How to Host an Authentic Italian Lunch

Inspiration and ideas for an afternoon in Italy at home.

BY VICKI MARTINEZ

An Italian dinner has the power to evoke visions of romantic candlelight accompanied by the soothing resonance of Dean Martin crooning “That’s Amore” in the background. But we’re here to say that there’s no reason the simple yet savory flavors of Italian cuisine should be confined to the dinner table.

Whether you’re planning an elegant garden party, a get-together with the girls and guys you haven’t seen in a corona-while, or hosting an afternoon summer soirée, an Italian-themed luncheon offers a unique and enjoyable way to entertain.

With the help of Lorenzo Boni, Executive Chef for Barilla America, we’ve created this amazing and authentic Italian lunch menu with tips for how to make it truly Italian.

 

Setting the Scene

For the tables, choose fabrics with a checker or stripe pattern to create a traditional Italian feel. If you plan on dining al fresco, ditch the tablecloth for a bare, wooden table decorated with flowers and seasonal foliage for a more rustic, earthy vibe. Small potted plants or tomato sauce cans filled with fresh basil add brightness and can serve as whimsical gifts for guests to take home. For simple centerpieces, adorn cake stands with bouquets of herbs, fresh grapes and lemons, or baskets of fresh tomatoes and artichokes. Or use mason jars filled with dried pasta and wrapped in colorful ribbon to typify the Italian motif.

setting the scene

setting the scene

Classic Summer Salad Recipes

For the tables, choose fabrics with a checker or stripe pattern to create a traditional Italian feel. If you plan on dining al fresco, ditch the tablecloth for a bare, wooden table decorated with flowers and seasonal foliage for a more rustic, earthy vibe. Small potted plants or tomato sauce cans filled with fresh basil add brightness and can serve as whimsical gifts for guests to take home. For simple centerpieces, adorn cake stands with bouquets of herbs, fresh grapes and lemons, or baskets of fresh tomatoes and artichokes. Or use mason jars filled with dried pasta and wrapped in colorful ribbon to typify the Italian motif.

Setting the Mood

A typical Italian lunch—il pranzo—is often the largest meal of the day in Italy. And to fully enjoy a substantial meal takes time.

A relaxed, let’s-slow-it-down atmosphere filled with light and lasting conversation captures the true spirit of mealtime in Italy. Encourage guests to embrace the Italian sentiment “dolce far niente,” which means “pleasant idleness,” as they settle in for an Italian long lunch.

Setting the Mood

A typical Italian lunch—il pranzo—is often the largest meal of the day in Italy. And to fully enjoy a substantial meal takes time.

A relaxed, let’s-slow-it-down atmosphere filled with light and lasting conversation captures the true spirit of mealtime in Italy. Encourage guests to embrace the Italian sentiment “dolce far niente,” which means “pleasant idleness,” as they settle in for an Italian long lunch.

 

Underscore the ambiance with soft background music, featuring traditional Italian melodies. Try this playlist from Spotify.

 

Underscore the ambiance with soft background music, featuring traditional Italian melodies. Try this playlist from Spotify.

 

Setting the Table

You’ve put a lot of thought, time and effort into planning your Italian-style lunch, so we thought we’d make the rest easy.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Here’s the exclusively curated Italian food menu created by Chef Lorenzo.

Bruschetta with multicolor tomatoes and basil

Penne primavera with crispy pancetta

Spaghetti with shrimp, mint and zucchini

Fruit salad with mint and honey

Buon appetito!

 
 

 

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