How to behave at an Italian dinner party
Italian Etiquette: Key Insights for Language Learners: How to behave at an Italian dinner party
To behave well at an Italian dinner party, one should follow several key etiquette rules and cultural customs that emphasize socializing, respect for food, and proper manners.
General Etiquette
- Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and begin only when the host says “Buon appetito.”
- Engage in lively, respectful conversation and avoid distractions such as using phones at the table.
- Spend ample time at the table, as Italian meals are social events meant to be enjoyed slowly with family and friends.
- Do not place elbows on the table during the meal, as it is considered impolite especially in formal settings.
- Pass food and shared dishes to the left around the table to participate in communal dining culture.
Table Manners
- Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right, without switching hands while eating.
- Use bread to mop up leftover sauce on your plate (called “fare la scarpetta”), especially in traditional settings.
- Avoid twirling spaghetti with a spoon; instead, twirl pasta neatly using just the fork.
- Cheese like Parmigiano is only used with specific dishes (e.g., not on seafood or pizza).
- Avoid ordering cappuccino during or after dinner as it is traditionally a breakfast beverage; opt for espresso instead.
- Drink bottled water (still or sparkling) rather than tap water.
Social Customs
- Arrive on time or notify if running late, but small delays are tolerated.
- Bring a gift like wine or flowers if invited to an Italian home.
- Respect the multi-course structure of the meal: starting with antipasti (appetizers), followed by primo (pasta or rice), secondo (meat or fish), contorno (side dishes), dolce (dessert), and finishing with coffee and digestivo (digestive liquor).
By observing these customs, one shows respect for Italian culture and enjoys an authentic and pleasant dinner party experience. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6