Staycationing This Summer? How About Italy?

Have your vacation plans been put on hold this summer? You can create a backyard getaway to your favorite places with a little creativity and very little cash. Use some souvenirs and items you've collected from vacations past to bring the party to life. Even if you just throw this party for your family---- it's a great mini-getaway right in the backyard! Any place you want to go can be recreated right in the backyard. How about a seaside cookout? A trip to Italy, New York, Napa, Chicago or Spain? It's super easy--- here are a few ideas to get you started on your own backyard getaway!

Florence, Rome, Venice or The Amalfi Coast. Take the flavors of a summer in Italy- fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil and make a late afternoon Italian-style picnic or a Capri cookout with seafood and pasta. 

Everyone loves Italy. If they have been, they want to go back and if they haven’t been, it’s certainly on the list of places they’d like to go.

By adding one beautiful platter or bowl, you can make over your table completely. This Vietri pattern with an Italian coastal village scene completely transforms this table from everyday to Italy. And use food as decorations—breadsticks, lemons, etc make beautiful centerpiece for this party.

Play Bocce ball! It’s played all over Italy and in Little Italy, too! You can buy this game almost anywhere these days and online.

Limoncello—the Italian lemon liqueur tastes like the Amalfi Coast. Float a little of it on top of Prosecco or drizzle it over gelato, sorbet or fresh berries for dessert. Instant Italy!

ITALY MENU- This is one of the easiest menus to make. Cook your own favorites; simple or elaborate!

Prosecco- The Italian sparkling wine... inexpensive and delicious!

Bruschetta- any kind. Fresh tomatoes, olive oil, basil, a dash of balsamic vinegar, S&P is easy and classic.

Antipasto Platter- Italian cheeses, olives, prosciutto, salami, breadsticks, almonds and spreads like tapanade. I make a great one with artichoke, lemon, capers and olives. No recipe, just put the artichoke hearts in the food processor and whirl until smooth. Add the other ingredients to taste.

Pizza- Frozen or fresh, I like to do these on the grill. Add a drizzle of olive oil and some Parmesan over the top before grilling. Yum.

Pasta- Any kind. Make your favorite. If you need ideas- let me know.

Gelato or Sorbetto- Make or buy it at Whole Foods. Vanilla gelato is great with limoncello drizzle. Lemon sorbetto is wonderful with Prosecco like an ice cream float. Crumble some Ameretti cookies over the top.

We did a few backyard getaway parties on Better TV in New York! Watch the video!