Summer Tables

Patina Team Spotlight – Karen Abell, Owner Curator

When I grew up, family gatherings tended to be traditional in style.  While dear in my heart and the fondest of memories, spending time in Europe, mainly Italy, has changed the way my husband and I choose to live our lives. 

Our home in Italy, an old restored casale located in Siena Province.  San Michele, so named, offers us the wonderful ability to truly live out of doors.  Every door and room opens up to the outside, and we take full advantage of that privilege, lovingly being able to enhance the beautiful Tuscan countryside.  I bring indoor furniture outdoor and vice versa. I love to blend spaces, allowing for maximum comfort to assure our guests stay for longer than planned!

Another very European style is to serve “cocktail style”.  Any party is better when the food is constantly served and guests get to see and talk to everyone.  Having cocktails, bars set up in a few areas allows for more conversation and casual seating allows for catching up with friends.

I started my store, Patina Collection, with the desire to bring one of a kinds and antiques to the Naples area. I love to show off my beauties, my silver, my grandmother’s china, my aunts Ironstone collection.  Show off your heirlooms.  They truly bring a sense of being grounded and add so much life to all the new we have in our lives.  So don’t hide your treasures in your cabinets.  Use them and see how much your friends will also enjoy them and start using their own!

Creating a theme for any event is a great idea!  It will allow you to design the evening, luncheon, brunch you want successfully.  I always try and theme my tables even at home.  It feels good and inviting and each meal even with family can be special.  Light your candles, gather your flowers, put your tablecloth on and have fun.

Enjoy your homes and your spaces.

A presto,

Karen