In Italy, Sunday lunch isn’t a quick meal. It’s the main event of the week. Family and friends gather around one long table, the food comes out in waves, and nobody looks at the clock. Lunch rolls into the afternoon, then into coffee, and sometimes into dinner.
The food matters, of course. But so does the table. Here’s how to set one at home that captures that same relaxed, generous feeling.
What makes an Italian long lunch different
An Italian long lunch, the classic pranzo della domenica, has a few things that set it apart from a regular dinner party.
Everyone sits at one table. No kids’ table, no splitting into groups. If your dining table isn’t long enough, push two tables together, or set up a trestle table outside under a tree.
The food is shared. Dishes come out on big platters and in bowls, and everyone helps themselves.
Nobody is in a rush. There’s no set finishing time. The meal is the activity.
Setting the table with that in mind makes everything else fall into place.
Start with the tablecloth
Everything starts with a cotton tablecloth. Measure your table and add around 20 to 30cm of overhang on each side for a relaxed lunch, a little more if you want a formal drape. Canningvale’s Cucina range is 100% cotton and machine washable, with napkins to match, so a red wine spill isn’t the end of the world.
A tablecloth does a few jobs at once. It pulls two mismatched tables together into one long table, softens the sound of plates and glasses, and makes even a simple meal feel like an occasion.
For an Italian feel, think about:
- Classic stripes or checks, the look of a family trattoria.
- Crisp white or soft neutrals, which let the colours of the food stand out.
- A runner down the centre over a plain cloth, to add colour without overwhelming the table.
If you’re pushing tables together, use one long cloth or overlap two so the join is hidden.
Keep place settings simple
There’s no need for multiple forks, charger plates and a different glass for every wine. Keep it simple and practical.
- One dinner plate per person, with a smaller plate or bowl on top if you’re serving pasta first.
- A fork and knife, plus a spoon if there’s dessert.
- A cloth napkin folded simply on the plate or to the side.
- One wine glass and one water glass. Mismatched glasses are absolutely fine and add to the charm.
Put jugs of water and a few bottles of wine down the table so people can top up without asking.
Serve family-style
Instead of plating up in the kitchen, bring everything to the table on big platters, boards and bowls. It’s less work for the host, people can take as much or as little as they like, and passing dishes back and forth gets everyone talking.
Leave a clear strip down the middle of the table for serving dishes. Add a few wooden boards or trivets to protect the tablecloth from hot pans.
Flowers, herbs and candles
A long table looks best with a few simple, low decorations along the centre.
- Small jars of herbs like basil, rosemary or flat-leaf parsley look lovely and smell even better.
- Lemons in a bowl or scattered along the table add a bright pop of colour.
- Short vases of seasonal flowers from the garden or market.
- Candles for when lunch runs into the evening.
Keep everything low so people can see and talk to each other across the table. Tall arrangements might look great in photos, but they get in the way of conversation.
A simple long lunch menu
An Italian long lunch moves through a few courses, but none of them need to be complicated.
- Antipasti: cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables and good bread. (Publisher: link to your antipasto or bruschetta recipe here.)
- Primo: a pasta dish or risotto. (Publisher: link to a pasta recipe here.)
- Secondo: a slow-cooked or roasted meat, or a whole baked fish, with a simple green salad.
- Dolce: tiramisu, a simple cake, or fresh fruit. (Publisher: link to a dessert recipe here.)
- Caffè: espresso to finish, with a digestivo for those who want one.
Make as much as you can ahead of time, so you can sit down and enjoy lunch with everyone else.
After lunch: looking after your table linen
Once everyone has gone home, a little care keeps your tablecloth and napkins looking good for years.
- Treat spills quickly. Blot red wine and sauce, don’t rub.
- Shake out crumbs outside before washing.
- Wash according to the care label. Cotton is easy-care and machine washable.
- Line dry where you can, and iron while slightly damp for a crisp finish.
The best long lunches aren’t about perfection. They’re about good food, a well-set table and plenty of time with the people you love. Lay the cloth, put the food in the middle, pour the wine and let the afternoon take care of itself.
