Italian Dinner Party

Are you planning a dinner party and the theme revolves around Italian food? Italian food is one of the most loved and popular cuisines around the world. When you are throwing an Italian themed dinner party, you should be aware that your guests will be expecting the most authentic Italian food paired with great wine and cheese. Most people have a good idea about what Italian cuisine consists of, but remember though pizza and pasta are popular Italian dishes there is more to this cuisine that you think. Keep in mind that Italian food is all about big flavors and food that is prepared with a lot of love and effort. Some of the elements of these food can be prepared a day ahead, so that you are not stressed out on the day of the party. As far as possible keep the menu simple with a focus on flavor and presentation.

Italian Dinner Party Menu Ideas

The Italians are known for their great love for food and the use of fresh produce and meats to create a meal. For an Italian dinner party, try to get hold of the best possible produce to get the most flavor.

Party Menu #1

• Tomato and Olive Bruschetta
• Citrus-Marinated Pork Rib Roast
• Herb encrusted Lamb Chops
• Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Sauce
• Tiramisu
• Red Wine

Party Menu #2

• Antipasti Platter
• Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto and Balsamic Reduction
• Chicken Saltimbocca
• Spaghetti with Pork Meatballs
• Chocolate and Almond Biscotti

Party Menu #3

• Mushroom & Truffle Herb Salad
• Potato Gnocchi With Mushroom and Shallot Sauce
• Prosciutto Wrapped Vegetables with Parmesan
• Roasted Figs with Honey and Cream
• White Wine

Party Menu #4

• Tomato and Feta Salad
• Fennel Gratin with Crispy Bread Crumb Topping
• Linguine with Mussels and Clams
• Mushroom Risotto
• White Peach Tart
• Lemon-Honey Semifreddo

Party Menu #5

• Grilled Green Bean Salad with Lentil Vinaigrette
• Spinach-and-Ricotta Tortelli with Browned Butter
• Risotto with Baby Greens
• Grilled Fish with Artichoke Caponata
• Almond Cake with Pears & Crème Anglaise

Party Menu #6

• Mixed Greens with Olive Vinaigrette
• Garlic Shrimp
• Lemony Zucchini with Basil
• Orecchiette with Marinated Eggplant, Burrata and Chilies
• Toasted Panettone with Orange Mascarpone Cream

If you can, try to make your own pasta from scratch in the pasta recipes since they taste good. Your guest will certainly appreciate homemade Italian pasta. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil and coriander should be used for garnishing and always use olive oil for cooking Italian dishes. Italian desserts like tiramisu and biscotti can be prepared a day ahead and this will help you to go ahead with other preparations on the day of the party. Try to have a good selection of cheese and both red and white wines for the party.

Once you have decided on the menu for the party, it is time to tackle the decor. Italian style dinner party decorations, should include a table setting that is distinctly Italian. Red and white checks tablecloth with empty wine bottles used as candle holders and a big floral centerpiece is essential. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes and asparagus placed in a bowl as a rustic centerpiece. Throwing an Italian dinner party does not involve too much fuss, all you need to do is keep the ambiance warm and relaxed.

An Italian dinner party is all about food and more food. Good food with lots of wine and good conversation is all that is needed to make your Italian themed dinner party a success.