Belvivere Luxury Linens

Christmas thanks from Florence Italy

2011-12-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

So here we are again...it's christmas time! I'm not going to do the longest post ever, but I really wanted to say hi to some people in a more 'personal' way. Some treasures I've met..(see previous post) and some that are wishing me a nice day, every day on twitter...so this is for you:

To Chedva!
My first real twitter friend! Great person to chat with and utterly sweet.. go check her out on: http://roomsandwords.com/

Home-office-family-life | Photos by Shay Adam, courtesy of Orly Robinson

Then a lot of wonderful woman followed, like Toma whom I (we) would like to thank for her enthousiasm about our products... we are fortunate to have a client like herself (and her hubby !!!). She does some great antique tours all over Europe and I am a real big fan of her and what she does... go check her out on:
http://antiquesdiva.com/

Antiques diva in England | Photo : Antiques Diva

Then I've met Carina (thank you so much for your sweet words on my last post !!) a beautiful lady with the most gorgeous red hair I've ever seen... se makes some absolutely stunning photo's and postcards... check her out on: http://www.carams.fr/ > really amazing

Photo: Caramsfrance

Then I've met Lynn and Norma, they are fantastic... thanks for sharing your lovely wine with me ! (seen previous post)

Then there is Yvette van Boven, I'm probably her biggest fan...that's nog bragging, but I really think she does amazing foodstyling and she is utterly creative ! She has to be a great cook as well cause she wrote three cook books and even went to New York to promote one of them.... I promise I will buy her book as soon as I have some time to actually read something :-) Check her out on: http://www.yvettevanboven.com

Miljonair, photography René Kramers | Foodstyling: Yvette van Boven

Tara Bradford! Another amazing photographer, sweetest girl on twitter that's for sure! Hope you'll be happy in your new home Tara !! Check her out on: http://www.tarabradford.com/

Photo: Tara Bradfort (Paris Parfait)

Shelley (whykemgirl on twitter)..gosh she is the greatest... I'm happy to have been her first twitter friend! She always thinks of me and suggest people to 'come' and meet me and Belvivere...That's awesome! Thank you shelley...you're great and I really hope to meet you one day! http://thedailybasics.com/

Shelley, right, 'WykehamGirl' - (Twittername) head researcher at The Daily Basics | Photo: Daily basics

Then there is Frankie Durbin... , would really like to meet her (should go to Dallas :-) I really love her blogpost and her blog so check her out on: http://www.frankidurbin.com

The venti caffe

Last but not least Laila! She on my top list of people whom I am going to meet for sure... it's just a matter of time... Truely sweet and amazing woman, check out her Paris love appartment that she rents out: http://www.chezmj.blogspot.com/

Laila's appartement in Paris !

Well this is the hardcore twitter girl group to whom I love to say 'Goodmorning' and 'Goodnight' on twitter almost every day, hope you love them as much as I do :-)

Photo: Agatha Loonstra

Thank you girls for not throwing me out of your '@mentions'.. I'm peaking behind the curtain hoping to be around more next year to follow, discuss, chat and say hi to you all... but for now:

HAPPY AND MERRY... !!

Photo: Me :-)

Belvivere meets some real people (again)

2011-12-02T13:21:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately it has been a while, I have been so busy with new things that are going on with Belvivere and some new projects I'm working on, that I haven't had the chance to write much on my blog.

That doesn't mean that I'm not engaged in what's going on with Belvivere's 'social life', I'm just looking, peeping behind the curtains.

Sorrento Collection

I've often written, I love twitter because I've met so many wonderful people through this media. Some I've already met in person like Toma (The Antiques Diva) and Carina (Caramsfrance).

Norma Thiessen

A few days ago I was lucky to have met the wonderful Lynn ( Lynn Knowlton-Design the Life You Want to Live) and Norma (My Beautiful Paris) for a glass of wine in one of the finest hotels in Florence. It was an absolutely lovely experience and I was so enthousiastic that I probably talked to much :-)

Lynne Knowlton

I would like to thank Shelley (Wykehamgirl) for setting this meeting up and almost pushing us to meet. For me it really was a great experience to have met these two wonderful woman. We only met for a glass of wine and only for one hour, but that was enough for me to be enthousiastic about Norma and Lynn and to introduce you to them. I really hope you will go and check them out!

