An Italian Inspired Tablescape

Transport your guests to a picturesque summer destination with this wow-worthy Italian inspired tablescape. 

Andreina Chirinos Paoli, an interior designer and content creator, styled this beautiful tablescape to recreate summer dining al fresco in Italy for her family and friends. “For me, there is no special occasion needed to design a beautiful table and gather with my loved ones,” she says.

Now living in Connecticut, Andreina (@andreinacottagestyle) vacations between her homeland, Venezuela, and Italy. She attributes her creativity to her father’s side of the family, renowned plastic artists. “My passion for beautiful tables is inherited from my grandmother and mother, because I grew up in a family in which sitting down to eat at a beautiful table every day was the norm,” she says.

Andreina gets her tablescape inspirations from photos, drawings and color palettes. “There is always a starting point when designing. I make a careful choice about each of the elements that will make up my table,” she says. “Closing your eyes and imagining Italy’s narrow and picturesque streets, the blue of its sea and the striking colors of its street markets is wonderful inspiration.”

Andreina and florist Carla (@floresbycarlacandia) created a three-part design for the stunning centerpiece. They used a tall, bowl-shaped vase and placed fruit and vegetables around it to cover the empty space at the base. They placed the main vase on a Lazy Susan, which made it easier for them to arrange it from all angles as they turned it. They lined the base with lemons and placed a thin, empty cylinder inside the main vase. Then they added a layer of sweet peppers, sliced oranges and bell peppers. The top had to lay flat for the plate with oasis. To complete the work of art, they placed the flowers in the soaked oasis to keep them fresh.

Andreina is certainly not afraid to use color in her table designs. “I have no limitation to use any color when designing, but blue is definitely my favorite,” she says. “It reminds me of the color of the sea and my roots. We used pink, yellow and orange alstroemerias and asters to give it movement.”

Could the centerpiece be recreated on a smaller scale? “Using white and blue plates; blue glasses; and a glass cylinder full of bell peppers, tomatoes, lemons and oranges as a centerpiece with some small flower arrangements in bright colors will achieve this look instantly,” Andreina says.

The goal for Andreina is to create a statement piece that will transport her guests to the place she imagined. “It is a blank canvas where you are the artist,” she says. “A beautiful table must be enjoyed by all the senses. The alfresco tables are always my favorite. For me, tables must be a true experience, more than just decoration.”

Make It Memorable

Andreina’s best tips for setting a stylish tablescape.

1. Develop a nice color palette and have fun combining.
2. Use a vintage element to add character.
3. Make your table visually interesting.
4. Mix textures and materials.
5. Avoid using strongly scented flowers and candles.
6. Match your menu to the décor of your table.
7. Play music with the appropriate volume.
8. Always iron your tablecloth and napkins before setting.

Mushroom Carpaccio with Toast

Andreina shares her favorite family recipe.

What You’ll Need: 

• Vintage dish
• Sliced mushrooms (approximately 2 cups)
• 1 pot of mayonnaise  (finding out from Andreina what size)
• 1 Tablespoon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups of parmesan cheese
• Toast
• Fresh basil

What You’ll Do:

1. Mix together in a bowl the mayonnaise, mustard, sliced
   mushrooms, olive oil, grated cheese and pepper.
2. Place in a vintage dish.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve with toast.

For more tablescape inspiration, check out the many featured on our site. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!