FEATURES

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Arpaia chose Naples as a theme both for the possibilities of decor—nearby Sorrento is famous for its lemons, and the tabletop featured a citrusy centerpiece surrounded by yellow and green plates—and for the simplicity of the food, much of which could be prepared beforehand. "When you prepare for a party you want to spend as much time as possible with your guests," Arpaia says. "These foods are actually enhanced when they sit for awhile." The menu included a breezy summer antipasti of buffalo mozzarella, salami and vegetables drizzled with Neapolitan extra-virgin olive oil; a main course of Timballo di Tagliolini—her great aunt Aida's take on the classic dish consisting of a pastry shell filled with layers of pasta, cheese and a ground meat and vegetable ragú—and Crostata di Limone, a sweet dessert tart recapitulating the lemon motif.

While Arpaia was responsible for the menu, Anastasakis and DeCrescenzo handled the decor. (Their company creates and manufactures handmade wallcoverings, fabrics, sheers and leathers available to interior designers and architects; their star-studded client list includes Johnny Depp, who is using their leathers on his yacht.) Guests sat down to a table adorned with a hand-printed, burgundy and white tablecloth from Crezana Design, French and Italian ceramic plates, yellow Crezana Design napkins and freshly cut flowers from the couple's yard. An arbor across the pool from the dinner table was also simply but elegantly draped with Crezana Design fabric.

After Neapolitan wine under the arbor and a delectable meal at the dinner table, guests eased into lively conversation in a very Italian way.