Setting the Scene
In America, chestnuts immediately conjure up images of them “being roasted on an open-fire”, but in Italy, this well-loved nut has many culinary purposes from being eaten raw, to roasted, boiled, stewed or dried. Italian chestnuts are grown in the high mountains of Italy and are not necessarily indigenous to one particular region – they can be found from Piemonte to Toscana and Umbria to Basilicata. Since fall is the best season for chestnuts, it’s the perfect inspiration for a cozy dinner for catching up with friends in front of a fire. Because roasting is such an interactive experience – the act of roasting combined with the nutty aroma and the heat of the fire and laughter with friends – we’ve incorporated this key element into our dinner party.
Tabletop: For this warm, comfortable dinner with friends, let rich hues of burnt orange, deep cherry wine and accents in burnt mustard/amber inspire your table setting. Begin with dressing the table with a tablecloth in deep cherry wine complemented with burnt orange napkins and a coordinating runner. If available, use rich red ceramic dishware. Add a single chestnut on each place setting on top of a simple, elegant napkin-fold, or use wooden napkin rings to add warmth.
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Décor: To bring more color and mood to the table, try adding colored glassware in amber or pumpkin hues. Include additional warm candlelight to complement the hurricanes with small votives in maize or orange colored glass.
Centerpieces: Since our inspiration for this dinner is chestnuts, why not feature them prominently on your table! Fill two or three modern, elegant hurricanes with chestnuts and amber or orange colored pillar candles for a simple centerpiece. For texture and added interest, weave twigs from fresh bright orange persimmon branches that is in season during the fall and can be ordered from the florist to complement the hurricanes.
Mood: For music, play CDs by contemporary Italian artists like Nek or Eros Ramazotti to set the mood for an evening with friends. Décor is easy with candlelight, a fire going in the fireplace and casual arrangements of organic autumn cuttings like persimmon branches, or solidago.
Element of Fun : To get in the mood of the autumn season and enhance the feeling of being outdoors, invite your guests to roast chestnuts – it’s a favorite past time that is sure to bring an element of warmth to your party and spur conversation among your guests. Nothing beats the smell of them roasting on an open fire. <<more>>
Favors: Provide guests with their own goodie bag of chestnuts for roasting. Fill simple clear bags you can find at stores like The Container Store and tie with a complementary colored ribbon. Use pre-cut gift tags that can be purchased (or made) and add your own touch by using a leaf-design paper hole punch or stamp to add interest and complement the autumn theme.
