How to Set Up A Coastal Italian Dining Table at Home

There's something very special about eating outdoors, Mediterranean-style, with the sun shining on a simple table, the scent of herbs in the air, and vibrant food served in a relaxed yet stylish way. The best part is that you can create this experience at home, whether indoors or outdoors.

Crate and Barrel Philippines is here to help you give your dining area the relaxed vibe of the Italian coast. Inspired by the coastlines of the Mediterranean, our dinnerware and home decor create a relaxed and stylish look that's perfect for any dining occasion.

Here are tips on how to set up a modern Italian dining table:

Setting the Mediterranean Scene: Key Elements

1. Color Palette

Start by using coastal colors such as faded whites, deep blues, reddish browns, bright yellows, and rich greens. These colors will remind you of towns by the sea and fields of olive trees, creating a light and lively mood for your meal.

Set the base by starting with a table and complementing chairs from Crate and Barrel’s new selection of wood dining tables and neutral-colored upholstered dining chairs. These pieces not only enhance the aesthetic of your dining space but also create a light atmosphere.

2. Dinnerware Material

Sturdy materials like stoneware, terracotta, and ceramic are perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining. They are durable and long-lasting, but also give a natural feel. Crate and Barrel's Italian-style dinnerware features a handmade texture, such as the Marin stoneware dinner plates in new slate blue and sand colors.

For outdoor dining, opt for melamine dinnerware sets like our latest Andres Matte Grey outdoor plates.

3. Table Linens

Use breathable, natural fabrics like linen and cotton for your table linens. Neutral colors or subtle Mediterranean prints are good choices. Crate and Barrel’s table runners and napkins in soft cream, sky blue, or leafy green will also quickly make your table look rustic and elegant.

4. Glassware

You need the right glasses to complete the look. Use tall, elegant glasses for wine, thick, short glasses for water, and small glasses for limoncello or other before-dinner drinks. Crate and Barrel Philippines’ new Cortez glassware collection has a subtle green tint and rounded silhouette inspired by oceanside dining.

5. Decor

Add items with a lot of texture or made from natural materials like rattan, ceramic, and wood to your table setting to create a more rustic vibe. You can use hand-thrown bowls, Tuscan marble trays, and terracotta vases. Bring in more color with citrus fruits, sunflowers, and brightly colored ceramic pieces to make your table feel warm and inviting.

Crafting the Tablescape

Layering Textures

Make your table setting look more interesting by using natural materials and layering them on top of each other. You can start by putting down linen placemats. Then, put woven chargers on top of the placemats. Finally, place the Mediterranean-colored plates on top of the chargers.

Mixing and Matching

Dining tables in Tuscan style create a beautiful mix of different styles. Combine solid-colored dinnerware with patterned serveware or colorful salad plates. For the outdoors, try using our Taormina melami n e serveware with a simple plate set to create a stylish look that goes together.

Centerpieces Inspired by Nature

Keep it simple and fresh. Place small terracotta pots with herbs like rosemary and thyme in the middle of the table. Put bowls of lemons, oranges, or pomegranates around the center of the table to add more color and fragrance. A few simple flower sprigs in a ceramic jug can also finish the look.

Ambient Lighting

The warm and inviting ambiance of a Mediterranean evening can be effortlessly recreated with strategically placed string lights hung overhead, lanterns placed on the table, or a combination of pillar and tealight candles. Crate and Barrel offers a variety of decor, like metal and glass lanterns, as well as taper candleholders and candles, to help you effortlessly set the perfect mood for your outdoor space.

Get ready to have your Mediterranean-inspired party. Find dinnerware and outdoor tableware at Crate and Barrel Philippines, and everything else you need to start making your perfect dining experience.

Buon Appetito!