La Bella Vita carries many beautiful lines of white dinnerware and serveware.Today, we’ll focus in on our Italian dinnerware lines. The Italians focus in on the art of the table. Here is a peak at some of our favorites:

Bellezza by VIETRI

This line can be appropriate for formal occasions and/or everyday use. It’s one of the thinnest scaled patterns we have, and therefore one of the lightest. Bellezza is microwave and dishwasher safe, and has above-average chip resiliency. This style adopts a French manufacturing technique that involves glazing all over, enchancing the chip resilency. Many pieces of the Bellezza line are stand-alone gifts that are truly classified as heirlooms for their artistry.

Incanto by VIETRI

Check out the crisp and rich finish here: this is accomplished by the rubbed white glaze over ‘terra marrone’ (brown clay) to achieve a thick, milky affect with an elegant gloss. Because of this finish and its delicate appearance, Incanto is perfect for formal occasions. This line is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, and has average chip resiliency. This is our thickest scaled pattern which makes the weight heavier. With beautiful heirloom features, Incanto is our #1 seller for wedding gifts at La Bella Vita.

Lastra by VIETRI

This pattern emulates old, wood-style cheese molds used for parmesan and other Italian cheeses, with ‘canister’ shapes and an overlap affect. A newer pattern of Vietri, this line is standard weight for our stoneware patterns, unique in is clean, chic design. Lastra is perfect for a sophisticated, casual luxury or formal in an eclectic urban or rustic setting. It is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, and has high chip resiliency.

Bella Bianca by Arte Italica

Rich and crisp, Bella Bianca is made of a brown/black clay, with a thick, milky glaze that allows rubbed accents of the clay to show through on the edges and embossed decoration. Bella Bianca features exquisite heirloom pieces with timeless, traditional appeal. This is one of the lightest patterns,and it’s perfect for formal occasions. It is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and has an above-average chip resiliency.

Merletto by Arte Italica

With an antique white finish, Merletto boasts a flat patina with rubbed edges showing traces of the brown clay peaking through. This line is beautifully dramatic with an antique appeal. The scalloped shapes and embossing of lace make this pattern perfect for formal occasions. Merletto is a medium weight, and is microwave and dishwasher safe, with an above-average chip resiliency.

Tuscan by Arte Italica

Tuscan features a simple, solid finish with no antiquing affects. Clean lines and classic pewter contrasted with white lend this pattern to an elegant, urban lifestyle.Tuscan’s pewter decoration increases the weight of each piece. This is one of our heavier ceramic styles. It is dishwasher safe, and has an average chip resiliency.

Casa Mia by Fortunata

Casa Mia emphasizes a crisp finish, solid with no antiquing. Designed by an architect, Casa Mia features angles mixed with organic irregularity and a hefty body.This makes this pattern perfect for urban or rustic, casual luxury. One of our heavier patterns, Mia Casa is high-fired stoneware and ranks in our highest end of durability, being oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, as well as highly chip resilient.

So, what is your favorite white pattern?

Getting creative

Many people want to give heirloom gifts to the bride and groom that will pass down through generations. Check the couple’s registry for specialty stores, such as La Bella Vita, that carry exclusive tableware and gifts not found in department stores. If this is your goal, look for signature pieces in the couple’s registry that are more artistic or have a sentimental significance to you and/or the couple. If you are purchasing a gift that isn’t on the registry, try to find something in the style of other gifts the couple wants, and make sure you include a gift receipt. Stores such as La Bella Vita have the ability to go the extra mile to make your gift special, such as having the artist sign your piece(s) for the happy couple.

The safe bet: Registry

One of the best things to do is to purchase a gift from the couple’s bridal registry. This will guarantee that your gift will be something practical, wanted, appreciated, and used by the happy couple. This is also the most convenient option for you as a guest, as you can usually purchase a gift by visiting the store, by phone, and sometimes online. Many stores, such as La Bella Vita, send your gift, beautifully gift-wrapped, directly to the couple. To find out where a couple is registered, you can ask a family member, check on their website, or speak directly to the bride and groom themselves. If you decide to buy an item from the registry, try, if possible, to purchase the item from the store at which they are registered. This way, there will be fewer chances of duplicate gifts, and the couple will be able to track your gift more easily.

