Fall ‘25 Edit
Italian-Inspired Celebrations: A Sicilian Summer in Sonoma, Our Favorite Regions of Italy & AE's Italian Essentials
Italy has long inspired the way we celebrate. From vibrant Sicilian tablescapes and leisurely alfresco dinners to unforgettable destinations and timeless design, it's a country that reminds us that life's most meaningful moments deserve to be savored.
This season, we're sharing one of our favorite recent celebrations, along with the Italian destinations, restaurants, and finds our team continues to return to again and again.
A Sicilian Summer in Sonoma
Photography - Amanda Crean
When one of our longtime clients celebrated her 46th birthday, she wanted to recreate the feeling of spending summer with family in Sicily—without leaving her Sonoma backyard.
Inspired by the abundance of the season, every detail reflected the warmth, color, and hospitality of Southern Italy. Guests arrived to Sicilian lemon and mandarin granita before discovering San Marzano tomato gazpacho "picked" directly from the vine. An Italian string quartet welcomed guests while visiting soccer players taught neighborhood children their favorite street tricks, creating an atmosphere that felt equal parts elegant and playful.
Throughout the evening, interactive experiences invited guests to take a piece of Italy home with them, from custom-sewn jerseys and embroidered totes to personalized charm bracelets.
Dinner was served alfresco beneath the stars, featuring Sicilian-style pizza, crisp baby gem salad, and Casarecce Pasta alla Norma before guests danced late into the evening. A roaming cannoli bar, passed gelato, and an unforgettable birthday cake provided the perfect ending to a magical celebration.
The design embraced Sicily's unmistakable character through layers of citrus, tomatoes, vibrant color, and painted Testa di Moro vases—traditional Sicilian ceramics that celebrate the island's rich artistic heritage.
It was a celebration filled with incredible food, thoughtful hospitality, and meaningful moments—a reminder that milestone birthdays deserve every bit as much intention as weddings.
Italian Regions We Can't Stop Thinking About
Whether you're planning a destination wedding, honeymoon, milestone celebration, or simply your next vacation, these are the five Italian regions our luxury travel advisor, Amy Soper , believes are worth experiencing.
Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano BZ
Amalfi Coast: A Timeless Classic
The Amalfi Coast continues to captivate travelers with dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and unforgettable hospitality.
Hotel Santa Caterina remains one of Amy's favorite hotels in Italy, while Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, offers spectacular views from Ravello and one of the country's most iconic infinity pools. For travelers seeking something quieter, Casa Privata offers an intimate boutique experience tucked along the coastline.
If time allows, hike from Amalfi to Ravello for panoramic coastal views before wandering the breathtaking gardens of Villa Cimbrone gardens.
The Dolomites: Italy's Outdoor Playground
With the Winter Olympics bringing increased attention to northern Italy, the Dolomites are becoming one of Europe's most exciting luxury destinations.
Summer offers incredible hiking and via ferrata routes, while winter transforms the region into one of the world's premier ski destinations. New openings like Aman Rosa Alpina continue to elevate the area's luxury hospitality, while My Arbor Dolomites offers a unique treehouse-inspired mountain retreat.
Principe di Salino in Malfa
Umbria: Italy's Quiet Countryside
Often overlooked in favor of Tuscany, Umbria offers rolling vineyards, medieval villages, olive groves, and beautifully restored countryside estates.
Properties like Tenuta di Murlo or Reschio showcase the region's understated elegance, while the town of Deruta remains famous for centuries-old ceramic traditions. For travelers seeking a slower pace, Eremito combines luxury with a restorative monastery-inspired experience.
The Aeolian Islands: Sicily's Hidden Gem
Located just north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands remain one of Italy's most beautiful yet lesser-known destinations.
Each island offers something different—from the volcanic landscapes of Stromboli to the relaxed luxury of Panarea and the peaceful charm of Salina. Capofaro Resort provides an unforgettable luxury stay, while Principe di Salina offers a beautiful boutique alternative.
Rome: After Dark
Rome is unforgettable during the day, but the city truly comes alive after sunset.
Long dinners in neighborhood trattorias, evening Colosseum tours, and open-air concerts create an entirely different perspective on Italy's capital. For a more casual meal, AL42 Street Food has become one of Amy's favorite spots for fresh pasta—including excellent gluten-free options.
The AE Five: Italian Finds You Can Enjoy Stateside
You don't have to book a flight to enjoy a little Italian inspiration. These are a few Alison Events favorites we continue to recommend.
1. Eats — Marea
One of our favorite Italian meals in New York is always at Marea. Set along the edge of Central Park, it captures that quintessential NYC balance of elegance and energy. The menu is exceptional, but if you order one thing, make it the burrata bruschetta with caviar.
West Coasters can now find Marea in Beverly Hills, bringing its signature magic to Los Angeles. Wherever it pops up next, we’ll be first in line.
2. Tread — Freda Salvador Sneakers
These leather sneakers have become an AE staple. Crafted from beautifully soft leather, Freda Salvador leather sneakers are chic enough for meetings, comfortable enough for travel days, and durable enough for event production.
AE tip: The shearling-lined version is a fall and winter favorite.
3. Sip — Negroni Sbagliato
Looking to graduate from the classic Aperol Spritz? Order a Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco instead. It’s slightly bitter, perfectly bubbly, and ideal for entertaining at home.
4. Wear — La DoubleJ
We can’t get enough of La DoubleJ, the Milan-based brand known for its joyful, vintage-inspired prints. Beyond fashion, their colorful plates, linens, and glassware instantly make a table feel like a celebration.
We love mixing La DoubleJ pieces into event designs and intimate dinners alike — they embody that effortless Italian art of making everyday moments feel festive.
5. La Dolce Vita — Venchi Chocolate
For a hostess gift that never fails, we reach for Venchi. Founded in Piedmont in 1878, the beloved Italian chocolatier is known for silky gianduiotti, decadent pralines, and beautifully packaged assortments.
We keep a few boxes on hand year-round for dinner parties, weekend getaways, and thank-you gifts — an effortless way to bring a little la dolce vita to any occasion.
Bringing Italy Home
One of the things we love most about Italy isn't simply the destinations—it's the philosophy of celebration.
Whether we're designing a Sicilian-inspired birthday in Sonoma, planning destination weddings abroad, or simply gathering friends around the table with good food and wine, we're constantly inspired by Italy's ability to turn everyday moments into unforgettable experiences.
To complete the mood, we've also curated one of our favorite Italian playlist—best enjoyed with your next aperitivo.