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Who doesn’t love eating, drinking and gathering with friends? The best way to celebrate with friends is over Italian food.
Italian cuisine with all its intricacies and delicacies, remains simple at its core. Everyone should host an Italian themed dinner party at their home.
Italian Dinner Ideas For Party
A typical Italian dinner party menu comprises of 9 parts. Of course, feel free to adjust to your needs, and if you would prefer a simplistic Italian dinner menu.
The traditional Italian dinner party is as follows:
- Aperitivo
- Antipasto
- Primo
- Secondi
- Contorni
- Insalata
- Formaggi e frutta
- Dolce
- Digestivo con caffè
Indeed, it’s all about knowing clearly what you need to buy, to stock, and to prepare in advance, so that you don’t panic while the party clock is counting down.
Scroll below for easy recipes for each part of the Italian dinner ideas for party.
1. Aperitivo
In Italy, it’s traditional that before a hearty meal, an aperitivo is served.
Typically made up of a drink, ranging from a white wine to a spritz, and simple snacks. The aperitivo is similar to an appetizer.
For a classic and beloved Italian aperitivo, why not serve a spritz? Fancy something a little stronger? Go for Florence’s favored drink: the Negroni.
Aperol Spritz
Negroni
Focaccia with Mortadella
Bruschetta con Soppressa
2. Antipasto
In Italy, the antipasto is served before the first main course. It doesn’t need to be a complicated portion of the dinner party.
It can be olives served in olive oil, pickled vegetables, and cured meats served with crusty bread.
A caprese salad is also a popular option. This starter is usually served family-style for all to enjoy.
Antipasto Platter
Caprese Salad
3. Primo
This is the first course of the actual meal and is typically a small serving of soup, pasta, gnocchi, or creamy risotto.
Generally, primi dishes do not consist of any meat, the majority of the course are pasta recipes.
At the same time, primi dishes may contain fine and luxurious ingredients, such as truffle.
Risotto Cacio e Pepe
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina
Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with Burrata
Potato & Zucchini Soup
4. Secondi
A secondi course is the perfect way to finish after a heavy carbohydrate-filled primo course.
There are different meat, chicken or seafood options for this particular course.
In terms of seafood, there will be a “meatier” seafood – such as lobster or salmon. There are plenty of Italian dinner ideas for a party to choose from, and each dish is reflective of the area and serves a taste of Italy.
Grilled Octopus
Chicken Saltimbocca
Italian Meatballs
Italian Lasagna Bolognese
Osso Buco
Mushroom & Spinach Frittata
5. Contorni
Contorni, or side dishes, are always present on the Italian table, served to accompany and complement the main course.
Served after the main dish, this course finishes the meal with savory sides and vegetables.
Common cotorni dishes are vegetable-based, whether raw or cooked.
Common dishes include pan-fried zucchini, cauliflower, and escarole. The simple ingredients provide a balance to the hearty part of the Italian night.
6. Insalata
The insalata course is an optional course that depends on what was served in the contorni dish.
Usually, a fresh garden salad with fresh herbs and a simple dressing, consisting of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, are served to break up the heavy courses.
Insalata Mista
Citrus & Fennel Salad
7. Formaggi e Frutta
The best part of the traditional Italian dinner party – there is an entire course dedicated to local cheeses and fresh seasonal fruits.
Of course, you can serve cheese and fruit on a platter – a popular Italian combination is pear and gorgonzola or fresh mozzarella and berries.
A great way to present this course is to combine fruits and meats in a single dish.
This course serves as a palate cleanser and lighter ending to the savory part of the Italian feast before dessert.
Peaches With Creamy Mascarpone
Green Apple Risotto with Burrata
Baked Pears with Gorgonzola
8. Dolce
Everyone’s favorite – the dessert course.
Dolce means “sweet” and it is traditionally fruit or crispy biscotti. For a more decadent affair, dessert options range from tiramisu, affogato to panna cotta.
You may also consider a sorbet or gelato for something lighter and more palate-cleansing.
Tiramisu
Ricotta and Mascarpone Cheesecake
Italian Panna Cotta
9. Digestivo con Caffè
In Italy, digestivo con caffè is an after-dinner drink that pairs an Italian liqueur with strong coffee.
It is a popular Italian tradition, typically served after dessert at the end of a Italian meal. These liqueurs aid digestion after several courses of a dinner party.
Italy’s sweetest and most well-known digestivo are limoncello and sambuca.
Limoncello has an intense flavor of lemons, making it the perfect palate cleanser after a rich meal.
Sambuca is another popular digestif. Made with just alcohol, star anise, and sugar, the liqueur is overwhelmingly licorice flavored. It is the perfect end of a meal treat.
Homemade Limoncello
Table Settings
The foundation of an authentic Italian dinner party is how you arrange your table. Italian wines, still and sparkling water should be ready on the table.
A relaxed tablecloth and empty plates should be set in advance. Italy is part of the Mediterranean culture, that is known for its beautiful landscapes and terrain.
Reflect your table to the beauty of the Italian landscape. Add a touch of Italian “spice” as well, for example, the lemon-yellow or olive-green tablecloth.
Opt for lemons and breadsticks to add texture and add a taste of Italy.
