How to Host an Italian-Inspired Garden Party
Warm weather, beautiful vistas, gardens in bloom and cafés with Spritzes. There is nothing quite like summer in Italy. An Italian-inspired garden party captures the essence of effortless Italian hosting: warmth, presence over perfection, and sparkling moments shared with friends.
Quick Checklist for Your Italian Garden Party:
Drinks: La Marca Prosecco, Spritzes, Italian sodas, sparkling water with lemon and fresh mint
Easy bites: Olives, salted nuts, kettle chips
Heartier fare: Charcuterie, fresh mozzarella, bruschetta varieties
Décor: Fresh flowers, Italian linens, stoneware plates
Ambiance: Music, personal greetings, relaxed timing
One of the first things you will notice when dining in Italy is that Italians have a lot figured out. There is a warmth and ease to an Italian gathering which always makes your guests feel welcome. During summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy a Spritz or bubbling glass of Prosecco outside to mark the start of an evening of enjoying time with family and friends before transitioning to dinner.
Picture this: the warm breeze blows gently through your hair, you can smell the roses and lavender that have finally bloomed in your garden, and you just had your first sip of a bright, sparkling glass of La Marca Prosecco or a Spritz.
So now that you have Italian summer pictured in your head, let us inspire you to host an Italian-inspired garden party in your own backyard, sparkling Spritzes and Prosecco included.
When Should You Host Your Italian Garden Party?
What’s beautiful about the Italian way of life is that they don't wait for a special occasion to celebrate. They always prioritize time together, so our biggest suggestion: Don’t wait to celebrate with the people you love. A garden party can be a great way to transform an everyday get-together with friends into a celebration.
What Should You Serve at an Italian Garden Party?
What is Aperitivo? Aperitivo is the beloved Italian tradition of enjoying pre-dinner drinks and small bites. It is a moment to unwind, connect, and whet the appetite before the evening unfolds.
When in Italy enjoying a drink during Aperitivo hour, it always includes delicious and elegant small bites. For an Italian-inspired garden party, you will want something delicious that is going to stand up to summer sun, so we love a beautiful charcuterie board filled with some of our favorite Italian delicacies.
Easy Bites to Grab
Olives (kalamata or Castelvetrano)
Lightly salted nuts
Kettle chips
There are few things that pair more perfectly with Prosecco than salty snacks, and these are all ones you will find authentically at cafés in Italy.
Heartier Italian Favorites
Cured meats like prosciutto and salami
Mini fresh mozzarella with toasted baguettes for mini Italian sandwiches
Bruschetta Varieties
Kalamata olive tapenade (available at most grocery stores)
Fresh tomato and garlic with heirloom tomatoes for color and elegance
Tip: Plan for 4–6 bites per guest for a leisurely gathering. Set out easy grab items first, then heartier options as guests settle in.
What Drinks Should You Serve at an Italian Garden Party?
When hosting outside, you'll want drinks that will be refreshing for your guests and offer a variety of options so guests can choose what appeals most.
Sparkling Options
La Marca Prosecco—bright, crisp, and a wine that everyone will enjoy
La Marca Prosecco Rosé—another beautiful option for garden parties, playfully pink and perfect for warm-weather sipping
A Spritz Cocktail—Amaro, Amici, Aperol, Basil, Elderflower, Fig, Lemon, Limoncello, or the classic Hugo, there are variety of Spritz cocktails awaiting. Learn how to make a Spritz cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Refreshments
Italian sodas
Sparkling water with lemon and fresh mint
We love serving Prosecco on these occasions because it is bright, crisp, and incredibly versatile. Having a few aperitivos on hand allows guests to customize their drinks and find their perfect sip.
How Do You Set the Scene for Italian-Inspired Entertaining?
Fresh flowers make everything more elegant. Summer is one of the best seasons because there are so many varieties of flowers in bloom. Roses are one of our favorites because they are often grown in Italian vineyards, so we love to use them as a base and an accent with other flowers like ranunculus and chamomile. Chamomile flowers add a whimsical touch and add the feeling that they were freshly cut from the garden. If you have flowers in bloom in your own garden, we love using what you have. Including flowers from your personal garden can be a great conversation starter with your guests.
One of the things we love most about Italy, which a lot of people don't realize prior to visiting, is the many beautiful artisan textiles that are made there. To add an extra authentic touch to your Italian garden party, look for Italian linen napkins and tablecloths. Floral patterns can be a great addition to help enhance your theme along with soft pinks and blues. The addition of Italian stoneware plates, in place of paper or plastic plates, instantly elevates the occasion.
How to Prepare for the Day of the Celebration
Simple Day-Of Timeline
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Morning: Arrange fresh flowers and press your tablecloth.
A few hours before: Prep bruschetta toppings and set out decorations.
Shortly before guests arrive: Arrange food and chill drinks.
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As guests arrive: Pop the Prosecco and greet each guest personally.
Quick Tips for Your Italian Garden Party:
1: Don't wait for a special occasion—any gathering with friends is worth celebrating.
2. Keep bites simple and elegant; a beautiful charcuterie board does the work for you.
3. Offer a mix of sparkling and non-alcoholic drinks so every guest finds something refreshing.
4. Fresh flowers and Italian linens instantly elevate your outdoor table.
5. Prep ahead so you can be present with your guests when they arrive.
As America's favorite sparkling brand and the leading wine from Italy, we know a thing or two about all that summer in Italy has to offer, and how the Italian way of life is meant to be enjoyed. Italians are known for celebrating all of life's little pleasures and we love sharing how you can bring a little Italian sparkle to your next celebration. Cin cin!