ITALIAN DINNER PARTY STYLING INSPIRATION

So, I have a secret to share.  This Italian dinner party styling inspiration was inspired by my assistant's 21st birthday.  This Italian themed party all started with some wine, wine glasses, and Olive Garden dressing.

Can you smell it?

Rich and delicious pasta sauces cooking on the stove, freshly baked bread in the oven, and a glass of wine to sip while you wait.

All these wonderful foods need a beautiful Italian themed party table to be placed on!

ITALIAN DINNER PARTY STYLING INSPIRATION

This is where we come in.  We love creating simple and easy table decor ideas.

We even have event planning guides and loads more table setting ideas in the entertaining category.  But if you need more Italian table inspiration after you finish this post try Italian themed dinner party ideas and Italian dinner table setting.

Let's start with the centerpiece.

ITALIAN CENTERPIECE

Let your centerpiece carry the flavor of Italy with some herbs, flowers, and grapes.

Start with a base like our white cake plate.  This white cake plate is one that is very similar if you need one.

Then add a garden pot full of traditional Italian herbs and throw in a few small flowers for color.

For the herbs, we decided to use were sage, basil, thyme, parsley, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, lemon balm, and lemongrass.

They came as a set in one pot which was very convenient.

Next, we added a white and red tea towel around the pot to give it some more character.

Finally, we placed some different colored grapes to add more flavor, pun intended!  🙂

Now that the centerpiece is finished we asked ourselves what an Italian dinner is without candles?

ITALY TABLE DECOR: CANDLES, JARS & PASTA

The table would not be complete without some candles to add to the ambiance.

We knew we wanted to add some pasta to our table decor and clear glass jars seemed to be the ticket.

We rummaged through my pantry to find all the different shapes and sizes of pasta that would fit into the jars.

Then simply add a little piece of twine around the top and a tapered candle or votive candles.

As a side note – the wax will most likely drain down into the jar, but it came out really easy with all the pasta.

Last, sprinkle some pasta randomly around the table.

RED AND WHITE BUFFALO CHECK TABLE CLOTH

Something about a red and white check tablecloth just screams Italian dinner!

So, when we started searching for a tablecloth, we fell in LOVE with this Sweet Scalloped Checkered Tablecloth.

Isn't it adorable!

BROWN BANNER PAPER TABLE RUNNER

Brown banner paper adds so much character!

Let me encourage you to purchase a good size roll and use it when you have parties.

We used it as a runner, but on our Mother's day table, I had used it for placemats.

There are so many things you can do with banner paper.

We decided to do some hand lettering on the banner paper with a chalk marker and a black sharpie.

HOW TO SET AN ITALIAN DINNER TABLE PLACE SETTING

While living in Italy I sat down to enjoy many amazing dinners served by Italians which gave me insights into how they set their Italian tables.

To begin they always used fresh linens on the table.  Then place a dinner plate with a fork on the left and a spoon and knife on the right.  The wine was always served at dinner so a wine glass sat above the knife and spoon.

But the one thing that was different was how they broke bread.  Your bread would sit on the fresh linens where you would break it and enjoy with your wine.

So let's jump into how to set a place setting Italian style.

Now it is time for the final touches.

We added silverware that belonged to my mom.  We love this silver set because they are called Michelangelo, like the Italian artist.  Here is the exact same set as in the photo.

And lastly, you will need wine glasses.  We decided this would be a good place to give the table some old fashion character, so we selected different wine glasses.

This is another way to keep everyone's glass recognizable.  But if you need new wine glasses I would use these Italian style wine glasses and then purchase some charms to tell them apart.

After dinner, you rise with your drink, and because they all look different, you don't have to worry about drinking out of someone else's glass.

CORK GRAPES CRAFT

We can't take credit for this beautiful idea because there are many options on Pinterest.

However, they were so cute and adorable that we couldn't resist making our own.

Here is how to make them.

First, collect corks.

Then cut them in half.

Next, glued the cork pieces together with a glue gun.

As a finishing touch, add a few green leaves.

ITALIAN BUFFALO RED WHITE CHECK GARLAND

What is a party without some delicate lights strung across the room?

Add some red and white check fabric, and you get an awesome ambiance.

The garland was another super easy thing to make.

We used green Christmas lights, then cut red and white check fabric into 9″ by 1 1/2″ strips and tied them on.

It was that simple and looks like a million bucks!  The garland was the icing on the cake for this Italian dinner party. If you need Christmas light, click HERE, or for checkered fabric click HERE.

CHEESE AND WINE MENU

Believe it or not, I am not a wine drinker so selecting wine for my dinner guest is a little challenging.

If you're like me, then check out these Top 5 Best Moscato Wines and for cheese and wine tips check out these entertaining tips with cheese and wine.

These posts will make your life so much easier.

The wine bottle we have in the photo was another gift from the Olive Garden and just happens to be Moscato Mom's number 2 best Moscato wine.

You can find this wine in stores or you can Buy The California Wine Club's Premier Series as a Gift which makes a great present for the guest of honor.

ITALIAN MUSIC GOOGLE HOME OR ALEXA ECHO

Now, believe it or not, there is one more ingredient, and that is music and google home or Alexa by amazon is your answer.

I simply said, “Hey Google, play music Italian” and that is what she did!  She played it all evening while we visited, and ate.

Because it is so small in scale, we were able to incorporate it into the design on the shelf.

It was perfect and so easy!

CONCLUSION

Well, the table is set and the birthday girl is happy.

Her Italian themed party turned out fantastic!

Dinner was delicious, the music was fantastic and we all had a blast.  We even surprised her with tiramisu topped with an Italian flag.

TIME TO PARTY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KASEY!!

What's your favorite detail from the Italian dinner party table? I hope this Italian dinner party styling inspiration gives you ideas for you next event.

Happy Decorating!

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