So, as July comes to an end and I would much rather be on vacation in Tuscany, sipping fabulous Italian wine then in my hot 1-bedroom apartment in NYC I'm thinking a "Tuscan Themed Dinner Party" with friends may be a fun idea.
First and foremost, the table scape, obviously. We are going with a "Tuscan theme" here so we will need a long continuous, preferably wooden, dining table.
I'm thinking rustic. So, what better then pizza boards to display cheese, charcuterie and french breads...
I don't want to spend a fortune so I found these on amazon.com and they are pretty perfect. Also a perfect size 14x14", $29 each.
Next, we obviously need lighting. I'm thinking votives. Lots and lots of votives.
West Elm has the perfect Mercury votives for $5
Next, napkins and plates.
Again, don't want to spend a fortune but want it to look super cute! Etsy.com of course is my answer.
Betsygrace has these great linen napkins, and she will embroider anything you can think of on them. I went with the simple lowercase, "eat."
$72/set of 6
Sundance catalog has great rustic flatware and serving pieces.
I love the below Artisan Hammered Flatware.
$35/ 5-piece set.
Pottery Barn has great wooden platters and serving bowls. They come in an array of shapes and sizes.
Flowers. I think sunflowers would be a perfect touch here. Simplicity is key. Go for a simple glass vase. Even a mason jar would do.
So let's get to the fun part, um... the Food!
A typical Tuscan meal has a certain format. An Antipasti is the appetizer and is the first course which includes Prosciutto, salami and marinated veggies. Also, a selection of cheese such as provolone, mozzarella and roasted red peppers.
Primi is the next course and I am feeling a nice crisp salad.
My favorite is Caesar and I have a fabulous recipe-
Secondi is the second course. For this, usually a meat or seafood. I am more of a fish kinda gal so i'm going to go with my fav, zuppa di pesce. Fresh, fragrant Italian bread to soak up the sauce from the zuppa is most necessary.
Dolce, which is the 'sweet' course or the dessert will finish the party (well, and the flowing vino). This can include seasonal fruit, cakes, or Italian ice cream like Gelato. Go to a good Italian restaurant or deli and pick up a few different flavors of Gelato.
And last, but definitely not least, the wine!
Kick back, relax, close your eyes and with enough Pinot Noir, you may just think you really are in Tuscany for a fleeting moment.
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