It’s the thoughtful details that transform a meal into something memorable. There’s something undeniably special about the personal touch of a handwritten, illustrated menu for each guest. It sets the tone of the evening and tells a story. It invites your guests into the experience before the first course even arrives. It adds warmth and personality to the table. It’s a small gesture but one that speaks volumes, turning an ordinary dinner into a meaningful occasion.
Clodagh often uses illustrated menus for special occasions, or simply hand writes a menu for a more casual gathering Here are some examples of her menus, you can see from these menus that it can be something as simple as a handwritten card with a simple sketch of a flower or vegetable, to getting an illustrator to design something special with drawings of the venue or the foods on the menu. Take inspiration from Clodagh’s own celebrations, like her recent 50th birthday, where the menu was beautifully illustrated by Matthew Rice, or her wedding menu, lovingly designed by Finn Fellows. These keepsakes go far beyond listing the food; they capture a moment in time. It’s a small gesture but one that speaks volumes, turning an ordinary dinner into a meaningful occasion.
A casual gathering becomes more intimate with a hand-drawn menu beside each plate, while a handwritten menu at a formal event brings a personal touch. Whether it’s a delicate sketch of the dishes being served, a seasonal update, or a guest’s name beautifully written by hand, these menus bring a unique quality to the table.
Why We Love Handwritten & Illustrated Menus
A Personal Welcome
Whether you're hosting four or fourteen, writing each guest’s name at the top of their own menu is a simple way to make them feel seen and special. It says: “I thought of you.” And that’s the heart of any truly memorable meal.
Celebrate the Food
Sketch little drawings of what’s being served – a sprig of rosemary, a wedge of lemon, a cluster of grapes. Even the simplest dishes feel elevated when they’re lovingly drawn on paper. You don’t need to be an artist, stick figures and scribbles have their own rustic charm!
Add Meaningful Details
Include a short note about the occasion of the dinner, is it a special birthday or anniversary, where your ingredients came from, a favourite quote, or a memory tied to the dish. It turns a menu into something more than a list – it becomes a conversation starter, a keepsake, a piece of your story.
Choose Paper and Pen with Intention
Use recycled card, handmade paper, or torn-edge linen paper for a textured look. Pair with soft ink colours like warm browns, leafy greens, or faded charcoal greys. It doesn’t need to be perfect, the beauty is in the imperfections.
Make It Seasonal
Let your menu mirror the season. In summer, add pressed flowers or citrus illustrations. In autumn, draw tiny figs, pears, or branches. Match the tone of your menu to the mood of your table.
These menus do more than list what’s being served; they tell a story. They show your guests that care and creativity have gone into every detail, from the food to the table setting.So next time you're setting the table, slow down, reach for a pen, and bring your menu to life.
