Serve wine as many Italian families do—in short tumblers rather than traditional stemmed wine glasses. It helps create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the dinner table, which guests appreciate.

Keep hors d’oeuvres simple to encourage socializing. Serve your guests easy to share olives and antipasto platters. Or try one of these classic Italian starters below.

Set your table with napkins in a variety of rich, earthy colors. The mixture will recall the colors of the Italian countryside and help you out if you don’t have enough of one color or pattern.