Robert Verdi and Ecco Domani® Italian Wines Share Top Five Tips for Summer Entertaining

MODESTO, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is finally in full swing and so is the season for entertaining.  Ecco Domani, the stylish Italian wine brand, has teamed up with celebrity style and entertaining expert, Robert Verdi, to create tips for throwing the perfect fashionable fete.   Verdi believes that anyone can host a fabulous event at home by incorporating the below chic, affordable tips into the party planning process.

1. Bottle Up the Excitement: Grab guests' attention, and evoke beachtime nostalgia, with a unique message in a bottle invitation.  Use a clear glass bottle and fill it with a little bit of sand. Then roll up your invite and insert it with a string attached for easy access.  For a truly personal touch, hand-deliver it to each guest!
2. Go Tribal: Tribal inspirations are making a mark on this season's attire. It's easy to bring this trend to life at home by introducing native elements into your décor such as hand-carved wooden candlesticks or animal print rugs. Make the most of your budget by picking up some tribal printed material at your local fabric store and draping it over your table. This versatile piece not only adds instant summer style to your room but can later serve as a stylish sarong making you a fashion hit at the beach.
3. Stay Cool: Creating your own style statement often means putting a new twist on traditional wardrobe items. You can apply the same concept to entertaining by using your favorite vase or pitcher (glass or ceramic are perfect) as a non-traditional wine cooler.  Simply fill the container of your choice with ice and place the wine bottle inside.  Complete the look by selecting a bottle that tastes great and adds an element of style - such as Ecco Domani's sleek silver and green labeled Pinot Grigio - the wine will not only satisfy your guests, but instantly becomes part of the decor.
4. Dine Under the Stars: Make the most of your outdoor space this season by transforming your rooftop or backyard into an outdoor cafe. A mix of citronella candles and colorful tea lights will keep the pests away and help set the mood for an intimate evening affair.  For an added fashionable touch, try draping a vibrant pashmina over each chair– this adds a burst of color to your space and gives guests a way to keep warm if the night gets chilly.  Finally, set all of your foods on large trays ahead of time for an easy and quick way to serve guests without making multiple trips to the kitchen.
5. International Tastes:  True fashionistas take their style cues from the fashion capitals of the world. Why not do the same when it comes to your party menu? Trade in the typical barbecue burgers and hotdogs for gourmet treats with international flair. For example, create a buffet of easy-to-eat Italian treats such as caprese salad skewers with mozzarella and summer ripe tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped melon balls or olive tapenade crostinis. With its vibrant, fruit-forward flavors, Ecco Domani's Pinot Noir (from Sicily) adds that perfect final touch to your Italian inspired feast.

About Ecco Domani®

Ecco Domani® Wines of Italy embody the stylish finesse and taste of Italy. Ecco Domani's Winemaker, Fabrizio Gatto, crafted this portfolio of premium Italian wines to include the varietals Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chianti, and the wine blend Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio. Ecco Domani wines retail for approximately $14 and can be found in restaurants and wine retailers nationwide as well as online at www.thebarrelroom.com. Ecco Domani is a strong supporter of emerging fashion designers. The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation (EDFF), created in 2001 continues to annually give seven select designers an opportunity to showcase a collection during fall Fashion Week. Ecco Domani is proud to have launched the fashionable careers of designers such as Zac Posen, Derek Lam, Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Cushnie et Ochs, Peter Som, Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra. For more information, visit www.eccodomani.com.

SOURCE Ecco Domani