Sunday, July 19, 2009

High Tea the Italian way

Summer is here (in this part of the world at least) and we all enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, smelling the roses, walking in parks or on beaches, relaxing when possible, visiting friends and family. It would be lovely to be able to entertain my friends in real life in such a beautiful setting but I am just as happy to only do it virtually tonight!

03_b_pranzo_aperto
Glass stand "Odette" by Driade, Baccarat black crystal glasses "Unparfait" designed by Philippe Starck.

05_b_pranzo_aperto
Vases "Joker" in faceted porcelain from the "Object" collection of B&B Italia. Rug made of laser cut linoleum, paper lamps "Lamp" by Paola Navone for Gervasoni.
The gold chairs are the famous "Chiavarine" (remember to pronounce any Italian "CH" same as a "K"...) made in Liguria (Genoa region) since the beginning of 1800 and known for their exceptional lightness and strength, characteristics that have made them famous in the world. "A miracle of technique and elegance" was the comment of Antonio Canova, the famous Venetian sculptor (1757-1822) when he first saw one. And indeed they are still produced more than two centuries later with careful choice and treatment of cherry and beech wood.

02_b_pranzo_aperto
Table and chairs "New Antiques" designed by Marcel Wanders as a new interpretation of traditional furniture for Cappellini, simple but elegant zinc flowers containers by Ikea.

04_b_pranzo_aperto
And finally a spectacular display of the sweetest sweets (on the upper left the masterpiece of "Sicilian cassata" made with a base of sponge cake, filled with a mixture of ricotta, orange blossom water, chocolate, candied peel and enveloped in the most delicate coloured marzipan also called "pasta reale" crowned with delicious candied fruits).

Would you like to join me for tea? Leave the gun, take the cannoli...

14 comments:

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I'd take high tea in Italy any day. Thanks for the info about the Chiavarine chair. I covet those & never took the time to research the history. Beautiful, beautiful photo's to end the weekend. Thank you!

Style Odyssey said...

i adore those black crystal glasses!!
lovely post. : )

qerat said...

Love those images and description of the last picture of sweet is just mouth watering

Maria Killam said...

*sigh* so beautiful and summery. I love it!!

Concrete Catonsville, MD said...

Looks so good! Almost too good to eat!

<3 Lindsay

alice said...

I love the spotted Japanese lanterns!

Maria Killam said...

Love your new picture on your profile! I just had to come over and tell you that!!

Unknown said...

Hi Albarosa
I'll join you for afternoon tea..sitting on those divine "Chiavarine" chairs and nibbling on "Sicilian cassata" and maybe learning some Italian.
Cheers and Happy Summer to you!

PS I agree with Maria it is a great picture of you.

Michelle said...

I love the new picture as well Albarosa!! High tea in Italy...I'll be sure to join you!!! Beautiful.

MEADE DESIGN GROUP said...

Cannolis - Where? When? I am there :)

Patrice said...

I love those unique black crystal glasses. The last photo looks so sweet and beautifully arranged cakes and flowers.

Dora said...

Love the decor of the tables..specially the last image with cakes..I am an indian artist into home decor and arts..Really liked your post

A brush of motion said...

How perfectly refreshing! Your Blog is wonderful.
Those colors for tea time are exquisite. "Sono Italiano in Spirito' Langner dZign

laughingsalmon said...

Either "Tea" or "High Tea" surrounded by such perfection...sign me up...

 
Clicky Web Analytics