How to Host an Italian Small-Plates Party

Venetian-Style Cicchetti at Home

In Venice, the evenings aren't defined by heavy three-course meals, but by the giro d'ombra—a leisurely stroll from bar to bar to enjoy cicchetti. These small, savoury snacks are the Venetian answer to tapas: bite-sized, bursting with seasonal ingredients, and designed to be enjoyed with a small glass of wine (an ombra).

Bringing this social, relaxed style of eating into your own home is the ultimate way to entertain. It’s low-stress, high-impact, and allows your guests to sample a bit of everything. Here is how to host your own Venetian-inspired evening using the very best from the Carluccio’s Online Deli.

1. The Foundation: The Perfect "Crostino"

Almost every great cicchetto starts with a slice of crusty bread. To get that authentic Venetian crunch, slice a baguette or sourdough loaf into rounds, drizzle generously with our Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and toast on a griddle pan until golden.

The Carluccio’s Twist: For a more robust base, skip the fresh bread and use our Focaccia breadsticks. Their sturdy texture and herb-infused flavour make them the perfect vehicle for heavier toppings like creamy gorgonzola or roasted peppers.

2. Assemble Your Toppings

The beauty of cicchetti is the variety. You want a mix of textures—creamy, crunchy, salty, and sharp. You don't need to spend hours at the stove; the secret is in the assembly of high-quality deli ingredients.

• The Classic Meat: Drape thin ribbons of Prosciutto di Parma over a layer of goat's cheese, finishing with a small dollop of honey or a balsamic glaze.

• The Vegetarian Hero: Use Grilled Peppers or Artichokes in Oil straight from the jar. Quality matters here, so buy the best you can. The best preserved vegetables are already marinated to perfection, so all they need is a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a toothpick to hold them in place.

• The Seafood Staple: Venice is a city of the sea. Top your crostini with a curl of anchovy and a single Caperberry for a sharp, salty hit that cuts through a crisp white wine.

3. Don't Forget the "Piatto di Mezzo"

While many cicchetti are served on bread, a true Venetian spread includes small plates of room-temperature snacks that guests can pick at throughout the night.

• The Olive Selection: A bowl of Olives is a must. Their buttery, mild flavour and impressive size make them a standout appetiser.

• The Crunch Factor: Scatter bowls of Truffle Grissini or Taralli around the table. These provide a necessary textural break from the softer toppings.

4. Setting the Scene

Cicchetti are meant to be eaten standing up or perched on the edge of a chair. Forget the formal place settings; instead, use large wooden boards to display your creations at different heights.

"The secret to a successful cicchetti party is 'abundance without effort.' Fill the table with jars of olives, plates of bruschetta, and plenty of napkins."

Shop the Cicchetti Collection

You can all of the pantry items you need to build your spread here at Carluccios. From the oils that start the meal to the marinated vegetables that finish it, we bring the taste of the Rialto Market directly to your door.