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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Select a color palette and decor that could blend right in on the Amalfi Coast
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.
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.
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 traditional decor. If you are leaning into the lemon theme, consider using them as table settings or centerpieces.
Design a menu that is easy to make but honors the Italian summer cuisine
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
Something a bit more unexpected but more true to Italian cuisine
Bread and Dips
Super easy, customizable, and it gives you room for creativity and variety.
Main Course Options
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.
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 serve up a few different varieties. 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.
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, remember to enjoy the company of the people around you, there is a reason they got an invite.
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