Scotto Family Holiday Entertaining Tips
Rosanna Scotto and daughter Jenna Ruggiero share their tips for the best party ever
As co-host of Good Day New York, Rosanna Scotto is one of New York City’s best-known newscasters. She’s also co-owner of Fresco by Scotto, a multi-generational Italian restaurant in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant, which opened in November 1993, just celebrated its 30th anniversary and is still going strong, thanks to fantastic food and the close family bond of the women who operate the restaurant together - matriarch Marion Scotto, sisters Rosanna and Elaina Scotto, and Rosanna’s daughter, Jenna Ruggiero.
The Scottos love nothing more than to entertain family and old and new friends — both at the restaurant and home. They shared some great holiday party tips to brighten up your season.
Dress The Table
Rosanna Scotto likes to decorate the dining room table for a festive Christmas party — even if it’s an intimate gathering. “Last year, we had a “COVID soiree” — just four couples and one of my mom’s entertaining ideas is to make the table festive. When everyone walked in they were appreciative of the effort,” says Jenna Ruggiero. Scotto decorates the table with fresh pine branches, and holly, and adds tinsel for a little sparkle. Finally, everyone gets a party favor.
Conversation Starters
Sometimes a party needs a little icebreaker. Scotto likes to pass out little starter questions, even tossing in a few slightly sexy ones. “It gets everyone laughing and in a good mood,” she says.
Set up the Spirits
Set up a designated bar table. “That way people can feel comfortable pouring a drink.” Scotto likes to offer both red and white wines — and also keeps a bottle of tequila at hand. “I love wine, but I also love my tequila, so I always have a bottle of tequila and some limes,” she says.
Finger Food is Key
Appetizers and grab-and-go food work best for the Scotto family. “Italian Americans love to do a great big antipasto,” says Scotto. The spread includes mozzarella, prosciutto, roasted peppers, olives, nuts, and good bread. She also loves rice balls and adds this pro tip: Fresco by Scotto makes great rice balls to go — just heat and serve.
Cook or Cater?
Scotto says the holidays are not a time to stress — or try new recipes if the kitchen isn’t your natural habitat. “I have a friend of mine who stores sweaters in the oven. She never goes into the kitchen, so I wouldn’t want her trying to cook for the holidays.” If you’re comfortable in the kitchen, by all means, prepare a feast — but feel free to buy prepared foods or cater the party. Jenna Ruggiero adds that her friends all know that a party is just a call or a click away. “I think for the younger generation, it’s all about delegating.”
It’s All About the Memories You Make
At the end of the day, a holiday gathering is more about spending quality time with the people you love. Says Scotto,” What we’ve learned these past few years is that life is precious and you have to appreciate the moments.”
Rosanna Scotto recalls her favorite Christmas memories. “Before the restaurant, we would have these great Christmas Eve dinners. We do the “Night of the Seven Fishes”. We have that extension at our restaurant now. We also love to sing Christmas carols.
For Jenna Ruggiero, the most special memories are of the family watching the annual home movie that Rosanna creates each year. “My mom makes a montage of videos of the whole family and puts it to music. We’re all be bawling at the end — but they’re always tears of love.”
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Rosanna — we would try to include. for the most part everyone was oaky as long as.
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Jenna were going t o keep alive.