Olive Harvest in Tuscany Al Fresco Dinner
Things to Do
 
Here is a checklist of things to do and things to buy at the store in order to host this party:

Olive Harvest Tabletop

2 weeks prior
Invite family and set the date

  • -call merchants for hard-to-find ingredients: Italian Pancetta, Tuscan Pecorino, Scampi Tails^, Chianina* T-Bone steak, Chestnut Flour  (try www.empirechestnut.
    com    ). For olive oils from Sicily, Tuscany, Puglia and Liguria, try Academia Barilla's line of olive oils that can be purchased through www.dibruno.com.
  • 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

1 week prior
Order floral arrangement and shop for or borrow table accessories such as:

  • votives (8)
  • oil lanterns
  • mini pencils
  • baby food-sized jars
  • underliner for jars
  • olive oil bottles with pouring spouts (6)
  • terra cotta dipping bowls (6)
  • linens: white linen hemstich with coordinating napkins
  • colored glassware (optional)
  • wicker wine baskets (optional)
  • cutting boards

 

 

 

 

 

 




*Chianina is the name of a Tuscan beef breed. You can substitute with a good American T-bone steak
**Could be substituted with pork ribs
^If scampi cannot be found, substitute with whole shrimp.

Barilla_grocery_woman

2 days prior
Grocery shop


>Produce

  • 1 bunch rosemary
  • a few sage leaves
  • 1 bulb garlic
  • 6 artichokes
  • 1 lemon
  • ½ bunch Italian parsley
  • ½ bunch basil leaves
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes

>Dairy

  • 1 small piece Tuscan Pecorino cheese

>Grocery

  • 1 bottle Tuscan olive oil
  • 1 package pine nuts
  • 1 package raisins
  • 1 box (16 oz) Barilla Fettuccine
  • 1 small box coarse salt
  • 3 (15 ounce) cans Cannellini beans

> Meat/fish

  • 4 Pork chops
  • 4 Lamb chops
  • 2 ½ pounds Chiana T-bone steak
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 4 slices pork belly
  • 18 Scampi tails
  • 2 ounces Italian pancetta, sliced thin

>Specialty/Gourmet stores

  • 1 pound chestnut flour*
  • 1 loaf  Tuscan bread

>Pantry items

  • pepper
  • salt
  • water
  • extra virgin olive oil

* hard to find ingredients should be ordered ahead of time

 

 

 

Fettuccine with Artichoke

1 day prior
Run final errands and any food prep possible:

  • Pick up any floral arrangements
  • Set the table
  • Label your serving dishes and utensils

Same Day
Prepare food

  • 3 Hours Prior: Chill white wines if being served
  • ½ Hour Prior: Finishing touches!
  • Light candles
  • Open wine
  • Greet and welcome guests

 

ENTERTAINING TIP
When planning a small family style dinner like this, be aware of the clean up;  set a system in place or just make enough room in the kitchen for dishes to sit after clearing so that you can enjoy your role as host…joining your guests for conversation and laughter is one of the principal elements to master.

 

Be mindful of your inventory of Glassware, China and Flatware when planning a menu. It is more cost & time efficient to utilize existing accessories, rather than serve an entire menu that calls for elements you need to purchase.
- Francesca


 



 




Olive Harvest in Tuscany Al Fresco Dinner
Overview |Setting the Scene |To Do/Shopping List |Il Menu |Element of Fun