After a long rainy weekend, I’m at the table enjoying some welcome sunshine, flowers and dining al fresco with the vibrant collection of Villa della Luna dinnerware!
Villa della Luna by Pfaltzgraff was created as a magical collection of dinnerware and accessories based on the art of Jana Kolpen and Mary Tiegreen in ‘Dancing with the Moon, a Story of Love at the Villa della Luna’.
Inspired by centuries-old traditions of Italian ceramics, the fleur bowls have a warm terra cotta interior that I filled with an assortment of decorative pasta for the table.
Cheery Sunflowers, synonymous with Tuscany, fill a green urn as a centerpiece, along with some Purple Statice also known as Sea Lavender that might be found growing on the rugged Italian coast near Villa della Luna in Dancing with the Moon.
The wine glasses as well as the dinner plates
are bordered with a classic acanthus leaf design.
Dancing with the Moon continues with the adventures of Mademoiselle J that began in The Secrets of Pistoulet.
In Dancing with the Moon, Mademoiselle J embarks on her journey from France to Italy with magical recipes that contribute wisdom for her journey such as Transformational Moon Crescents, The Risotto of Welcomes and Beginnings, and Pasta Vivante, for those who are afraid of the passion of life.
In addition to recipes, Dancing with the Moon is a vivid tactile experience filled with interactive elements such as gatefold doors, concealed treasures, tarot cards, and passports.
More than a book, it is an open-hearted invitation to learn and to love.
I paired napkins from Bed, Bath & Beyond with the dinnerware that are reversible~ with stripes on one side and a floral print on the other~ folded to show both patterns.
Pedestal mugs offer breadsticks at the table and hold 12 ounces of cappuccino, hot chocolate, or tea.
Square wine tapas plates are ideal for side dishes, small desserts, and can also serve double-duty as bread plates or hors d’oeuvres.
A sugar bowl & creamer set are versatile enough to do double duty~ serving additional cheese, condiments, or salad dressing.
The scalloped salad plates add some mix-and-match possibilities and interest used alone or with the dinner plate or bowls.
A vibrant covered butter dish can keep your butter fresh at the table or Wisdom-Enhancing Amaretti concealed until someone is in need of guidance :)
Villa della Luna table details:
*Dinnerware & Stems/ Villa della Luna by Pfaltzgraff
Tablecloth, coverlet/ Kohl’s
Flatware & Chargers/ World Market
Napkins/ Bed, Bath & Beyond
Urn/HomeGoods, many moons :) ago
Assorted pasta/from kitchen jars, found at HomeGoods
*Lifetime Brands’ products have been provided free of charge in exchange for promotional consideration.
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what a beautiful morning welcome, the sparrows woke me singing and first of the day is your lovely tribute to color and sun and moon. Thanks so much for your unfailing eye for beauty and willingness to share it. Have a lovely morning.
Absolutely LOVE this setting. Something about sunflowers…so simple yet so beautiful. Your post makes me want to go to Tuscany. It also took me to the Tommy Bahama site, where I found some great recipes! (I’ll be thinking about that Lobster Roll BLT ALL day!) I’m having 2 summer soiree’s as fundraisers for our school this summer and have been looking at your past posts for inspiration. One will be a beach/shell themed w/aqua colors and the other a red/white/navy nautical theme. Your creativity and detail are fantastic! THANK YOU!
What a spectacular table..the colors are so warm and beautiful.LOVE THIS!
Mary, this is lovely! Sunflowers (sigh)! I have The Secrets of Pistoulet and I figure I’ll have to get Dancing With The Moon … who doesn’t want to dance with the moon!!! Good thing I don’t have room for anymore dishes. I’ll just enjoy yours! :D
Beautiful! I love the colors of this set and the selection of accoutrements you have combined with. So vibrant!
Mary, you should be a spokesperson for Pfaltzgraff…the dinnerware is just sensational…I remember the Pistoulet pattern that they had and loved it..The table is just stunning and I am so loving this set. This would be a great setting for a book club party…You did it again..great book review paired with an exquisite table..
Such a beautiful sunny post today, Mary. Just what I needed as we are having ANOTHER grey day here. You never fail to pick me up. You’re better than a morning cup of Joe!
Gorgeous setting.