Check out Lynn

( I just love her tree house)

Check out Norma

( I really hope she's doing her site on Florence! )

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend and don't forget:

You'll sleep better between Italian Luxury Sheets!

High quality Italian Linen wedding registry

2011-11-12T04:59:00.001-08:00

Thinking about getting married? Your head full of ideas for decoration and then of course your dress! Another mayor thing to consider is having your wedding wish list. Guests always love to buy gifts for newly weds and to make it more easy on them and on you, you should consider having your wedding wish list online.

Gift/wedding registry
Create your personal Gift Registry online with Belvivere Luxury Linens and then share it with family and friends! Be original and let your family and friends save money without getting you less quality! Belvivere Luxury Linens are made in Florence, Italy and directly shipped from the factory. Belvivere Luxury Linens meet the highest standards of quality, but enables you to save big time because there are no middle man or shops between the factory and YOU!

High quality

We all know that nowadays having good quality for the right price is not that easy to find, but at Belvivere Luxury Linens you are in the right place.

Fabric swatches
Maybe you want to have some swatches to see the colors or the quality of the fabric? No problem, visit our site and choose the linens you like, send us an email at: info@belvivere.com and we will be happy to send you the swatches in no-time!

Belviveres' Warehouse club
You can also check out our Belvivere Luxury Bed Sheet warehouse club online and get even more value for your money! With all the high quality standards and all our guarantees, you can't go wrong!

The Antiques Diva goes Tuscany !

2011-10-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

The Antiques Diva did it again! This time in Italy. Toma and her expert team is awaiting you in Tuscany!

They will not only show you the best and most beautiful Antique shops and flea markets of Florence, Siena, Arezzo...... , they will let you live and savour the Italian Lifestyle.

Want to know more about The Antiques Diva Tours around Europe? Check out one of my previous posts here >> belvivere-luxury-bedding.blogspot.com/2011/01/antique-shopping-for-divas.html

Fontana di Nettuno and Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence Italy
Photo By: Mrs Conti copyright 2011

Toma, what can one expect by booking an Antique Diva Tour in Italy ?
Well you can can expect flea markets and Ferragamo as well as fragrant sessions with an haute-couture perfumer, creating custom scents just for you. You can Wrap yourself in luxury Italian linens or linger in Lucca, enjoying the local wines and gourmet delicacies. Try and stay in Siena visiting antique sales or shop for salvaged pieces at secret sources. Go on and Search the streets of Arezzo looking for religious relics and rustic pieces. And while you’re at it, book a cooking course, a day at the outlets or visit our favorite vineyards with our Diva Excursions. On Antiques Diva ® Italian Tours you’re guaranteed to enjoy La Dolce Diva as we share not just antiques but Italian lifestyle!

Meeting Toma, The Antique Diva herself
I was so happy to have met Toma during her stay in Florence and I am so excited that she now organizes her Famous Diva Tours here in Tuscany! The Antique Diva has so many tours and Ideas custom made for you, that the best thing for you to do, is check out her website : www.antiquesdiva.com/tours/italy .

Belvivere Loves; Antique Diva goes Oltrarno
We at Belvivere would really love to reccomend the Oltrarno tour, our absolute favorite zone in Florence. Still full of ancient artisan workshops of all kind that make you really 'taste & feel' the real Italian craftmanship, famous all over the world.

