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La Dolce Vita: How to Host an Italian-Inspired Garden Party
Feature: Long Read
Words by Emilie Dock
Sunshine, sea, sand and spritzes – who doesn’t dream of escaping to Italy in the summer? Our Mediterranean neighbours are renowned for celebrating life’s little pleasures, often in the company of friends and family, and always in inimitable style. We’re talking leisurely lunches en terrazza, sunset aperitivos and gelatos by the sea. What’s not to love? And it’s in this spirit that we propose our theme for garden party season: La Dolce Vita.
Picture an oasis in your back garden: hot-heeled guests mingling on the lawn, cocktails glinting in the sunlight and a beautiful table laden with mouthwatering food. It’s good vibes only – relaxed, convivial and elegant. Now here’s everything you need to make it happen.
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The Outdoor Dining Setting
Food is a given at any Italian garden party, meaning you’ll need a reasonably sized table surrounded by chic and comfortable garden chairs. Consider your setting when positioning your outdoor dining room; a west-facing table will maximise sunshine and warmth, and a striking backdrop – such as a pool or feature garden wall – will add to the ambience.
We love the contemporary style of Indian Ocean’s Exes set (available in-store) on account of its unusual X-shaped legs. The chairs are topped with luxurious linen cushions, while the black tabletop creates a striking contrast to vibrant table accessories. Of course, there’s no surer way to encourage guests to take – and remain in – their seats than with a fresh and elegant summer tablescape. Evoke sunny seaside holidays with Aquazzura’s palm-decorated Jaipur collection and gorgeous green glassware by Prada and Vista Alegre.
Create a welcoming outdoor dining room with the same luxurious details you’d find inside, from scatter cushions and candles to an (outdoor) rug.
We love the contemporary style of Indian Ocean’s Exes set (available in-store) on account of its unusual X-shaped legs. The chairs are topped with luxurious linen cushions, while the black tabletop creates a striking contrast to vibrant table accessories. Of course, there’s no surer way to encourage guests to take – and remain in – their seats than with a fresh and elegant summer tablescape. Evoke sunny seaside holidays with Aquazzura’s palm-decorated Jaipur collection and gorgeous green glassware by Prada and Vista Alegre.
![Travel-Inspired Table Décor Ideas]()
Travel-Inspired Table Décor Ideas
Read & ShopRegularly host dinner parties? Serve every meal with a side of escapism with our three destination-inspired tablescaping schemes.
The Party Food and Drinks
Italy’s gastronomic traditions lend themselves perfectly to alfresco feasting. Seasonal salads, antipasti platters, fresh pasta – all are dishes that can be prepared in advance, eaten cold or finished with an effortless flourish once guests have arrived. Here are some garden party food ideas we’d happily eat all summer long.
The Garden Furniture
Get ready for sunny days of lounging and partying alfresco with the latest garden furniture designs.
For chic poolside lounging, Business & Pleasure Co. delivers luxurious, weather-resistant pieces like the Tommy beach chair, reclining to five comfortable positions, and vintage-style parasols crafted with UV-resistant canvas. In such comfort, the last thing you’ll want to do is nip inside for refreshments; keep that Champagne ice-cold in a Sunnylife wicker picnic cool box.
Available in-store only: ASSOULINE Tuscany Marvel by Cesare Cunaccia; ABRAMS Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita by Christopher Sweet; TRUDON Les Tuileries Candle; INDIAN OCEAN Outdoor Woven Rug in Olive
Slather on the sunscreen and soak in some serious vitamin D on Frato’s Saint-Tropez sun lounger. Made from soft fabric with a leather trim, the seat and bolster cushions sit atop a wooden structure, while outdoor cushions provide ample support. Add to the holiday vibe with soft acoustic music playing from Bang & Olufsen’s A5 outdoor speaker.
Available in-store only: FRATO Saint-Tropez Sun Lounger; BANG & OLUFSEN A5 Speaker; LEICA M11 camera with the 28mm Summicron lens
The Garden Décor
To create the perfect Dolce Vita environment, it’s all about bringing the comforts of your interiors outside. Be generous with the details: cushions in clashing prints and colours, candles for fragrance and after-dark glow, and pretty home accessories including trays to set glasses down and bowls to fill with nibbles.
Summer Occasions
Off to a summer occasion? Or, perhaps you’re hosting one yourself. Consider this destination your best friend for the social season and beyond.
Discover the Occasions Boutique
Entertain at Home
Prepare for a season of fabulous garden parties, gourmet barbecues, decadent picnics and more with Harrods as your guide.
Discover the Home Entertaining Boutique