If you were throwing an Italian party, what would you cook?

[goingmadinthecountry]

We have an annual summer party, always with a theme. This year we're going Italian. There'll be about 40/50 people, mainly adults but a few kids - mainly friends of our teenagers. Would like a 60s vibe with decorations - more Sophia Loren than togas!

I'm thinking Bellinis, antipasti (I know it's banned on MN), salads, breads, baked pasta dishes. Am looking for a couple of low hassle at the last minute ideas that aren't pasta based - maybe a couple of cheapish Italian slow cooker ideas???

Puds will be tiramisu, a gelato bar (if a lovely neighbour will lend me freezer space) and a vat of Limoncello for me!

Thank you

this addapted is good

Use chicken thighs and not cutlets (whatever chiken cutlets are?)

Prep as stated and then when cooked off in the pan place in slow cooker. Buy packs of chicken thighs and borrow a second slow cooker. I would cook them early on and then when your guests arrive they will be tneder and easy to eat and the bone will fall away from the meat with ease.

That looks lovely - will have a trial next weekend! Thank you.

i've made these beef wraps and also veggie ones using aubergine instead of the beef.

I always think Italian food is like most mediterranean food in that it's fewer big central cooked dishes and lots of excellent sides. I'd be doing lasagna or similar and perhaps some meatballs/cutlets of the sort that can be marinated and prepared mostly ahead of time and then going all out on the salads etc.

Although if you do want another, non pasta, hot dish - you can't go wrong with Melanzane alla Parmigiana - basically baked parmesan, tomato and mozarella.

Can't give you much help on the food, but I'd love an invite - sounds like a lot of fun

Chicken cacciatore (sp?) like a rustic chicken and tomato stew with olives etc. Could be slow cooked with chicken thighs. I think it's traditionally served with wet polenta but would be good with bread too. Or make a sausage casserole, but use Italian sausages that have lots of fennel in them.

And aubergine Bling

this looks very good, very calorific but supper for a party

Asparagus wrapped in Parma Ham.

I'd also make a huuuge insalata pomodoro - tomato salad made with either beef or plum tomatoes, a bit of red onion and lots of fresh basil, good olive oil and rock salt

Great- thank you all! My lot will be getting Italian food for the next few weekends as I try things out! I'll be working full time (normally pt) so lack of faff definitely a plus!

At least Italian is a sensible choice food wise - last year my bright idea for DH's 50th was Hawaii 5-0. That was a bit harder! I don't always think things through....

Arancini are good and can be made in advance. Lots of different variations .
Yum

Val: oops, key ingredient left out. Thanks for reminder!!

antipastis banned on MN???? have I missed something?

PANZANELLA salad
lots of chopped juicy tomatoes + olives + herbs marinating in olive oil
toss lots of crispy garlic bread at the last minute so it wont go soggy. Cheap and delicious

Yes to MELANZANE parmigiana
bake the day before, tis one of those dishes best eaten the next day.

I have a long list of antipasti, but if its a no-no.... (like chickpea and calamari cold salad - again great time saver as best eaten the next day)

can I come?

Ooh, I was going to say panzanella - I love it.

Agree that a few 'main' dishes and lots of salads would work best. It will be the quality of your ingredients that make the difference though - no cold, barely ripe tomatoes from a supermarket...the tomatoes you serve have got to be beautifully ripe and bursting with flavour.

Rindercella, have been following your threads without posting. Its heart warming seeing you comment on ripe tomatoes. sending lots of love your way.

Hello...Im new to Mums net, so please bear with me if I make any mistakes...
Have you tried Veal Parmigiana? It ever so good...basically, breadcrumb some lovely pieces of beaten veal escalopes, and fry them in a little butter and olive oil. Make a basic but gorgeous pomodoro sauce (tomato), and use a lovely big frying pan to make your sauce in (cooks quickly and evenly this way)...add the fried pieces of veal Milanese, just simply lay them on top of the sauce, and then put a lovely creamy slice of mozzarella on each piece of veal...into a moderate oven it goes for around half an hour/40 minutes, and there you have it! few beautiful fresh basil leaves on top, and you have Italy at your table.
I hope this helps xx