Belvivere's favorite Antique Diva Tour:

Florence – Oltarno “The Other Side of the Arno”
Available Tuesday through Sunday
+ Special visits to Flea Market on the 2nd Sunday of the Month

Join us as we step to “The Other Side of the Arno” as we visit one of the most interesting and lively parts of Florence, a curious mix of class and culture. Initially the poorest quarters of Florence, it was gentrified when the Medici’s moved into the Pitti Palace building. A lively area to explore full of colour, movement and inspiration. Here we get a true taste of Florence with two very stark contrasts between the noble palaces around the Palazzo Pitti and the neighbouring elegant and prestigious antiquarians to the hustle and bustle of San Jacopo, Santo Spirito, and San Frediano where you can see the furniture restorers at work, cruise the quirky antique shops whilst rubbing shoulders with up and coming artists. A real Florentine experience. We’ll escape to the quieter area of San Niccolo with its specialist stores and artisan workshops and while a visit to the Via Maggio is a must, we’ll go deeper poking around the narrower surrounding streets where surprises unfold. Everything from period antique furniture, quirky collector’s pieces to silversmiths, restorers and guilders to custom made frames, lampshades. When the day is done, we’ll be right on time for doing a wine & olive oil tasting in a favourite enoteca.

Belvivere highly reccomends Antique Diva Tours and wishes Toma & her team all the best !

Pictures by: The Antique Diva - unless otherwise stated -

Text also by: The Antique Diva

Every day Fine Table linens (Tuscan cook & Table Cloth Part III)

2011-10-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Belvivere Luxury Table Linen :
Giardino Collection 100% Premium Belgian Linen available in 6 colorways.

Don't let your best table linens get old in a cupboard, use them whenever you feel like setting a nice table. Use them for a sundaymorning brunch or for a cozy family dinner. Cooking something special for family and friends and using special high quality table linen can be a real treat, also for yourself.

Foto: barefootintheorchard.blogspot.com

It's not hard to set a nice table if you already have a beautiful table cloth. Try and lay a fresh flowers on everyones napkin or a little branch of Rosemary. If you have any herbs in your garden you can make a little bouquet and also have a lovely fresh perfume while eating. (You can also put some lemons on the table and scratch them a bit so they release their fresh & clean scent!)

Foto: countryliving.com

Talking about Rosemary, here is a very special recipe that Aurelio Barattini (The Tuscan Cook) wanted to share with you:

Filetto di Manzo all'Alpina

"Beef fillet with porcini mushroom cap"

Ingredients for 4

- 4 beef fillets

- 4 porcini mushrooms caps

- extra virgin olive oil

- garlic

- calamint

- chilli

- salt

Preparation

Clean the fresh porcini mushrooms caps. Put them in a baking pan and season with olive oil, salt, red pepper, sliced garlic, calamint and a splash of wine. Cook in oven for 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees. Cook the tenderloin on the grill. Then place the fillet on a plate and above the cap of porcini mushrooms. Dress with extra virgin olive oil.

Accompany with a red Sangiovese wine

Writers Note: Take a branch of Rosmary and and put it on the mushroom cap and push it into the meat, the cap stays on the beaf and it's a very original way to present this recipe !

Buon Apettito!

Here are some useful LINKS:

1. Don't worry! You can wash your quality table linen on high temperatures (especially Belgian Linen) and they are quiet easy to iron as well. (you're worry about stains? read HERE how you can remove the most common ones)

2. If you want to see some Herb bouquet inspiration, have a look at : barefootintheorchard.blogspot.com/

3. I would like to thank the Tuscan Cook for his collaboration! Do you want Aurelio in YOUR kitchen ? www.aureliobarattini.com

4. I really want to know what a Porcino mushroom is, have a wiki look: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis

5. I heard about Calamint but what kind of herb is that ? have a wiki look: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calamintha

Recipe By: Aurelio Barattini

Aurelio Barattini a Tuscan Cook (Part II of Tuscan Food & Table cloth)

2011-10-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Aurelio is the fourth generation in a family of restaurant owners and cooks. He grew up just above the family restaurant, smelling the aromas coming out of the kitchen, where Aurelio's grandmother Ida was always busy preparing.

Although Aurelio continued studying and frequented the arts school in Florence; the Cappiello, he couldn't stay away from Nonna Ida's kitchen.

When Aurelio finished his studies he got a big offer from a company in Milan, Satchi and Satch, he stopped for a second and thought…"I can’t break this tradition, I can’t stop this magic dream called 'Antica Locanda di Sesto' " and this is when he began to work there full time – that's when it became his kitchen.

Aurelio what is your secret behind your genuine cooking and are you sharing your experience also outside of italy ?

