Summer is my favorite time of year to host a dinner party. It feels so freeing to be able to dine outdoors, and it opens up a whole new world to transform into the perfect dining location. Our house has a screened-in porch, and some of my favorite memories have included setting up a themed dinner for family or friends to enjoy late into the night, with the record player going and the cafe lights twinkling. If you’re also inspired to host in the summertime, you can enjoy eating al fresco – the Italian way. Transport your guests to the Italian coastline with this Italian dinner party inspiration – no passport required.
The Moodboard
The Attire
1. A Midi or Maxi Dress
As a host of a summer dinner party, a linen or cotton mid or maxi dress is your perfect attire if you’re going for Italian chic. Not only will these breathable fabrics keep you cool as you cook and greet your guests, but the longer length will also give you great coverage as you move about. No one wants to worry about a fashion faux pas as you’re bending over to place a dish on the table!
A fresh white or black midi dress will look beautiful at an Italian-themed dinner party. This classic look will evoke wandering around the green Italian countryside or a day spent exploring the Italian coastline in style.
j.crew
Cerise Shirtdress
2. A Basket Bag
Add texture to your look with a basket bag. The great thing about a large version of this bag is that it can also be used to transport dishes and other necessities from your kitchen to your outdoor dining setup. It’s the perfect choice for a summer outfit.
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Mini Basket Bag
3. A Beaded Clutch
Alternatively, you might go with a beaded clutch. The detail on this design makes it a great statement piece and conversation starter, especially when paired with a solid white or black dress. You can even incorporate the theme of the dinner party into your bag choice by choosing a design that resonates with Italy.
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Beaded Clutch
4. Gold Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, go for bold gold jewelry. This will add interest to your simple dress, and really shine in the candlelight. Think of a coin pendant necklace, hoop earrings, and bracelets.
Gorjana
Bespoke Coin Necklace
5. Wrap Sandals
Wrap sandals are an ideal option for your footwear. They’re comfortable, easy to walk in, and have a fun, unique look. They’re a popular choice in Italy for this reason, and will be the perfect shoe to wear at your Italian dinner party.
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Wrap Sandals
The Decor
1. A Linen Tablecloth
Just like your dress, a white linen tablecloth is a great piece to set the foundation of your dinner party decor. This will give you a light, fresh backdrop for your colorful dishes, food, and tablescape. Plus, if you’re dining outdoors, the way that a slight breeze can rustle the linen fabric makes for an idyllic look!
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Linen Tablecloth
2. Blue and White Dishes
Spode (an English company) first popularized the iconic blue and white dishes called “Spode’s Blue Italian” in 1816. The blue and white china features an interior design depicting a scene from the Italian countryside. And dating prior to the 1816 release of Spode’s Blue Italian, the original inspiration for this style of dish came from Chinese dishes and pottery.
Now, blue and white style dishes are found in a variety of cultural aesthetics. Whether you choose dishes featuring the Italian countryside or maybe a classic bird or floral variation, this type of dishware evokes the blue and white-washed exteriors of many Mediterranean buildings, including those on the coast of Italy and Greece.
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Blue Spode Italian Plate
3. Lemon Accents
Lemon accents are symbolic of one of Italy’s prime crops. Lemons were established in Italy and grown as a prime crop on the Amalfi Coast, where the hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters were ideal for lemon trees to flourish. These lemon touches will add a bold pop of color to your tablescape and provide a great contrast to your blue and white pieces.
anthropologie
Lemon Shaped Candles
4. Colorful Glassware
The Amalfi Coast is known for its colorful coastline, and you can translate that same scene into your dining setup by using colorful glassware. From wine and water glasses to decanters and olive oil bottles, colorful glassware will add depth and dimension to your collection. Shades of blues and greens will be especially complementary to your decor.
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Blue Wine Glasses
5. White Candles
Add ambiance to your outdoor dining scene with the help of white candles. This simple touch makes all the difference in creating a dinner party experience that is intimate and elevated. The soft glow of candlelight will make your dinner feel like a 5-star experience. You can go for long, tapered candles or a more subtle tea light, depending on the look you want.
