Photo
If you are looking to host a night your guests will remember for years to come; you can't beat a themed party. As long as these evenings are well planned, they take a lot of topping.

Let's look at how to throw a "favolosa Festa Italiana" or fabulous Italian Party!

Our Italian Cousins know how to cut loose, it's a time of high energy, lots of raucousnesses and, of course, great food.

To the Italians, life is to be celebrated, the family is crucial, and every meal means something. It's a chance to get together, to laugh, to talk and welcome their guests so make sure your party is going to be just as joyous.  

Firstly, invite a group that will gel well. A right mix of people, who don't necessarily have to know one another, but this is not the sort of party for wallflowers so perhaps invite your more introvert friends another time.

Inviti (Invites)

How about putting together a postcard of iconic Italian images. Easily found online you could include The Colosseum, the Tower of Pisa, Luciano Pavarotti, Sophia Loren or even Robert De Niro. Don't be tempted to write them entirely in English; it's time to dust off the Italian. The fun begins for your guests as they rush to the computer to translate your invite.

Decorazioni (Decorations)

Perhaps you could hand the Italian flag from the ceiling, or if you are partying outside drape orange, white and green lights from the trees. You could keep the colour theme throughout with balloons and streamers. 

Cibo (Food)

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to themed food for this type of gathering, but they are usually served in this order, but of course, you can pick and choose which courses you partake depending on the menu you plan.

Aperitivo 
This consists of small bowls of food such as olives, nuts, crisps and cubes of cheese.

Antipasto  
There is a wide choice here though typically foods eaten are salami, prosciutto, bresaola and other charcuterie products as well as more cheese and sandwich foods. The advice here though is to not skimp on the quality of meats presented. The tastes are imperative here, buy salami from a reputable deli or specialist shop.

Primo 
The first course which consists of hot food. Usually, non-meat dishes are served such as risotto, soup, gnocchi and polenta.

Secondo 
Meats like turkey, sausage, pork, steak, stew, beef, zampone, lamb, chicken, and varying fish and shellfish. 

Formaggi e Frutta 
A fantastic course dedicated entirely to local cheeses and fresh seasonal fruit. You have carte blanche to choose whichever local cheese you want.

Dolce 
Finally the dessert. Italians know how to do them well with such treats as tiramisu and panna cotta. A gelato in cones could also be enjoyed. 

Finish with a rich Italian coffee.

Plenty of dancing to follow, it's time to throw some shape and work off the Dolce!

As they leave, present your guests with a goodie bag consisting of a small bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, a little jar of tricolour pasta and a half bottle of Italian wine (full if you are feeling generous!)

An evening to remember and to celebrate la dolce vita!