Italian Feast

For a taste of la dolce vita, turn your next dinner party into a boisterous Italian feast.

Photography by James Tse
Food styling by Claire Stubbs
Prop styling by Jane Hardin

First published in Wish September 2007

Planning the Menu:
Play up the Italian bistro theme with any of these authentic options.

Aperitivi (cocktails to start)

Antipasto (appetizers)

A platter with marinated vegetables, olives, prosciutto, cheeses and grissini (breadsticks)
Foccacia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping

Primi (first course)

Serve soup with a pasta or risotto (try Linguine à la Casa and/or Penne Carbonara)

Secondo (main course)

Usually meat, poultry, or fish (try our Primo Chicken Parmesan)

Insalata (after main course)

Dolci (sweets)

Digestivi (liqueurs to aid digestion)

Café

From the Cellar
Perfect Italian wine pairings.

Linguine à la Casa
White: Soave or Chardonnay
Red: Chianti

Penne Carbonara
White: Verduzzo
Red: Valpolicella

Primo Chicken Parmesan
White: Gavi or a dry Orvietto
Red: Bardolino

Prep Time
5 easy tips for creating a casual Italian atmosphere.

Choose a simple centrepiece. Small terracotta pots of fresh herbs are all you need.
Impress friends with your Italian flair. Serve wine in double old-fashioned glasses. Bonus: Affordable, easy to find (even at hardware stores), and you’ll use them again and again.
Use empty wine bottles as candlestick holders for a rustic feel. Wax drippings and signs of wear and tear will make them look more authentic.
Keep the setting simple. Use everyday classic white dishes. Tip: Choose either a gingham tablecloth or napkins, not both. If you opt for the tablecloth, go with large white or cream-coloured linen napkins.
Don’t stress about using proper serving dishes. Let guests help themselves directly from the cooking pots on the table.

6 Table Essentials