By: Katie Workman

As the holidays approach, excitement builds, but so can stress. So much to do, so little time, and we all angst a bit about how to make the most of the celebratory season without succumbing to the “too muchness” of it all. This is where we should look to Italy for inspiration. The Italians have built their culture around the good life. La Bella Vita is not just a saying, it’s truly a way of life for Italians. There is attention to all of the details, large and small, but without preciousness or fussiness. Quality is important, not just the quality of ingredients, but quality of life overall.

In Italy, the gathering around the table of extended family and friends is a common occasion, with folks of all ages sharing leisurely meals together. During the holidays these get-togethers get even bigger: larger tables, more food, longer meals, bigger flavors. Cell phones and laptops are far away from the table. There is a feeling of more time, less running to the next thing. There is the joy of reconnecting with people who live far away, and the desire to make these moments last and feel special and memorable.

So how do we celebrate the holidays like an Italian? Think of the following guidelines as you plan for your festivities. Everything in the Italian way of life is intended to foster and appreciate connection – connection between people, and connection between people and the land and the traditions that bring the food and traditions to our tables and celebrations. This culminates in meals that emphasize community, pleasure, and satisfaction.

The kitchen and the dining table are the heart and soul of an Italian home. It’s never about the latest appliances and gadgets. It’s the people and the food that are the heart of everything. Instead of time feeling like it’s speeding by, it should feel like it’s slowing down a bit.

Here are some general guidelines for bring this beautiful Italian way of life into your holiday celebrations:

PLAN AHEAD

The more you can do in advance the greater the opportunity to enjoy the meal and holiday with your guests.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF ROOM TEMPERATURE FOODS 

When I was recently in Italy achef prepared a meal for a bunch of friends at her home. Everything – and I mean everything! – was served at room temp, and a more beautiful meal was hard to imagine. The host wasn’t making herself crazy making food that had to be served the moment it came out of the oven. Certainly, some
dishes may be served hot, or rewarmed before the meal, but don’t let the goal of piping hot food dictate the flow and mood of the meal.

LET QUALITY INGREDIENTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

When you start with high quality ingredients, as the Italians do, not much needs to be done to them to allow them to shine, In fact, the less you can fuss, the less you can add, the more you will taste the flavors and textures of the excellent ingredients
you are working with.

LOTS OF COLOR

Lots of fruits (fruta) and vegetables (verdure) are a big part of how Italians eat. They will bring natural color to your table.

MAKE THE TABLE SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL

This does not have to take a lot of work. Linen napkins, real tableware, mix and match utensils and silverware, and perhaps some flowers or fruit as a centerpiece. The food is the star. That and the people you are sharing the meal with.

ANTIPASTI

Start the meal with a selection of small, simply prepared dishes featuring seafood, vegetables, and always taralli, the small round bread snacks that are ubiquitous throughout Italy, the perfect thing to nibble with a pre-dinner drink. Also think about offering an aperitivo to help pique your guests’ appetites.

BOUNTY AND ABUNDANCE

I don’t think anyone has ever walked away from a robust Italian meal hungry! But not stuffed; satiety is the goal. You don’t need to overeat to be content and full. Food is usually served family style in large serving bowls and platters, which invite people to help themselves, and come back for more if and when they wish.

Some recipes to consider for your holiday table are a pasta dish, a fish dish, and a side of some sort maybe Cherry Tomato Antipasti Salad, Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine, Maiale al Latte, and Sauteed Escarole.

DESSERT

In most Italian homes it is not a Christmas dinner without a beautiful panettone to finish the meal! There may also be cookies (often biscotti) and other desserts, and there is always fresh fruit. Let the season dictate what fruit you choose, such as oranges, figs, and persimmons. And perhaps a digestif to help close out the meal.

DON'T RUSH!

An Italian meal will easily involve two plus hours at the table. Eating slowly, talking, refilling glasses, no one should be in a hurry.

MIDDAY MEAL

The Italians usually enjoy their biggest meal of the day at lunchtime, and the holidays are no exception. This means more time to digest, and not going to bed with a too-full stomach.

Take a post meal stroll! After all of this indulgence, a walk does a body good.

When I think of celebrating the holidays like an Italian the words that come to mind are abundance, generosity, quality, simplicity, attention to detail, family-style, sharing, joyfulness, sustainability, tradition, respectfulness, community, nature, terroir, rituals.

We can all bring a little more of this into our family and friend celebration this holiday. Bon appetito!