of fun and serious categories that celebrate everything from top performers to lighthearted team moments. Hire photographers to act as paparazzi, snapping candid shots as guests arrive on the red carpet while keeping the energy up with interactive segments like movie trivia or a mini roast session that’s done in good fun. A live host or emcee ties the evening together, making sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish.
Food Suggestions:
Serve a fine dining menu that features mains like filet mignon, pan-seared fish, or truffle risotto so that the dishes feel just as special as the night itself. Pair them with Champagne, wine selections, or a signature cocktail like “The Encore” to match the theme. For dessert, go with gold-dusted chocolate cake or star-shaped cookies to keep the glamour going right to the very last bite.
3. Winter Wonderland
About the Theme:
If you're aiming for something cosy, elegant, and festive, a Winter Wonderland theme is just the right theme for you. It's perfect for year-end celebrations or holiday dinners as it sets the kind of tone that feels both relaxing and magical. Picture twinkling lights, snowy backgrounds and that warm winter glow to get people in the festive mood.
Decoration Idea:
Start with whites and silvers to nail that snowy winter feel. Dust some fake snow on your tables and hang paper snowflakes from the ceiling since they're surprisingly easy to make and look amazing. Switch to soft blue lighting to create that cozy, moonlit vibe that makes everything feel magical and scatter a few white Christmas trees around the room while wrapping fairy lights on everything! Keep ornaments simple with silver balls and white ribbons.
Entertainment:
Live music really adds to the atmosphere here, so go with a soft acoustic set or maybe a string quartet to set the mood. You could also have a snow globe-style photo booth for guests to snap pictures, along with a hot chocolate bar for something warm and comforting. If you want to include something interactive, a cookie decorating station or simple winter-themed games can be a nice touch too.
Food Suggestions:
Serve up comforting classics with a touch of elegance. Roasted turkey, beef wellington, or creamy mashed potatoes with glazed carrots are all crowd-pleasers. For dessert, think peppermint mousse, warm apple crumble, or some cute gingerbread cookies. Drinks-wise, mulled wine, spiced cider, or eggnog cocktails work great, and you can also include a warm mocktail version for non-drinkers.
4. Wild West Rodeo
About the Theme:
Pure fun with no fancy stuff - just everyone trading their work clothes for cowboy boots and hats! It's perfect when your group wants something totally different from the usual corporate dinner. That easygoing frontier spirit gets people to relax and be a little silly.
Decoration Idea:
Go full rustic with wooden barrels as cocktail tables, hay bales for seating, and red checkered tablecloths everywhere. Fill mason jars with wildflowers and string up lights for that warm glow. Scatter horseshoes around, use rope as accents, and set up a makeshift saloon bar. The charm is in that thrown-together, authentic ranch look.
Entertainment:
A country band makes the night, but a good playlist works too. Get someone to teach line dancing - even reluctant dancers end up laughing and joining in. Set up a lasso station and run costume contests with silly prizes. If you're going all out, rent a mechanical bull (just check your insurance first!).
Food Suggestions:
Think big, messy comfort food - smoky ribs, pulled pork sliders, grilled corn, creamy coleslaw, and sweet cornbread. For dessert, warm peach cobbler or s'mores stations are crowd-pleasers. Keep drinks hearty with bourbon cocktails, whiskey flights, and sweet tea (spiked or virgin). Don't forget good lemonade for lighter options.
5. Masquerade Ball
About the Theme:
Pure elegance with a twist of mystery - everyone gets to hide behind beautiful masks and feel like they're in a Venetian palace. Perfect for groups who want something sophisticated and totally different from the usual work night out.
Decoration Idea:
Go for rich jewel tones - emeralds, purples, and navy blues with gold accents everywhere. Dim lighting with lots of candles and chandeliers creates that moody atmosphere. Add velvet drapes, scatter some feathers around, and use mirror tabletops to reflect all that flickering light. Have gorgeous masks ready at the entrance or let people bring their own.
Entertainment:
Start with a string quartet or opera singer to set the dramatic mood. Run a "Best Mask" contest and plan a big group unmasking moment before dessert - it's surprisingly emotional! Teach basic waltz steps and set up a photo booth with fancy props so everyone can capture their mysterious side.
Food Suggestions:
Kick things off with easy appetizers like brie on toast or smoked salmon bites while everyone settles in. For the mains, go with something crowd-pleasing like braised short ribs or seafood risotto. Dessert can be panna cotta or tiramisu - simple but classy. Keep drinks flowing with prosecco, red wine, and a few fun mocktails so everyone has something to toast with.
6. Retro Disco Fever
About the Theme:
Get ready to boogie because this theme is pure glitter, good vibes, and non-stop dancing! Think disco balls, platform shoes, and classic hits from the Bee Gees and ABBA. It’s perfect for a team that loves to let loose and have fun.
