Fine Gifts and Italian Dinnerware | La Bella Vita | Historic Little Italy, Cleveland Ohio

Top Hit From the Tableware Show…

We have thousands of visitors passing through our store every year and I always  want to remind, update and introduce them to the new, the favorites and the facts about our products.  We video tape everything now.  It is impossible to touch and talk to everyone that passes through our store, so maybe we can have a chat to catch up through our blog. Last month we were at the NY Tableware Show and we visited our manufactures of our fine dinnerware and interviewed them about their new introductions.

This video is about Juliska’s tableware  from Portugal.  As in most industries, certain countries do certain things better than others. There are several importers that specialize in bringing wonderful Portuguese stoneware dinnerware and bake ware into the US and distributing the product through better specialty stores. The solid color patterns range in style and boast rich glazing that emulates the smooth finish of porcelain, but incorporates the “topography” of less refined pottery that allows for artistic workmanship in clay.  All of the products are microwave, dishwasher and oven safe and chip resistant. This dinnerware is ideal for a busy lifestyle that moves fast and wants high style. Obviously, this product is a big hit in the market and one that you will see for a long time.  It will be interesting to watch the industry as stoneware designs evolve and continue to take on a larger role in the tableware business.  La Bella Vita brides create formal and informal registries selecting one pattern or a mix of patterns.  Each piece is made to last for the generations to come in style and durability.

David Gooding, founder of the sophisticated tableware company, Juliska, is a connoisseur of  European grace and knows how to bring it to the US market using the Portuguese stoneware medium.  I will say no more.  Here’s a snippet…a spot…a brilliant show of Juliska with David Gooding at the NY show…

Ciao,

Barbara

Caio,  Barbara

How to Create a Tuscan Table Design.

Hi!

I have a bride in Tampa Florida who is giving a family style polenta party Sat. She has Juliska, berry & thread, dinnerware in white and blue and wanted LBV (La Bella Vita) to accessorize the table to make it warm and Tuscan! The key to table design is to not make things match and get lost in more of the same design or color. It’s all about contrasts and the quantity & weight you allow with the accents to draw the eye. If that makes sense, great! If it doesn’t, think of how you dress. A lot of big, chunky jewelry on a simple black dress. If it is black and has a lot of texture, that is one look and will alter the texture of the once simple black dress. If it is red, black and green…think about it. If it is white and not a lot…maybe just a necklace…chic. If it is white and a necklace, bracelet and earrings…it may look like you have bandages on and you are in a shroud. When you change it to metallic without texture visual the possibilities.

In table design, you need to think about many things, but let’s narrow it down to  color, texture, pattern, lighting, quantity and scale. The elements you are working with are the table itself (including the cloth), the dishes, the serving pieces, the accessories and don’t forget…THE FOOD!  Start with your background and the elements that you have to use.  Decide what the prevailing theme or “feel” you want for the table when it is “showtime.”  Watch this demonstration and see how we go from white to a warm, tuscan feel.  I had to use whatever I had in the store, so create with me and add your own ideas to accomplish a similar feel.

Video: Incredible Serve Ware Find From South Africa!

Last week I was at the NY International Tableware & Gift show, and I selected this incredible new product from South Africa for a La Bella Vita April 2010 introduction. Dinnerware trends continue to explore the artistic interpretation of the flower into ceramics. Artistic serving pieces add character to the table and become heirlooms that last through generations. This new find is the ultimate in beauty with an amazing durability story. You’ve got to see this one…Introducing Mustardseed and Moonshine dinnerware-serve ware . ETA in store: Late April 2010. Learn and see more of the product on our Mustardseed and Moonshine Product Page!

All of you are asking…”Where in the heck is this going in the store!”  No problem friends!  Next week, we are knocking walls out for a new expansion.  There are so many beautiful products in this exclusive market of artistic serve ware and that is what we present to you.  You see it here first!  Stay tuned for more market videos and a reality video of the renovation!

Also, a big inspiration to our creative display comes from our customer’s ideas.  Our dinnerware and serve ware is all about creating a lifestyle statement…Mix, mix and mix…not mix and match…Creating an eclectic visual style and how to do it without looking like a flea market.  Lot’s of ideas, videos and  you are part of  it!!!  Bring it on!

Stay tuned and tell me your latest idea and let’s make it a trend!

Ciao! Barbara

International Tableware event, December 2009

La Bella Vita a hosting an International Tableware event during Little Italy’s December Art Walk, December 4, 5 & 6. Enjoy over 2500 works of art from Italy, France, Turkey, Mexico, Portugal and the United States and be prepared with to shop for the most exclusive gifts on your holiday list! Specialist, Tina Gray will be hosting the Italian Holiday beginning on Friday evening at 5PM. Saturday, specialists Ingrid Nesbit and Cathy Gates will join us hosting beautiful works from Portugal, Mexico and France. Join us for beautiful gifts, delicacies and spirits…holiday spirits at La Bella Vita.

Friday and Saturday Noon to 9PM and Sunday Noon to 6PM.

Experience Historic Little Italy, Cleveland Ohio

Experience Historic Little Italy in Cleveland Ohio. Our fine culinary destinations and eclectic artist galleries make Little Italy the premiere arts neighborhood in Cleveland. Take a walk down Murray Hill and enjoy the sites and sounds of Historic Little Italy with this video I put together!

Salute!

Barbara Strom