(NAPSA)—You can treat your guests to the best of Italy while dining alfresco if you heed a few tips for a stylish, Italian-inspired dining experience: Divine Decor Immerse your guests in Italian style by incorporating a few chic designs into your decor. When entertaining outdoors, be sure to set the mood with the right lighting. Citrus-scented votive candles and dimly lit hanging lanternsdispersed throughout the space will help achieve the right ambience. Use black-fabric chair slipcovers and tablecloths to transform your everyday patio furniture into an elegant setting. Sleek, brightly colored dinner and serving plates in bold colors such as yellow, blue or orange set against the black will create a fashionable table, typical of a cosmopolitan Italian lounge. Culinary Delight Bring the tastes of Italia into your home with these simple and healthy dishes. Try sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olive tampanade served with endives. Next, brush extra virgin olive oil on thinly cut slices of eggplant, lightly season with salt and pepper and grill to perfection. The eggplant is an exquisite side dish for chicken or fish sauted with ripe plum tomatoes and capers. Complete your Italian feast with a glass of Ecco Domani’s 2007 Pinot Grigio. Its crisp, fruity notes make it a great accompanimentto light dishes. For dessert, serve struffoli paired with Ecco Domani’s wellbalanced Chardonnay/Pinot Gri- gio 2007 blend. Keep in mind that preparing parts of the meal in advance will allow you to enjoy more time with guests. Mood Music The right music is essential for setting the mood at anysocial gathering. Give your guests a special role in the evening by asking each person to bring a few favorite tunes for an evening under the stars. Complete your playlist with an assortment of European nightlife favorites such as house, jazz and techno beats. After a delicious Italian meal, what better way to connect with your guests than a friendly gameof Bocce ball? To help guests have an unforgettable evening, send them all home with a fashionable tote filled with tasty Italian treats such as amaretto biscotti, recipe cards of Italian dishes served at your gathering and a bottle of Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio. For more entertaining ideas and information, visit www.ecco domani.com.
