Entertain Like an Italian

entertain-like-an-italianWhenever you are thinking about great food for Italian entertaining, then you will have quite a lengthy list of items to choose from.  This is because Italian dining events are grand gatherings.  Gathering at a home for a meal is what Italians look forward to. It is because this is the time when they get to be with their loved ones while dining on great food.  The gathering doesn’t only have to happen for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary; it can be organized just because the family hasn’t gotten together for a few weeks. There are a lot of different types of food that you can enjoy at these a casual get together or to celebrate an event.

Foods that are included in Italian entertaining include the following:

Small Finger Foods

You can never go wrong whenever you start off entertaining with some vegetables and dip.  This finger food is not only simple but it is also healthy too.  Furthermore, it is also great if you want to have something light before eating a large meal.  However, if you want something more than just vegetables and dip, then you could offer some small pastries stuffed with either cheese or chopped meats.  Antipasto platters a Bruschetta are good finger foods to offer as guests arrive. Regardless of what you choose to offer your guests, they will be grateful for something to snack on while waiting for dinner.

A Big Meal Is a Big Deal

Your guests will be even more appreciative once the actual dinner is actually served.  This part of the entertaining can begin with an Italian pasta or rice dish. The main course should have a combination of both meat and vegetables.  Usually the meat of choice will be fish, poultry, or a roast cooked with Italian seasonings.  Vegetables are traditionally sautéed or grilled, but can be served steamed.  A large salad with lots of fresh ingredients and fresh garlic bread is a great addition to any Italian feast.

While many cultures will entertain and serve a large, in Italy this type of meal is enjoyed on a regular basis.  There isn’t any need for a special event in order to eat a big meal.  This is because most Italians understand that having family and friends gather together for a large meal like this is actually a special occasion in and of itself.

Delicious Desserts

Usually everyone is very full after dinner and there may not be much room for dessert. Small cupcakes, cookies, fudge, and other desserts served in small pieces often are best. Decorative dessert boxes can be provided for those who want to take dessert home to enjoy when they are not quite as full is a good idea also.

The Bigger the Better

There is no reason why you need to wait for a special occasion in order to put together this type of a feast.  You can enjoy entertaining like an Italian by inviting your family and friends at any time you want.  So, while most people in North America will only do this a couple of times a year, Italians will enjoy such events on a weekly or monthly basis.  With this in mind, you should also know that the Italians feel that the bigger the meal, the better it is. To cut back on the cost of entertaining, the host or hostess can provide the main meat dish and others can bring additional dishes so that everyone can contribute. This will add to the variety of types of food that is served. Have everyone bring a bottle of wine to allow for a variety of wines to be served.

When you want to entertain like an Italian but don’t want to cook, have a local Italian Restaurant cater the gathering. You can have them cater the entire meal including desert or have them provide 2-3 main dishes and have guests bring the sides. There are a number of combinations that are possible that will make entertaining like an Italian easy and affordable. In Florida you can go to Mama Jennie’s Italian Restaurant and Catering for authentic Italian food.

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