I love cooking and entertaining, so therefore I absolutely love having dinner parties! With summer now officially upon us it's really the best time of the year to get a group of friends together and take advantage of getting to have dinner outside.
I particularly like dinner parties that have a central theme to the menu and decor. So, first up in the series of hosting one, I thought we could begin with dining 'al fresco' and put together a menu and ambiance that makes you and your guests feel like they're dining outside of a Tuscan villa...or wherever you dream of in Italy...the following is a menu of some of my favorite Italian summer dishes as well as decor and table settings that round out this theme!
Aperitivo: White Peach Bellini
The aperitivo is a pre-meal drink meant to "stimulate the appetite".... and the Bellini is a classic Italian drink that was invented at Harry's Bar in Venice in 1948 by owner Giuseppe Cipriani. It was traditionally served in the summer months as a cool and refreshing beverage when white peaches were in season.
Method:
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 1 part fresh white peach puree
Combine prosecco with peach puree and serve in a well chilled champagne flute
White Peach Bellini
Antipasto: Pan Fried Scamorza with Arugula and Two Pestos
This course signifies the beginning of an Italian meal. While it's common to serve cold dishes such as cured meats, olives and marinated artichokes.. cooked dishes can be served as well. I particularly like this recipe of an arugula salad with lightly pan fried scamorza (similar to mozzarella) but with more of a "stringy" texture when eating....it's very good!
Primo: Blood Orange Risotto
Next, on the Italian dinner menu comes the primo course. Unlike the huge servings of pasta, risotto etc. that is served in the U.S. in Italy it's served in a small portion prior to the main course of the meal.
I know this sounds a little different than the usual ingredients seen in a typical risotto, but it's delicious. The citrusy flavor from the blood orange makes this dish taste lighter and refreshing.
Since the last thing you want to eat on a warm summer night is something really heavy this version is a great alternative to still enjoy risotto but with a summery twist.
Lidia Bastianich, the incredible Italian chef has a wonderful recipe for this dish. I followed this recipe for Orange Risotto but substituted the regular oranges she uses with blood oranges instead (they're a little less acidic than the regular ones). I also garnished with zest and rosemary.
It also goes really well with the next course up on the menu...
Secondo: Swordfish Sardinian Style
For the main dish secondo, I like to serve a fish, especially in the warmer months because it's lighter than a heavy meat.
I spent a week in Sardinia a few years ago and this was a very popular dish they served that is super simple to make but packed with flavor. The mix of olive oil, oregano, salt and lemon juice make for a great combination. I like this recipe for Swordfish Sardinian Style.
Since this dish requires little preparation it's ideal to make for a dinner party....because you don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all night and not get to enjoy spending time with your guests.
Dolce: Affogato
The last course up on the menu is dessert! While the Italian meal usually doesn't end here but with an espresso, affogato is a dessert that combines the two!! Another time saver for you the hostess!
It consists of vanilla gelato (you can also use ice cream if you prefer) with espresso poured over it...and I love chocolate so I like this version with dark chocolate shavings as well as hazelnuts on top. The following is a good guide to use when making your Affogato.
The setting:
Now with any good dinner party the ambiance is almost as important as the food. When you're planning a themed menu like this one, it's a shame to ruin the slice of Italy you're serving up by using paper plates and red solo cups.
Instead try and kick it up a notch so the food and atmosphere complement each other. You don't have to go crazy or even spend a ton of money to dress up your space...
When I think of an 'al fresco' Italian dinner party I immediately think of romantic, rustic elements along with soft lighting, flowers, tapered candles, colors of blue and terra cotta...
A long table with string lights and warm but earthy tones is very inviting
Instead of using a full tablecloth try using a runner that has natural elements to it instead. I like this one that's made of jute and cotton from Pottery Barn it's simple enough that it won't take away from the food itself and the rest of the decor on the table.
Tuscany is known for their Sunflowers and they are such a cheerful flower to brighten up your setting. I like when they are cut short and bunched together so they don't block
the view from you and the person you're sitting across from!
Amalfi Coast Serving Ware that is perfect to display your culinary creations on...
I love how non fussy and simple these placemats are and they will be easier to clean up than cloth ones!
At the end of the night it's a nice touch to send your guests home with a little treat. I like the idea of giving a small bottle of olive oil in honor of the Italian dinner party you've just hosted!
Hope you have fun!!
xoxo
Meg
1 comment:
Wow!! Amazing blog. I found this Italian dinner party awesome. Have never arranged such party. But would love to do it this time at one of San Francisco venues. Will surely do everything to make it a grand success.
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