I was very lucky to have a grandmother like Ida but I was also very lucky that my other grandma came from Modena, in Emilia Romagna. She taught me the secrets of fresh home made pasta, so together with my grandma Ida she closed the circle.. Tuscany-Emilia-creativity-tradition and passion!

In 2003 I began traveling with my cities tourism board, organising gala dinners and spreading the word on what traditional tuscan cuisine is all about, I then write about these experiences on my blog (aureliobarattini.blogspot.com). The food I cook is all about freshness, (nothing frozen, canned or comes in boxes) and I only cook whatever is in season, I actually use my dad’s olive oil and wine in my restaurant. We believe in this!

Photo: Carolina via Pinterest

This is the Tuscan cook that will share a very yummie recipe in my next post in wich I will be writing about table linen & how to set a nice & easy table for your family and Friends.... so stay tuned !

Tuscan Food and Table cloth - part I -

2011-09-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to write a blog post about Tuscan Food and setting the dinner table. I have the table cloth and many lovely ideas on how to set a nice table, but unfortunatly I am not a great cook. So I had to find someone to help me on that, right?

Ok, first things first,

So let's start in the kitchen:

If you are into Tuscan Food, you should meet Aurelio Barattini! I met Aurelio through twitter and he is the fourth generation in a family of restaurant owners and cooks in Lucca (Tuscany, Italy). In my next post I will introduce him and his fabulous cooking, but here is already a small anticipation!

" Aurelio was born in Lucca and grew up just above his family's restaurant Antica Locanda di Sesto. Every morning he woke with the aromas coming out of the kitchen where his grandmother Ida was already busy preparing. "

Don't worry there will be more of Aurelio and his genuine Tuscan cuisine... soon !

Customized Bed Linen? Yes you can !

2011-09-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you love to have customized bed linen? Maybe you have one of those big beds and you can never find the right sizes? Or maybe you have a round bed and cannot find bedsheets you really like ? Maybe you are an interior designer and you just can't find the right bed linen for your projects?

Photo: Mrs Conti for 'The Bedding Makeover System' by Jay C Conti

OUR WORKROOM IN FLORENCE, ITALY

Our Italian workroom in Florence offers you a very personalized touch to your household linens like, embroidered monograms, crests, logos and names on to linens, or even take a motif from curtains or upholstery fabrics to allow a very comprehensive co-ordination to the interior design scheme of each room.

BED LINENS
Bed linens can be custom made to your specific requirements. The choice of luxury fabrics include fine smooth cotton percale, cool crisp linen and silky soft cotton sateens. These can be expertly made into Sheets, Duvet Covers, Shams, Cases or Quilted Coverlets personalized with any embroidered motif, logo or monogram.

BATHROOM LINENS
Our full range of luxury towels including extra large bath sheets and linen huckaback towels, super absorbent bath mats and soft cozy bathrobes can all be personalized with initials or crests in a wide choice of style and color.

TABLE LINENS
We can make extra large or unusual shaped tablecloths for dining rooms or boardrooms in pure Belgian linen or fine cotton sateen damask with matching napkins. Table protectors and felt liners are also available.

If you would like more information on our bespoke custom service please visit our website: www.Belvivere.com

You love to DIY ? Check out 'The Bedding Makeover System' by Linens Expert Jay C. Conti and revamp your bedroom like a real Interior Designer !

Rooms and Words

2011-09-12T02:37:00.000-07:00

It's been about a year now that I joined the Twitter community. I've met so many wonderful and creative people from all over the world. But my first real 'twitter friend' was Chedva (@Chedvak) i followed her 'progress' during the year and I must say: wauw!

Design Dream...
Chedva went for her dream; DeSign.... and now she works with some of the most wonderful blogs, magazines and people, but most of all she started her own design-blog or blogazine how she likes to call it:
http://roomsandwords.com ...

