I’m a firm believer that eating isn't just about taste, and that half of the eating is in the looking. In my opinion, well-presented food only goes so far if the plates aren’t pretty.
I’ve had some of my favorite meals on European vacations — cacio e pepe as the sun sets over a Tuscan piazza, cheese and wine by the pool at a Provincial chateau, and incredible tapas overlooking the lights of Barcelona. And, whilst I can’t directly replicate the experience of dining on the European continent, I can certainly evoke memories with my dinnerware choices.
Luckily, I’ve spotted tons of Italian decor for kitchens in homeware stores, which has inspired a whole host of al fresco dining ideas. My dinner party guests eat it up every time and, trust me, yours will too.
How to channel Eurosummer on your table
Whenever I’m looking for hosting essentials, I gravitate towards Eurosummer-style tableware, which, of course, includes the Amalficore aesthetic.
When you think of dining in Europe, you’ll likely envision a table clad with a white linen tablecloth, olive wood serving accessories, and a neon-orange Aperol Spritz’ in the hand of every guest, a drink that has become synonymous with the Italian dining experience, and a striking tablescape staple in itself.
I recommend combining the charm of a French rustic farmhouse, alongside coastal kitchen ideas, reminiscent of the cool, blue waters in Greece, and warm-toned Spanish design for your interiors. When shopping, keep an eye out for natural woods, bright colors, and coastal motifs, such as shell designs. This eclectic interior mix is what makes the Eurosummer aesthetic so perfect for your dinner table, as you can adapt it to your personal taste.
It’s not too complicated to combine the dining table aesthetics of these glorious European countries, you just have to know where to look. That’s where I come in.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
Where to buy European dinnerware
Part of my job as a social editor for an interiors magazine, believe it or not, is shopping. Once a month, I head out to the mall to see which new pieces the big homeware stores have in stock and, this month, I could practically smell freshly baked croissants in the air; Eurosummer had arrived on the tables of Anthropologie, H&M Home, and Zara Home. From serving dishes to linen napkins, the European aesthetic had washed up on our shores, and it took all of my willpower not to buy everything I laid my eyes on.
Price: $28.00
This set of four reusable cotton napkins makes the perfect dinner party talking point. Their striking colors and playful design, featuring garnish motifs, are reminiscent of warm days spent at European beach clubs. They are 6" square, and shoppers rate them 4.8 stars, commenting on how they are "fun for summer!"
Price: $16
These hand-blown glasses are hand-pressed with 'evil eye' motif glass beads, meaning that each individual glass is entirely unique. 97% of shoppers recommend these Grecian-style glasses, though be sure not to take them for a spin in the dishwasher as they are hand-washed only.
Price: $49.99
You'll spot pristine white tablecloths in both homes and restaurants across the Mediterranean. This European staple is a blend of both linen and cotton, and it is machine-washable. This tablecloth comes in two sizes, making it the perfect choice for either four or six-seater tables.
Price: $19.99
I love these 100% mango wood salad servers. They make a statement, without being too much, and serve up a classic rustic charm. They come in at 12.5 inches long and will look stunning displayed out in a utensil jar. Be sure to wash these by hand so the wood doesn't get damaged.
Price: $14.90
Ok, how Amalficore is this kitchen towel? The printed lemon motif combined with the scalloped edge is a match made in Euro heaven. Use to carry warm plates to the table, or even to mop up kitchen spills, as the 100% cotton towel is machine washable.
Price: $59.90
This is definitely the pièce de résistance of your Eurosummer tablescape; a lemon and lobster-printed, stoneware serving plate. This will fit a truly Nonna-sized portion of food on it, too, as it measures 18.5" long by 8.9" wide, and you don't need to worry about post-host cleanup as it's dishwasher safe.
Looking for more European inspiration? Travel further north to learn everything you need to know about Scandinavian interior design, or, alternatively, check out our outdoor decor ideas to spruce up your al-fresco dining experience; dining outside is just *so* continental.
