Style Stories

A Colorful, Italian-Inspired Table with Clary Bosbyshell

Channeling a summer’s day in Positano, the designer sets a molto chic scene.

All images by Heidi Geldhauser.

Atlanta interior designer Clary Bosbyshell creates spaces that fuse classicism, color and hits of global flair and whimsy as part of Margaux Interiors Ltd., a firm she helms with her mother, who founded the company in 1982. Their chic, timeless work has been published in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Southern Living.

A busy wife and mother, Bosbyshell entertains often but likes to keep it intimate and easy going. “Having friends and family over for dinner and creating a beautiful table is one of the ways I show love,” says Bosbyshell. “I like to have more intimate dinners, eight at the most, so you can talk, have meaningful conversations and create a comfortable environment.”

For a recent summer soiree al fresco, Bosbyshell channeled the color and charm of the Italian seaside. “My husband and I took an anniversary trip to the Amalfi Coast. In Positano, we stayed at a magical hotel, Le Sirenuse…,” she says. “I love the china they use and it happened to be sold across the street. So it became the inspiration for my “La Dolce Vita” table.”

Come away to see how Bosbyshell pulled together the sun-soaked look using pieces from our tabletop collection. She’s also revealing some of her tried-and-true styling secrets. Ciao!

“I like to have more intimate dinners, eight at the most, so you can talk, have meaningful conversations and create a comfortable environment.”

Plan Your Palette

"My favorite color combo is blue and white so it was natural I would pick those color as a base,” says Bosbyshell. “And I love the way blue looks with yellow!” The bright Italian ceramics she brought back from Italy keep the look happy and casual. “I was drawn to the Calypso tablecloth because of the color and the simplicity. The bust and ceramics already have a lot of pattern and color,” she explains. “Since Italian food tends to be a bit messy I choose the white Border Napkin with trim, figuring that if some sauce spilled, it would be easier to spot treat the linen.”

Outdoor place setting with a blue trim tablecloth, bamboo cutlery, a printed menu card, and a blue embroidered napkin.

“I was drawn to the Calypso tablecloth because of the color and the simplicity."

Flat lay of a dinner plate set with an illustrated menu card, blue monogrammed napkin, and pink floral bread plate.

Top-down view of an outdoor dining place setting with blue woven placemats, bamboo utensils, and fresh floral accents.

Keep It Interesting

Instead of using one full set of china or glassware, Bosbyshell cleverly combined color, texture, and style to create a elegant and effortless mix. “I started with white dishes and used the Italian ceramics as the bread plates,” she says. “Since this was a casual summer dinner, I didn’t want to use silver, so I opted for bamboo-handled china.” The turquoise stemmed glasses are a homage to her mother. “We had some growing up and I was able to find a set on eBay.”

Split view showing guest hands at a blue dining table setting on the left, and lemon centerpiece accents on the right.

Round dining table dressed in white and blue tablecloths with wooden folding chairs on a white outdoor porch deck.

Add Personal Touches

The gorgeous menus were hand drawn by the designer’s mother-in-law. “She has painted pillows for famous interior designers like Mario Buatta,” says Bosbyshell. “I love the personal touch of a menu -- it adds another layer to the table.” Other ways Bosbyshell makes guests feel extra welcome is to whip up a signature drink and plan for a lingering soiree. “You know it’s a fun party when guests stay late into the night,” she says. “So I add string lights and votives -- everyone looks better in a little candlelight,” says Bosbyshell. One final touch is a few books (in blue, of course) about Positano.

“I love the personal touch of a menu — it adds another layer to the table."

Clary Bosbyshell standing behind a fully set outdoor dining table adorned with lemon centerpieces and blue linens.

Invite a Cool Character

Conversation-starting decor takes center stage at Bosbyshell’s table. “One of my favorite antique stores in Atlanta is Parc Monceau ,” she says. “I saw the bust while shopping for a client and thought it would be the best centerpiece. Our hotel in Capri had similar busts with lemons for décor on the breakfast buffet.” Overflowing with bright citrus, it echoes the table’s palette and is a surprising alternative to flowers.

Overhead view of a round table set with a bright blue tablecloth, lemon bowl centerpiece, and yellow floral accents.

Let Planters Shine

In lieu of formal arrangements, the designer took another cue from Italy. “Most of the tables I saw had potted flowers rather than cut arrangements,” she says. “Most of the flowers in Amalfi were pink and red so I mixed varieties in those hues.”

Split view showing women seated around the dining table on the left, and a close-up of a caprese salad served on a monogrammed napkin on the right.

Don’t Do It All

While Bosbyshell loves to cook, she wants to spend time with guests, not be tied to a stove during her parties. “I like to do ‘semi’ homemade,” says Bosbyshell. “Some of my favorites are Gio’s Famous Sorrento Lemon Chicken and Storico Fresco’s Bolognese Lasagna. I do make a big fresh salad and dessert. But having the main part of dish already made is so helpful.”