* Who si Chedva?
Chedva Kleinhandler is a design journalist, blogger and consultant. As a journalist who started as a blogger (a rare feat in her country) she strives to bring a breath of freshness to any and all of her occupations. Her work as a journalist and the fact that she is a Twitter junky (and a book warm) help her approach the most interesting people and trends in Israel, America and abroad. Being a mother who learned to survive on very little sleep helps too…

Read one of Chedva's last editorial's: The Secret Garden.....

Secret Garden. Photography: Udi Salmanovicz

* Who is Rooms and words ?
Rooms and Words was born out of love for blogs, magazines, and first and formost – design. Chedva loves design but is not willing to give up on quality content. She will serve you interviews with the greatest designers – and those who will be that in the future, she will highlight, review and sometimes criticize the latest trends – and tell you about the provenance of various design elements. Rooms and words is a fun place to browse pretty pictures on your coffee break – and also go deeper and share thoughts on design. Chedva likes to call Rooms & Words a blogazine: a blog with magazine-like content or perhaps a magazine updated with a frequency of a blog. So come on, grab a chair (Louis, Eames, Panton or Bergere – we love them all) and join Chedva on her exciting adventure.....

* Tekst by Chedva

Belvivere goes Dutch

2011-08-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

We have been spending most of our summer holidays in Holland, a small, lovely country gently nested between Belgium and Germany. We rented a nice little farm's pigshed, restored into a beautiful and cozy Dutch holidayhouse. From our garden right on the river banks we wachted boats passing by and took a dip ourselfs on one of the few warm sunny days Holland gave us.

Of course I could not tell you about our holiday without sharing some 'textile secrets'! Some beautiful and exclusive textile prints come from the old village of Staphorst. Staphorst is an authentic gem, one of the few places in Holland where woman still wear their folkloric costume. Walking around this gracious little town you can still see, mostly elder woman dressed in their beautiful traditional clothes walking the ancient streets or working their farmhouse garden.

Some of the woman of Staphorst still master the antique art of decorating fabric and objects with the so called 'stipwerk'. Using special tools or just a nail, with an old time craftmaship passed on from mother to daughter for centuries, they make simple and colorful flowers on fabric, wood and glass.
In 2007, 500 women still wore folkloric dresses, the youngest was 37 years old accordingly to the city hall of Staphorst.

Now how could i not go shopping for some of these tipical and special textile? There is one cozy little shop in Staphorst where the owners still wear their folkloric dresses, but unfortunally that shop was closed. So we went to Stegeman textiles in Rouveen, a little village next to Staphorst, where I found these lovely pieces of fabric.

The fabric comes in hights of 1.50 or 1.60 meters (1.64 or 1.75 yards) and is perfect for pillow cases, patchwork and children's bedding.
I am planning to make some pillows for some old wooden art-deco chairs I bought recently, to give them a french peasant look. I also promised my daughter to make here a little sheet and pillow for her wicker doll carriage. Also my French straw bags are screaming for some nice decoration, so who knows I will make something for them too.

And you? what would you love to do with this original Dutch fabric?

Useful links:

http://www.stegemanstextiel.nl/

xxo

R. for Belvivere Luxury Italian Linen

Summertime & fresh Belgian Linen

2011-06-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

How I like to pamper myself in pure quality Belgian Linen sheets; crisp, clean, comfortable, soft yet strong, they last forever and are so fashionable.

But Why are linen sheets so great?
a) Well Linen is colorfast and the more it is washed and used, the softer and the stronger it gets.
Linen is also thermo-regulating meaning it's cool and breathable in the summer.

b) The flax (the plant of which the linen is made of) needs fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops (like cotton) and the fibers are recyclable and eventually biodegrade.

c) Linen sheets wrinkle easily (but they are pressed easily as well) and I love the worn creased look of linen bedsheets... giving your room a classy shabby chic style.

Did you know linen is especially recommended for sensitive skin?
Belgium Linen is also very suitable for children's bedding, being non-allergenic and anti-bacterial. My kids love to sleep in Belgian Linen sheets, and I only want the best for them.

Did you know the best linen came from Belgium?
The linen plants (flax) have been grown and harvested for centuries in Belgium, There the linen is woven in a beautiful fabric accordingly to a time-honored tradition.

!) Never forget to ask about the linen flax origin, the very best quality only comes from Belgium !

