The foods offered before the meal is called the Antipasti. The plates are colorful with a variety of meats, olives, artichokes, eggs, anchovies and other ingredients to create a mini-feast.
An Italian tradition is to create an antipasti with a selection of color, flavor, texture and how well each complements each other. An antipasti is also considered a great way to get everyone socializing together.
*Cindy's Note* Antipasti or Antipasto? I get this question all the time. Here is the literal definition, Antipasto (plural) means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichokes, cheese, picked vegetables or meats and drizzled with oil and vinegar!
Decorate your platter with all of the ingredients and before serving drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and a little sea salt.