Decoration Idea:
Go all out with bold neon lights, checkerboard dance floors, tinsel curtains, and of course, loads of disco balls. You can add lava lamps and decorate tables with vinyl records and shiny LED coasters to really set the mood. Encourage everyone to dress up in bell bottoms, sequins, big hair, and funky shades for the full experience.
Entertainment:
A DJ is a must to keep those classic hits rolling all night. You could throw in a dance-off with fun little prizes, a roller-skate photo booth for those nostalgic shots, and plenty of glow sticks to go around. If your budget allows, a Soul Train line or a retro karaoke session would totally level things up.
Food Suggestions:
Keep it fun with throwback favorites like cheese fondue, pigs in blankets, and easy-to-grab sliders. Add some playful Jell-O cups for that authentic retro touch! For heartier options, try meatloaf sliders or bite-sized mac and cheese. Serve fruity punches in disco ball cups, colorful Tequila Sunrises, and tropical Piña Coladas to keep the groove going all night.
7. Casino Royale
About the Theme:
If you want something sleek, classy, and a little thrilling, Casino Royale is your winning bet! Drawing inspiration from James Bond and those glamorous Monte Carlo nights, this theme perfectly mixes elegance with just the right amount of playful excitement. It's ideal when you want a formal dinner where everyone can dress to impress and try their luck at the tables.
Decoration Idea:
Go with a sophisticated color scheme using deep reds, rich blacks, and luxurious gold accents throughout the space. Velvet tablecloths instantly add that casino glamour, while poker chips, playing cards, and dice scattered around help set the perfect mood. Create cozy lounge areas with soft lighting and elegant chandeliers, then add fun touches like custom play money or VIP passes so everyone feels like high rollers for the night.
Entertainment:
Hire professional dealers and set up poker, roulette, and blackjack tables using fun money. Offer raffle prizes or lucky draws based on chip tallies. Include live jazz, a casino host in tuxedo, and Bond-style theme music. You could also project old Bond films silently on the walls.
Food Suggestions:
Upscale finger foods like beef sliders, caviar bites, shrimp cocktails, and mini lobster rolls. Mains could include filet mignon, crab-stuffed chicken, or truffle pasta. End with gold-leaf chocolate mousse or martini-flavored macarons. Drinks? “Shaken, not stirred” martinis, whiskey sours, and bubbly. And for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, offer a sparkling grape mocktail or a classy virgin mojito so everyone has something to sip and enjoy.
8. Bollywood Bash
About the Theme:
Step into the dazzling world of Indian cinema where everything is bold, colorful, and full of energy. This theme celebrates music, dance, and cultural richness. It’s perfect for a night of glamour, movement, and memorable photo ops.
Decoration Idea:
Think dramatic drapes in rich colors like fuchsia, saffron, and emerald. Use fairy lights, mirrored accents, marigold garlands, and gold table runners. Include posters of iconic Bollywood films and a dance floor with LED lights. Create seating areas with floor cushions and low tables for a touch of Mumbai lounge flair.
Entertainment:
Begin with a dramatic dance entrance by hired Bollywood performers or a flash mob. Offer a dance workshop so guests can learn a few iconic moves. Add a saree and turban try-on station with a photo backdrop inspired by Bollywood sets. A “Best Dressed” award or a friendly lip-sync battle keeps things fun.
Food Suggestions:
Set up a colourful buffet with something for everyone. You can start with small bites like samosas (crispy pastry filled with potatoes or meat) and chicken tikka (grilled, spiced chicken pieces). For mains, go with crowd-pleasers like creamy butter paneer, flavorful biryani rice, naan bread, and lentil curry. Wrap it up with classic Indian desserts like sweet syrupy gulab jamun or cold kulfi (Indian-style ice cream). Drinks can include mango lassi, warm spiced chai, and a fun cocktail like the “Bollywood Breeze” made with rum, lychee, and lime. If you want a non-alcoholic version, just leave out the rum.
9. Cyberpunk
About the Theme:
This one’s for the bold and futuristic. With glowing lights, sci-fi vibes, and edgy style, a cyberpunk theme is perfect if you want something completely different from the usual formal dinner. It works especially well for tech-driven or creative teams who like to push boundaries.
Decoration Idea:
Turn the venue into a neon cityscape by using black walls, UV paint, and LED strips everywhere. Add fog machines to set the mood and decorate tables with circuit board-style placemats or holographic accents. You can also include digital signs with fun glitch effects. Encourage guests to show up in metallic outfits, LED accessories, or streetwear with a futuristic twist.
Entertainment:
Keep the energy high with a DJ playing synthwave or electronic beats. You could add VR game booths or a green screen photo area where guests get placed inside a digital city. If you want to go all out, hire a few performers in sci-fi costumes or even run a mini fashion show featuring cyberpunk-inspired outfits.
