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    Parties » Italian Dinner Party Recipes

    Italian Dinner Party Recipes

    Jan 1, 2022 · Last updated: Jan 1, 2023 by Gina Dickson · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    italian dinner party
    italian food dishes with flag overlay

    Do you need some inspiration for planning an Italian Dinner party? I've got all my favorite Italian dinner party recipes, decoration ideas, and music tips in one place to help you create a festive Italian feast for a memorable dinner party.

    a group of Italian meals with italian flag overlaid
    Jump to:
    • Let's Have An Italian Themed Dinner
    • Italian Dinner Party Ideas
    • Italian Dinner Vocabulary
    • Aperitivo
    • Italian Appetizer Recipes
    • Italian Pasta Recipes for Il Primo
    • Secondo The Italian Main Course
    • Contorno - The Side Dishes
    • Dolci Italian Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives
    • Italian Dinner Party Music
    • Italian Table Decorations
    • More Party Theme Ideas

    If you are planning a party, I have some tips to make it easier. Be sure to visit and pin my Party Tips For Serving Tea To A Crowd, How Much Taco Meat For A Crowd, and several posts that will help you safely use your slow cooker for entertaining.

    If you need a way to organize all your Italian dinner party ideas, get this Free Printable Party Planner to help you quickly throw a fun and memorable party. It has a lot of pdf pages you can place into a party binder to keep the process of planning a party easy.

    Let's Have An Italian Themed Dinner

    Whether you're planning an elaborate Taste of Italy or a simple family dinner for a special occasion, there are lots of options when it comes to planning the menu for your Italian feast.

    Much of Italian food is made with simple ingredients that highlight the freshness of the foods.

    Italian Dinner Party Ideas

    hands serving pasta out of a pan

    When planning your own Italian-themed dinner party, consider setting the tables with traditional Italian decor, serving up your favorite Italian red or white wine, and add some Italian-themed music for the occasion. But most importantly, choose a variety of recipes showcasing the foods commonly served in Italian cuisine.

    Italian Dinner Vocabulary

    Traditionally Italian dinners consist of many courses, typically more than those commonly served in the United States.

    chalkboard menu written in Italian

    Let's start out by learning some Italian dinner definitions. Then as you skim through the recipes below, you will find some Italian recipes to fit most of these different courses in the list below.

    • Aperitivo: A small glass of liqueur enjoyed before the meal, like Prosecco or Campari.
    • Antipasto: A traditional Italian meal starts with something to nibble on, called an antipasto, which translates into English as “before the meal.” Can include hot and cold Italian appetizers like Italian cheese, sopprasatta, bread, and dressed vegetables.
    • Primo: In Italy, pasta is a first course, or primo, served as an appetizer, not as the main event. Soup, rice, and polenta are the other options for the primo.
    • Secondo: The main course is called il secondo, or the second course. Chicken, meat, or fish are the usual choices for the main dish, and portions are generally small. These main courses are usually fairly simple, especially if a rich pasta or rice dish precedes them.
    • Contorno: A platter of cooked or fresh vegetables usually accompanies the main course. This side dish highlights the simple goodness of the vegetable.
    • Dolce and Caffe: A dolce (or sweet) ends a traditional Italian meal. A caffe refers to coffee and its permutations. It's a must with the dessert.
    • Digestivo: A “digestive” or after dinner liqueur like grappa and limoncello is often served at the end of a meal.

    Aperitivo

     Aperitivo (or apéritif) is often described as being similar to the American happy hour or cocktail hour held before a dinner party. An aperitivo is more like a pre-meal drink specifically meant to whet your appetite.

    Two Minute Espresso Martini with Baileys
    Espresso martini with Bailey’s is a two minute Italian cocktail and the best cocktail party drink recipe for the holidays!
    Recipe
    Ginger Pear Spirit Infused Cocktail
    Make your own handcrafted infused fruit-forward spirits to create this delicious Ginger Pear Spirit Infused Cocktail Crafting your own spirits is easy and creates unique flavor combinations you cannot buy in a store.
    Recipe
    Ginger Pear Spirit Infused Cocktail

    Italian Appetizer Recipes

    An appetizer in Italy is called an antipasto. It can be served hot or cold, cooked or raw. 

    Antipasti (plural form) can be served on individual plates, in bite-sized pieces on a plate that is passed around the table, or presented as an elegant centerpiece for everyone to share.

