In this post: A great way to add color to a table is to decorate with food. These simple Tuscan tablescape ideas are perfect for an Italian themed party.
The inspiration for this setting came from two places. First, was our upcoming trip to Tuscany to visit our daughter who’s studying there and, second, was the Italian recipe salad plates that we had received as a gift some time ago. I initially had only four of the plates and they were no longer available from the store, but when I decided to build the setting around them, I took to eBay in a successful search for the remaining place settings. As always, I started with one interesting element and built a color story and details around it.
The rustic feel of the countryside is imparted via the burlap tablecloth and the terra-cotta linen napkins. Offsetting this feel is a little gleam from the antique silver flatware and the jeweled napkin rings. (See resource list below.)
I never use place cards to seat my guests at an intimate dinner because I prefer they choose their seating, but I love the opportunity to use printed graphics on the table, so I designed these table cards as a fun detail to further communicate the theme.
The pair of floral arrangements are housed in distressed Tuscan inspired urns. Orange roses and red dahlias team up with greenery to tell the story of the Italian countryside through color.
The glow of candlelight enhances the warm tones of the tablescape and the surrounding rooms.
The glimmer of the glassware and crystal help lend the dinner a sense of elegance that plays off the more simplified country elements.
Decorating with food is always a favorite of mine. Here, glass hurricanes are filled with varied tomatoes and grapes, another nod to the Mediterranean fare widely available throughout Italy.
The long view from the table opens into the neighboring living room where drinks are served before the meal.
No Tuscan meal is complete without Limoncello and Italian pastries.
Italian Themed Party Source List – Click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. (This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
- Green chargers
- Cream dinner plates
- Italian menu salad plates
- Rust hemstitch napkins
- Embroidered white napkins
- Amber beaded napkin ring
- First Love flatware
- Glen plaid goblets
- Green swirl water glasses
- Burlap tablecloth
- Tuscan vases
- Tall glass hurricanes
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these (click on the links or photos):
Amalfi Inspired Tablescape | Mason Jar Centerpiece | Red, White and Blue Table
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Chrissy says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 4:55 pmOh I so loved Italy, my husband and I were there for 2 weeks. I was with him on business, but in the evening and weekend it was so wonderful to enjoy the Italian atmosphere. Your tablescape makes me want to go back again. The flower arrangements are so beautiful. Tuscany is such a relaxing and beautiful place. I hope you enjoy your trip.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:28 pmThanks Chrissy! We actually already took the trip, in fact if you head over to the Travelfolio section of the blog you can see some of the pics. But I’ll be posting many more in the next few weeks. Here’s a link to a post about Pienza, but there’s also one of Venice. https://designthusiasm.com/potted-pienza/
Shenita says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 6:26 pmBeautiful table, Lory! Love the Tuscan theme that you so beautifully executed; and the Ralph Lauren Glen Plaid glassware is a fave of mine. It’s my hubby’s favorite glassware to use. Love the plates from Williams-Sonoma, as well. I love their dinnerware choices!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:35 pmThanks so much Shenita! I’m new to this whole blogging thing, but it doesn’t take long to figure out who are the like minded bloggers and I can see from what you post that we share similar taste in home style… 🙂 I love the way you characterize your style, because I too would use many of the same terms. Thanks for visiting!
Lee says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 8:12 pmThe table looks very pretty and the food looks amazing!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 8:43 pmThanks Lee!
Sandra says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 2:39 pmLory if my arthritic knees would allow it I’d be jumping up and down at the sight of this gorgeous table. You definitely set the mood with this one. My daughter is taking a cooking class in Florence this month and my intention was to do an Italian themed table. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 2:59 pmAw Sandra, thanks for that visual (jumping up and down… ;-))!! Yes, I’m a big Italophile. A cooking class in Florence sounds fabulous! One of my daughter’s classes was “Pairing food and wine”. School wasn’t like that when I went!
sharlotte says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 6:41 pmYour Tuscan table is stunning. I’ve never been to Italy but imagine such wonderful sights and sounds as these. I love all the special touches you added to continue your theme…it’s lovely.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 7:49 pmThank you Sharlotte! It is a wonderful inspiring place to go… 🙂
Linda says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 7:08 pmHi Lory, a woman I can relate to. your table is so welcoming and warm. Love your details, place cards and fruits and veggies.
I love a large long dining table. We have one too. We hope to visit Italy in the near future. So many wonderful places to see. I shall spend the time browsing through your lovely pictures.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 7:50 pmThanks so much Linda! Enjoy your visit… 🙂 If you go to the Travelfolio category, you can see some of my pics from the trip.
Elizabeth Roderick says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 9:09 pmThis is delightful. I’m one to study every detail and everything you have done is beautiful. I love the different colors of the walls in the 3 rooms I can see. I would love to see Italy someday till then, thank you for sharing this inspiring table.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 10:33 pmThank you Elizabeth and thanks especially for taking the time to comment… 🙂
susie says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 12:29 amthe colors in this theme are so beautiful never thought to put food in vases what a unique idea and the flowers are gorgeous thank you for such beauty.Susie
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 12:49 amThank you Susie!!
