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Beauty and the Feast

How to turn your table into a ‘canvas’ for creativity

Il Pellicano Tablescape

At ISSIMO and Pellicano hotels, we take the art of the table very seriously, and very literally. Whether it’s a fancy dinner party with friends or an intimate family lunch, we like to think of the table as our ‘canvas’ – an open invitation to express our creativity, have fun with beautiful objects, and play with shapes, lines and different aesthetics.

After all, dressing a table is a bit like painting a picture: Just as an artist builds up a scene with paint, layer by layer, we approach our table accordingly, bringing it to life with a careful selection of handcrafted tableware created by artisans all over Italy.

Creating a dining ‘scene’ that leaves a lasting impression on guests is about considering important elements like colour, texture, materials and details. The table is a special place that brings people together to share food, connect, and celebrate life’s joys. Below, we have a few tips on how to transform yours into a masterpiece that is truly ‘BellISSIMO’ !

Laying beautiful foundations

Let’s be honest, life is too short for boring tablecloths and dull placemats. In fact, these elements play an essential role in setting the mood for the entire table. Materials are key when it comes to choosing the perfect ‘foundation’, and we always go for pure, high-quality fabrics like linen and cotton when dressing our tables.

Refining your colour palette

Next comes colour, and lots of it per favore! The perfect table always has a carefully considered palette that reflects a mood, season, or special theme or occasion. Whether it’s the refreshing blue and green tones of the Mediterranean or a spring palette inspired by delicate floral tones, choose a meaningful combination of hues and carry it through your table. Glassware is a great way to let your colours shine; so play with wine goblets and tumblers or showpiece water jugs, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.

issimo bitossi home wisteria tumbler bellissimo lifestyle

Adding an element of surprise

We’ve dined at many superb tables in our time, but the most memorable ones have not only been styled to perfection, they’ve also given us something extra to talk about. Adding something unexpected, curious, or architectural to your table is a great way to engage your guests in conversations about topics we all love discussing over a glass of wine – from art and design, to history, culture and beyond.

You could go bold with the epic Gaetano Pesce Fish Design Spaghetti vase, or opt for more subtle intrigue, the sleek Sambonet Gio Ponti Conca cutlery set, inspired by the Milanese architect’s rationalist design philosophies – a distinctly shaped cutlery that is always a talking point. You can also add interest and ‘depth’ to your table via things like creative place-settings and exotic floral arrangements that ignite the senses.

Creating a style signature

What makes your table yours? A timeless design or decor element like a classic set of plates can become your styling ‘signature’, adding a sense of comfort and familiarity to your tablescape. The same goes at Hotel Il Pellicano, La Posta Vecchia and Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, where guests know that timeless tableware means classic charm, enduring quality and attention to detail every time.

issimo x villeroy and boch bread plate lifestyle 2 bellissimo

Finishing with a flourish

Whatever you choose, remember that a tablescape to remember is all about character. So choose pieces that complement your home and style signature, be creative and, most importantly, have fun. With a bit of imagination and careful attention to detail, you can create the kind of table your guests will call a masterpiece.

The art of entertaining

Need help with entertaining? Then consider hosting your next big (or small) bash at La Posta Vecchia, and throw a party in true Italian style.

Entertaining is an art form – and our events team at La Posta Vecchia knows it well. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday fiesta, or a black-tie cocktail soirée no one does fun, festive and memorable events quite like our hotel in Palo Laziale. The secret? Setting the scene and creating a mood you’d never find anywhere else. From specially designed menus to live music, right down to specific colour and styling schemes for the table, our experts know that the small details add up to creating the most epic celebrations and the kind of memories you and your guests will treasure for eternity.

Location, Location!

Few venues are as grand, inspiring and magical as La Posta Vecchia. After all, we’re talking about a 15th-century Roman villa nestled into an ancient coastline here! With bespoke layouts and refined surroundings, opulent décor and walls lined with artistic masterpieces. The hotel is as unique as it gets for a party to remember. Choose to host in its lush gardens, charming terrace or, why not, the private museum-like Getty Studio, the crème-de la crème of backdrops.

A Feast for the Senses

A ‘La Posta Vecchia party’ also means complete sensory indulgence. Guests are looked after by the best in the business: Our award-winning chefs, sommeliers, bar staff and their brilliant teams who treat each event as if it were a celebration for their own family and friends.

Menus are personalised and feature only the best ingredients from local suppliers and producers from the Lazio region – be it a canapés affair or a three-course feast. The same goes for the cocktail list, designed to delight guests with classics like Negronis and experimental concoctions that mix things up.

It doesn’t stop there. From spectacular flower arrangements to special lighting and decor highlights, our team takes care of all the event design and styling details to ensure your party is like something out of the movies.

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