Invite guests to slip onto barstools, put their elbows on the island, and help themselves to refreshing Lemon-Basil Antipasto. This way, you won't miss a thing as you prepare the veggie main dish of Creamy Tortellini Primaveraa and friends chat over the first course. Wrap up the night in the living room with coffee or espresso and your favorite cookies.

"Keep-It-Casual Italian" is from the March 2008 issue of Southern Living.