Try the best...

If you only want the best, you should try our linen bedding made of pure premium belgian linen in bright white or a pastel ivory color tone.

Riviera Collection made of Pure Premium Belgian Linen
brought to you by Belvivere Luxury Italian Linens

PS

Looking 'around' for my 'Belgian Linen Inspiration Board' I came across some beautiful blogs like:

1.
Dreamy Whites, Maria is one of my fave Bloggers, she almost has 5000 followers and counting. For the inspiration board I used a picture of her bedroom; I love the wooden doors as a very original bedheader, also the little red accented pillows are a nice 'final' touch on an all white bed.

2.
I also came around the artist Karen Hollingsworth who makes some absolutely beautiful paintings, check out her blog: karenhollingsworth.blogspot.com . The painting that I used for the inspiration board is absolutely amazing!

3.
Another really nice blog is: cabbagesandroses.blogspot.com . I just loved the single bed next to the big windows and all the French details on the wall.

4.
Then of course there is Audrey , she is the absolut luxury of chic !

Luxury Bedding, the perfect wedding gift

2011-06-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Collecting items of clothing or household linen like table linens, towels, bed linens and quilts in a Hope Chest (or Glory Box) before getting married, has always been a tradition of unmarried young women all over the world.

Belvivere Luxury Bedding Venezia Collection

Unfortunatley this 'trousseau' tradition has been slowly fading away due to the consuming thirst of the 20th century. But have you ever thought about opening an antique linen chest ? Imagine pulling out beautiful heirlooms ; A crisp linen table cloth or beautiful white soft cotten sateen sheets gently embellish with the sweetest lace? wouldn't that be so romantic?

Belvivere Luxury linens Boboli collections

Luxury bedding and linens are here to stay. Buying high quality linens is a great investment for you and your beloved ones. High quality Linens are also the perfect gift for newly weds, helping them to spruce up their new bedroom and leaving them with something durable that will last for ever.

Belvivere Luxury Linens Giardino collection

Any questions about decorating your bedroom ?
www.luxurybeddingsystem.com
or contact Luxury Linens Expert Jay C Conti on:
luxury-linens.com/

Do you want to give or recieve the perfect wedding gift ?

Check out our Wedding Registry for Bed, Bath & Table at:

www.belvivere.com

More Photo's On:

All Pictures by: Belvivere Copyright 2011
Please do not copy
or
Leave a comment on my blog
and I will get back to you
A.S.A.P, Thank you so much

Think Pink!

2011-05-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Belvivere Luxury Italian Linen's Capri collection

Maybe your thinking about having some new luxury bedding for this summer. So why not start reminiscing about the colors ? Think about your childhood what color is coming back to you? Is it Pale pink?

We think of Pale Pink to be a little girls color but nothing is less true! Pale pink is sexy, romantic but can also be dramatic and sophisticated. Pink is a mixture of red and white and is known as 'The Color of Love', so why not use pink in your bedroom decor ? The past years Pale Pink had a real come back thanks to the Shabby chic Style!

Roses in basket Photo copyright Belvivere 2011

Don't only think about combining it with white, but try to mix and match pale pink with dark/navy or marine blue. This mixture will give your room a modern, chic and relaxed feel, but it also becomes a cozy and warm place to read a book late at night or a place where to relax after work.

Belvivere Luxury Italian Bedding collections: Capri & Medici

Any questions about decorating your bedroom ?
www.luxurybeddingsystem.com
or contact Luxury Linens Expert Jay C Conti on:
luxury-linens.com/

Is Pale Pink your favorite color ?

Check out our Pink Collections for Bed, Bath & Table at:

www.belvivere.com

More Photo's on:

Belvivere Luxury Italian Linens
All other photo credits:
MarthaSteward.com

The Luxury Bedding Makeover System

2011-05-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, a great occasion to spruce up or change your bedroom décor. Are you looking for some simple ways to make your bedroom more beautiful? The 'Bedroom Makeover System' from Luxury Linens Expert; Jay C Conti is the perfect way to start!

