Ciao, ragazzi! How to throw a party like the Italians

There are few cultures who do entertaining better than the Italians. Think classic cocktails, small plates of cicchetti and a ‘pull up a chair’ attitude; who wouldn’t want to bask in the glow of Italian hospitality?

To get the full effect, we’d suggest sipping an Americano cocktail at sunset on the rooftop of Soho House Rome. Come early evening, this space is filled with pink and orange light as aperitivo hour swings into action.

But, really, there’s no reason why you can’t host your own. Aperitivo is a time to relax after work and chat with friends before dinner. It’s all about simple food and drinks that are delicious and easy to make.

Here, our team shares how to throw your own Italian-style gathering with recipes from Cecconi’s Head Chef, Cristian Cugini; Soho House Rome Bar Manager, Manuele Biagianti, and hosting advice from Soho House Rome Membership Manager, Camila Rodríguez.


The more the merrier 

‘Aperitivo is big for Italians, and when making new friends it’s their first approach for inviting you out. It’s perfect for hosting a big group because it’s informal and fun, and it helps everyone relax so that the rest of the night flows,’ says Rodríguez. 

‘To really embody the Italian spirit when entertaining, don’t take yourself too seriously and never be precious about how many people turn up. Laugh, be loud, and strike up conversation with those you haven’t met before. Oh, and always have a couple of chairs spare to ensure that anyone is welcome.’

Take it outside 

‘Aperitivo is usually hosted outside and I think this adds something extra special. Even if it’s a bit chilly, I’ll always suggest we put on a jacket, wrap up, and stand out on a terrace or in the garden with a drink,’ describes Rodríguez. 

‘You know, if you’ve been cooped up all day at work too, it’s good to get outside and break the seal on the evening.’

Make a classic cocktail 

‘A lot of classic Italian cocktails, especially those you drink at aperitivo hour, feature bitters such as Campari and vermouth. I usually serve something like a Negroni, an Americano or an Aperol Spritz,’ says Manuele Biagianti, Soho House Rome Bar Manager.

‘These kinds of cocktails, on the rocks or as a spritz, are great for a big group of people. They take about 30 seconds to make and taste really fresh, which is perfect for summer. 

‘I like an Americano because I prefer a more bitter taste. It’s very easy – just 35ml of Campari, 35ml of Martini Rubino, and a dash of soda water. Finish with orange zest.’

Always overcater on the food 

‘For Italians, everything is about the food. It’s our conversation starter for the evening and what we get most excited about,’ explains Cecconi’s Head Chef, Cristian Cugini.

‘My advice is overestimate on what you think you’ll need. People love something savoury to nibble on when drinking an Aperol Spritz, so small plates of cicchetti are perfect for passing around.’ 

Whip up something refreshing and easy

‘Another reason cicchetti is great for an aperitivo is that it’s usually easy to make, which helps when there are a lot of people,’ says Cugini.

‘One of my favourites is tuna tartare with avocado, chilli, and mint. Simply mix 100g of diced Ahi tuna, half a diced avocado, 5g of chopped Fresno chilli, and 2g of mint. Season with 5g of extra virgin olive oil, 5g of lemon juice, and some salt and pepper to taste. Add 5g of rocket, combine, and position in a mound in the centre of a side plate. Finito!’