Celebrate the season with Italian-made finds from Susan Gravely’s cherished North Carolina-based brand.

Dining represents a spirit of bringing people togetherall ages, all typesand enjoying the environment, she explains.

For me, the table is a metaphor for any time people gather.

Dinner party table with Vietri serveware

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

Theyre talking and appreciating their surroundings, and they leave feeling better.

Its a little more contemporary, she notes.

Gold-rimmed glassware, ceramic candlesticks, and golden flatware layer in easy elegance.

Vietri dinner party with Schumacher tablecloth

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

There is nothing to worry about when you have people over, strangers or friends, she says.

Just bring out the things you love.

Gravely’s Tried-and-True Advice

Ready to host?

Pink floral arrangement with peonies on table

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

Apply some of Gravely’s tried-and-true techniques for pulling off a sucsessful soiree.

On Choosing the Menu

The food is important only from a sensory and taste point of view.

It can be extremely simple.

Patio dinner party with Vietri serveware

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

In the summertime, you cannot beat aBLT sandwich.

I mean, what better lunch is there for a crowd?

On Entertaining Outdoors

Its important to address the weather, especially in the South.

Vietri plates on table

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

Have some bug spray available before you ever go outside.

If its really sunny, well open an umbrella over the table and bring out an electric fan.

And dont be embarrassed if its an old umbrella or fan.

Susan Gravely, founder of Vietri

Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson

So be itwho cares?

It shows that its used, that its part of your home environment.

I think those types of things make them feel more at home.

Lastra Dinner Plate in White

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Martellato Flatware in Gold

Warm up the all-white serveware with these hammered metallic utensils.

Hibiscus Glass Clear Large Fluted Vase

Courtesy of Vietri

Corral favorite summer blooms in this mouth-blown vessel.

Puccinelli Water Glass

Made in Campania, Italy, these glasses lend pretty curves to the table.

Contessa Gold Stemless Wine Glass

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Cotone Linen Napkins with Double Stitching in Ivory

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Lastra Pasta Bowl

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Vietri Martellato flatware in Gold

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Hibiscus Glass Clear Large Fluted Vase

Credit:Courtesy of Vietri

Papersoft Napkins Capri Dinner Napkins in Yellow

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Aladdin Antique flatware in White

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Puccinelli Water Glass

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Uccello Dinner Plate Vietri

Credit:Courtesy Vietri

Melamine Campagna Pesce Salad Plate

Credit:Vietri

Melamine Campagna Gallina Large Serving Bowl

Credit:Courtesy Vietri