Bringing La Dolce Vita Home: An Italian Christmas the Villa Contessa Way
There’s something so charming about an Italian Christmas. It’s warm, joyful, full of colour and life — and I love bringing that feeling into my home during the holidays. It’s not about being overly coordinated or formal. It’s about that lovely mix of tradition, Mediterranean brightness and a touch of whimsy that makes the season feel sweet… very la dolce vita.
If you love that sun-kissed, coastal-Italian feel too, our La Dolce Vita Christmas Collection is a beautiful place to start:
I thought I’d share how I like to weave these pieces into my holiday styling at home.
Start With That Signature Italian Blue
Italian Christmas styling doesn’t always have to be red and green. There’s something refreshing about starting with soft Mediterranean blues. Our La Dolce Vita Melamine Plates and Bowls bring that familiar hand-painted style — the kind you’d see on a long lunch table somewhere along the Amalfi coastline.
I use the Melamine Dinner Plates for festive antipasti spreads, and the Side Plates are perfect for panettone slices or biscotti. The Oval Serving Platter always ends up being the hero because it holds anything: roast vegetables, a seafood dish or even a tower of fresh fruit.
If you want to explore more Italian-inspired linens and tableware, you’ll find them here.
Add Little Pops of Lemon (Because Italy Loves Them)
Whenever I’m styling an Italian Christmas table, I can’t resist adding touches of citrus. It instantly brings a happy, Mediterranean brightness to the setting.
Our Sugared Lemon Christmas Decorations are lovely for this. They’re technically ornaments, but I love resting one on a plate or adding them to a simple greenery arrangement. That little sparkle mixed with the fresh yellow tone feels very Italian — cheerful, sunny and festive without trying too hard.
If you're serving desserts, one lemon ornament placed beside the La Dolce Vita Melamine Small Bowl looks so sweet.
A Runner That Brings the Whole Look Together
To keep everything feeling light and coastal, I often use our Chambray Stripe Blue Table Runner as the base. The soft washed stripes instantly bring that Mediterranean calm, and the fringe detail keeps it relaxed.
It works beautifully under blue melamine plates but also pairs well with greenery, silver or touches of red — if you still want a nod to traditional Christmas.
Add Something a Little Whimsical
Italian Christmas décor is always full of personality, so I like adding a few things that simply make me smile. Our La Dolce Vita Blue Christmas Crackers do that perfectly. They’re soft blue with sweet little illustrations, and they bring such a playful charm to the table.
They're wonderful for children and adults — and they tie the whole “Italian coastal Christmas” theme together without being too literal.
Warm the Setting with Mediterranean Details
One piece that always gets comments is the Mediterranean Lemon Tile Trivet. It’s practical, of course, but I also use it decoratively — under a candle, under a platter or even just leaning on a shelf.
The lemon artwork has that classic Southern Italian feel that fits right into this theme. It gives the table a sense of story.
A Christmas That Feels Like Summer in Italy
That’s really the beauty of an Italian Christmas — it’s joyful, colourful and welcoming. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s about long meals, easy conversations and simple decorations that feel personal.
With a few thoughtful touches — a striped runner, blue melamine plates, lemons, crackers and little bursts of sparkle — your home can feel like a sweet slice of Italy during the holidays.
Warmly,
Wendy 🍋✨