Summer Nights: Al Fresco Dining

Dining al fresco on a beautiful summer night is one of the most wonderful parts of the season. The sunset, the sweet smelling air, and the cool breezes make the evenings the perfect time to gather and take in food and friendship. A simple table, some crisp linens, and good company are the perfect additions to gracious dining. La Bella Fiona is the place to find all the things you need to make al fresco dining beautifully effortless.

Making a light fair or a meal of several courses will be made all the more delightful under the summer sky. Using the bright shine of the moon is a wonderful way to light the night. Adding to the lighting provided by nature is simple with our sophisticated lanterns. The beautiful Marina Lantern is handmade in the homeland of Al fresco dining, Italia! Use one size or both sizes for a lovely tablescape.

More is definitely merrier when it comes to lighting. For subtle and glimmering lighting, use these sparkling Olivia Riegel Starfish Tealights. They are, simply put, gorgeous!

Presentation is everything in furnishings and food. The way you show your summer culinary marvels will make all the difference in the dining experience. Gorgeous salads and pastas and dessert platters will be more of a delight to the eyes served on our Medici service.

The Medici collection is absolutely gorgeous. The colors of nature and summer, this service is perfect for all your Al fresco gatherings. These pieces are also practical. Finding plates, bowls, and cups that can be used in the microwave, washed in the dishwasher (on the air dry setting,) yet have the appearance of the finest Italian earthenware is a rare find.

An Italian dinner is not an Italian dinner until the bread, olive oil, and Balsamic vinegar make an appearance. Buy the finest ciabatta and break it into pieces, pour olive oil in a dipping bowl, and in the center of the oil, douse the Balsamic. Simple, delicious, and gorgeous in our Medici Dipping Bowls.

You needn't live by the beach to bring the feel of the beach into your al fresco fête. Our Marina 3-Shell Server is so pretty it may outshine your appetizers. Made in Italy and the center of attention on any table, this one is a must-have for the avid al fresco diner. Everyone will be asking you where you bought this fabulous piece, and we do not mind at all if you tell.

Shells and sea stars are the quintessential symbols of beach-filled summer days and night. Use crisp napkins of any color in our sweet Marina Napkin Rings. The Kim Seybert Nimbus Napkins in pure white are a great match for the napkin rings.

For the end of the night, try a fabulous fruit tower or an angel food cake filled with fruit on our Cero Cake Stand. It stands out as a centerpiece, as well.Protect and dazzle your dessert with the Cero Cake Dome.

Those nice days at the beach, long ago, do you remember being a child and holding a shell up to your ear to hear the ocean? We have recreated that shell for you, but in the most spectacular way. We have a shell so lovely, you will be amazed to know that it is an ice bucket.

Bringing all these lovely elements together for an ideal al fresco gathering is a treat for you and your guests. Live t he fantasy you have by picking pretty pieces and putting them together with delicious food under a starry summer sky.