The Italian culture is famed for their love of eating, drinking and spending value time with loved ones. Dinner is not a necessity – it’s a social occasion, best enjoyed with copious amount of wine, and carbohydrates. Tempted to host your very own Italian dinner party? Consider our handy guide of what each course entails, from aperitivo to dolce, and set a stylish table with our top picks from the Spode Blue Italian collection.
What to serve for the perfect Italian Dinner Party
Aperitivo
What best way to welcome your guests than with a drink on arrival? An aperitivo is a classic Italian tradition where you welcome your guests with a drink such as a negroni or Aperol Spritz, and a small bite, similar to a canape in order to whet their appetite for the hours of good food that lay ahead.
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Spode Blue Italian Sandwich Tray – £34
Spode Blue Italian Ceramic Coasters with Holder – £16.50
Antipasti
Who can resist antipasti? A board of delightful nibbles that cater to all. Traditionally it involves charcuterie, cheeses, olives, breads and breadsticks, however you can also include things such as smoked salmon and bruschetta. Be sure to include extra dishes of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping fresh bread in. Our mouths are watering at just the thought…
Primi
Did somebody say pasta… fortunately you don’t have to wait long for arguably the best Italian dish. Traditionally, the first course includes a smaller portion of pasta or risotto, engulfed in rich flavours like truffle, with fish like prawns or served with an arrabbiata sauce. Try to not serve your guests too much and make them full, keep it light as there’s plenty more courses to come. You could also serve something like a soup or Gnocchi as an alternative.
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Spode Blue Italian Pasta Bowl – £22
Secondi
This is where the flavours truly come alive. For the main course, look to a large cut of meat (choose one locally sourced if you’re looking for something exceptionally unique) such as lamb and chicken with fresh herbs, or some fresh fish covered in olive oil as an alternative. If you’re cooking family style, serve large carve cuts at the centre of the table, or you can serve individual portions as an alternative.
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Contorni
Contorni are your side dishes, which are there to compliment the main course. Keep it simple with vegetable dishes lightly grilled, or small roasted potatoes and zucchini fries. Serve these separately, so not to affect the individual flavours. You could also serve a salad if there aren’t enough leafy green vegetables as an additional course.
Formaggi
Now things get even more exciting with an additional cheese course – this one for dessert. A selection of regional cheeses both hard and soft are served, accompanied with fruits like grapes and berries.
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Dolce
After all that savoury, it’s finally time for some dessert. You can serve dishes like panna cotta or some gelato, or you could make a flavoured pie. If the decision was down to us, however, we would always go for arguably the most famous Italian dolce, a tiramisu.
Caffe
As things start to wrap up, kick back and have some stimulating conversation over a coffee. Most commonly an espresso is served (ideal for reviving any food coma), but something like a cappuccino or a latte is also appropriate – even a tea!
Digestivo
Unfortunately, all good things must come to the end, so complete your dinner party the way you started, with an alcoholic drink. Something sweet like a limoncello, grappa or amaretto is perfect, and rounds off the meal in a considered, tasty way. – Buon Appetito.
Words: Maria Loizou
