Step into a world of captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage as you embark on a Moroccan-themed dinner party experience that make your gathering truly memorable. From the stunning architecture and intricate interior designs to the internationally renowned traditional clothing and diverse musical rhythms.
In this blog post, we invite you to join us on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan culture as we guide you to host an exquisite Moroccan-themed dinner party from setting the ambiance to creating a dinner menu. Immerse yourself in the unmatched beauty and distinctive atmosphere that make Morocco renowned worldwide.
But what if you want to delight your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Don’t worry, we have you covered! At CinnaMint, we offer an extensive menu of authentic Moroccan dishes that are available for delivery. So, if you find yourself pressed for time or want our professional touch, simply head to our menu, and order your favourite dishes to complement your party.
Let’s create the perfect dinner party menu for Christmas, new year, Eid or any occasion or guest list! Whether you’re hosting picky eaters or adventurous foodies, our menu will delight everyone around your table. So, let’s dive in and begin planning to impress guests with Moroccan-themed dinner party feast!
Setting the Ambiance
Traditional Moroccan Seating
Creating a Moroccan-themed dinner party can be a delightful experience, but completely changing the interior of your living room for just one event can be challenging and costly. However, there is a practical and stylish solution opting for Moroccan poufs in organic and earthy tones with intricate patterns offer a touch of authenticity to your seating area. Consider choosing poufs made of leather or faux-leather to enhance the Moroccan feel. They provide comfortable seating options for your guests while adding an exotic element to your space.
Lanterns and Candles
To create a truly vibrant Moroccan atmosphere, incorporate lanterns and candles in copper material, as well as shades like orange, fuchsia, and gold. Choose colours that will complement your leather poufs, tableware, candles, and overall decor. Pick up lanterns of various sizes and shapes to add visual interest to your space. Place them strategically around the room, on tabletops, or hang them from the ceiling to create warm and inviting lighting. The flickering candlelight will add a touch of magic and create an enchanting ambiance.
Embroidered Table Cloth and Napkins
When it comes to the table cloth and napkins, consider incorporating the exquisite art of Moroccan embroidery. it is known for its intricate designs, and it has seven recognized styles named after the towns where they evolved: Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Tétouan, Rabat, Sale, and Azemmour. Each style has its own distinct design principles, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and adding a touch of authenticity and elegance.
Zellij Coasters
For an authentic Moroccan touch, consider incorporating Zellij coasters into your table setting. Zellij is a Moroccan mosaic tilework crafted from individually hand-chiselled tile pieces, known for its intricate geometric designs. Originating in Morocco, Zellij has since been widely used and admired worldwide, particularly in Middle Eastern countries. These coasters not only serve a practical purpose in protecting your table, but also brings the beauty and artistry of Moroccan tilework to your dining experience.
Tagine Pot
No Moroccan-themed dinner party would be complete without a traditional tagine pot. The tagine is a distinctive clay pot with a cone-shaped lid that is used for slow-cooking flavourful Moroccan dishes. The unique design of the tagine allows for the condensation of steam, resulting in tender and succulent meats and vegetables infused with aromatic spices. If you don’t have one, you can still recreate the dishes using a regular pot.
Silver Tea Tray Set
This traditional set includes a beautiful tray, a tea pot, and a set of tea glasses, adding elegance and authenticity to your gathering. Moroccan tea culture is deeply rooted in hospitality, and serving tea is considered an important ritual. The silver tea tray set not only enhances the visual appeal of your table but also allows you to showcase the Moroccan tradition of pouring tea with grace and precision.
Handmade Tableware
Handmade tableware adds warmth, uniqueness, and a sense of craftsmanship to your table setting. Look for ceramics or pottery with intricate patterns and designs that reflect the vibrant colours and decorative motifs often found in Moroccan art and architecture. Handmade plates, bowls, and serving dishes in earthy tones or white and blue can beautifully complement the rich flavours and aromatic dishes of Moroccan cuisine.
Terracotta Planter
To add a touch of natural beauty and Moroccan charm to your dinner party, consider incorporating a terracotta planter with cactus, citrus plants, or olives. These plants are not only visually appealing but also evoke the essence of Morocco’s diverse landscape.
Chlal
To add an authentic touch to your Moroccan-themed dinner party, consider incorporating the traditional Moroccan hand-washing ritual. This ritual involves pouring warm water from a pitcher over guests’ hands using a traditional silver or brass jug, allowing them to rinse their hands in a traditional and cultural manner before enjoying the meal.