    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe
    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe in a bowl
    Bring a little Sicily to your table with this delicious Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe. The olives are infused with fresh herbs, garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of chili pepper for heat all smothered in extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar dressing.
    Recipe
    Panzanella Bread Salad
    An easy Italian appetizer made with with crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, green olives, capers, fresh basil, then lightly tossed with a dressing of fresh garlic, olive oil, anchovies, and red wine vinegar.
    Recipe
    Italian Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
    Crazy good and addictive this Italian Cheesy Pull Apart Bread is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The loaf is filled with a buttery garlic, pesto and Italian herb mixture then generously stuffed with mozzarella cheese to create each perfect bite for this pull apart Italian bread.
    Recipe
    italian cheesy bread
    Fresh Caprese Salad with Crispy Eggplant
    Crunchy, golden brown eggplant that isn’t greasy, sandwiched between tomato and mozzarella, then topped with syrupy balsamic vinegar and bit of olive oil! It's a tasty spin on the classic fresh tomato salad!
    Recipe
    Caponata alla Siciliana
    Caponata Siciliana is a traditional Italian eggplant stew from Sicily. It’s an easy recipe that's versatile and great as a side dish, main or as an appetizer!
    Recipe
    Roasted Garlic Grissini (Italian Breadsticks)
    These delicious Roasted Garlic Grissini (Italian Breadsticks) are classic thing and long breadsticks packed with garlic flavor.
    Recipe
    Easy Antipasto Platter
    This antipasto salad recipe is loaded up with meat, cheese, and veggies - salami, goat cheese, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, olives, pickled red onions, pepperoncini, tomato, and roasted red peppers.
    Recipe
    Potato and Pancetta Pizza (Pizza Bianca)
    This delicious pizza Bianca is topped with potato rounds, pancetta, mozzarella, and smoked Gouda and is flavored with rosemary. Give this authentic pizza recipe from the north of Italy a try. Trentino region.
    Recipe

    Italian Pasta Recipes for Il Primo

    This first course traditionally includes pasta, soup, rice, or creamy risotto. While in the US, we often associate pasta as a main meal, in Italy, it's the start of the meal.

    Keep the portions small and make it self-serve. Let your guests know there is more coming, so they don't fill up!

    Easy Entertaining Tip: How about having an Italian pasta bar meal? Serve different types of pasta shapes, spaghetti, cork, and bow tie. Then, have several sauces for toppings. Just add a simple salad and bread, and you have a wonderful Italian pasta bar meal.

    Italian Dinner Party of spaghetti with fresh tomatoes sauce

    Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

    Treat your guest by serving a homemade tomato sauce dish. The rich, delicious flavor of this traditional marinara sauce is amazing. It is like stepping into a sweet Italian grandma’s kitchen. The aroma of tomatoes and garlic roasting creates the anticipation for the delicious bowl of spaghetti you soon will be eating.
    Recipe
    Healthy Turkey Bolognese Recipe
    This classic Italian turkey bolognese recipe makes a hearty and healthy sauce to serve up with your favorite pasta. Tomatoes are slow cooked with onions, garlic, celery, carrots and lots of fresh herbs for a pasta dinner eveyone will love!
    Recipe
    Turkey bolognese recipe on a plate with chili pepper seeds and parmesan in bowls by it.
    Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach
    Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach is a one-pot wonder of creamy light lemon and garlic flavors that is an easy healthy vegan meal your entire family will love.
    Authentic Cacio e Pepe (Three Ingredients Only!) - Urban Farmie
    Delicious, authentic, three ingredient cacio e pepe from Rome! Creamy, luscious pasta that's great for a weeknight dinner or date night anytime!
    Recipe
    Tuscan Minestrone with Orzo Pasta
    Tuscan minestrone with orzo pasta has fresh seasonal veggies and greens, beans and pasta. A delicious and nutritious authentic Italian recipe. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a bit more flavor!
    Recipe
    Testaroli Pasta Recipe
    Testaroli is a unique, tasty, & traditional Italian pasta that you should be trying. Make a from-scratch pasta that some believe to be the first pasta ever made. Give it a try!
    Recipe
    Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon & Peas
    Bright, fresh, and layered with ‘soft as a cloud’ gnocchi, this recipe is fabulous as a quick meal or planned dinner party dish!
    Recipe
    Stuffed Shells
    Stuffed Shells are a comforting, filling meal that makes the perfect meal for a large group. Large pasta shells are stuffed with a lemony-chive cheese mixture and topped with tomato sauce. They are baked to perfection and will warm you right up!
    Recipe
    Gnocchi alla Sorrentina - Inside The Rustic Kitchen
    From Sorrento a costal town between the Amalfi coast & Naples (Campania region). Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an incredible Italian comfort food dish made with soft and light potato gnocchi baked in a rich and delicious tomato sauce with bubbling mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
    Recipe
    Creamy Asparagus Risotto
    Creamy Asparagus Risotto: quick to make, really satisfying and actually healthy, when not drenched in butter and cheese. Unfortunately there is a drawback to risottos: basically, you’re not allowed to get it right unless you have an Italian grandma, and this is why I expect someone commenting that t…
    Recipe
    Turkey Tortellini Soup
    This delicious soup recipe makes a nice change from all the heavy creamy tortellini soup recipes. It's made with leftover turkey in a rich broth with a bright shot of lemon.
    Recipe
    Tortellini soup in a pot on the table.