Gift certificates

If you aren’t sure what to purchase as a gift, another option is to send the bride and groom a gift certificate from one of the stores at which they have registered. They can then see what items they still need when the wedding is complete. Money is also a happily accepted option.

How much to spend?

First and foremost, as long as your gift is heartfelt and thoughtful, it will be much appreciated. Now, if that isn’t a good enough answer for you, here are some other guidelines. Think about how much you are going to spend on all wedding gifts, and work backwards. Have you been invited to the engagement party? A bridal shower? You will want to spend at least 50% of your budget on the wedding gift, and split the difference on any other gifts you may be giving. Some experts say to guestimate the price-per-head that the wedding host is paying, and buy a comparable gift. On a budget? Only give what you can afford, and try not to go under $50 for a wedding present. The best advice we’ve heard is to think about your relationship to the couple, and spend accordingly.

How long do I have to purchase a gift?

It is traditionally acceptable to purchase wedding gifts up to a year after the wedding itself. However, a word of friendly advice: the earlier you purchase your gift, the better selection you will have, and the less likely you will be to forget!

Should I register for casual or formal dinnerware? Perhaps both?

What kind of entertaining do you envision having in your home? Can you picture formal dinners with your 40 closest cousins, or perhaps just intimate dinners and movies on the couch with your TV trays? Think about all the potential uses you see for your dinnerware. As we’ve stated in other blog posts, do not be afraid to register for more.

Think long-term in terms of your needs. Remember, these dishes should last you many, many years of happiness. The trend in the tableware industry today is to provide fashion that is durable and easily maintained, rather than fancy porcelain or china that is a higher maintenance product. Many of our brides and grooms are are looking for a higher-quality and more durable product that has the ability to be dressed up or used every day.

How do I determine the quality of the dinnerware?

There are a few things you should consider when searching for dinnerware:

1) Durability: If you are looking for the most durable dishes, you will want them to be oven-proof up to 500 degrees. The most durable dinnerware can sustain extreme temperatures (such as taking your dish out of the freezer and sticking it straight into the oven). You should also check for chip resiliency.
2) Artistry: Here, you are looking for the beauty of the piece, as well as the depth of color. Is the color consistent? Does the glazing look well-done and intentional? Of course, this is all subjective, but you will find the depth of color to be more piercing in more-well handcrafted dinnerware lines that you find in specialty stores such as La Bella Vita.

When in doubt, do your research! Go to the manufacturer’s website and learn about their product, search for reviews, or ask Barbara at La Bella Vita!

What material should I look for?

This depends upon your preference. What is the end purpose for your dinnerware? Are you most interested in the beauty of the pieces, like the Italians? Or are you more concerned about a heavier, more durable dinnerware set, like the Portuguese? Educate yourselves a bit on the similarities and differences between various types of dinnerware.

Not all clay is created equal. The Chinese were the original inventors of what we know today as “china,” which is clay made into porcelain dinnerware that is nonporous and usually translucent. In the mid 1700’s, the English created what is known as bone china, a mix of the porcelain from the Chinese and bone ash. Bone china is less brittle than porcelain.

What you find at La Bella Vita is a variety of items, including earthenware and stoneware. Earthenware consists of clay fired to a porous state at a lower temperature such as 1800 degrees and then glazed to hold liquids. Earthenware, found in brands such as Vietri, is more easily hand painted due to the more porous clay. Stoneware is clay fired at much higher temperatures and then glazed. In Portugal, for example, stoneware is made out of clay mixed with feldspar, a mineral that strengthens the clay, allowing it to be fired up as high as 3700 degrees. Jars, made from France, is stoneware that is fired at an extremely high temperature, and glazed in such a way that it creates a gorgeous crackling effect within the piece.

What is included in a 5-piece setting of dinnerware?

