The beginning of this New Year has me reflecting on all the wonderful events of 2011. For us, two of the most amazing events in a parents’ life took place last year - a wedding and an announcement that our first grandchild was on the way.

Our daughter, Jennifer, was married on March 18, 2011 in New Orleans, LA.  She married a wonderful man, Zachary, who is all I could ever want in a son-in-law.  When Jennifer first told me that they had chosen New Orleans for their destination wedding, I thought, you’re kidding, really??  I had never been there, but after four days of fun, friends and festivities in the Big Easy, I absolutely understood their decision.  The 75º temperature in March allowed for a stunning indoor/outdoor wedding and reception. And (probably the most fun I’ve ever had!) a Second Line Dance, which is a New Orleans tradition, where the bride, groom and all the guests march through the streets behind a traditional New Orleans jazz band. Dozens of people cheered and waved from the iconic iron balconies, as we strutted through the French Quarter in all our glory! As you might expect, we brought in some of my favorite Arte Italica pieces for the reception tables. Giovanna Hurricanes and Cero centerpieces were on the tables holding candles and gorgeous bouquets of roses, peonies and orchids. To complete the dramatic, romantic ambiance, we scattered Vetro silver votives on the tabletops and around the wedding cake.  It was truly magical.

As if the wedding wasn’t enough, we are also expecting the birth of our first grandchild.  We are thrilled beyond words and the first thing this child will receive from me is…you guessed it…the Arte Italica pewter baby shoe.  Of course, I will engrave the baby’s name, weight, length and date of birth on the sole.  I am so happy that I can give the baby something meaningful to me that will be a keepsake throughout his/her life. I must admit, when introducing the adorable Cherubino collection last year – I had the hope of this future angel in mind!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2012,

 Ann

       Giovanna Hurricane                               Cero Hurricane                              Vetro voitves                                    Cherubino shoe

This is my most favorite time of the year! People are more kind, selfless and just plain happy. The generosity of spirit that abounds this time of year is undeniably wonderful. True, most of us are busier as well, but through it all there is a palpable sense of joy and excited anticipation in the air.

For me, the holidays are about family, friends, traditions and memories. On the morning of December 24th, we always read the little book, A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg.  I am not sure if it is even still in print, but for me it defines, in a very simple way, the Christmas spirit and what is truly important.  It offers a wonderful perspective and never fails to set my priorities in order - especially on a day of gift giving and consumption.

By four in the afternoon, the first champagne cork is popped and our door is open for friends to stop by and share some Christmas cheer.  I have many favorite Arte pieces in my collection, however one of my best presentations is several bottles of champagne on ice in the Arte Italica Romana Basin Bowl on top of the Peltro charger.  Also, always a great presentation, I serve oysters on the half shell in a bed of salt on our Tuscan Oval Tray with handles.

After all of our friends leave to go to their own festivities, it is time for our family dinner.  Since I was a little girl, we have had Dungeness crab on Christmas Eve. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, fishermen will catch that morning the crabs we will eat that evening.  Needless to say, nothing compares to the rich, sweet flavor of the fresh crabmeat that will be devoured on the eve of Christmas.  We eat so much crab, that the only other things on the table will be a green salad and sour dough bread.  This year, I plan to set the table with Pelto chargers, Riverbero dinner plates and Tesoro salad plates. This dinner is one of the things our family looks forward to most of all.

With each Christmas, we build on tradition and create new memories.  What always remains the same is the love of family and friends.  With our first grandchild on the way, next Christmas I hope to pass on all of the spirit and wonder that makes this time of year the best.

To you and yours, I wish the best for this holiday season and throughout the New Year!

Ann

       Romana Basin Bowl                      Tuscan Oval Tray                           Peltro Charger

Riverbero Dinner Plate         Tesoro Salad/Dessert Plate

Arte Italica’s sleek and stylish new website is a stunning display of heirloom quality pieces for the home. So, take your time and peruse all of our beautiful collections, which have been designed and handmade by generations of skilled European artisans. Any of our one-of-kind items would make a wonderful addition to any home. Add the warmth and beauty of old-world style to your life!