    Secondo The Italian Main Course

    Most often consisting of a meat dish, this course often is served in smaller portions than commonly served in the United States.

    Eggplant and Beef Meatballs

    Beef and eggplant meatballs in a casserole dish on a counter.
    Your family will applaud your dinner when you make this healthy and delicious Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe.
    Recipe
    Beer Roasted Pork Roast
    A traditional, slow-cooked roast that gives you time to invest in something else, maybe to knead bread or to make a batch of ricotta tortelli
    Recipe
    A pork roast served up on a plate on the table.
    Peposo - Tuscan Red Wine Beef Stew - Inside The Rustic Kitchen
    Peposo is a traditional Tuscan Beef Stew originating from Florence. It truly is the simplest stew you’ll ever make yet it has so much flavour. Made with garlic, lots of black pepper and a whole bottle of red wine, super delicious and perfect served with creamy polenta.
    Recipe
    Roast Pork Loin with Pears
    Here it is a traditional Tuscan menu for Christmas, which includes crostini, lasagne, roast pork loin with pears and the typical Medieval Sienese sweets.
    Recipe

    Contorno - The Side Dishes

    Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs

    Red and yellow tomatoes cut in half on a plate.
    If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
    Recipe
    Italian Crunch Chopped Salad
    A whole meal salad recipe built on top of a piece of crispy cheese garlic bread and topped with crispy prosciutto and tangy gorgonzola cheese.
    Recipe
    Italian Crunch Chopped Salad
    Purslane Salad with Pomegranate, Fig, Walnut and Quince
    This delicious purslane salad with pomegranate, fresh figs, toasted walnuts and baby quince celebrates the flavours of southern Puglia, Italy.
    Recipe
    Italian Arugula Salad
    An easy take on the green salad makes a simple side dish for just about any Italian main dish. The simple ingredients and homemade dressing really emphasizes the fresh flavors.
    Recipe
    Arugula salad on a white plate with fresh lemon slices on top.
    Low Carb Italian Kale Salad
    Sweet creamy dressing tossed with toasted pecans, tomatoes and crunchy cabbage create this wonderful and surprisingly Low Carb Italian Kale Salad.
    Recipe

    Dolci Italian Dessert Recipes

    An Italian dinner party should definitely end with an amazing dessert! Here you will find several faves from super easy to more elaborate creations.

    When I was in Italy, I spent some time with Giulia Scarpaleggia of Jul's Kitchen. She is a charming chef with a heart for teaching the world how to cook authentic Italian food. Her stories and recipes are a delight.

    She also taught me while I was in Italy an authentic Italian recipe for this slightly sweet biscotti with hints of orange, almonds, and honey.

    Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti

    Biscotti on a saucer with coffee
    Julia, from Jul's Kitchen, the famous Italian chef, teaches you everything you need to know to make Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti with this recipe. It's a classic Italian biscotti with a hint of citrus and almond flavor in a sweet, crisp cookie-like stick that turns out perfect every time.
    Recipe
    Strawberry Tart with Elderflower Pastry Cream
    A buttery shortcrust shell filled with an elderflower pastry cream filling and plenty of ripe strawberries, simply dressed with lemon juice and sugar it is a dessert that is sure to wow your guest.
    Recipe
    A strawberry tart on the table with a piece cut out on a plate.

    She has a wonderful Italian cookbook full of beautiful stories, pictures, and great recipes. I highly recommend adding I Love Toscana to your collections.

    Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee
    How to make an authentic Italian Affogato! A 5-minute dessert made with creamy vanilla gelato and a strong shot of espresso coffee!
    Recipe
    Italian Affogato Recipe - Ice Cream And Coffee
    Italian Almond Cookies (Ricciarelli)
    Siena Tuscany. The easiest Italian Almond Cookies also know as Ricciarelli will transport you straight to the rustic streets of Siena. Soft and slightly chewy bursting with almond and orange and dusted with powdered sugar. You won’t believe how low prep they are and how easy they are to whip up!
    Recipe

    Healthy Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives

    Stuffed mushroom caps in a pan.
    Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for your next party, full of garlic, toasted pecans, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and then topped with a citrus basil dressing. They are easy to make and you can make them ahead then bake just before a party.
    Recipe
    Vegan Italian Wedding Soup
    Warm up on a chilly night with a bowl of this Vegan Italian Wedding Soup. It’s brimming with veggies, pasta pearls, and savory vegan meatballs.
    Recipe
    Vegan Pasta Caprese (30-minute meal) Vegan Huggs
    This Vegan Pasta Caprese takes 30 minutes to make and has a fresh taste of summer in every bite. Dairy-free & gluten-free option.
    Recipe
    Summer Farro Salad
    Summer Farro Salad is a delicious and easy salad made with hearty and healthful farro, olive oil, lemon juice, zucchini, peas, pesto, and freshly chopped parsley.
    Recipe
    Plant Based Vegan Bolognese Sauce
    Plant-based bolognese sauce makes a heart and tasty meal that everyone will love, even teat eaters! It's easy to make and goes together quickly in the instant pot.
    Recipe
    Plant-based Bolognese Sauce on pasta with garlic bread in bowl too

