UPDATED FEBRUARY 24, 2025
The art of hosting a dinner party is just like any other, it takes practice. It can be a bit hard to know what to do and where to start especially when trying to achieve a specific vision. So, why not let us do the heavy lifting?
Parties inspired by Italian Summers have been popping up everywhere! Whether it’s phrased as Italian Summer, Positano Party, or Almafi Coast Inspired, it’s all similar! Parties inspired by the beautiful Mediterranean beaches, cuisine, and people!
Want to pull it off? Here is how to throw an Italian Summer-inspired dinner party.
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Table of Contents
Select a color palette and decor that could blend right in on the Amalfi Coast
Italian Summer Color Palette
Choose 1-2 bold colors and 1 accent color that reflect the warm, bright colors of the architecture and nature seen on the coast.
The most popular colors when you look up inspiration for “Amalfi Coast” or “Positano” are orange, yellow, white, blue, and green.
The most popular combination is blue, white, and yellow. Colors inspired by the sea, the architecture, and the lemon trees that are seen throughout the coast.
Amalfi Inspired Decor
The decor is where you will show the theme the most. It is what your guests will interact with initially and throughout the night.
Choose whether you want to go more classic, understated, chic, fun, or whatever vibe you would like, and head over to Pinterest to look for inspiration.
Going classic means less themed decor and more pieces that show you the theme, not tell you. Choose elements you would see in Italian decor or stick to classic designs in the color palette you’ve chosen.
If you want to put a more trendy spin on it, add elements that are playful yet intentional. The current trend of doodled or hand-drawn table decor works well here.
Choose words like “Positano Party Inspiration” or “Italian Summer Aesthetic”.
Choose elements that fit your chosen vibe while honoring the color palette you chose. Making sure to pay attention to the small things like serveware!
Don’t forget to use elements that are not considered traditional decor. If you are leaning into the lemon theme, consider using them as table settings or centerpieces.
Be sure to add something that brings life into the atmosphere. Whether in the tablescape or the surrounding decor, add fresh fruit or flowers to honor the bustling life that is present everywhere on the Italian coast.
Don’t forget the small details, be intentional in every decision you make, down to the dessert bowls and napkins.
Design a menu that is easy but honors Italian summer cuisine
Italian Appetizer Options
Choose 1-2 options to get the party started.
Roasted Tomatoes & Burrata
Go classic and easy with simple ingredients and a simple presentation that are quintessentially Italian.
Italian Grilled Eggplant
This Italian grilled eggplant is something a bit more unexpected but true to Italian cuisine and offers up a unique vegetarian option.
Bread and Dips
If you’ve ever visited an Italian restaurant, you know that bread and dip never fails. It is super easy, customizable, and it gives you room for creativity and variety.
Italian Coast’s Main Course’s
Select a showstopping main course.
Fruitti de Mare
Originating from coastal Italian towns, this recipe uses fresh seafood and classic Italian ingredients to make a delicious pasta dish with a bit of a kick.
Personal Pizzas
Make your dinner party interactive by premaking dough and setting out a variety of fresh, Italian coast-inspired ingredients. Guests can create their dishes, perfectly suited to their liking.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
This vegetarian-friendly dish recently had a moment in the spotlight, thanks to Stanley Tucci, but has been around long before that. It is topped with unexpected but welcomed fried zucchini.
Sweet Summer Dessert Options
Choose a decadent way to finish the meal.
Gelato
Gelato is synonymous with Italy, so it is hard to skip out on a chance to try a few different flavors with your guests. You can choose a few of your favorites to share with guests.
Torta Caprese
This traditional cake is a wonderful nod to local cuisine while ending the meal on a decadent note.
Sorbetto al Limone
One thing you are sure to find up and down the Italian coast is Lemon Sorbet or Sorbetto al Limone. While we cannot guarantee it will taste like it was made with the famed coastal lemons, it will be pretty close!
Signature Drink Options
Select 1-2 signature drinks to dazzle guests.
Limoncello Spritz
Limoncello is one of the signature spirits of the Italian coast and this is one of the best uses of it. Lean fully into the lemon theme with this Limoncello Spritz.
Aperol Spritz
If anything can compete with Limoncello, it’s the Aperol Spritz. The Campari-based cocktail screams Italian summer.
Sgroppino (Prosecco Float)
Summers mean hot weather so why not sip and cool off at the same time? Try out this adult version of a float made with sorbet and Prosecco. Be sure to put them in a cute glass!
When planning your dinner party, think about cohesion and the overall theme but don’t overdo it. Ultimately your guests are there to enjoy your company, so whatever choice you make is right. Focus on being a good host by making sure your guests are comfortable and fed. The most important thing is to remember to enjoy the company of the people around you, there is a reason they got an invite.
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