How To Plan A Tuscany Inspired Dinner

With the days slowly getting longer as we move into spring, you may start feeling the urge for more intimate entertaining with close friends.   For a relaxed weekend get-together, you can never go wrong with pairing a comfort-food favorite like pasta with a nice glass of wine...or two.  Here are few ideas to inspire you to plan a Tuscany inspired dinner.

Set the scene with Rosanna's Pasta Italiana collection, with pieces perfect for serving big bowls of pasta or dipping crusty pieces of bread.

Clean and simple decor are a must for impromptu gatherings; Midwest Living shows us how to create a bouquet of baby artichokes. They make a more fabulous and practical centerpiece than flowers; you can cook them up the next day.

I love any set up that means less work for me and more guest interaction.  With bruschetta made ahead of time, all this bruschetta bar featured on One Charming Party needed was the artichoke dip, bread and crackers at party time.  This is a great way to get the festivities started and have guests hungry for more.

Besides your favorite pasta dish, how about serving Rosanna's Paglia e Fieno (Straw and Hay Pasta), aptly named because the mixture of spinach linguine and plain linguine looks like a mound of straw and hay when served.   Even better, serve the remaining Pinot from the recipe with dinner.

General wine pairing rule of thumb 

Pair with red sauce dishes to match the acidity of the dish with acidic wine

• Zinfandel 
• Dolcetto
• Chianti

Pair with white sauce dishes to cut through the richness of the sauce

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Italian Chardonnay
• Pinot Grigio

Of course, you must serve your wine in Rosanna's hand-etched stemless wine glasses.

I love how Tealicious displays beautiful bottles of homemade vanilla bean limoncello in a wine crate; these are perfect to share during the evening or send home as a thank you.

How do you plan a lovely evening in with friends? We would love to hear your tips and ideas.

Buon Appetito!

Dawn Smith (Guest Blogger)

Creative Director

Not Just A Mommy

R O S A N N A

Quick and Easy Ideas for Organizing Your Craft Room Supplies!

If you're like me, your craft supplies can take over your design space. To keep your space functional and inspiring, try these creative and simple solutions using Rosanna products. Always look for new uses for old things; the possibilities are endless!

Getting organized is the key to knowing what supplies you have to work with at all times.  It's time to whip your space into shape. 

• Neatly store your crafts supplies like washi tape, rolls of ribbon, tags and more in White Bungalow loaf pans. 
• Use the collection's muffin tins to store and sort small craft supplies like buttons, brads and clips.
• Don't forget the large lidded storage containers; stack up a few for a stylish, space-saving idea. 
• Compotes are perfect vessels for bottled items like glitter and glue or small spools of thread.
• Create a beautiful and functional display with spools of baker's twine by showcasing them on pedestals. 
• You can never go wrong with these pretty hobnail bowls in the Farmhouse Pantry collection.

You'll be much more productive by spending a little bit of time and effort to get your supplies in order. Do you have a great way you organize your craft supplies?

Warmly,

R O S A N N A I N C . C O M