Changing your bedroom is fun and usually easy to do, but before you start it's important to understand the fundamentals of creating a bedroom that you will love to come home to.

THE LUXURY BEDDING MAKEOVER SYSTEM

"A Step-by-Step Workbook To Dress Up a Beautiful Bed and Revamp Your Bedroom Decor"

by Jay C. Conti

Download FREE copy here!

Testimonials

Before Jay C Conti published his book 'The Luxury Bedding Makover System', he wanted some experts to read it first, here is what they said :

“Love this! Powerful, practical and solid advice on luxury bedding makeover. Even applying just one of the tips after reading this book, gave my bed a boost of luxury. Apply Jay’s knowledge and you’ll feel much more confident to get started right away and to have the most luxurious bed every night!”

Angela Tunner

Editor in Chief and Founder @EAT LOVE SAVOR Magazine

“As if taking you on a tour in a foreign country, Jay C Conti goes under the covers in ‘The Luxury Bedding Makeover System’, unraveling the mystery of thread count, teaching the language of linen & deciphering the nuances quality brings to your decor. Conti makes the redecorated bedroom a travel destination, in itself.”

Toma Clark Haines

Chief Executive Diva - The Antiques Diva® & Co.

"Jay Conti provides clear and approachable advice for the contemporary domestic looking to restock their linen closet. Confused about thread count? Textiles? Or bedding styles? -- Jay cuts through the jargon to make textiles approachable, leaving the reader with no choice but to enjoy a good night's sleep. If you buy any book on bedroom decor, this one is it."

Coryanne Ettiene

Lifestyle Expert & author of Housewife Bliss

Special thanks to Coryanne, Toma and Angela for their support and testimonials !

Happy 150th Birthday Italia

2011-03-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Orange, a Burst of Color in your Bedroom

2011-02-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Orange is energy, warmth and sun. Orange is vibrant it demands attention and is mentally stimulating.

Orange is a sociable color that can be combined with green to give it a tropical touch or with white to give it a more of a classic look.

Orange reminds me of sunset, but can also be associated by log fires in a winter chalet or cutout pumpkins with candlelight.

I'm so happy Orange is one of the fashion colors of this year's summer collections. DKNY, Prada and Gucci are showing some great orange inspirations as does Zara.

Who doesn't like a touch of color in their closet or their bedroom ? I think some orange sheets or orange embroidery can do wonders to your bedroom decor this summer.

Try a burst of color in your bathroom with some orange towels, it will give you a tropical spa feeling for sure. 

Is orange your favorite color ?

Check out our Orange Collections for Bed, Bath & Table at:

www.belvivere.com

More Photo's on:

Fashion Photo's by:

Mondadori Italy

All other Photo's by:

Luxury Linens Love Valentine Day...

2011-02-14T02:57:00.000-08:00

Keep Your Quality Bed Linen Beautiful

2011-02-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

Good washing instruction can 'save' your favorite clothes as well as your favorite bed linens! I like to wash my bed linen often. The more you wash them, the softer they become and what's better than sleeping under soft bed linens after a hard day of work?


My Luxury Italian Bedding \| Photo By Mrs Conti Copyright 2011

My fave bedding are some old Italian linens with a pretty blue floral motive. My mother in law gave them to me because she likes to renew her linens more often than I do. I have them for like 13 years now and being my favorites' I washed and used them endless times, they are truly the softest bed linen I have ever had on my bed.

I wrote down some washing instructions for you; follow these tips and I'll be sure that your favorite bed linen will remain beautiful and wear soft through endless washings without loosing it's fitting or color*.

Wash....

Wash your Bed Linen in warm water with a gentle cycle and a cold-water rinse.
It's always better to wash your new Bed linen before you use them avoiding to overload the washing machine, which can cause the fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation.

Detergent....
Be sure to use a neutral or mild detergent without any bleaching agents such as chlorine or peroxide that can weaken the fibers and cause them to become yellowish. If your Bed linen are not very soiled you can use half of the recommended amount of detergent, doing nature a favor.

