Italian Dinner Party Ideas, Recipes and More

by Alli

This shop, Italian Dinner Party, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #STOUFFERSGOODNESS #CollectiveBias

There’s nothing I love better than having the entire family over for dinner at least once a week. I love the laughter, the togetherness and spending time with the grandkids. The grown kids still argue over who gets to sit next to their dad and me. Isn’t that cute? This easy to make, semi-homemade Italian Dinner Party is always a hit. 

Big family get-togethers are important to me. That doesn't mean I want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. I've got tips and tricks to get you out of the kitchen and in the midst of family fun.

Since there’s 15 of us now, sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a menu that everyone likes. I usually throw a big Italian feast because it’s the one meal that the entire family can agree on.

Italian Dinner Feast

Some of you are probably thinking that there’s no way you would have 15 people over for dinner on a weekly basis. Hold that thought and come with me. I’m going to show you how easy it is to host a family dinner.

Italian Dinner Party Ideas, Recipes and More

The grandkids always request STOUFFER’S® Mac & Cheese. I love it, too.  It’s delicious, easy to prepare, has no preservatives and made with real cheddar. I really like that it comes in family and party sizes. Psst: Don’t tell anyone, but STOUFFER’S® Mac and Cheese taste much better than mine.

Stouffer's Mac and Cheese

STOUFFER’S Is Made With Love

When making out my menu, STOUFFER’S® Lasagna with Meat and Sauce and STOUFFER’S® Meat Lovers Lasagna joins the Mac & Cheese as must-haves for my Italian feast. I trust STOUFFER’S® because it’s made with love, just like you’d make it.

Italian Feast

Italian Dinner

Parmesan Tomatoes, Antipasta Skewers, Garlic Breadsticks

I also add easy to make Parmesan Tomatoes, Antipasto Skewers, and garlic breadsticks to round out the menu. Dessert is usually cupcakes. Once the menu is planned, I head to Walmart to find everything I need.

While in Walmart, I stopped by the frozen food aisle to stock up on STOUFFER’S® Family Size meals. Have you tried the Meat Lovers Lasagna? It’s the same lasagna we know and love, but with added Italian sausage and pepperoni. It’s my husband’s favorite.

Of course, we all love the classic Lasagna with Meat and Sauce. It has no preservatives and real mozzarella. They all come in family size (yes!) so it’s easy to feed my large family.

STOUFFER'S Instore Photo

Easy Herb Centerpiece

Head to the garden section in Walmart for some herbs to use as a centerpiece. They’re inexpensive and once the party is over, you can send the herbs home with your guests or keep them all for yourself. I like to use parsley, sage, and rosemary. Pot them in terra cotta pots. I also bought a couple of flowers to add some color. The centerpiece is done!

Centerpiece for Italian Dinner

As the family arrives for dinner, I serve antipasto skewers. Everyone arrives hungry and we always have to wait a few minutes for one of my children to arrive. I won’t call names, but there’s always one in the bunch that’s always late.

How to Make the Skewers

The skewers are easy to assemble. I gather up kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh mozzarella.

Antipasto Skewers

After threading on skewers, they go in the fridge to chill until dinnertime.

Antipasto Skewers

These skewers add so much color to the table. They’re really tasty, too!

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers

Big family get-togethers are important to me. That doesn't mean I want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. I've got tips and tricks to get you out of the kitchen and in the midst of family fun.

Ingredients

  • Kalamata Olives, pitted
  • Artichoke Hearts, drained
  • Grape Tomatoes
  • Pepperoncini Peppers
  • Fresh Mozzarella slices

Instructions

  1. Thread all ingredients onto skewers.

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Parmesan Tomatoes

Once everyone arrives, it’s time to eat! Parmesan Tomatoes pair nicely with lasagna and only takes minutes to prepare.

Slice tomatoes and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Tomato Parmasan

Mix mayo, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Top each tomato with the mayo mixture and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Tomato Parm

These are always a big hit at my family gatherings.

Tomatoes Parm

Parmesan Tomatoes

Big family get-togethers are important to me. That doesn't mean I want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. I've got tips and tricks to get you out of the kitchen and in the midst of family fun.

Ingredients

  • 4 tomatoes
  • 4 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Slice tomatoes and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning.
  4. Top each tomato with a spoonful of mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cook for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Chocolate Mustache Cupcake Toppers

For dessert, I add chocolate mustaches to cupcakes. The kids get a big laugh and they go right along with my Italian theme. I use an inexpensive candy mold and fill it with melted chocolate. Once it hardens, just pop it out and you’re done.

Cupcakes with Mustaches

Italian Dinner Party

I also attach mustaches to black and white straws for the grandkids. Lemonade tastes much better when sipped through a mustache straw.

Mustache Straws

Here’s a free mustache printable for you.

Mustache Free Printable

Thanks to STOUFFER’S®, my big family dinner party is a snap to put together and I get to spend a memorable time with my family. There’s nothing that compares to enjoying good food and good times with my family.

Tomato Cans are Perfect to Hold Silverware

One More Helpful Hint: Use tomato cans to hold breadsticks and silverware. It adds another rustic element to your Italian Dinner.

Tomato Cans

I said I wasn’t going to call any names, but my son and his fiancée were late to the party. Good thing I saved them some food!

Late to the Party

I “mustache” you a question. What do you serve alongside your STOUFFER’S®?

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