Tuscan Dinner Party
In case you didn't get that Italian vacation this summer...
As night time temps cool off, late summer is the perfect time to host an al fresco dinner party! Inspired by that Italian vacation we never took this summer, we decided to create our own Tuscan magic. Guests dined under grape leaves and twinkling lights, the table was set with greens that reflected the leaves above, napkins were stitched by Monogram Mary, and there were lots of Chianti bottles covered with olive wood and grass. The evening started with guests sipping sparkling cocktails and ended with an affogato by candle light.
MENU
Negroni Sbagliatos
Warm Crostini with Mozzarella, Tomato & Capers
Cacio E Pepe
Florentine Style Steak & Arugula
Affogatos & Biscotti
HOSTING TIPS:
Buy Italian style bottles of chianti called Fiaschi that are wrapped in straw. They are visually appealing on the table and are a great Italian table wine that isn’t expensive.
Batch out a pitcher of Sbagliatos to start. The perfect Italian aperitif.
Decorate your table with large vases of greenery to anchor your table, and then little bud vases, fresh artichokes and lots of votive candles.
Include tuscan bread and little olive wood bowls of olives! We also had little olive wood bowls of flaky salt.
Brew your espresso in advance and warm it quickly in the microwave right before serving your affogatos to cut down on time in the kitchen. Serve with store bought biscotti.
Tuscan Dinner Party Essentials:
Nuked coffee? Instead, why not brew it ahead & keep hot in a thermal carafe? Heating up the carafe with hot water while you brew the coffee keeps it hotter/longer.