Welcome your Guests with Milk and Dates
In Moroccan culture, the offering of milk and dates is a cherished tradition when welcoming guests, especially first-time visitors and during special occasions like weddings. This gesture symbolizes hospitality, warmth, and friendship. For your Moroccan-themed dinner party, make sure to incorporate this beautiful tradition into your reception. Serve your guests walnut-stuffed dates, which are a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavours. These delectable treats are perfectly paired with a glass of milk infused with rose water, adding a delicate floral aroma that enhances the overall experience. Not only does this gesture set the tone for a memorable gathering, but it also introduces your guests to the rich and symbolic traditions of Moroccan hospitality.
By incorporating this traditional Moroccan reception into your dinner party, you can create a unique and authentic experience for your guests, making them feel immediately welcomed and appreciated. This thoughtful gesture, deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, will create a lasting impression and leave your guests excited for the culinary adventure that awaits them.
Appetizer
Marinated Herbs and Harissa Olives
If you love olives, then Morocco should be on your culinary bucket list. The vibrant markets in Morocco are filled with an abundance of olives in various shapes, colours, and marinades. To elevate the taste of your favourite olives, simply marinate them harissa sauce, finely chopped herbs, and preserved lemon. This combination adds an irresistible punch. So, get ready to enjoy this easy recipe.
Zaalouk
Another must-try appetizer is the Zaalouk dip, a traditional Moroccan dish that is as versatile as it is delicious. Zaalouk features a base of roasted aubergines and tomatoes, seasoned with a medley of spices like cumin, paprika, garlic and herbs.
There are two main types of Zaalouk that you can prepare, each with its own unique characteristics. The first version involves using only aubergine, resulting in a smoother texture that is perfect for spreading on bread or dipping with pita triangles.
The second version of Zaalouk involves mixing roasted aubergine with peppers, creating a chunkier texture, and adding a pop of colour to your appetizer. This version can also be served as a side dish or as a vegan main course.
Whether you choose to prepare one or both appetizers, they are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant flavours. So go ahead and get started on creating the perfect!
Salad
Classic Moroccan Salad
This classic Moroccan Salad is a combination of three main ingredient cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
this timeless salad can be enjoyed as a simple and refreshing dish for everyday meals.
Moroccan Salads are incredibly versatile and can be made with a wide range of cooked or raw vegetables.
From this simple and comforting everyday salad to the grand ‘royal garden salad’ typically served during important celebrations, these salads can make any meal a special treat for your loved ones or a memorable addition to any festive event.
Main
Lamb Tagine
In Morocco, the tagine takes centre stage on every dining table. This iconic dish shares its name with the clay pot in which it is cooked, and its versatility knows no bounds. From chicken and beef to lamb, goat, seafood, and even vegetarian variations, there is a tagine for every palate.
One particularly irresistible variation is the Lamb Tagine with Prune and Almonds. Succulent lamb, cooked to perfection, is complemented by the sweet and tangy prunes and the nutty almonds. Every bite is a delightful balance of textures and taste sensations that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco.
Traditionally, the tagine is slow-cooked, allowing the flavours to meld together and create a symphony of taste. The clay pot provides an ideal cooking environment, preserving the moisture and infusing the dish with a unique earthy aroma. However, if you don’t have a tagine pot, you can still enjoy it by slow-cooking in a regular pot with a well-fitting lid.
Desset
Seasonal Fruits
For a refreshing and light conclusion to your Moroccan-themed dinner party feast, we recommend serving a platter of seasonal fruits. This simple yet elegant dessert is the perfect way to cleanse the palate and provide a burst of natural sweetness after indulging in the rich dishes.
Just like the diverse aromas found throughout Morocco, the selection of fruits for your platter can vary based on what is in season. Select colourful assortment of fruits such as sweet oranges, juicy pomegranates, succulent grapes, luscious figs, and ripe Prickly Pear.
Drinks
Moroccan Mint Tea
No Moroccan dining experience would be complete without the famous Moroccan mint tea, also known as “Atay.” This traditional national drink is a blend of green tea, fresh mint leaves, and sugar. The tea is brewed to perfection and served hot in elegant glass cups. The aromatic mint and fine tea leaves create a soothing and invigorating drink that will transport your guests to the bustling streets of Morocco.
