Sign up for free updates on Food & Drink and receive a daily email from myFT Daily Digest with the latest news. Experience the Italian approaches of spontaneity and simplicity when it comes to hosting – the wisdom gained by American journalist-turned-designer JJ Martin over her 22 years of living in Italy. Previously an angry and disgruntled New Yorker struggling to put dinner on the table, Martin has now embraced the beautiful chaos of Italian culture. As the founder of La DoubleJ, a maximalist fashion and homeware brand, Martin recalls her initial frustration with the informal social norms in Milan. Italians would invite her to dinner the night before and everyone would show up because no one had made plans yet. Martin had to adjust her mindset and learn to embrace the spontaneity. She discovered that Italians are some of the most well-adjusted and easy-going people on the planet. For a midweek outdoor summer lunch, Martin prefers hosting at her friend Jeanne Labib-Lamour’s house, who is the design director of La DoubleJ. Labib-Lamour has an epic terrace that is perfect for enjoying the nice weather. Martin likes to keep the mood laidback and brings a touch of California sunshine and a relaxed attitude to the gathering. Instead of having a formal seated dinner, she opts for a buffet-style setup, where guests can help themselves to the food. Martin finds this approach aesthetically pleasing and enjoys setting up the table with flowers, platters, and bowls of food. While she does incorporate some non-Italian gastronomic choices, such as serving quinoa instead of pasta and adding avocado to mixed salads, Martin has fully embraced Italy’s farm-to-table philosophy. Unlike in California where this concept is currently trending, Italy has always prioritized fresh produce. So, join JJ Martin in experiencing the spontaneity and simplicity of Italian hosting while enjoying a delicious farm-to-table meal.
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