The great thing about a Tuscany inspired table is that it can be as elegant or as laid back as you want it to be and your guests will love it just the same. I mean, who doesn’t love fresh pasta, right? But if you are looking to make it over the top elegant, here’s a few décor ideas to help you pull it off.
Ambiance. The saying is that people eat with their eyes first, so of course the best way to set the mood is to make a pretty table filled with loads of tall slender candlesticks, billowing fabric, and greenery for days. So, light those candles – and no, I don’t think you can ever have too many!
Time to eat. So what’s for dinner? Of course, traditional Italian fare should be on the menu. So when in Italy (or just inspired by some) eat as the Italians do! A typical meal in Italy takes place over several hours. They enjoy the company of one another, drink, and eat several courses. I’ll outline those for you briefly here. Start with the APERITIVO. This consists of small dishes like olives, nuts, and cheeses served with a glass of prosecco or wine. Next course is the ANTIPASTI. This is when you’d serve your charcuterie board with a selection of meats, cheeses and bread. The third course is the PRIMI. This is a soup or any dish without meat. SECONDI and and CONTORNI come next. This is your meat and vegetable side dish. Next up is the INSALATA. This is the salad course. A fruit course called the FORMAGGI E FRUTTA is after that. DOLCE comes next, aka dessert! What is served is typically something like a panna cotta, sorbet, tiramisu, or gelato. CAFFE (espresso) is served with dessert and followed by the DIGESTIVO (a dessert wine or cocktail such as limoncello, amaro, or grappa). Does this seem like a lot? Yes. But Italians don’t just make meals to eat – they make them to enjoy life with those around them.
Of course, if you need an easy, step by step way to pull this off, try using our Tuscany Party Package! Here’s what you’ll find in it:
- Printable 5×7 Flat Card Invitation
- Printable 8.5×11 Sign
- Printable 4×6 card
- Printable place cards (4 per page)
- Pasta Dough Recipe
- Haricot Vert Recipe
- Herb Dip Recipe
- Cucumber Melon Sangria
- Complete entertaining guide
- Photos to help you pull it all off
- Links to decor ideas
- Grocery List for easy print and go
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