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White Taper Candles
6. Italian Music
Last, but not least, transport your guests to the Italian coastline with the help of traditional Italian music. There are plenty of playlists to be found on Apple Music and on Spotify. Or, you can go old school (as I like to do) and pull out the record player. You can tailor the playlist to set the mood of the night – whether you’re looking for a dreamy, moonlit feel or something more uplifting and lively to get the party started.
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Record Player
The Food
Antipasto Platter
Your traditional Italian antipasti or antipasto platter includes cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and bread or crackers. This is your opportunity to create a beautiful display on your colorful dishes! Have it prepared by the time that your first guests arrive so that they can enjoy a beverage and appetizer while you wait for everyone to arrive. Make sure to have a small stack of plates at the ready and visible next to the platter so that guests can serve themselves, and you can focus on hosting without running back and forth to the kitchen for more dishes.
Caprese Salad
A caprese salad is another traditional Italian antipasti that could complement your antipasto platter. The Caprese is an Italian salad prepared with sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, sweet basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dish is a visual representation of the Italian flag, with green, white and red being the primary colors featured.
Bruschetta
One of my personal favorite Italian dishes is bruschetta. It’s delicious, easy to make, and the perfect reason to use garden-fresh tomatoes. Whether they’re from your own backyard or the local farmer’s market, not many things beat a fresh tomato in the summertime! This dish consists of toasted bread topped with fresh herbs like basil and garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. I like to drizzle mine with balsamic vinegar as well!
Italian Wine
If you’re serving any kind of adult beverage at your dinner party, Italian wine is a great place to start. I always try to have both a bottle of red and a bottle of white on hand. This way, you can adapt to your guests’ preferences on the fly! However, depending on what you’re serving for the main course, you might lean towards one or the other. Typically, white wine would be served with fish or chicken, while red wine would be served with steak.
When it comes to specific wineries to choose from, the most popular Italian wines come from Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello di Montalcino. Barolo is even known as the “king of wines”.
Planning on making a toast? Consider prosecco! This sparkling Italian white wine is a great choice if you’d like something bubbly, and can be the perfect addition to an end-of-the-night cheers.
Cacio e Pepe
As a vegetarian, cacio e pepe is one of my favorite Italian dishes to serve (and eat!). It’s relatively simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it is a fresh, flavor-forward dish for summer. Cacio e pepe translates to “cheese and pepper” in mainly Italian dialects. All you need for this dish is pasta (bucatini or angel hair spaghetti are both popular choices), finely-grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and black pepper. You can also add basil for additional flavor.
Fish or Chicken with Pasta
If you’re planning a Mediterranean-themed menu, fish (such as salmon) or chicken recipes will most likely be great options for you. You could also incorporate seafood into your main course or pasta dishes. Going the more informal route? Homemade pizzas are always a hit, and you could top them off with arugula, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella.
Tiramisu
When it comes to dessert, one of the most classic Italian specialties is tiramisu. Tiramisu is a traditional dessert in Italy made of ladyfinger pastries dipped in coffee and then layered with egg yolks, mascarpone, cocoa powder, and sugar. It’s typically served chilled, which makes it the perfect dessert to serve on a hot summer’s night.
Grilled Peaches with Burrata
Can’t decide between sweet and savory when it comes to dessert? Try grilled peaches with burrata. Serve your peaches and burrata with honey and pistachios, with small pieces of crusty grilled bread. Italians often enjoy cheese as part of their dessert, and so this is the ideal dish for something that’s both fresh and rich for a cap on your perfect Italian dinner party.
Mangia Bene, Ridi Spesso, Ama Molto
There’s an Italian saying, “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto,” which translates to “Eat well, laugh often, love much.” This saying encapsulates the Italian way of life – and it’s the perfect toast for your Italian dinner party. Enjoy your time spent with family and friends, the delicious food you’ve made, and a long evening spent outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather that summer has to offer!
Ready for more hosting tips? Up Next: Upgrade Your Hosting Game With This Charcuterie Board With Honeycomb Recipe
This is fabulous! Thank you for the great ideas. Heading to Trader Joe’s now 😃
Enjoy!