You know what I love about dinner parties? You can create any vibe you want from casual cool to elegantly formal. As long as you have two key things- good friends and good food- it’s probably going to be a success. The best dinner parties I’ve attended are the ones where I have felt welcome, where laughter and conversation flowed and the host was at ease. Seems like a simple recipe for success but hosting a dinner party doesn’t always feel simple. I tend to get caught up in the details and worry about things that are out of my control. That’s why I’m so in awe of people who make it seem effortless.

My friend Donna is that person and is total hostess goals. Whenever she hosts something it’s amazing. She has a knack for making you feel important and comfortable. She pays attention to what will make her guests feel welcome and at ease and then sits back and enjoys her own party. She’s a chill hostess and that allows everyone to feel relaxed. I try to channel her when I host something!

My favorite dinner party to host? The annual Tuscan dinners I’ve hosted for family. We whip up some easy food, like salad, pasta, cheese and olives, have plenty of red wine and bread and serve it all on a long banquet table under the stars and strings of white lights. Easy and comfortable with plenty of laughter. It’s a tradition that was inspired by a dinner party we attended in Tuscany. One of our favorite memories of Italy! The food was delicious but that was secondary to the atmosphere, which was perfect. Good company, beautiful views, live music, perfect lighting and simple table décor– really just wine bottles, place settings and wild flowers.

My point? Great dinner parties don’t need to be fancy or expensive. I’m in favor of using things you have around the house and cuttings from the yard. I’m also in favor of only inviting people who make you feel good and who will contribute to an atmosphere of frivolity. After all, it’s the people who truly make the dinner party.

But, I am a sucker for a pretty table! So, below you’ll find my staples for a Tuscan inspired dinner party….really any dinner party in the summer. Just add friends, food and laughter.

Having our favorite wines on the table is a necessity, we love Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay and Alamos Malbec. We may also grab some Italian wines but we generally stick with what we like!

I’m not a huge fan of tablecloths but when I need one I usually use a drop cloth from Home Depot. It’s sturdy, a nice neutral color and easy to clean. It’s also much more affordable than a large tablecloth!

These linen napkins are the perfect color.

To really set a mood, lighting is key! I love these solar string lights, you can hang them above the table or around the parameter of the eating area. I also love a variety of candles and candle holders along the length of the table. You can’t go wrong with some rustic taper candle holders and classic hurricanes.

A table isn’t complete without some greenery or flowers. I encourage you to use what you have in the yard, I usually cut branches from trees or flowers from the garden. The bouquet above is from Farmgirl Flowers.

I love a classic white plate but for outside dinners I like to use melamine plates.

There’s something festive about colored wine glasses! These are my picks.

This salad bowl reminds me of the salad set my parents have!

Cutting boards with bread for each side of the table is a win. I love the dark wood of this one.

Family style serving is a must for a dinner like this, so a platter is required.

If you’re ambitious and want to make your own bread, this bread bowl is also a bread rising basket.

And of course, you need to line the bread basket with some tea towels, I love these lemon and stripe ones!

Wrap up dinner with a delicious dessert and an espresso made with a Moka pot and served in the chicest espresso mugs.

I hope that if you host a dinner party this summer it’s full of good vibes, sparkling laughter and effortless fun. You deserve it.

Arrivederci!