Design hub DeDeCe had an injection of serious Italian style when the team from Paola Lenti jetted in to Sydney from Milan to launch its stunning new outdoor furniture collection at an exclusive lunch hosted by DeDeCe and Belle’s editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker.

The upstairs of De De Ce’s Darlinghurst atelier was transformed into a chic greenhouse by Belle’s garden design editor and owner of Sydney’s Garden Life, Richard Unsworth. It was an appropriate backdrop to showcase the Paola Lenti collection.

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“The pieces fit well with Australians’ love of outdoor living, and the collection’s elegant simplicity and generous proportions invite you to entertain or lounge around talking,” said Richard. “The super-swish swing is a great example of the collection’s appeal. Everyone could picture themselves in it – a glass or book in hand,” he added.

A select group of architects and interior designers, including Melbourne design doyenne Margie Bromilow, glam meister David Hicks and design stars Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie, were treated to a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the Paola Lenti enterprise by the designer’s sister, Anna.

The hand-craftsmanship (think nonna’s crocheting pieces that get worked into the designs), Paola’s sublime use of colour and her innovative outdoor fabrics are trademarks of her style.

A delicious Italian-inspired menu was created by Marta Sanroma of Pica Pica Catering. “I wanted to prepare the kind of food that can be shared and is relaxed – like the Paolo Lenti pieces – stylish but not too stitched up,” said Marta. While guests caught up on the latest industry news and tried out the furniture, Marta’s delightful bite-size morsels were served. Oysters with mignonette sauce, mushroom risotto balls, crostini and mini rotoli slices were teamed with Peronis and Asti Martini cocktails.

A ricotta and thyme tortellini in brodo began the seated part of the meal, accompanied by Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2007 and Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2008 wines. Veal osso buco with pearl barley topped with gremolata and served with winter vegetables was a reminder of delicious old-school comfort food. A tasty and not-too-sweet tiramisu completed the lunch.

Guests settled in to the superb furniture to while away the afternoon, relaxed and comfortable and, of course, super-stylish.

Words by Tanya Buchanan / Belle Magazine

Photos by Nicholas Watt

Recipes by Marta Sanroma

Recipe Editor   Chrissy Freer