Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
AHC101b 0087r?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp&dpr=4
AHC101b 0087r?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp&dpr=4
The CW
Culture > Entertainment

Pass the Pinot & Poeticism: My Dream Celebrity Dinner Party

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter.

Imagine walking into a candlelit restaurant, where the air hums with anticipation. At a long, elegantly set table sit all your dream dinner guests—your most favorite famous people, gathered just for you. The conversation flows effortlessly—a perfect blend of intellect, humor, and charm.

Maybe Harry Styles strums a quiet tune on his guitar between sips of his so-called “grape juice”, while Saoirse Ronan tells stories with her warm, infectious voice. Across the table, Taylor Swift leans in, her eyes sparkling as she discusses music, fashion, and life’s greatest romantic escapades. Beyoncé and Alicia Keys trade poetic musings, their words dripping with nostalgia and cool detachment. Meanwhile, someone like Timothée Chalamet or another modern icon listens intently, adding their own thoughtful reflections.

The night feels like a fever dream of inspiration, laughter, and connection. You are looking at an impossible yet perfect intersection of past and present, art and soul. And as the evening winds down, you know you’ll never forget the magic of sharing a table with the legends who have shaped your world.  

The “dream celebrity dinner party” is a concept I’ve always found fascinating. A space where the boundaries of time, fame, and influence dissolve, creating the ultimate dinner experience. It’s the kind of evening where I can curate the perfect mix of personalities, ideas, and stories, a dinner table full of people whose lives and work have sparked my curiosity and shaped the world in some way. The best part? It’s not just about the food or the setting; it’s about the conversations, the exchange of thoughts, and the magic of what could unfold when these minds come together. If I could make it happen, here are the people I would invite: 

I would want Anthony Bourdain to sit “first chair” at my dinner party because he had this rare ability to make people feel like they were having a conversation with a friend, even if they had never met. His storytelling was magnetic—honest, funny, and often dark, but always insightful. I admire how he connected with people from all walks of life, using food to break down barriers and show that we’re all just trying to figure life out. He’d bring a grounded realness to the table, offering wisdom about life’s complexities, but with a sharp, offbeat sense of humor that would keep the night flowing effortlessly. Plus, his love for good food and drink would make him the perfect companion for what I imagine would be a delicious night of deep conversations and unforgettable stories. I know he’d make everyone feel at ease, open up new perspectives, and turn a simple meal into something unforgettable. 

Next to Mr. Bourdain, I would seat Lana Del Rey because she embodies a unique blend of vulnerability and strength that fascinates me. Her music feels like a window into another world. It is hauntingly beautiful, nostalgic, and full of deep, poetic emotion. I think she’d bring a quiet intensity to the conversation, offering thoughtful insights about life, love, and loss with a perspective that only someone like her could have. I admire how she’s carved her own path in the music industry, staying true to her vision, no matter how unconventional it may be. Plus, there is something about her aura that feels like she’d make the night feel intimate and timeless—like every word spoken around the table would carry a kind of weight but in the most mesmerizing way. 

On my left, I would want Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez because she represents a bold, unapologetic voice for change and social justice, and I think having someone with her drive and passion would be truly inspiring. AOC brings a sharp intellect, fierce determination, and an ability to challenge the status quo in a way that is both refreshing and necessary. Her perspective on politics, inequality, and activism would add an urgency and depth to the conversation, and I’d love to hear firsthand about her experiences navigating the political landscape as a young woman of color. 

At the end of the table, I would place Bob Dylan because he has this mystique about him. He is so enigmatic yet so deeply connected to the pulse of humanity. This is a quality that would make any conversation feel profound. I’d love to hear his reflections on the changing world, how he has navigated fame and artistry over the years and what’s truly inspired him at each stage of his career. His presence would turn the night into something more than just dinner; it would be a master class in artistry, storytelling, and living authentically. 

(Get ready for this one.) Right across the table from Bob would sit Joan Baez at my dinner party because she is a true icon of music, activism, and resilience. Her voice, both hauntingly beautiful and powerful, has been the soundtrack to so many pivotal moments in history, and I can’t imagine how incredible it would be to sit down with someone who has lived through so much change and revolution. Joan’s unwavering commitment to peace and social justice would bring a depth and perspective to the conversation that would challenge everyone to think more deeply about the world around us. Beyond her music, she is also an incredibly strong woman who has used her platform to speak truth to power, and I would love to hear firsthand how she is balanced her art with activism throughout her life. Having Joan there would elevate the night, infusing it with a sense of purpose and meaning that only someone with her heart and soul could bring. Also, I would not mind hearing what happened between her and Bob Dylan… I KNOW there would be a bit of drama there. 

My list of dream dinner party guests might seem like an eclectic bunch, but when I think about it, they would be an incredible mix of personality and perspective. From rich experiences of culture, travel, and human connection, to poetic, melancholic energy with an air of introspection and mystery, each individual would help create a night of profound discussions, creativity, and unforgettable energy for the perfect “dream celebrity dinner party.” 

Grace Hodara is a sophomore Journalism major from Salamanca, New York. Outside of her studies, she is involved with Study Sorrento SBU, Jandoli Women in Communication, and SBU Women’s Club Lacrosse. You can find Grace playing some kind of sport (usually lacrosse or soccer), watching Bills games, listening to music (her music taste is perfectly summed up by that picture of Taylor Swift and 21 Savage at the 2024 Grammys), or traveling (being home for more than 2 weeks at a time is not exactly her strong-suit). She is an avid reader and writer, and is excited to continue working with Her Campus SBU!