1. Antipasti: The Italian Welcome

Served before the first main course, start your evening with a spread of simple yet flavour-packed Italian appetizers or antipasto to whet the appetite. Think:

• Antipasto platter or Italian charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, olives and grilled vegetables
• Bruschetta al pomodoro with ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil and extra virgin olive oil
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon for a touch of sweet and savoury

These light bites are perfect for guests to nibble on while sipping a glass of Prosecco.

2. Primo: The heart of the meal

The primo course is the first course of the actual meal and typically features a small portion of pasta, risotto or soup. Choose a dish that’s rich and comforting but won’t overshadow the main course.

Some crowd-pleasing options include:

• Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams and white wine)
• Risotto ai funghi porcini (porcini mushroom risotto)
• Penne all’arrabbiata (spicy tomato pasta for a little kick)
  

The secondo is typically a protein-based dish, accompanied by contorni – otherwise known as a side dish of vegetables or salad.

Here are a few elegant combinations:

• Pollo alla cacciatora (hunter-style chicken) with a side of sautéed green beans
• Branzino al forno (whole roasted sea bass) with lemon and rosemary potatoes
• Tagliata di manzo (sliced steak with arugula and parmesan) paired with grilled vegetables

4. Insalata: A fresh palate cleanser

If your contorni don’t include leafy greens, you can serve a simple salad at this stage of the meal – though it’s entirely optional.

5. Formaggi e Frutti: The precursor to dessert

If you haven’t already for the antipasti course, towards the end of a meal you could choose to serve a cheese board alongside some seasonal fruits.

End your Italian dinner party on a high note with a classic dessert. Traditional favourites include:

Best pasta dishes to pair with burrata:

• Tiramisu – creamy, coffee-soaked perfection. Discover our perfect tiramisu recipe
• Panna cotta – with berries or a balsamic glaze
  
• Affogato al caffè – a scoop of gelato “drowned” in espresso
  

7. Caffè & Digestivo: The final touch

Pair your dessert with a strong coffee such as espresso, a sweet wine or a shot of limoncello for the ultimate Italian experience.

Once your Italian dinner party menu is in place, turn your attention to creating a relaxed and inviting ambience. Here are a few easy Italian dinner party ideas:

• Decor – Use rustic table settings with white linens, candles, fresh herbs and perhaps a bottle of olive oil or balsamic as centrepieces. For an added touch, a printed menu card for each guest can be an elegant edition to the table. Make sure there is enough space in the middle of the table for guests to self-serve from larger, sharing plates of food in the centre of the table.
• Setting – This kind of meal naturally calls for dining al fresco – a backyard patio would be the perfect place to host and allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
• Music – Create a playlist of classic Italian tunes – think Andrea Bocelli, Eros Ramazzotti or soft instrumental mandolin music.
• Drinks – Offer your guests a selection of Italian wines (Chianti, Barolo, Pinot Grigio) or an Italian Spritz Cocktail and end the night with a digestivo like Grappa or Amaro.
  

Hosting Tips for an Unforgettable Night

Here are a few practical dinner party planning tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:

1. Plan ahead – Prepare as much as you can in advance so you’re not spending a lot of time in the kitchen once your guests have arrived.
2. Keep it simple – Focus on quality ingredients and straightforward recipes – the Italian way.
3. Serve family-style – Encourage guests to pass platters around the table. It fosters connection and feels authentically Italian.