If you’re looking for ways to impress your friends and family at your next dinner party, we’ve got you covered. Whisk your guests away to Italy with an Italian-themed dinner party! Pull up a chair because we’re sharing everything you need to know in order to transport your guests to the beautiful country. Let’s get into it…andiamo!
Food
The most important part at any Italian gathering is the food! It’s the core of any Italian rendezvous. The everyday dinner in Italy is a smaller, lighter meal, yet the option to follow a full-course Italian meal may be more promising for a dinner party. This typically consists of the following: Antipasto - a large plate of various cheeses, sliced Italian cured meats, and perhaps some olives, Primo - the first plate which is typically a type of pasta dish, Secondo - the main entree which generally includes a protein like meat or fish and finally Contorni - the side dishes, normally a dressed up vegetable. Pro tip: if you’re serving salad, the Italian way is to serve it toward the end of the meal.
Drinks
Like the particular order in which you enjoy each course of food, there is a similar way to consume beverages in true Italian style. Start your guests off with an aperitif before dinner. The Aperol Spritz is always a popular option. During the dinner hour, serve white or red wine for your guests to sip. Finally, it’s customary to finish off the evening with a digestivo, an after-dinner drink said to promote digestion and settle the stomach.. Just remember, always cheer with a “salute” or “cin-cin!”
Dessert
Typically, Italians tend to indulge in various fruits after dinner, often thought to help clear your palate. For something more filling and sweet, indulge your guests with some traditional Italian desserts, like tiramisu or biscotti. In the warmer months, gelato or affogato are delicious options to stay cool while simultaneously getting your sugar fix. Pop your moka pot on the stove and pour shots of espresso to mark the final end of the meal.
Atmosphere & Décor
Transform your dining room to have the look and feel of Italy. Choose a rustic Tuscan-themed party with white table cloths and faux olive branches paired with voices of traditional, romantic Italian songs, like O Sole Mio or Quando Quando Quando. If you dream of Italy’s coastal towns, everything citrus must be your theme. Colorful ceramic bowls full of lemons with yellow and white flower centerpieces and of course, the faint sounds of Sapore di Sale or Guarda che Luna playing in the background.
Sarah Talarico
Sarah Talarico is a writer at heart, with a deep passion for all things Italian. Much of her writing inspiration comes from her Italian American roots that trace back to her father’s beloved hometown in Calabria. Southern Italy holds a special place in her heart, right next to homemade sauce and cappuccini. Sarah has a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing and English and a desire to use her writing skills to share the timeless charm of Italy and that ‘dolce far niente’ feeling. In her downtime, she finds joy in filling the plates and seats at her dining room table.