In Italy, stylish dining has long been embraced as a relaxing way to
unwind after a busy day. So before you order takeout and eat in front
of the television, take a cue from the Italians and make each meal a
treat.
Whether dining alone, with family or with your closest friends, turn an
otherwise hurried meal into a chic expression of style with these tips
from Ecco Domani Italian wines.
* Determine the décor. Whether you are dining at the kitchen table or
in a more formal setting, it's easy to add some pizzazz to your
surroundings. Candles cast a warm glow once the sun goes down. Strands
of small lights also enhance the mood; string them around the room or
even bunch them in a Mason jar for a funky tabletop display.
* Master the art of mood music. Mellow jazz will help take the edge off
a long day, and classical music can help lift your mood. Consider
tailoring the music around the type of cuisine you are serving. For an
Italian meal, for instance, play an assortment of Italian opera.
If you're dining with family or friends, get them involved by inviting
them to bring their favorite CDs. Set your disc player to shuffle so
that everyone's music selection gets played during the meal.
* Create a stylish menu. To help you unwind, it's best to keep your
meal simple. Luckily, delicious meals are a snap to make with fresh,
easy-to-prepare foods. And you can add flair to any basic dish with
just a few additions.
For an Italian meal, a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad is always a
crowd-pleaser. Drizzle chicken and fish with olive oil and lemon for a
fresh, light flavor. And dust colorful veggies with Italian seasonings
to bring out their natural flavors.
Whatever your menu, be sure to select a delicious wine to accompany the
meal. Ecco Domani 2003 Pinot Grigio is a perfect wine for everyday
dining because of its crisp, fresh flavor, which pairs perfectly with
today's light cuisine.
It is easy to infuse any setting with glamour by adding a few small
touches. In the end, nothing says style like taking the time to make
each meal special. - NU
