One of the Christmas traditions in my family is to exchange wish lists for the holidays. While we don't always adhere to these lists it is fun to see what others in the family want for Christmas. This year it was easy for me to choose what I wanted because Artful Italia offers so many great gift ideas. The hardest part was choosing between everything I want. So I created this Ultimate Christmas gift guide.
Getting to know each artisan as we vet their products I have the privilege of seeing them in person and honestly falling in love with each piece. So saying I want this more than that was not an easy process. These are the pieces which stood out the most for me, fit my families budgets and are easy to pack in my suitcase to come home to Italy after the holidays.
As the founder of Artful Italia I am always interested in hearing what our customers think, so let me know in the comments if you would love these gifts too, or if you would choose other things for your list and what you think of our ultimate Christmas gift guides.
I am obsessed with this ring. I love the way each flower is so detailed, and how skillfully they are burnished to create dimension. The flowers cascade down from the finger so beautifully. The ring itself is thick enough to feel sturdy but not so thick it is uncomfortable. Wearing the Floral Bouquet ring is absolutely like wearing a piece of art. I would wear this casually and for a nice dinner out. It is diverse and exceptional enough to be a stand out piece for almost any occasion.
The Travertine Bowl is one of my favorite decorative pieces. Chantal created a unique shape which perfectly compliments the stunning natural details of the travertine. The curves and beveled edges show off the character of the stone. I can imagine all the places I would put this in my home, a centerpiece on the coffee table, or in the kitchen on the buffet, the kitchen table or as a centerpiece on my island. Since it is one-of-a-kind I would want to show it off!
When I first saw these earrings I loved how they reminded me of a pair of earrings my mom had. They actually look nothing alike but something about the retro design took me back to earrings she would wear. The colors and sheen in these earrings offer a level of interest and dimension which make them so elegant. Perfect for a special party or dinner, or I would wear them with a button down shirt and jeans with a pair of boots for a lunch with friends. The small diamonds shimmer against the deep grey of the pearls. The Coral and Pearl earrings are unique and exquisite.
I first saw Dalila's work at an artisan show in Florence. I went with a friend who grabbed my arm and exclaimed immediately that I needed to work with Dalila. We both fell madly in love with her pieces. I would love to have this plate as a serving plate, but even more I would love to mix and match her plates to create a dinnerware set. I imagine my Tuscan terrace set with these beautiful plates, filled with delicious plates of pasta accompanied by wine and lots of laughter. The Lady with Flowers ceramic plate is so playful and Italian.
This bowl is not just a decorative item-it is an experience. When I first saw it I reached out to touch it, and I was shocked at how good it felt, silky and smooth, soft and warm. It was amazing. The light filtered through giving the bowl a beautiful texture and creating a natural dimension which changes as the light changes. The Satin Amber Murano Glass bowl deserves a special place in any home, somewhere it can be shown off but also to catch the perfect light and wow guests the way it wowed me (and still does every time I visit Cristina and see her satin glass series).
I love the delicate look of the line of filigree jewelery we sell. I was gifted a pair of earrings and have loved them so much that several of my friends bought pairs as well. This year I decided I need to have a bracelet as well. I love the connection to Sardinia, a beautiful island that was so important to one of my dearest friends. The Isilda M Filigree bracelet was made from an Etruscan tradition. Each time I see the beautiful filigree work I am reminded of just how deep the roots of Italian craftsmanship goes, and how much they have taught the world. That is a feeling it is impossible to get from a mass produced piece of jewelry.
A friend of mine introduced me to the town of Scarperia near Florence. We went in search of knives and after visiting many artisans I knew Fontani knives were the perfect ones for Artful Italia. The workmanship is exceptional and the knives are not only gorgeous to look at but perfectly shaped for cutting as well. The minute I held one I knew I would need these in my kitchen, especially since I don't have a santoku knife.
I had an immediate connection with this painting when I saw it. The colors in the painting and the fine details are captivating. Since I have spent some time in Morocco the street scene reminded me of my days of traveling full time. While this isn't an Italian antique it did come from an Italian home where it was loved for decades. Flegier is an exceptional painter and to have one of his paintings would be a pleasure for me.
Each of these pieces can be shipped to your door for the holidays. But don't wait too long to order since they are each handmade some of them can take a few weeks to ship, so order now and then spend your holiday season relaxing knowing you are going to make someone's holiday a great one by giving them a unique gift from Italy. You will also be making the holidays special for each artisan who sells their work for Christmas, your purchase is not another number on a bottom line, it is supporting art, culture, and individuality and of course sustainability.
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