How to Host an Intimate, Italian-Style Garden Party

We’ve partnered with Everdure to bring you this step-by-step guide on how to host an intimate Italian-themed garden party

There is nothing better than rounding up your nearest and dearest all in one place to eat good food, drink good wine, and have even better conversations. And with the warmer weather finally here (hello, spring!), it’s the perfect excuse to throw an intimate Italian-themed garden party. 

As we all continue recovering from our friends’ endless European summers abroad, it's time to take the sting out by bringing Italy to our own backyards.  

Pulling off an amazing dinner party is somewhat of an art form. From nailing the menu to getting the ambience and tablescaping just right, it’s a moveable feast with many elements at stake. That's where Everdure and their KILN R Series Oven come into the equation.

The Perfect Pizza Oven for Entertaining

Now you’ve landed on the theme, it’s time to work out the menu and no Italian feast is complete without homemade pizzas. There’s nothing quite like taking that first bite of a pizza fresh out of the oven; the crunch, the gooey melted cheese, the moreish flavours of tomato. It really is a spiritual experience. But how do you replicate an authentic Italian pizza at home?

Creating ‘traditional pizza with a new spin’, Everdure’s KILN R Series Oven will make even the most novice of cooks look like a pizza aficionado. The KILN is ideal for when you’re hosting groups because it can cook a large pizza in under two minutes. 

It also has a rotating turntable and U-shaped burner, meaning there is no need to manually turn your pizza and it will give you an even cook every single time. That means you can keep working the room while the KILN takes care of all the cooking for you. What a win! 

Plus it’s a cinch to set up, cook, clean and store, and the stylish contemporary design makes it a welcome addition to your outdoor entertaining space. There’s also a removable pizza stone for a super easy clean-up.

Beyond Versatile

But pizzas aren't all this little beauty can create. The KILN is somewhat of an overachiever when it comes to creating a variety of mouthwatering meals.

With its multifunctional capabilities, it can sear and bake all kinds of dishes so you can build out your menu to include everything from roast vegetables, slow-cooked meat, baked or grilled fish, lasagne, jacket potatoes, freshly baked bread, as well as focaccia and flatbreads. *Chefs kiss*.

Take Your Hosting Skills to the Next Level

Now it's time to really level up your hosting skills with Everdure’s genuis Pizza Station. This sleek station helps you prepare and cook all in one convenient place, because who wants to be secluded in the kitchen when all the fun is happening outside? 

That means you can still chat with your guests as you get everything ready — and impress everyone with your dough-tossing skills. It’s made with durable door fronts and a stainless-steel benchtop so it’s built to last and weather the harsh elements. 

And because we can guarantee that pizza making will fast become your new favourite hobby, you can also up your skills quick smart with their extensive range of accessories*.

The super sharp pizza rocker knife means you'll be able to cut and serve your slices like a pro, while the pizza oven brush ensures that your cooking chamber stays in pristine condition. The infrared temperature gun guarantees you'll know the optimal temperature so you can put your pizzas in at the exact right moment.

A protective cover for the oven and station also means they'll be protected from the elements at all times. 

Pick Your Palette

Now that the most important element is taken care of, it's time to pick your palette. An Italian garden party theme can be interpreted in whichever way sparks the most joy for you. Stick to primary colours and jewel tones for an eclectic seaside feel or go all out with terracotta and earthy tones. Nothing gives Amalfi Coast vibes quite like lemons and citrus. Or nod to the classic red gingham tablecloths of your local Italian. 

It's All in the Details 

Aside from the food, it's the little details that will linger in your guests' memories. After settling on your colour scheme, turn your eye to place cards, napery and table decorations. Elevate the scene with chic ceramics, hand-painted pasta bowls and coloured wine glasses.

Watch a YouTube video on calligraphy and create your own place cards or on jump onto Etsy where you can score small batch place cards for a bargain. Napery also offers a great chance for you to extend your theme. Casually drape them under your plates for a relaxed feel. 

As for decorations, there's no need to go all out to create an impact. Scatter fresh fruit across the table for colour and texture or gather a couple of olive branches or sprigs of rosemary to add a subtle touch of greenery. 

Now, Set the Scene 

We all love an experience that hits you from the get-go and there's no better way to introduce your guests to your dinner party than with a limoncello spritz or negroni on arrival. This, we promise they'll adore. 

Hit the rest of their senses with delicious aromas (on top of the scent of cooking pizza, ofc) in the form of fresh rosemary sprigs and soft tunes (you can't go past an Alex Delaney playlist).  

Now, sit back and soak up the scene with a piping-hot piece of pizza in hand. Magnifico! 

Ready to host an Italian pizza party with your Everdure Kiln R Series Oven but need to sort dessert out? Head here for all the oven-baked sweets inspo you need. 

*KILN, Pizza Station and accessories all sold separately.