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Setting a Romantic Table for Two. In the classic “Lady and the Tramp” cartoon, Tramp treats Lady to a romantic spaghetti and meatball dinner while the Italian chefs sing:

“Oh this is the night, it’s a beautiful night
And we call it bella notte
Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes
On this lovely bella notte.
Side by side with your loved one,
You’ll find enchantment here.
The night will weave its magic spell,
When the one you love is near!
Oh this is the night, and the heavens are right!
On this lovely bella notte!”

This is the inspiration for the tablescape in Episode #1 of Nesting Newbies.  Pick an evening to surprise your partner with a chic Italian bistro setting for serving your Nesting Newbies’ Italian Sausage Ragu.

David Braddy and Jodi Murphy created a romantic table for two using affordable tableware from Bloomingdale’s Stanford.   It’s a modern interpretation of classic bistro style using bold geometric patterns grounded by black dinner plates and popped with rich amber stemware and deep coral red bowls.  The flatware has a hammered edge that’s interesting and edgy.

David Braddy weaves curly willow for a romantic arch over the table.

There is no need to spend a lot of money for a centerpiece as a graphic can of organic tomatoes can serve as the basis for your spaghetti sauce and a saucy vase. Cut and clip blooms from the garden or pick up a bouquet while you are at the grocery store. Add a dose of Vine-agra, an eco-friendly floral stimulator to keep your arrangement fresh for days.

Tableware from Bloomingdale's Stanford is mixed with every day items for a chic and easy tabletop.

Dine alfresco or create the feeling of a starry night inside to up the romance factor. Use two urns or pots as a sturdy base.  Intertwine curly willow branches until you have an arch – it’s really quite easy and they hold together without any wire.  Hang a lantern so that it is suspended over the table.  Pull in some knick knacks from around the house to complete the scene. By doing something special and unexpected the night will weave its magical spell.  Enchant the one you love at your very own Bella Notte Bistro.

An alfresco experience whether indoors or out.

Resources:
David Braddy
Vine-agra, Inc – Custom Florals

Jodi Murphy
Gentry Magazine

Bloomingdale’s Stanford
1 Stanford Shopping Center
Palo Alto, CA 94304

You’ll find these in Tabletop:
Joseph Abboud Amber Martini Glasses, $10 ea.
Joseph Abboud Rust Bowls, $10 ea.
BIA Fiji Black Dinner Plates, $15 ea.
Cambridge “Reese Mirror” Flatware, $150 service for 4

Napkins: Dwell from Target (No longer available)

Coral Napkin Holders: Williams Sonoma Home (No longer available)

Lantern: Pottery Barn

Photos By Allure West Studios