When you shop at a mass merchandising chain store or department store, the 5-piece setting usually includes a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, bread/butter plate and a coffee/saucer set. At specialty stores like La Bella Vita, everything is sold by the piece to help you personalize your registry to the highest level. This also allows for guests to have more price-point options when buying your gifts.

What is a charger, and do we need it?

The charger is a large plate for a butler so he/she has something upon which to set each serving! All kidding aside, it is simply a piece used for a fashion statement that goes underneath each course. It can dress up your table, but is not a necessity.

How many settings of dinnerware and flatware do we need?

We recommend ordering 12 sets of tableware. If you are registering, this is the time for people to buy for you. We would advise ordering a minimum of 8 sets, although the majority of our brides order 12, and many of them order 16 sets or more. Try to stay in multiples of four, as this is usually how manufacturers sell their products. Project ahead- don’t just think about your life today, but what you want it to be decades down the line.

What style and color should my dinnerware be?

Our advice? Check out fashion magazines. If you are coming to register at the store, the two of you should look at home magazines and cut out pictures that catch your eye. We find that we communicate better through pictures and visuals. Bring Barbara some examples of dishes or styles you like, and you can work together to create a vision of your ideal table setting.

Remember to consider beauty vs. durability when looking at styles. The color is up to you. Many brides and grooms choose white because they do not know what their home will look like. Do you care what food will look like on your plate? If so, consider this when choosing a color.
Image courtesy of thedalogs

How should I choose flatware?

Many people don’t want silver anymore, because with all the polishing necessary to care for it, silver is extremely high maintenance. The trend is to have high-quality flatware. Now you can find everything from 8 low-quality sets for under $40 to high-quality, extremely durable flatware that you can find in specialty stores like La Bella Vita. The highest quality stainless steel flatware will be 18/10. 18 refers to the percent of chromium content, and 10 refers to the percentage of nickel content. Make sure this is present in the flatware you choose, and look for the higher nickel content, which creates more luster. The chromium content helps with rust resistance.

What drives the price up in flatware is the strength of the metal and how it is constructed, as well as its density. You won’t find this publicized. Essentially what you want to know is- if you were to put a spoon in rock-hard ice cream, will it bend as you scoop it out? If so, you are not getting a high quality product. Do your research to find the better brands, most of which you will find in specialty stores. Opt for a heavier weight, and, when in doubt, talk to Barbara at La Bella Vita, the real expert!

What is the proper way to lay out my dinnerware and flatware?

See the image to the left to help you set your place setting.

How should I care for my dinnerware and flatware?

Every reputable manufacturer has care instructions. Specialty stores like La Bella Vita stand by higher quality vendors for many years, and are protected against glazing defects, corrosion of flatware. Lower priced products tend not to have this insurance and quality guarantee.

#1: Don’t spread yourself too thin

Instead of registering at every store available, try to limit yourselves at two or three stores. This will make it easier for you to manage your registries, and for your guests to search for the perfect gift. Select one home goods or department store that will carry all the necessities. Think about the location and the convenience of your guests when you make your selection. You will also want to find a specialty store to contrast – like La Bella Vita – that can provide a variety of unique, heirloom pieces for your home. Here is where you will find more artistic, less “mass merchandised” product.

#2: Do register early

You will be surprised at how early guests will want to purchase gifts for you, not only for the wedding itself, but for engagement parties, bridal showers, and more. You don’t have to finalize your registry right away, but by putting some basic items up, you can guide your guests to purchase gifts that you will actually enjoy! Tip: For those brides who got engaged during the fall holidays andare planning a spring/summer wedding, new patterns are introduced to retail stores in January and start flowing into the stores in February. Try to get on the inside curve of the new fashion/item introductions, vs. the end of last year’s fashion.
Image courtesy of danielmoyle

#3: Do register for more

You will want to register for at least twice as many gifts as the number of guests you will have. Remember, you will be receiving gifts at all wedding-related events and not just the big day. Find a variety of items at EVERY price point to give your guests options. Don’t shy away from high-priced items, as you might find either generous guests or groups of guests who will pool together to get you that special item. For couples who already have all the household basics, don’t be afraid to “upgrade” and register for newer, better quality items. Tip: La Bella Vita recommends, for instance, that if the wedding reception is $150 per head or more, make sure that you have gifts in the $100 to $300 range. Think through the balance of your friends, family friends, work associates, parents’ work associates, etc. Some people will opt to buy you practical gifts, while others will want to purchase more lavish, heirloom gifts by which you will remember them.

