How to Build a Dreamy Italian Dinner Table, According to a Pro

Summer nights are winding down, but there’s still time to host a dinner that feels like a mini escape to Tuscany. We spoke with Beth Helmstetter, founder and creative director of a global events design studio, about how to craft an Italian-style table that’s inviting, abundant, and effortlessly warm.

“The goal is to create a table where time stretches. Every guest should feel invited to stay a little longer,” she explained.

Abundance at the Center

When it comes to an Italian dinner party, Beth knows that the food—and the way it’s shared—is everything. “At the heart of any Italian dinner is hospitality,” she says. Platters of handmade pasta, grilled vegetables, rustic bread, and generous pours of wine make guests feel at ease and encourage conversation (and second helpings). Family-style dining isn’t just practical; it’s the secret ingredient to a warm, inviting table.

Layered, Collected Textures

You don’t have to aim for perfectly staged or symmetrical; she suggests opting for a more mix-and-match feel. Linen with Italian-inspired prints (ala Cabana Magazine), hand-painted ceramics, and glassware collected from flea markets or travels all mix together. “Even better if mismatched,” she said.

And if you want to get really specific, go for items actually from Italy. “Even small touches with history—a handwoven napkin from Umbria, a bottle of Tuscan olive oil—make the table feel personal,” she explains. The goal is a space that feels gathered over time, not put together in a hurry.

Think about varying heights especially when it comes to weaving in flowers and candles.

Seasonal Details Make the Table Pop

Fruit and herbs are styling stars. “Just a lemon or even an artichoke here and there can feel very Italian,” Beth explained. Scatter figs, lemons, or apricots down the center, tuck rosemary bundles at each seat, or place a few sprigs into the arrangement for fragrance. “It adds color, texture, and a sense of place,” she added.

As for candles, mix tapers and votives to cast a golden glow, inviting guests to linger. For flowers, Beth usually sticks with what’s in bloom: wild chamomile, climbing roses, or fragrant sage and rosemary. Even produce can serve double duty—a lemon or an artichoke adds that quintessential Italian touch.

With abundance, layers, and effortless warmth, your next dinner party can feel like a Tuscan escape—even if it’s just in your dining room.

What to Serve

Pair this tablescape with simple, shareable Italian recipes: handmade pasta tossed with summer vegetables, bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, or a seasonal fruit salad with honey and fresh herbs. Round out the meal with rustic bread, a selection of cheeses, and plenty of wine.