Dwaz Atay
Enhance your tea-drinking experience by serving traditional Moroccan cookies known as Dwaz Atay, meaning “tea accompaniments,”. These delectable treats are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of mint tea. Dwaz Atay offers endless options made with the highest quality natural ingredients and no artificial flavours or colours. Some popular choices found in almost every household in Morocco include Feqqa, Ghriba, and Kaab el Ghzal.
Preparation Schedule
Prep for Your Dinner Party in the Morning
– Prepare marinated olives with harissa and herbs.
– Marinate lamb and keep it in the fridge for later to cook it.
– Prep and cook the chicken pastilla filling and wrap it in pastry, refrigerate until ready to bake.
– Grill and peel veggies for the zaalouk, chop and finish cooking, then refrigerate.
– Bake bread or purchase it for serving with the zaalouk dip and lamb tagine.
– Prepare you lamb by marinating it and keep it in the fridge for later to cook it.
– For you second main dish, prep and cook chicken pastilla filling add wrap it filo pastry and leave in the fridge.
– Prepare zaalouk veggies by grilling and peeling them off, chop them and preferably finish it off and keep refrigerated.
– Bake bread or alternatively buy it, you will use it for eating zaalouk dip and lamb tagine.
Prepare your tagine toppings:
– Caramelize prune in cinnamon, honey, and a bit of orange blossom
– Boil, Peel, and fry your almond.
An Hour Before Guests Arrive
– Put the lamb tagine on low heat and stir occasionally until the meat softens and onion sauce reduces.
– Prepare the salad, but do not season it until just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
Before Serving Dinner
– Warm up any dishes that need to be heated, except for the olives.
– The zaalouk dip can be served cold or warm, according to personal preference.
– Offer a chlal if you have one, a traditional Moroccan hand-washing ceremony, to your guests before dinner.
– Pour water from the kettle over each guest’s hands into a basin, offer soap and a towel for rinsing and drying.
What to Wear to a Moroccan Themed Party
Here are some suggestions on what to wear to a Moroccan themed party:
For ladies:
- Caftan: The Moroccan caftan is a long, flowing gown worn by women for formal occasions like weddings or celebrations. It usually features intricate embroidery, embellishments, and vibrant patterns. Choose a caftan in jewel tones like emerald green, deep purple, or sapphire blue to make a statement at the Moroccan themed party, add an accent belt called Mdama.
- Jellaba: The female jellaba is like the male version but often features more feminine details, colours, and designs. Look for jellabas in vibrant colours, such as burgundy, turquoise, or green, that are adorned with beautiful embroidery or embellishments.
- Moroccan Jewellery: Complete your Moroccan look with traditional Moroccan jewellery. Look for statement pieces such as chunky silver bracelets, elaborate earrings, or intricate necklaces adorned with gemstones or enamel work. These accessories will add a touch of glamour to your outfit.
- Chebil Shoes: For footwear, consider wearing chebil shoes. These traditional Moroccan slippers are often made of leather and embellished with intricate designs. They are comfortable to wear while adding an authentic Moroccan touch to your outfit.
For Gents:
- Jellaba: The traditional Moroccan jellaba is a loose-fitting, ankle-length garment with long sleeves. It can be worn casually or on more formal occasions. Opt for a jellaba in white, yellow or woollen darker colour ones for winter.
- Traditional Fez Hat: Complete your Moroccan look with a traditional Fez hat, originated in the city of Fez, Morocco. This conical-shaped red hat dyed red with the extract from berries that grew outside of the city. adorned with a tassel, usually made of silk or wool and is generally dark in colour, either black or dark blue is an iconic accessory worn by Moroccan men for centuries.
- Moroccan Balgha Shoes: Pair your jellaba with Moroccan Balgha shoes, which are leather slippers with a pointed toe. These comfortable footwear options come in various designs and natural dyes with the popular ones is yellow, adding a touch of authentic Moroccan style to your look.
Moroccan Entertainment
To enhance the Moroccan entertainment, consider hiring a henna artist to design for you and your guests elaborate patterns. Henna has long held significance in North African and Arab cultures, for additional fun, you could play Moroccan Andalusi or Malhun music over dinner and Moroccan Chaabi ‘pop’ music afterwards for a truly authentic touch.