Festive Family Christmas Eve in Naples
Things to Do
 
Here is a checklist of things to do and things to buy at the store in order to host this party:

Xmas - Things to Do

2-3 weeks prior: Invite friends and set the date

call merchants for hard-to-find ingredients: chicory, mediterranean sea bass, San Marzano tomatoes

consult with your specialty wine store about Italian wines to complement your meal if our suggestions are not available

sketch out how you would like your table to look – use the tabletop checklist in the general tips section to help you decide what elements you would like to included

determine what serving pieces you will need

ask guests to bring their favorite Christmas CD

1-2 weeks prior: Order floral arrangements and shop for or borrow table accessories such as:
 Colored votive holders and tea lights
 Vases
 Patterned dishware
 Table linens
 Orchids, pine cones
 brass/copper fireplace pit, cedar/pine chips, logs and lighter
 coordinating cardstock for blessing/placecards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barilla_grocery_woman

2 days prior: Get the table ready
 set the table, glassware and bar
 label your serving dishes and utensils
 finish gift wrapping
 create the blessing/placecards

1-2 Days Prior: Grocery Shop
>Produce
 1 bulb garlic
 2 medium hot red peppers
 8 basil leaves
 1 pound cherry tomatoes  
 2 pounds chicory (approximately 2-3 bunches - may substitute with endive)
 6 large plum tomatoes
 ½ bunch fresh oregano
 1 bunch Italian parsley
 1 bay leaf

>Dairy
 1 stick unsalted butter
 6 large eggs

>Grocery
 1 bottle extra virgin olive oil
 1 loaf Italian bread
 2 packages dry yeast
 1 bottle crushed red pepper flakes
 1 package (16 ounces) Barilla Spaghetti
 1 can black olives (can be substituted with Kalamata olives)

>Possible Pantry/fridge items
 salt
 fresh ground pepper
 cake flour
 sugar
 water

>Meat/Fish
 2 pounds grouper fillet
 1 ½ pounds small clams
 2 pounds Mediterranean Sea Bass (can substitute with regular sea bass)
>Specialty/Gourmet stores
 1 can(8 oz) Borlotti beans (may be substituted with canellini beans)
 1 can(8 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (or regular canned peeled tomatoes)
 1 bottle white wine (for recipe)
 1 bottle Rum
 Red and white wines

Xmas - Barilla Pasta (To Do)

Same Day: We recommend preparing all the food the day of for the best tasting, freshest experience. Don’t forget to make or purchase extra ice!

3 Hours Prior: Chill prosecco and white wines if being served

½ Hour Prior:
Light Candles
Open wine
Greet and welcome guests
Designate one guest to handle the photos and another to handle the music



 




 Festive Family Christmas Dinner in Naples  
Overview |Setting the Scene |To Do/Shopping List |Il Menu |Element of Fun