The holidays are not about stress, calorie counting, or Aunt Rosa’s unsolicited opinions on your life choices. They’re about connection — and in Italy, connection always starts with food and drink. Enter the Italian-style holiday aperitivo: a joyful pre-dinner ritual where prosecco flows, antipasti are passed around, and laughter comes easily.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a spritz in Milan under twinkling Christmas lights, I’m here to show you how to recreate that magic at home. Hosting an Italian aperitivo is simpler than you think, but it has a certain sprezzatura — that effortless flair — that makes it unforgettable.

In Italy, aperitivo is more than “happy hour.” It’s the golden hour of the evening, usually between 5 and 8pm, when friends gather for a light drink and small bites before dinner. Originating in Turin in the 18th century and perfected in Milan, it’s designed to open the appetite (“aprire” = to open), not replace the meal.

During the holidays, the aperitivo tradition shines brightest. Think of it as the warm-up act to your Christmas Eve dinner or New Year’s Eve feast. It’s casual, sociable, and festive — the perfect Italian-style way to kick off celebrations without spending hours slaving in the kitchen.

Aperitivo without drinks? Ma che scherziamo? Drinks are the star of the show. Here are some classics that make your table sparkle:

• Aperol Spritz – The ultimate Instagrammable orange glow in a glass.

• Negroni – For your strong-willed uncle who thinks aperol is “too sweet.”

• Campari Soda – A timeless Milanese choice.

• Hugo Spritz – Elderflower, prosecco, and mint — fresh and light.

• Prosecco or Franciacorta – When in doubt, bubbles are always welcome.

Don’t forget non-alcoholic options. Italians love Sanbittèr, a bitter red soda that looks like Campari but has no alcohol. Sparkling water with lemon or blood orange slices also keeps everyone included.

👉 Hosting hack: batch cocktails in a jug and let guests pour themselves. For extra style points, serve in wide-bowled wine glasses or chic spritz goblets.

Now to the most important part: food that looks abundant but is secretly easy. Aperitivo food is about grazing, not stuffing. A well-arranged platter doubles as decoration and conversation starter.

Aperitivo is not just food and drink — it’s vibe. Italians are masters at making simple things feel special. Here’s how you channel that magic:

• Lighting: warm fairy lights and plenty of candles. No hospital-bright lamps, per favore.

• Table Setup: rustic boards, small plates, paper napkins that look too pretty to use.

• Music: queue up an Italian holiday playlist (check Zia's favourite tunes here— from Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” to festive Andrea Bocelli.

Think cosy but stylish. Aperitivo should feel like you’ve stumbled into a tucked-away Roman wine bar, even if you’re in a suburban kitchen.

The beauty of aperitivo is its low-effort, high-reward formula.

• Timing: start around 5 or 6pm. It’s the perfect bridge to dinner.

• How much to serve: plan for 2–3 drinks per person and a generous spread of bites. Italians believe in abundance — better too much salami than too little.

• Keep it casual: don’t fuss with plated courses. Aperitivo is about mingling, nibbling, sipping.

👉 Hosting hack: prep your antipasti earlier in the day, keep drinks ready to pour, and focus on enjoying your guests.

Since it’s Christmas (or Capodanno, if you’re fancy), give your aperitivo a seasonal sparkle:

• Garnish cocktails with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or orange slices.

• Serve little cubes of panettone with mascarpone cream.

• Add torrone (Italian nougat) pieces to your sweet platter.

• Use rosemary sprigs as festive garnish — it looks like a mini Christmas tree.

This transforms a normal aperitivo into an Italian holiday aperitivo your guests will remember.

• Never host without prosecco chilling — trust me.

• Don’t overcomplicate. Two great cocktails + one wow platter = success.

• Serve yourself first. Italians know the host deserves a spritz too.

Hosting an Italian-style holiday aperitivo doesn’t require a villa in Tuscany or a Michelin-star chef in the family. It’s about creating a warm, relaxed moment where people feel connected — the Italian way.

So this season, ditch the frantic appetizer spreads and keep it simple, festive, and chic. Pour the prosecco, light the candles, and let la dolce vita in.

Buon aperitivo e buon Natale! 🎄🍷