"Before our recent holiday becomes a distant memory, I would love to share the the magic of this stylish destination with friends who were unable to join us.
But how can I recreate those romantic evenings, dining in intimate restaurants along the Amalfi Coast?"
I was delighted to respond to this request.
ESCAPE TO THE AMALFI COAST - without leaving your dining room!
What could be more perfect than inviting those special friends to a dinner party and sharing your holiday memories with them?
Recreate the ambience of this most stylish destination for your guests to enjoy.
The main colours to focus on are blue, green, and lemon. Avoid pastel shades - you need to go for vibrant tones.
Choose tableware, table linens and decor in these colours to create that Mediterranean chic and elegance.
Soft candlelight will add a romantic glow. But why stop there?
Recreate the lush greenery by hanging foliage from an 'over the table' frame or try draping some from a chandelier - perhaps adding a string or two of fairy lights for added atmosphere.
Arm yourself with a dozen or so fresh lemons to add to the foliage or table decor, and you are on your way to achieving the Amalfi Coast vibe.
For a personal touch that will make your guests feel extra special, place name cards and individual menus at each place setting.
So, the table is set, what's next?
COME DINE ITALIAN STYLE
A few tips that will have you and your guests living la dolce vita!
1. Start the party with a welcome Italian aperitivo, accompanied by a variety of antipasti.
Ensure that you also offer an alternative non alcoholic cocktail, especially if wine is being served with the meal.
Otherwise you may end your evening with
overnight guests, you hadn't counted on!
Image by KamranAydinov - on Freepik
2. Choose an Italian menu.
As you will have taken so much time and effort with your Tablescape and room setting, serving a simple *fresh pasta dish accompanied with garlic bread and salad will be fine. No need to spend hours slaving over a hot stove!
Image by timolina on Freepik
*I was fortunate to take a cooking class at the il Salviatino Hotel in Florence in 2011.
I was taught several simple but impressive dishes that would be perfect for an Italian lunch or dinner party.
I have been serving them at my own parties and receiving many compliments over the past twelve years.
These delicious recipes are available to download, on request.
For wine, it has to be an Italian.
Typically, red wine goes well with meat dishes and white with fish. Or you could include a Rose wine too.
Placing a jug of chilled water with slices of lemon or lime on the table will be a welcome touch - perhaps add a few sprigs of mint.
Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik
3. Create a playlist of romantic Italian music to play softly in the background,
during the meal.
can always liven things up afterward
with some of those Dean Martin
favourites we all love to sing along to.
There's nothing quite like 'That's Amore'
or Volare blaring out, to have your guests singing along.
And a few bars of 'Mambo Italiano' is certain to have your guests dancing around the table!
WHAT TO WEAR FOR AN ITALIAN THEMED DINNER PARTY
Now the choice of music, table setting, drinks and menu have been decided - what can possibly be missing?
How about suggesting a dress code for your party?
This is such a glamorous destination, so
for the ladies, think of palazzo pants, floaty silk tops, floral maxi dresses or skirts.
Thankfully comfortable stylish sandles are perfect for this look - add a colouful silk scarf and sunglasses if, like the A-listers, you want to stay incognito.
And gentlemen can't go wrong with a crisp white shirt, summer jacket, dark jeans or casual slacks or khakis.
Image by Freepik
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