Food Suggestions:
Have fun with fusion dishes that feel a little futuristic. Think sushi tacos, bao sliders, or ramen served in colourful broth made with ingredients like beetroot or butterfly pea flower. Serve drinks in lab-style beakers or offer glowing mocktails with dry ice for that cool sci-fi effect.
10. A Night at Hogwarts
About the Theme:
Step into a world of magic, mystery, and wizarding charm. This theme is perfect for teams who love Harry Potter or just enjoy a bit of fantasy and fun. It’s all about creating a night that feels straight out of the Great Hall.
Decoration Idea:
Split the venue into four areas, one for each Hogwarts house. Use long banquet tables, old books, potion bottles, broomsticks, and walls decorated to look like a castle. Don’t forget the house banners and a sign that welcomes everyone to the “Great Hall.”
Entertainment:
Kick things off with a Sorting Hat ceremony (using quizzes) to sort guests into houses. Set up a potion-making bar for cocktails and run a few rounds of Harry Potter trivia. You could also have your emcee dress as Dumbledore and throw in a fun game of Quidditch pong (Harry Potter themed version of beer pong) to keep the laughter going.
Food Suggestions:
Serve classic British comfort food with a magical feel. Think shepherd’s pie, pumpkin soup, and Yorkshire pudding. For dessert, offer chocolate frogs, treacle tart, and butterbeer cupcakes. Drinks can include Butterbeer (with or without alcohol), pumpkin juice, or colourful wizard-themed mocktails served in goblets.
11. Pirates of the High Table
About the Theme:
Ahoy, matey! This theme is all about adventure, mischief, and plenty of laughs. It’s perfect for a team that’s ready to let loose, embrace the chaos, and have a bit of fun with pirate accents and treasure maps.
Decoration Idea:
Set the scene with ship wheels, wooden barrels, treasure chests, and weathered maps on the walls. You can hang fishing nets from the ceiling, use candles in old glass bottles, and scatter gold coins and faux jewels across the tables. Add in a stormy sea backdrop and pirate flags to really bring the vibe to life. Staff can throw on pirate hats or eye patches to get into character.
Entertainment:
Start with a pirate captain emcee to guide the evening. Plan a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the venue and throw in a “Talk Like a Pirate” contest for laughs. If you want to go all out, add a sword-fighting demo or set up a karaoke corner for sea shanties. A rum pong station can be a fun way to end the night.
Food Suggestions:
Serve up grilled seafood like prawns, mussels, and calamari, along with jerk chicken, roasted corn, and fresh tropical fruit. For something warm and hearty, go with meat pies or a bowl of chowder. Drinks can include rum punch, fruity mocktails in coconuts, or classic grog-inspired cocktails.
12. A Night in Tokyo
About the Theme:
This theme blends the lively streets of Tokyo with the calm elegance of its traditions. It’s a mix of neon lights, cherry blossoms, anime vibes, and cool city energy, making it a fun pick for teams who enjoy culture with a modern twist.
Decoration Idea:
You can set the scene by dividing the space into two zones. One side can feel more traditional with paper lanterns, cherry blossom trees, and bamboo screens, while the other side brings out Tokyo’s high-tech edge with bright signs, LED lights, and arcade-style graphics. On each table, you might add a tiny bonsai tree or use glowing table runners to bring the look together. Playing looping street clips from Shibuya or Harajuku on the walls adds a nice finishing touch.
Entertainment:
Karaoke is a must of course and a cosplay photo booth would get plenty of laughs. If you want to go bigger, you can bring in a taiko drum performance or rent a couple of old-school arcade machines. For something more relaxed, set up a sushi-rolling station or anime sketch corner where people can draw or color their favorite characters.
Food Suggestions:
Keep the food light and fun with sushi platters, yakitori sticks, takoyaki, gyoza, and bowls of ramen. Dessert could be matcha tarts or mochi ice cream. Drinks can include chilled sake, fruity yuzu coolers, Japanese beer, and Ramune sodas with those signature glass bottles that everyone loves to pop open.
13. Heroes vs Villains
About the Theme:
It’s a fun face-off between good and evil where your team can step into the shoes of their favorite heroes or villains. If your colleagues enjoy dressing up or just love a bit of friendly rivalry, this theme is a great pick.
Decoration Idea:
Split the venue into two zones. One side can be your Hero HQ with bold colors like blue, gold, and white, while the other becomes the Villain Lair using darker tones like red, black, and purple. Add comic-style speech bubbles on the walls, superhero logos on the tables, and dramatic spotlighting for effect. You can also throw in props like balloons, capes, and life-sized character cutouts to make everything pop.
