to have + to host

Mediterranean-Inspired Dinner Party: Blues, Whites and Earthy Neutrals

Al Fresco· Blue/Violet/Purple· Dinnerware· Flatware· Glassware· Spring· Summer· Table Linens· Tablescapes· Theme Parties· White/Cream/Ivory

Mediterranean dinner party
Keeping it simple with one white dinner plate, one set of utensils, and one glass created a modern, European touch

Looking back on photos from a family trip to Capri a few summers ago, I was inspired to host an alfresco dinner party at home that captured those amazing moments we had in Italy. Using tones of blue and white and incorporating earthy neutrals, like wicker and seagrass along with lots of olive branches, I created this Mediterranean-inspired dinner party.

Mediterranean dinner party
Folding white metal bistro chairs give an airy feel to the setting, while taller, woven wicker chairs grace the ends – I love how they anchor the table! The blue patterned rug defines the space and gives it a perfect surround.

Shop the rug and white chairs here:

Mediterranean menu
Enlisting the help of my favorite paper genius friend, Natalie of Pretty Paper Club, we created a menu card that reflected the breezy blue hues of the Italian rivera. A small place card with greenery clipped from my backyard lent to the natural outdoor theme
Mediterranean dinner party
Solar-powered string lights attached to umbrella stands gave off warm, inviting light while wicker lanterns illuminated the table

Shop the string lights and lanterns here:

Mediterranean-inpsired dinner party
A birds-eye view of my simple, understated, and yet elegant table
Mediterranean dinner table
By purchasing just two pillows for each end chair, I was able to add another European coastal element to my Mediterranean-inspired dinner party table
Mediterranean dinner party
A simple white linen runner centered the table so that the pottery, greenery and wicker elements were the stars

Shop the table setting here:

Mediterranean-inspired dinner party
The catering team helped polish the cobalt-tinted water goblets, which meant one less thing for me to do!
Mediterranean dinner party
My husband and I met with the team at M Catering by Michael’s before the event to go through details – such a treat to leave it to the pros every once in a while!
Mediterranean-inspired dinner party
Working with a chef meant that we were able to pick herbs from our garden and incorporate them into our dinner. Here, we used chives for the entreé, basil for cocktail garnish and lavender on our dessert
Mediterranean Dinner Party
Olive branches are very symbolic on the island of Capri and Italy in general, so they definitely lent a great touch to my Mediterranean-inspired dinner party table. Wicker lanterns and seagrass pots were an added earth-toned detail
Mediterranean dinner party
I wanted to serve pre-dinner cocktails outside, so I made sure to add a few finishing touches, like branches in a rustic blue pot
Mediterranean dinner party
As our guests arrived, we had cocktails under the ramada
Mediterranean dinner party
Palmer couldn’t help but try to take a peek at the hors d’oeuvres
Mediterranean dinner party
Always close to the food . . .
Mediterranean dinner party
Casually draping napkins under a dinner plate so they hang over the edge of the table evokes a easy vibe – just what I wanted for this party
Mediterranean dinner party
Yes, I like to coordinate my outfits to my tables – I admit it. I chose a super comfy, flowy white dress from one of my favorite local boutiques, Muse Apparel, for this party.
Mediterranean dinner party
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful night – the weather cooperated perfectly!
Mediterranean dinner party
My cute supper club . . .

Check out this post for Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

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Comments

  1. Mary from Life at Bella Terra says

    Lory,

    You must do a blog post on matching your outfits to your dinner parties! So fun! You always look fantastic and yes, working with professionals frees up the hostess to do the hosting. Good luck on your event tomorrow. We are off to DC but excited to hear all about it when I return.

    Mary

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