EDITORIAL: Christmas Italian Recipes Combined with Italian Design Tableware
A Match Made in Heaven
The MAG - 08.23
By Paola Serena
In Italy, Christmas Eve—La Vigilia—is far more than a dinner. It is a sacred ritual of conviviality, a moment where time suspends itself amidst the aroma of roasted rosemary, the clinking of crystal, and the warmth of shared stories. But the magic of an Italian Christmas does not rely solely on the menu; it thrives on the atmosphere we curate around it.
At Design Italy, we believe that the art of plating is just as crucial as the art of cooking. When the heritage of Italian culinary tradition meets the visionary genius of our design icons, the dinner table transforms into a stage.
We have selected three quintessential moments of the Christmas meal, pairing beloved recipes with design masterpieces that do not merely serve food—they elevate the entire experience.
1. The Masterpiece of the Sea
The Pairing: Classic Spaghetti alle Vongole meets Cassina’s "Service Prunier"
For La Vigilia, the menu is dictated by the sea. The Spaghetti alle Vongole is a dish of deceptive simplicity, relying on the absolute purity of its ingredients. Such a recipe demands a canvas rich in history.
Enter the "Service Prunier" by Cassina, a collection with a story as deep as the ocean. Originally designed by Le Corbusier in 1961 for the legendary Prunier restaurant in London, and now exquisitely crafted by Ginori 1735, these plates are a testament to timeless elegance.
The Visual Dialogue
Imagine the glossy, starch-rich sauce of the spaghetti resting against the pure white porcelain. The iconic interlocking hands motif on the rim frames the dish, creating a conceptual link between the chef’s hands and the designer’s vision. It is a perfect marriage of history: the rustic tradition of the fishermen meeting the architectural rigor of the Modernist master.
The Curator’s Recipe: Classic Vongole Veraci
(Serves 4)
The Ingredients:
- 1kg Clams (Vongole Veraci)
- 400g Spaghettoni (thick spaghetti)
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- Fresh Chili Pepper
- ½ glass of Dry White Wine
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Preparation:
- Purge: Let the clams rest in salted water for at least 2 hours to release any sand.
- Sauté: In a wide pan, sauté garlic and chili stems in generous olive oil until golden.
- Steam: Add the clams and the white wine. Cover immediately and let them steam until they open. Remove the clams and set aside.
- Cream: Cook the pasta al dente. Drain and toss directly into the pan with the clam water to absorb the sea essence and release starch. Add the clams back in at the very end.
- Plate: Twirl the pasta in the center of the Prunier plate, allowing Le Corbusier’s design to act as a prestigious frame.
Why it epitomizes Italian Luxury: It allows you to dine on a piece of art history, bringing the sophistication of 1960s London and the excellence of Italian manufacturing to your home.
Discover the Cassina Tableware Collection
2. The Alchemy of Transparency
The Pairing: Pomegranate Infusion meets Paola C.’s "Pims" Bottle
Water and wine are the lifeblood of the Italian table, but the vessel that holds them defines the mood. To break the monotony of traditional pitchers, we turn to the playful yet sophisticated geometry of Aldo Cibic.
The "Pims" Bottle by Paola C. is a study in borosilicate glass, recalling the precision of laboratory equipment softened by a poetic touch. Its dual-volume shape plays with light and transparency, turning the liquid inside into a decorative element.
The Visual Dialogue
For a festive touch, we suggest serving a sparkling water infusion with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint. The red "rubies" of the pomegranate dance suspended within the transparent glass of the Pims bottle, creating a mesmerizing interplay of color and light that acts as a dynamic centerpiece.
The Curator’s Recipe: Festive Infused Water
The Ingredients:
- 1 Liter Sparkling Water (chilled)
- 1 Ripe Pomegranate (seeds extracted)
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Ice Cubes
The Preparation:
- Gently place the pomegranate seeds and mint leaves at the bottom of the empty Pims bottle.
- Pour the sparkling water slowly to create bubbles that lift the seeds.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to infuse subtly.
Style Note: Position two bottles at opposite ends of the table. The transparency of the glass ensures the view across the table remains unobstructed, encouraging conversation while adding a modern, architectural touch to the setting.
Explore Paola C. Glassware
3. The Monumental Finale
The Pairing: Panettone with Mascarpone Cream meets Paola C.’s "Gambino" Cake Stand
The Panettone is the undisputed King of the Italian holiday season. Tall, airy, and fragrant with candied citrus, it is a monument to patience and pastry savoir-faire. A dessert of this stature cannot simply be placed on a flat plate; it deserves a pedestal.
The "Gambino" Cake Stand, also by Paola C., provides the architectural foundation this dessert requires. Its sleek, ceramic lines offer a contemporary counterpoint to the rustic, golden dome of the traditional cake.
The Visual Dialogue
Serving the Panettone whole on the Gambino stand transforms the dessert into a sculpture. The height draws the eye to the center of the table, signaling the grand finale of the feast.
The Curator’s Recipe: Mascarpone & Orange Cream
(Serves 4-6)
The Ingredients:
- 500g Mascarpone Cheese
- 4 Fresh Egg Yolks
- 100g Granulated Sugar
- Zest of 1 Organic Orange
The Preparation:
- Whisk: Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume.
- Fold: Gently fold in the mascarpone (room temperature) using a spatula to keep the airiness.
- Scent: Grate the orange zest directly into the cream and mix gently.
- Serve: Slice the Panettone directly at the table on its stand, serving each guest a generous dollop of the scented cream on the side.
Why we love it: It celebrates the "ritual of sharing." The stand elevates the Panettone, making the act of cutting and serving it a theatrical moment of connection.
Shop the Gambino Cake Stand
The true essence of Italian luxury lies in the details—the weight of the cutlery, the texture of the linen, and the story behind every object on the table.
Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a grand family reunion, let your table tell a story of culture, taste, and design.
Ready to curate your holiday table?