[email protected] Porch Musings says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 4:02 pmGorgeous Tuscan Temptation, Lory!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 5:26 pmThanks Pat!
FABBY says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 5:09 pmOh my, the whole thing is stunning! I love your dining room, the gorgeous table with lovely dishes and great elements and yummy food…what can I add, but perfection! I tried following you, but couldn’t find the link.
Thanks for coming by, I loved it!
FABBY
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 5:31 pmThank you so much Fabby! Is my “follow link” not working or could you just not find the button? It should be right on my home page to the right of the posts, right below the social media buttons. There’s a subscribe by email button, but there’s also a “follow me on bloglovin” button which is the easiest way. Thank you so much for following (or at least trying to)!!
Jenna says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 9:24 amSo pretty Lory, this is one of my favorite color combos, pink orange and green~ I do love the buon appetito place cards, I have a secret desire to speak Italian, everything just sound so much better in French and Italian 🙂 I especially love the textured cloth and the flowers with artichokes~
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 10:12 amThanks Jenna! I agree about the language thing. I barely speak any Italian, but my French is good enough that I believe if I lived in a French speaking country for 6 months, I’d be fluent. Always thought that would be so cool!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 11:17 amOh wow, I love the tablescape. Using the tall apothecary jars to hold fruit is such a wonderful idea. Everything looks so beautiful. I also really love the checks and the coral colors in the room. Stunning.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 11:30 amThank you Marty! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment, as well… 🙂
Janet says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 6:47 pmWhat a lovely table. It certainly transports one to Tuscany. It is a great table to enjoy a delicious meal with friends.
Thanks for visiting me. Your kind words are appreciated.
Janet
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 11:32 amThank you Janet! And thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment… 🙂
Christine says
Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 9:06 pmYou had me at Lemoncello! Gorgeous Lory…..just gorgeous!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 11:31 amHa ha! Thanks Christine… 🙂
Candy S says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 7:43 amLovely table! I love the beige checks, and the burlap table cover grounds the whole table beautifully. The terra-cotta napkins look fabulous with the salad plates. Beautiful!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 11:13 amThanks Candy! Thanks for visiting… 🙂
Chloe Crabtree says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 12:43 pmYour table setting is absolutely beautiful. My favorite thing is the collection of the colorful little tomatoes in the glass cylinders. That was a charming idea, instead of just all flowers. The whole thing is just pulled together beautifully. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your trip to Tuscany!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 1:37 pmThank you so much Chloe! I’m so glad you appreciated the details. Thanks for taking the time to let me know… 🙂
Katherines Corner says
Monday, July 21, 2014 at 9:24 amYou set a beautiful table and the Tuscan theme is perfect. It is all so wonderful and inviting. xo
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Monday, July 21, 2014 at 10:35 amThanks Katie! Thanks for stopping by… 🙂
At Rivercrest Cottage says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 1:45 pmWhat a lovely place to be! that dining room setting makes me want to be a better person. I must get at least one room finished soon.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 2:22 pmHa ha, love the way you put that! If it’s any consolation, my dining room was empty for years. I always felt I didn’t want to do it until I could do it the way I wanted… 🙂
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 2:08 pmI am in love with these salad plates! I tend to like anything unique, and if it has some type of text, all the better. Thanks for the heads up on these. I am eBay bound. 🙂
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 7:26 pmThanks Pattie!! I, too, am a fan of things with text. Good luck on your hunt… 🙂
Vanessa says
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 6:35 pmEvery element you used on this tablescape is breathtaking. I am in love with the veggies, flowers, dishes and so on. Beautiful
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 7:49 pmThanks so much Vanessa!! Thanks for stopping by… 🙂
Linda says
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 3:41 pmWhat a great table that beautifully captures the warmth of Tuscany. I can’t tell you what I like best. Maybe the flower arrangement. No, the hurricanes filled with fruit or maybe the flatware. It’s all terrific.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 8:18 amThanks, Linda! This one was a fun one… 🙂
Liz @ Infuse With Liz says
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 8:44 amPerfect coloring for a Tuscan themed table! I definitely like the hurricanes filled with fruit! The PB vases with flowers have the perfect aged look that goe so well with this theme. Those are great plates- don’t you love how Ebay can help save the day! Love the printed table cards!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 9:21 pmYes, Liz! eBay is the best! Thanks for visiting with me… 🙂
Rosie M. says
Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 1:01 pmI LOVE this table! I had forgotten that I have those same WS dishes, but haven’t used them yet. You’ve highlighted them perfectly: I hope I can put together a table as pretty as yours. Thanks for the inspiration! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 7:06 pmThanks and it’s my pleasure, Rosie!!
Gina says
Friday, March 4, 2016 at 11:18 amLory, your table is gorgeous. Love the Italian pastries and the Limoncello pictured in your desert section. Is that a Gubana cake? We always bring back that cake from the Friuli region when we travel through Italy. Just beautiful!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 5:40 pmThank you, Gina! Hmmm… can’t remember where the cake is from or what it is. Probably brought by one of my guests. I do know the pastries in the middle are Portuguese, although not sure the name. Thanks for stopping by… 🙂