Hosting a private summer bash and wondering how to make it truly unforgettable? How about channeling the Mediterranean spirit and creating a unique, sun-drenched luxury party?
Not sure how to start or where to begin? Don’t worry — we’ve put together this guide to spark your inspiration and share plenty of helpful tips.
The Mediterranean Dreams Theme
One of the reasons we love summer so much? It always feels like a short, sweet life filled with its own stories and memories. And of course, no summer is complete without a celebration. This summer, step away from the ordinary and plan something stunning — a Mediterranean Dreams party, where golden sunlight, sea-spray blues, and luxe details come together.
Picture shimmering turquoise waters on the horizon, sunlit terracotta rooftops, and a table set under olive trees with fine porcelain. A true snapshot of everything we love about this style. This kind of mood comes alive with traditional flavors, the perfect palette, luxury dinnerware, and a few standout decor pieces.
Colors and Space
It’s easy to recognize Mediterranean style by its fresh, sun-washed colors: ocean blues, beachy neutrals, lemon yellows, olive greens, juicy oranges, and clean white. Events like this are best hosted in places where space and light can really breathe — think open-air terraces, anywhere suited for al fresco dining, ideally with whitewashed walls or natural stone, coastal spots, even super-yachts.
The Light
A sun-filled setting is part of the charm. The Mediterranean lives in light, so aim for as much natural brightness as possible — even if your event takes place in the evening. It’s actually easy to create this kind of glow — just use warm, golden lighting that mimics the magic of a sunset.
Lamps in antique bronze, amber, or soft matte gold tones will fill your terrace with a gentle, elegant shimmer. From tea lights to tall pillars, candles are a timeless and meaningful part of the atmosphere.
Luxury candleholders can elevate your setting — and here are two brands to look at:
- Ginori 1735 features handmade ceramic holders with classic baroque curves and bright enamel tones.
- Bordallo Pinheiro crafts cheerful majolica designs that echo the shapes of citrus, greens, and garden charm.
- L’Objet designs high-end candleholders in glass and gold, with a look that channels both the Mediterranean and timeless antiquity.
- Ferm Living focuses on simplicity and color, offering sleek candleholders crafted from colored glass.
- Tine K Home works with light-toned natural materials like rattan, bamboo, and mango wood to create its beautifully airy pieces.
- Menu uses solid stone — marble and travertine — to shape minimalist, grounded candleholders.
You can always add a personal touch by crafting your own adjustable lights and candleholders — a fun and stylish DIY detail.
For example, take clear or tinted glass bottles, fill them with water, and add sprigs of rosemary, olive branches, or small flowers — and just like that, you’ve got a candleholder! Or wrap large candles in fresh greens and tie them with a blue or green satin ribbon for an easy, elegant touch.
Fine Dinnerware for a Mediterranean-Style Tablescape
Beautiful dinnerware isn’t just for serving — it’s the anchor of your setup and the first step in bringing your party vision to life. And let’s be honest — it’s the ideal excuse to showcase your polished taste, your love for luxury styling, and your finest dishes. 
Classic Mediterranean table decor blends the rustic charm of ceramics with the elegance of luxury brands. And if you have a set of fine porcelain with southern-inspired patterns — even better. If your collection’s missing that southern flair, no worries — there are lots of premium brands with incredible options in that style.
- Hermès may be best known for its scarves, but the brand’s tableware is equally refined. Just look at Bleus d’Ailleurs — a collection with bold blue prints that feel like Mediterranean tiles or exotic patterns. Set it out, and suddenly your table feels like summer in Mykonos. To make the most of this set, let your creativity shine: think creamy table linens and pops of color from citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. To avoid going over the top, opt for Art Deco crystal tumblers — something from Lalique or Baccarat always works.
- Italian porcelain by Ginori 1735 is equally elegant. In their collections, you’ll find vibrant references to Mediterranean tradition — including Labirinto, a line created by architect Gio Ponti, decorated with a bold gold Greek key motif. The Greek key design adds a classic, antique flair that fits the mood beautifully. And if you’re in the mood for something brighter, the Oriente Italiano collection works just as well. It’s vibrant, expressive, and easy to style. To stay in tune with its mood, we recommend adding bright glass or crystal to the table. Style it with rich, patterned linen in Italian tradition, and top it off with aromatic bundles of olive, lavender, or rosemary.
- High-end fashion and luxury decor lovers will definitely appreciate dinnerware by Versace. The striking La Greca collection, for example, features the iconic Greek key motif framed in ornate gold patterns. It has a rich, traditional look that speaks for itself. Accentuate it with white linen, golden details like placemats, and generous bouquets of white flowers paired with olive branches. To complement such a lavish setting, choose flatware crafted from refined metals — preferably gilded or with golden details.
We’d suggest going beyond the usual classics — there are so many elegant, exclusive porcelain collections that can bring your Mediterranean tablescape to life.
Here are some standout brands and collections worth considering:
- With Oiseau Bleu, Gien offers a traditional engraved design in a gentle sky-blue hue. These pieces mix effortlessly with décor elements like citrus, leafy greens, or candlelight.
- From Haviland, we recommend the Rêves du Nil Platinum plate set — featuring intricate patterns and elegantly shaped designs. It’s a more elegant choice for a sophisticated dinner party — one where your imagination can shine through with gold-detailed flatware and glassware. The plates are perfect for showcasing complex, beautifully plated meals.
- The Swarovski Signum collection by Rosenthal brings Mediterranean shapes and patterns to life in rich, vivid tones. A great fit for informal parties full of music, movement, and joy.
- The Nymphéa dinnerware collection by Jaune de Chrome is like impressionist art for your table. Its calm tones and hand-finished details speak to true craftsmanship — a perfect match for serving seafood and elegant fish dishes.
- Handmade and full of intense color, Trésor Bleu by Raynaud was practically made for Mediterranean parties. Sophisticated and stylish, it blends beautifully with vibrant accents, textured materials, and botanical touches.
Final Details
To keep the final detail feeling refined and Mediterranean, use small decorative pieces like rattan trays, bread baskets, or water carafes — Pigment France has especially charming ones to choose from.
One delicate way to add elegance, especially for a sit-down dinner, is with custom place cards. Adorn them with tiny touches like lavender or olive leaves for a natural, graceful finish.
Use bold, natural elements like thick branches of herbs or fruit as a centerpiece. If you’re hosting in a private garden or somewhere with a bit of a rustic vibe, you can add walnuts and mini bowls of sea salt — a subtle nod to Mediterranean tradition.
Feel free to experiment, combine styles, and add your own creative twist. A thoughtfully set table — with beautiful dinnerware and a few special details — will always make an impression.
