15 Themed Dinner Ideas [My Favorite Way to Meal Plan]

These themed dinner ideas help bring structure to your family’s meal planning making dinners during the week a breeze!

If you’re like me, then meal planning each week is just another to-do on the always-growing laundry list of things to get done. But let me tell you, as the CEO and executive chef in my house, if I don’t take time to meal plan, then our CFO [my husband] gives me the stink-eye when our VISA bill comes.

Why? Because I rely on takeout. Which is much more expensive than taking the time to plan and prepare meals at home. Or so that’s what he tells me…

We almost always have a pasta night! Mainly because I know the boys will eat anything drenched in marinara... — We almost always have a pasta night! Mainly because I know the boys will eat anything drenched in marinara…

So I’ve found a way to make meal planning a little more enjoyable, and much more structured. As I’ve shared time and time again, there ain’t much structure in the lives of toddlers. Or babies. And Mom needs all the structure she can get!

That’s why I’ve started relying on themed dinners, or giving each day of the week a specific theme for dinner. I now plan around a weekly theme dinner schedule Monday-Friday [Saturday’s are takeout night— hey, I guess that’s another themed dinner night] and Sunday’s we are usually at my parents.

Another night we like to have despite the cooler temps is grilling night! You can't beat the simplicity of a grilled "main" dish + simple sides. — Another night we like to have despite the cooler temps is grilling night! You can’t beat the simplicity of a grilled “main” dish + simple sides.

And let me tell you, I’ve found a sense of structure and ease with this type of meal planning.

Yep, I’m actually enjoying meal planning!!! And cooking.

Am I starting to get my groove back?! Who knows… but I’m here to share a few of my favorite themed dinner ideas with you! Feel free to print off this list or pin the image below so you can easily keep these ideas as a reference.