For a celebrity, Debi Mazar sure knows the keys to a simple life. Despite her Hollywood status (in addition to starring in Extra Virgin along with husband Gabriele Corcos, she’s had roles in Entourage and Goodfellas, and she is a longtime friend of Madonna), this New York City-born wife and mother of two really keeps herself grounded — no doubt in part to a Tuscan-influenced lifestyle. We recently caught up with Debi to see how she maintains that relaxed spirit during the holidays and get her tips for effortless entertaining.

When asked for her essential dinner party tips, Debi starts with the decorations. The lover of tabletop design collects vintage tablecloths, napkins and dishware. Anything goes, she says, “I’ll use pitchers as flower holders,” adding that she’ll mix and match on purpose. “My style is ghetto fab and uber-modern.” The Mazar/Corcos’ tabletop in Brooklyn is a raw piece of jade marble purchased in Italy — “My Tuscan tabletop,” Debi notes. And while it may appear their house is in tiptop shape to entertain, when pressed, Debi reveals there are a few appliances on her holiday wish list this year, especially for her NYC kitchen that’s a bit rundown: “I’d like a new stove, a new dishwasher and a new fridge.”

Next, the wine. Co-hosts and lovebirds Debi and Gabriele explain that their show happened by accident. Their mutual love of cooking — and wine (Ruffino wines, to be exact, especially Chianti) — inspired a blog, which led to their TV show. Gabriele hails from the same region in Tuscany where Ruffino produces wine, and during the holidays as well as year-round, the couple enjoy drinking vino rosso. They love it “even in the hottest heat wave,” Debi says.

For the final touches, Debi mentions music (Afro-Cuban, jazz, salsa), good cheese, olive oil (which Gabriele’s mother sends them from Italy), pasta and greens. “I’m famous for my salads,” Debi says. Though it may seem the dinner party ingredients are all imported, Debi swears she shops local too. “I have a great butcher in Brooklyn,” she says, noting that the family shops at farmers markets and regular grocery stores, too, and like the rest of us, they eat leftovers.

La dolce vita indeed.

Get more holiday entertaining ideas from Cooking Channel chefs.