Entertainment:
Kick things off with a costume contest and award titles like Best Hero, Most Evil Villain, or Best Duo. You could also run themed trivia rounds or organize a friendly lip-sync battle where the two sides compete. A bit of role-play makes the night even more fun.
Food Suggestions:
Have fun with food names like Hero Rice, Evil Wings, Power-Up Pasta, or Kryptonite Curry. For dessert, go with lightning bolt cookies, rainbow jelly, or cupcakes decorated with masks and emblems. Drinks can include bright, colorful options and have names such as Justice Juice or Dark Elixir with mocktails available so that everyone can join in the toast.
14. Murder Mystery Dinner
About the Theme:
If your team enjoys a bit of drama, this one’s a winner. It’s a mix of elegance, suspense, and interactive fun where guests become part of a live mystery. This theme is great for groups who like solving puzzles or getting into character.
Decoration Idea:
Set the scene to match your story. You could go with for example, a 1920s mansion vibe, a vintage train setting or a glamorous hotel backdrop. Use dim lighting, flickering candles, and elegant table settings with name cards that double as character roles. Add in some fun props like old suitcases, typewriters, or even small “evidence” kits at each table to help everyone get into the mood.
Entertainment:
You can bring in professional actors to lead the story, or assign character roles to your team ahead of time if you’d prefer to keep it in-house. Plan a whodunnit scenario that fits your group’s vibe and throughout the evening, hand out secret clues in envelopes, drop surprise plot twists between courses, and give everyone time to chat, share theories, and make their accusations. To keep the energy high, end the night by revealing the culprit and awarding a prize to the team that solves it first.
Food Suggestions:
Go for a classy three-course menu. Start with something light like soup or salad, move on to mains like grilled fish, roast duck, or creamy mushroom risotto, and finish with a rich dessert such as tiramisu, black forest cake, or a refreshing blood orange sorbet. Offer wine and classic cocktails to match the mood, and include a couple of mocktail options so everyone’s covered.
15. Tropical Nights
About the Theme:
If your team’s ready to kick back and soak in those beachy vibes, this theme is a great fit. Think sunny skies, fruity drinks, and a chilled-out atmosphere that feels like a mini island getaway without ever leaving the city.
Decoration Idea:
Go for a look that mixes Hawaiian luau charm with Bali resort comfort. Dress up the space with palm leaves, flamingo props, floral tablecloths, and plenty of string lights to set the mood. Toss in some leis (aka garlands) for guests to wear and use pineapples, coconuts, or bright tropical flowers as centerpieces. If you’ve got the space, you could even add a little sandpit photo corner or set up a surfboard backdrop for those fun group shots.
Entertainment:
Start things off with a limbo contest to break the ice. You can also bring in a hula dance performance or, if you're hosting outdoors, go big with a fire show. Set up a lei-making station for something hands-on and lighthearted, or run a round of tropical-themed trivia. Throw in a playlist filled with island beats and, if the venue allows, hammocks or beach chairs so people can really lounge and relax.
Food Suggestions:
Keep it simple and satisfying with BBQ chicken skewers, grilled seafood, and pineapple fried rice. Tropical fruit platters are always a hit, and for dessert, try coconut-based treats, mango sticky rice, or banana fritters. As for drinks, piña coladas and mai tais are crowd-pleasers, while a big bowl of mocktail fruit punch or fresh coconut water gives everyone something refreshing to sip on.
16. A Roman Affair
About the Theme:
Step into the world of ancient Rome for a night filled with togas, drama, and decadent vibes. It’s a fun excuse to go all out with the decor and really bring some theatre to your dinner. Great for teams that love a bit of history or just want something a little different.
Decoration Idea:
Dress up the space with flowing white and gold fabrics, tall faux columns, and touches of green vines or laurel wreaths. Add grapes and golden goblets to each table for a banquet feel. If you can, throw in some sculptural pieces or busts to complete the look. Velvet cushions or low lounge seating can also help give that laid-back Roman dining vibe. For a little extra fun, encourage your team to come in toga-inspired outfits or hand out leaf crowns at the door.
Entertainment:
You could have hosts dressed as Roman senators making cheeky announcements during dinner or set up a lighthearted “Toga Walk-Off” with small prizes. A “Hail Caesar” quiz with trivia about pop culture and Roman myths can keep things interactive.
Food Suggestions:
Go with a Mediterranean-inspired spread and serve grilled lamb skewers, lemon herb chicken, hummus with pita, and a tomato and cucumber salad. Add a pasta or rice option, like creamy mushroom pasta or saffron rice with roasted veggies, to keep it filling. For dessert, consider honey cake, dates stuffed with nuts, or a local twist like fig kuih or a panna cotta with gula melaka syrup. Drinks can include red grape juice, citrus coolers, or sparkling mocktails served in fancy glasses to keep the Roman banquet vibe going.