Italian Garden Table: Easy Outdoor Entertaining with What You Have
Today, I am joining a few friends for outdoor spaces and entertaining. I’m setting an Italian garden table using what I have. Where I live in Coastal Connecticut, this time of year is the best for entertaining outdoors.
The Perfect Backdrop for a Garden Party
Our house was built in 1922 and has that lived-in vibe all around. In May and June, the grass is at its greenest, and the hydrangea tree is filled out, but not yet bursting with blooms. The setting is perfect for a garden party of some sort.
Setting a Tuscan Table with What You Have
Even though we are currently in Provence this week, I decided on a Tuscan theme for this casual dinner party for six. I started with a linen olive green checked tablecloth and mixed in some Tuscan gold linen napkins. I’ve used these for many tables throughout the year, but now, it all seems so summery.
That’s what I love about entertaining: it gives you the chance to use your pretty things and see them in different ways. At the holidays, it all seemed festive, and now it seems perfect for a Tuscan garden party. These two colors, the olive green and warm gold, set the tone, reminding you of those charming countryside trattorias.
A Centerpiece Straight from the Kitchen Garden
I always love the idea of using what I have and repurposing some things. So for this table, I used tomato tin cans to hold a tomato plant, some herbs, and marigolds. Then I mixed in tomatoes on the vine in all sizes. It’s fresh, and of course, nothing will go to waste.
Candlelight, Low and Simple
For candles, I used jars with votives and just tucked them into the plants and tomatoes in the center of the table. Everything is low. I never like the flowers to interfere with the conversation “space”.
A Rustic Tuscan Menu for Six
The menu was equally as simple and rustic. Homemade focaccia bread, a steak, arugula and penne salad, this gorgeous ham, and summer melon salad with basil. For dessert, we did a gelato bar! It’s the easiest dessert, and everyone always loves it!
Sending guests home with something lovely
When I entertain, I like to send everyone home with a little gift as a thank you for coming. For this gathering, I made mini lemon shortbread cookies. Perfect for the road home or the next morning with your coffee.
I also made small jars of Tuscan Herb Sea Salt. It’s so easy to put together. I used these jars, jute twine, and some small tags. I cut a square of paper to cover the jar and tie them up with twine. It all looked very earthy and perfect to rest on top of each napkin with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
I used dried herbs because the shelf life is longer than if using fresh herbs. The Tuscan Sunset blend is sweet basil, oregano, garlic, thyme, fennel, black pepper, red bell pepper, and anise seed.
That’s all I have today on outdoor spaces and entertaining. Let’s see what Mary Ann, Cindy, Kim, and Molly have to say today!
Annie what a charming and adorable idea using the tomatoes and the cans. I love it! The menu sounds delicious too. The salt to take home is sweet too. Oh I wish I could stop over! I would bring you some tomatoes from my dad. Saving the idea for when our garden is bursting later this summer! xo
Kim, that would be amazing…you popping over, and with homegrown tomatoes! How I would love that!
Wow…what a fun dinner this would be to attend, Annie!
You set the most charming tables and always have such thoughtful takeaways!! I need to make that tuscan sea salt!
Yes, that Tuscan sea salt seems very Paso Robles too! Very similar vibe, in my mind!
Annie. Can you let me know where you got the great gingham checked tablecloth for your Italian dinner? Thank you. Mary Kay
Hi Mary Kay! It’s from Terrain, but it’s no longer available. If I can find it elsewhere, I’ll send a link! Thanks for reading!
What a lovely visit to the Italian countryside! The colors of the table linens are perfect and I love how you used the tomato cans to hold plants. Also, you always put together the most thoughtful little gifts. Happy travels!
Thank you Molly!
Hi Annie,
Such a beautiful table I love the tomatoes like that and the tins! Heavenly, what lucky guests!! Travel well xo
Hi Francesca! Aren’t the tin cans fun? Since we were going out of town, I insisted everyone take a plant (in the can) home with them!
First of all I can’t wait for your book. You’ve just inspired me. I have Book Club tonight and I’m going outside to get flowers from my garden to decorate the table. The flowers are not flower shop flowers they simply bloom in my pots. Great idea.
Sandra! Thank you! And I love flowers from the garden over flower shop flowers any day! What book did you read? I’ll bet your book group is so fun! I can only imagine! xx
I absolutely loved your table setting ! I’m actually a bit jealous of the tomato cans. How come I never see pretty cans like that in the grocery store, I wonder? Do you have a recipe for your salt? The amounts of each herb and what salt you used? I would love to have that. You have inspired me!