Thank you for starting my day with a sunny and vibrant tablescape! The Italians embrace bright colors in their ceramics, their food an their lives! Your Pflatzgraff collection is gorgeous, and the green urn full of sunflowers and color is so perfect with your outdoor table. I can almost taste the wine and the delicate pasta. I feel like I was transported to the Italian countryside…I want to peruse those books too! It’s all wonderful!
Jenna
This is so beautiful . I love the colors in these dishes, it feels like an Italian outdoor lunch table, only better! A…
~Mary~
Awwww, so lovely! I can almost hear the Italian music.
Paula
IN.
p.s I thought I may have to have these dishes! Oh that Mary is a trouble maker!! hehee :)
Mary… you take the MOST beautiful photos I have ever seen on a blog. It is pure eye candy! Thanks for sharing!
Ciao!
You have transported me to Italy on the gray day with your beautiful tablescape. Those napkins look like they were created to use with this dinnerware and no flower would be more appropriate than sunflowers!
Mary, your little touch of the Italian countryside is a delightful way to begin my morning. What beautiful dishes! Your alfresco setting makes me swoon. The urn filled with sunflowers could be a cousin to the one I have filled with sunflowers out on the terrace. Don’t they make you smile?
~ Sarah
How beautiful. The setting takes me straight to Tuscany and sunshine. I’m off to look for those books….
This is lovely – takes me back to Italy and wonderful memories.
Could you share your source for the colorful pasta?
Thank you! The pasta came from HomeGoods several years ago. I have it in glass jars in my kitchen :)
la luna es muy verde… this is all about me now, i want it all! but the book it making me the most crazy, sooooooooooooooooo adorable! i love this, such a delight and contrast from my beach life right now. tell me where is the bowtie pasta from, how adorable is that too! you had fun with this one, another wonderful whimsy lake side, heavy sigh of your hearts content~
thank you mary, now tell me where you got the book, i sent you an email, hope all is getting through!
This seriously couldn’t BE any prettier!!! Oh, Mary…just gorgeous! The color palette is fantastic!!! I love that you were able to find napkins that work so beautifully with the pattern of the dishes. They seem meant for each other! The flowers are so vibrant and lush…just like the country they are saluting with this tablescape! As always, your photography is just superb and shows off each and every element at its best!!!
This is bellissimo- love the sun drenched colors of the place settings and the pasta looks wonderful! I had the opportunity to spend some time in Italy as an art student years ago and still miss the food most of all- must get that book!
This is an absolutely lovely–and passionate–table, Mary. I love it, and love the tie-in to the book (sounds like a must-read!). Your photography is awesome–it looks like we could reach into our screens and touch those sunflowers! ~Zuni
I want to weep when I see your stunning table settings. Then I look at mine and want to, first, spit, and second, throw myself down. Sigh. Gorgeous. As always. Do you have a book contract? Seriously, I need your blog in book form. I love everything here, including the multicolored radiotore, that I had to go to Italy to buy and you, apparently, have it at the corner market, AND in colors. Sigh. Again. I did not know that there was a sequel to The Secret of Pistoulet, so I’m heading to the library.
This is an incredibly beautiful table, Mary, and the book sounds wonderful! I’m in awe of your pictures with the sun setting on the lake. Gorgeous dishes. love the painted wine glasses and it’s such a nice touch adding the pasta and bread sticks to make it “real”. Lovely!
XO,
Jane
So beautiful, makes me feel like I’m in Italy. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous setting, I want to read the book and try those recipes! La bella luna, so romantic! xo
Just gorgeous. The wonderful colors do evoke the feeling of a sunset in Italy! I love how well the napkins match the dinnerware. The urn is gorgeous filled with sunflowers! Love the dipping bowls!!! xo marlis
LOVIN’ IT……………I wanna be there with you and learn from you…you amaze me each time with your designs…..keep ’em coming; Love & Blessings to you/yours…
Your table is stunning! What a beautiful table to have dinner at sunset.
You are amazing with your posts. Many thanks for sharing them with all of us!
Have a wonderful week.
Mary
The overhead shots are incredible. Gorgeous gorgeous table!
Just what the doctor ordered for me today! Thank you so much for such a delightfully beautiful break! I bought the book! Would LOVE the urn…
Your posts are ALWAYS like a breath of fresh air. I just look and SIGH, deeply at the exquisite presentation you always manage. What an incredible talent you have. I adore these dishes and the napkins are PERFECT with them. The urn is gorgeous. Thanks for another beautiful, beautiful post. XO, Pinky
:D I can’t get over how wonderful your napkins match the villa della luna dinnerware! They match perfectly…..and your table is so pretty!
