How to Host a Coraline Dinner Party
If you’re here, it means you love Coraline just as much as I do! And while I haven’t read the book (yet), I have seen the movie countless times and could watch it over and over again until the end of time!
“Oh my twitchy, witchy girl. I think you are so nice. I give you bowls of porridge. I give you bowls of ice... cream. I give you lots of kisses. I give you lots of hugs. But I never give you sandwiches with grease and worms and mung... beans.”
As a devoted fan of this mesmerizing movie and with Halloween being my favorite time of year, it's no surprise that my go-to costume always involves donning Coraline's iconic blue hair and yellow raincoat. But today, we’re going to embark on an even more extraordinary adventure.
Come along as I share my passion for hosting dinner parties and my deep love for Coraline, combining the two to bring you the ultimate Coraline-themed Halloween dinner party experience. From crafting a tantalizing menu that mirrors the movie's most iconic moments to providing recipe ideas that will enchant your taste buds, I’ve got you covered! I hope this blog serves as an inspiration for you to host your own Coraline dinner party, making this spooky season a truly unforgettable one for you and your friends.
So gather 'round, button friends, as we explore The Other World, summon the spirit of Halloween, and embark on a journey that will leave you craving for more. Just be careful of the Beldam along the way…
Menu
Main Course
Of course, we’re going to have to have the Other Mother’s Roasted Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy as our main for this Coraline Dinner Party. There are tons of recipes you could use to make this roasted chicken breast, but Ina Garten’s recipe is one of my favorites! However, when it comes to mashed potatoes and gravy, you can never go wrong with this recipe from Lil Luna!
Sides
There are many different sides we could have gone with–chard, popcorn, beets, etc., but I wanted to keep with the theme of Coraline’s first supper with the Other Mother! So, I’ve selected some veggies (corn on the cob and sweet peas) and bread rolls with butter! No recipes needed for these–just cook them as you like!
Drink
How could we drink anything other than…Mango Milkshakes! I had never heard of a mango milkshake before watching Coraline, but once you go mango milkshake, you never go back! You could make these in many ways (more sweet, less sweet, etc.) but I think one that’s got a little bit of culture to it and reminds me a bit of mango lassi is best! That being said, use this recipe from Swasthi’s Recipes.
Dessert
Lastly, it’s time for dessert. I bet you could already guess what we’re eating…Coraline’s Welcome Home Cake! Yes, I was torn between this and the Black & White Cupcakes from The Other Mother, but the cake just made sense. This is probably going to be the more challenging item to recreate, but with a little determination and help from this recipe from Feast of Starlight, I think you could pull it off. However, if you want to take this off your plate, just go to your local grocery store bakery department, show them a picture of the cake, and order it in advance.
Set the Vibe
To set the stage for your Coraline-themed dinner party, start with a black or dark blue tablecloth as the foundation. This moody backdrop will evoke the mysterious atmosphere of the movie.
For the centerpiece, create a captivating garden scene using potted plants, lush green moss, and miniature dolls reminiscent of Coraline's adventure and The Other Father’s garden. Enhance the centerpiece with small decorative keys, symbolizing the hidden secrets that await.
As for the place settings, opt for black or blue plates to continue the color scheme. To add a whimsical touch, use dragonfly napkin rings that resemble Coraline's iconic hairpin. To add more thematic elements, scatter small buttons, and colorful paper butterflies on the table, symbolizing the enchanting world Coraline discovers.
Finally, create an ambient glow by placing tealight candles in glass holders, casting a warm and inviting light that illuminates the table and enhances the magical ambiance of the evening. It should also go without saying that you need to have this Coraline Playlist on as background music throughout the dinner.
All of the items you’ll need for your Coraline Dinner Party can be found in my Amazon inspo list here! With these decorative elements, your dining table will become a portal to the extraordinary The Other World, delighting your guests and immersing them in a truly enchanting experience. Bonus points if you have a Black Cat! Enjoy your Coraline-themed Halloween dinner party!