    ✝️ Hospitality Tip: In the churches that Paul visited, meals were the setting for most, if not all, church gatherings. When serving an Italian dinner, bring up a discussion about Paul's time in Rome. (Acts 28:11-31 )

    Italian Dinner Party Music

    Create a playlist on Amazon Music or Spotify. Italian-American flair would be hit by Dean Martin and Rosemary Clooney. You could add classical opera by Puccini, or a more contemporary sound with Eros Ramazzotti or Lucio Battisti.

    Italian Dinner Party Music CD

    Italian Table Decorations

    Italian dinner setting

    This Vicarious Life sets the mood with a rustic Italian dinner theme. Natural elements such as wood placemats, dried leaf garlands on a simple white table cloth makes this an easy look to emulate. Use long thin breadsticks in a clear glass, sparkling natural mineral water and Moscow mule mugs for decorations. Fresh rosemary tied with twin

    Limonata Sparkling Lemon Beverage

    Large Wood Slices for Centerpieces

    Moscow Mule Copper Mugs 

    Thin Breadsticks

    vegetables used as a centerpiece

    Inspired by This shows how to create a table centerpiece using the vegetables you will be serving in your menu. This tablescape is created with cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, fresh herbs, and Italian bread. They are all placed on a large piece of wood. Fresh flowers are then placed sporadically about and in empty wine bottles used as vases. Very simple to do but elegant.

    Artificial Cabbage Plant

     Black Striped Table Runner

    olive and olive oil on a board

    Style Me Pretty has a beautiful picture teaching us how to set up an olive bar for our party. A variety of olive oils, bottles of vinegar, olives, and fresh cubes of bread give your guest delicious choices to fill their plates with.

    Countertop cutting board with adjustable legs

    Calabash Bowls 

    Big Easy Chopping Block

    Olive Oil Dipping Bowls

    italian theme place setting

    Cortney over at Pizzazzerie sets her tables with red checkered napkins, fresh herbs. She shares with us how to create a fun Italian word search name card as part of the table setting.

    Gingham Plaid Check Fabric Napkins

    Disposable Gold & White Silverware

    italian themed dinner table

    Fantabulosity shares with us a cute idea for an Italian dinner party table setting that uses bread as decorations. In the background, you can see she rolled brown paper bags and used them as serving bowls; what a cute idea!

    Natural Kraft Paper Silverware Bags 

    3x3x3 Brown Gift Boxes

    Black and White Wovon Edge Gingham Ribbon

    Rosemary Live Edible Aromatic Herb Plant-4 Pack

    More Party Theme Ideas

    • Authentic Masters Party Ideas
    • Favorite Adult Christmas Party Ideas and Games For 2022
    • 60 Fun Dinner Party Themes and Ideas
    • The Best "Fun" Adult Birthday Party Ideas
    • 50 Mexican Party Theme Ideas and Recipes
    • Ultimate List For Party Bus Themes
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    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    About Gina Dickson

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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    1. Marcia Wolff

      September 07, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      I would love to know where to get the elevated board tiu have the olive bar display

      Reply
      • Gina

        September 08, 2020 at 8:36 pm

        I just linked in the post a few that are similar to the original poster, Style Me Pretty.

        Reply
    2. Sandra

      October 20, 2021 at 9:24 am

      Where did you do your word search cards. Which website?

      Reply
      • Gina

        October 21, 2021 at 4:41 pm

        Try this site for a make your own word search. Just choose Italian words you would like to use and then it will fill in letters and scramble it for you. Just download and print. https://www.education.com/worksheet-generator/reading/word-search/?gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbVL1E3ODEA66mWG83QheqV1jTtFxI5PlRBe61fjG45Eg088EWmO8KhoCe0MQAvD_BwE

        Reply
    3. Amy Bolt

      January 17, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      on the very first photo, what is pictured in the left bottom picture?

      Reply
      • Gina

        January 17, 2022 at 5:41 pm

        Amy, The image is an Italian Affogato recipe. I think what happened, the post is no longer on the internet. I did some research and found another link to a recipe you might like to try. It's a really easy dessert and the couple that has the recipe on their site lived in Italy for a while so I am sure it's authentic. If you try the recipe I would enjoy hearing your opinion.

        Reply
        • Amy Bolt

          January 17, 2022 at 6:20 pm

          Thank you so much!

          Reply

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