#4: Don’t forget to manage your registry

As guests start to purchase items and the number of options for the rest of your guests dwindle, you’ll want to select more. If you let your registry go, you’ll be stuck with that gaudy, hideous wall hanging from distant cousin Hank! Instead, steer your guests in the direction of items suitable for your new life together. Keep an eye on the balance of price points available from which the remaining guests can choose.

#5: Do think long-term

While you will want to register for items that the two of you love right now, you should also think long-term. This is one of the only opportunities you will have to stock up on life’s necessities for free. Will that expensive, modern bright fuchsia vase still work for the two of you in 15 years? Choose a variety of items that you will enjoy for a lifetime, and be sure that the majority of these items are not short-lived trend statements. Tip: Specialty stores like La Bella Vita have seasoned experts in the table fashion arena and can help you more than non-owner, sales staff in a department store or chain store.

#6: Don’t wait to send thank-you notes

You’ll need to keep track of all the gifts you have received, and send prompt, formal thank-you notes. Before the wedding, one should send thank-you notes within two weeks of receiving the gift. However, guests know how busy it gets right around your special day. After the wedding, you should send your thank-you notes out within six weeks, and certainly no later than three months. A friendly reminder: In this particular case, emails and phone calls are not acceptable. When your guests have taken the time, energy, and money all for you, the least you can do is send a nice, hand-written note! Tip: Even if you return or exchange a gift, write the note for the originally purchased gift.

#7: Do enjoy yourselves

This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dream big. This is your ultimate shopping spree. Take your time, and don’t get too overwhelmed. You don’t have to make all your decisions in one day. If you can’t stand to look at one more dish, go home, and come back with a clear head. Spend time with your fiancé and imagine your dream home together. There may be compromise involved, but hey- consider this your first step in building your life together as a happy couple!

Don’t Miss The Private Party Inside the Walk Party Weekend!

This year La Bella Vita joins Pennello Gallery in a special offer to avoid the masses at a private party on Saturday morning from 9AM to Noon.  Shop at Pennello with Vodka and Latkes and enjoy Pete’s famous Bloody Marys and bagels at La Bella Vita.  For the first time in 10 years, La Bella Vita is ON SALE! For those of you that know our store, you know this is a once in 10 year offer.  Check out our list and check it twice and we don’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice…Just make your reservations by Thursday, December 1…space is limited (check below for details).

La Bella Vita ON SALE LIST…

This is a real deal…no exchanges or returns…all sales final…

-VIETRI special orders on dinnerware $500 and up, 20% off (one sale limited per customer).

-VIETRI free ornament with purchase of $100 or more of VIETRI holiday product. (Excludes discounted products).

-VIETRI discontinued and overstock product 20% to 50% off

-Our fabulous wrought iron/marble serveware 10-20% off all in-stock product

-All purses 20% off

-Buy two $29 scarves, get the third $29 one FREE!

-All Jewelry 10% off

-Storewide specials up to 50% off! … Look for the special santa signs!

Click here for a preview of our 3 Hour Sale!

Make Your Reservations Now.

Limited Space Available…

Call:  216 421-1717

-$10 per person or $15 per couple in advance.

-Reservation fee is non-refundable for no-shows.

-Fee is refunded against purchases during 3 hour event.

La Bella Vita kicked off their new 600 square feet expansion at the October Art Walk with big crowds leaving with  hats, purses, scarves, jewelry and bling from the new Diva shop.  Big success resulted in big rush re-orders for this weekend.  Also pre-selling VIETRI’s Italian Santa serve/giftware…right out of the box!  First pick of the season.