I’m very intrigued by that book…..I’m going over to Goodreads and check it out!
This is the time of year for alfresco dining, and I hope the rain holds out for a few days so you can enjoy your lovely table and setting.
xo,
RJ
Ohhhhhh…..Bellisima tavola…tutto questo mi fa molto piacere!
Leggerò i libri…! Grazie!
Just ordered both books…Thank you, Mary!
Great colors Mary and such a happy table! I love the sunflowers, it will be warm one day… right??? Enjoy:@)
So pretty! I am seriously coveting you urn! What a great find. Your table and scenery are absolutely lovely, Mary.
Mary your tables always amaze me, you have such a great eye for pulling it all together. Wonderful pattern!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Villa della Luna could have been my home as my maiden name is Luna. I can assure you our tables were never so lovely but the food was always good!
Oh my dear…, you have made Villa della Luna even more beautiful in your presentation! The pasta with the dishes was brilliant!!! As always, everything you touch becomes magic!
Very lovely! The colors are just glorious! The urn and sunflowers are the perfect centerpiece!
I agree with Yvonne that everything you touch turns to magic. I think Pfaltzgraff should negotiate with you on using your photos for advertising. Great post with your usual excellant presentation.
Thank you for the trip to Italy, Mary! Only you could make dry pasta look soooo good! The new Tuscan-inspired dishes are wonderful and you found the perfect napkins to coordinate with them. The sunflowers in the gorgeous urn make for the perfect centerpiece.
Mary:
I loved seeing what you did with this set! I also did a promo a ways back with Lifetime and received the same set. It’s great fun to see what others do with the same items. Everything looks fabulous.
– Alma, The Tablescaper
What a wonderful scape! You didn’t leave out a detail, right down to the Pasta. I can’t believe how well those napkins go with the dishes. I am sure I would have been safe and gone solid, but these are just wonderful!
It looks like you have warmed up enough to do a scape outside. I am hoping for one soon. Of course, I don’t have the view you have, I have to walk a block to the Bay. :(
The sunflowers make a perfect companion to those gorgeous dishes, Mary. I see that pasta every once in awhile at TJMaxx…now I know why they make/sell it, for great tablescape props!
Have a great week…
The stems and dishes used here are simply gorgeous!! Such fabulous attention to detail, I totally love it! I love that pasta shape, I’ve never seen it before. Your view and that table makes for perfection! Big hugs,
FABBY
Just beautiful!!!
Every single detail – including the actual pasta !!!
XOX
This is just gorgeous! Every detail is perfect!
(visiting via Tablescape Thursday)
This is beautiful! I love how you incorporated all the details down to the pasta! Nicole
What a charmingly beautiful tablescape!! You have transported me to Italy through your amazing creativity and gorgeous photos! You must do a book!
Love this. So colorful, rich and…. well Italian! Such a beautiful view too. Dianne
Oh what a beautiful table. I love to have a pretty table and yours is just that. Thanks for the I inspiration.
Absolutely gorgeous!! Love the colors!
Just beautiful! You take gorgeous photos and have everything so well put together. Would love to be invited.
Reblogged this on homeiswheretherootslead.wordpress.com.
i sure wish i could find those napkins! this is my dinnerware too, but i can’t find the “perfect” napkins anywhere. These are the perfect ones!
Terri, the napkins are still available at Bed, Bath & Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/wakefield-napkin/1014474340?poc=111470&categoryId=12140
You featured our book and dinnerware in a very beautiful and special
way. I will direct our followers
to your blog. Thank you from my heart.
Best,
Jana Kolpen
I fell in love with your tablescape, and just had to have the Villa Della Luna dishes, they will be delivered this week. Must go to BB&B to purchase napkins, and Amazon to order the book.
Thank you for your lovely blog.
This is stunning and a feast for the eyes. I have the entire set of Villa Della Luna and LOVE it. Lived in Italy for a year in Cesena and the set and your backdrop reminds me of lazy mornings sipping espresso and eating grissini watching the lunchtime pasta dry in the kitchen. Thank you for this dose of remembered langid beauty in Italy.