2-3 weeks prior : Set the date, time and location.
 
Invite friends:   
 Incorporate the Italian Summer Picnic party theme into your invitations.  If using a computer – you just need your computer, paper, envelopes and stamps.  If using magazines to hand-make, you’ll need paper, a selection of magazines, scissors, glue stick and a nice pen.  Also, consider sending e-vites or purchasing invitations at stationary stores or party stores.

 Call merchants for hard-to-find ingredients, such as Italian meats and cheeses.

Purchase small baskets to fill with cherries to give as party favors to guests.

 Consult with your specialty wine store about Italianwines to compliment the menu 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 include.

Determine what serving pieces you will need.  You will need 3-4 platters, a serving bowl for the pasta salad, small fruit bowls, 2 containers for breadsticks, a basket for the bread,and a wine bucket and stand if desired.

1-2 weeks prior: Select plants or flowers to use for the centerpiece.

 Select candle holders and purchase candles for tabletop.

 Select music CDs to play during the party.

Element of Fun: 
Purchase or borrow a bocce ball set.  Available at sporting goods stores, department stores and online.
 
Beverages: 
  Select matching wine and water glasses.  Have available a wine bottle opener and a  wine bucket to keep at the table  - eliminating multiple trips indoors.
 Table linens (tablecloth, cloth napkins, coasters) anddecorative items (candle holders, candles, vases, and chair cushions).

2 days prior :

  Select outdoor location to place table and chairs; incorporate indoor pieces if outdoor furniture is not available

 Label your serving dishes and utensils

Mow lawn if necessary

1-2 Days Prior: Shop for groceries

Produce
 1 pound cherry
 1-4 tomatoes on the vine
 Tomatoes
 1 bunch fresh basil
 Bunch fresh basil
 1 fresh garlic bulb
 2 medium zucchini
 1 medium eggplant
 8 plum tomatoes
 1 yellow bell pepper
 1 red bell pepper
 Watermelon
 1 bunch fresh mint
 Pepper
 Cantelope melon
 2-3 peaches

Dairy
 Fresh buffalo cheese
 1 stick butter
 Mozzerella cheese
 1 wedge Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
 6 oz. stracchino or robiola cheese
 4 oz. pecorino
 4 oz. gorgonzola cheese

Grocery
 1 bottle extra virgin olive oil
 1 box (16 oz) Barilla Rotini
 Bread crumbs
 One can (6 oz) tuna in oil
 Bottled sparkling, still and soda waters

Possible Pantry/ Fridge Items
 Flour
 Baking soda
 sea salt
 Lard
 Black peppercorns

Meat
 3 oz Prosciutto di Parma
 3 oz. salami
 3 oz. Mortadella

Specialty/Gourmet Shops
 Academia Barilla Mont Iblei extra virgin olive oil (available online at www.academiabarilla.com 
 One bottle of champagne
 Selection of Italian red and wine wines

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!  Prepare the specialty drinks before the party and chill. Keep extra jugs in the refrigerator for easy replenishment.

3 Hours Prior: Chill champagne, white wines and bottled waters.


½ Hour Prior:
 Set out glasses to serve drinks in
 Puree peaches for Bellini cocktail
 Open wine
 Light candles
 Greet and welcome guests