La Bella Vita hours:  Friday, October 7 Noon to 9PM…Saturday, Noon to 9PM and Sunday, Noon to 6PM.  Monday Columbus Day Parade begins at Noon.  La Bella Vita opens after the parade until 3PM.

Check out other event  highlights on our neighborhood’s official Little Italy website.

September 30th kicks off our Grand Opening for our new gallery.  In over 600 additional square feet, we have expanded our giftware lines and added back our Lady’s accessory business!  You love our bracelets, now you will love our scarves, hats, jewelry and other fantastic doo dads that make us ladies dazzle!

Introducing VIETRI’s new Lastra stoneware…Actually restaurant grade durability from Italy!   La Bella Vita is one of VIETRI’s showcase, VILLA VIETRI, stores with the largest assortments and first introductions.  See it at La Bella Vita first!  Also previewing Christmas, Old St. Nick pattern with over 20 new items!  Great collectibles for the connoisseur of Italian giftware.

Our popular Tuscan serve ware has a home of its own in our new store space with over 75 great pieces for serving and decorating, Tuscan style.

Grand Opening begins at 5PM Friday, September 30 to 9PM.  Great prices for gift buying!  Get in the spirit and whirl through a taste of what’s coming up…

IT’S A PARTY!  June 2 from 5PM to 9PM.  Introducing a magnificent new line of ceramics from Italy, Fortunata.  Meet founder Margaret Proctor and have her sign your new treasure.  Etna Ristorante is catering, wine and martini bar and Corbo’s for the finishing touch and private shopping…What could be better…well…Valet parking on the corner of Mayfield and Murray Hill!  Reservations are required before May 30 by calling 216 421-1717.  $10 per person or $15 per couple by credit card when you call to reserve*.  Hurry, space is limited.

Check out a small sample of 4 days of Art Walk at La Bella Vita…La Bella Vita Party Night

*Your fee will be credited against purchases during the night of the party.  No refunds for cancellations or no shows in order to offset expenses.

#1  Starting at $19, creatively gift boxed and sparkling, our bracelets are unsurpassed in value and    dazzling fashion.  Although fine serve ware and giftware is our main businesses, these bracelets keep people coming back and buying for every special occasion.  You just can’t miss with this incredible gift.  Looks like $50 to $150 and only costs $19.  It’s a treasure!  Over 400 new bracelets in all colors and metals just arrived yesterday!

#2  Another favorite is our cauldron made soap by Nesti Dante from Florence, Italy.  Mothers (and non-mothers) are addicted to this very fine soap and come back again and again to buy their favorite or select a new one from over 25 scents and natural ingredient values.  From fruit, to herbs and flowers and oils, Nesti Danti is a rare find and one of the top 5 gifts that Mamma will love.  Put it in a small planting pot from Tuscany and have us put on a bow and sparkles and you have a fantastic gift for under $39!

#3Delightful planting pots from Tuscany range in color and price and will be cherished

especially with a flower in it!  Bring your flower in it’s jiffy pot and we will make it look fantastic for you with bows and sparkles.  These handmade pots range in price from $25 to over $250 for the big, very big plants.  Whatever your budget, this is a very special gift that is sure to bring a smile.

4. Fine, hand painted serve pieces are works of art and we have hundreds to choose from.  Even though you may want her to fill it up with your favorite treats, Mamma will see it as a work of art and a gift from your heart.  Prices range from $30 to $200 and up depending on the size and degree of hand work and country of origin (Italy or Turkey for hand painted, Portuguese for solid bakeware).

5.  The ultimate Mother’s day gift from La Bella Vita is a GIFT CERTIFICATE!  Your mother loves to browse and play in our store.  Either a gift with a certificate attached or just the certificate, it’s all good!

Make your Mother Proud!  Shop La Bella Vita this weekend during our extended hours:

Friday, May 6, 1PM to 8PM

Saturday, May 7, 10AM to 8PM

Sunday, May,8, Noon to 5PM…cookies and tea for Mamma!

Happy Mother’s Day!…La Bella Vita