Turn an ordinary summer evening into an Italian-inspired escape with lemon-filled tables, hand-painted candles, and simple hosting rituals.
Not every summer escape requires a plane ticket.
Some of the most memorable moments happen right at home—gathered around a beautifully set table, sharing a meal with friends as the sun begins to set. This season, I’m taking inspiration from the Amalfi Coast and bringing a little Italian summer magic to everyday evenings through alfresco dining.
Nothing captures the spirit of an Italian summer quite like bowls of fresh lemons, garden flowers, and a table full of friends lingering long after sunset. Recently, I teamed up with event planner Lauren of Tiny Wedding Collective and Chef Jordan of DC Eatings to create an Amalfi Coast-inspired alfresco dinner for twelve.
For the occasion, I designed watercolor lemon menus, hand-painted taper candles, and custom place cards that framed each guest’s wine glass—a playful detail that instantly made the table feel personal and inviting.
The evening was so charming and inspiring that I wanted to share a glimpse of the artwork and details from the table with all of you.
DIY Your Summer Entertaining
The best summer tables aren’t perfect—they’re personal. Mix vintage finds with everyday pieces, gather flowers from the garden, and embrace an effortless approach to hosting. It’s the thoughtful details that make a gathering feel special, not perfection.
To help you create your own Italian-inspired evening, I’ve included these watercolor lemon menus as a download for your next dinner party.
I shared a step-by-step tutorial on Instagram showing how to create the wine glass place cards featured on this table.
If you love this look, my Summer Shop is now live and filled with pieces inspired by this very dinner—from hand-painted lemon taper candles to artwork designed to bring a little sunshine indoors.
Summer is an invitation to slow down and celebrate the small moments. A backyard dinner can feel like an escape when you take the time to set the table, light the candles, and gather your favorite people around it.
This season, romanticize the everyday. Bring dinner outside, linger a little longer, and create a bit of summer magic wherever you are.
Notes on Summer Style is arriving next week, but I couldn't resist sharing this favorite in the meantime. I've had this dress for several summers now, and it's one of those pieces I return to year after year. Easy, airy, and endlessly wearable, it's the kind of dress that makes getting dressed in the summer feel effortless. I found one on Poshmark and linked it here for anyone looking to add a little timeless summer style to their closet.