The Laundress, NYC

Dry....
Shake out the damp of your Bed linen before placing them in the dryer and set it on a low heat setting. Don't wash or especially dry your bed linen on a hot setting, they will shrink! Of course all natural fibers shrink to some extent but washing or drying them to hot, will definitely ruin the perfect fit for ever.

Embroidery & Silk....
If you have any embroidered items it's best to wash them separately. Add a bit of salt to the water which brightens and enhances the colors of the embroidery. Your silk linens can be machine washed as well but only on a gentle cycle.

* Here we only talk about High Quality Luxury Linens, as cheap poor quality linens will loose fit and color even if you wash&dry them 'the right way ' .....

Hotel Discovery, Part I

2011-01-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

H&H, that stands for 'Home Hotel', is truly a place that has what it takes to satisfy the needs of a traveller who wants to feel at home while being far away. Completely decorated in white with a touch of gold finishing this hotel just shines with the idea of simplicity, elegance and privacy.

The interior design of Hotel Home Florence is based on a concept by the 'Cyrus Company'. This company has a fresh, cutting-edge, down to earth style that I really like. They have such a careful eye to current tastes and trends, yet they have their own style. The 'Cyrus Company' is one of the Italian artisan' companies to keep an eye on!

Now mix the Home Hotel with the Cyrus Company and you have your Home in Florence. Mix your best memories of those Luxury Hotel Linens with Artisan Quality, Italian design and great comfort and you'll have your own Luxury Bedding experience at home.

The Milano Luxury Hotel Collection is especially designed for those travellers who want to bring that exquisite Hotel atmosphere back home. Egyptian Cotton Sateen 430 TC with a three line satin stitch that comes in 18 colors to suite your bedroom design, is the perfect answer to your needs.

Now what's your Favorite Hotel in Florence, Italy?

More Photo's on:

Antique Shopping for 'Divas'

2011-01-21T04:18:00.000-08:00

Antique Shopping with The Expert

Antique shopping around Europe? Why not doing it together with The expert; Meet Toma Clark Haines, aka The Antiques Diva®. Her 'Diva Tours' are designed to offer a unique shopping experience in Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam and The Hague.

Meet The Antiques Diva®

Toma Clark Haines is an American expat who has lived in Europe over a decade. She lived in Paris and Amsterdam, but has found her home in the beautiful city of Berlin, where she lives nearby the Brandenburg Gate. Toma has antique-shopped in more than 30 countries and is a Diva without borders. Anyone who follows her on twitter ( @TheAntiquesDiva ) knows she's always travelling to lead a tour, give a speech to a women’s or decorative club or to shop for her online store ; www.antiquesdiva.com . She attends antique trade fairs all over the world and writes about her discoveries on her blog.

The Antiques Diva® Tours

The 'Diva Tours' reveal destinations as seen through the eye of The Antiques Diva®, sharing insider tid-bits only a local would know. Other than being your personal guide, Toma will equip you with everything you need to know about antique shopping in Europe so that you can return to these great locales and do the Diva-Loca on your own time with your own little black book of Diva-Tested, Diva-Approved Antiques, Vintage and Home Decor addresses..

Now doesn't that sound great?

Go check her out :

The Antique Diva Tours:

http://antiquesdiva.com/tours/

or better yet, shop her online store!

The Antique Diva Store:

http://antiquesdiva.com/products-page/

I already did see some beautiful objects on the Antique Diva Store, what do you think ?

1. Love a The Antique Belgian Enamel Pitcher. Such a beautiful object to use on the garden or dinner table. It would go great in the bathroom as well with some fresh picked flowers !

2. I love this Delft Ginger jar, love the blue and white combination and I have to confess; I have one myself !

3. The Nous set is so cute for a fresh drink in the summer, love it!

Follow The Antique Diva on Twitter

Follow The Antique Diva on Facebook

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Venice, the Grace and Charm of an Italian Wedding

2011-01-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I only visited Venice once in my life but it was a very fortunate visit as we had a friend of ours that lived there showing us the most quiet and beautifully unknown places.

Piazza San Marco, Venezia | Photo By: Mrs Conti

Venice is such a magical and Romantic city it really takes your breath away. The awareness of the renaissance atmosphere is so high, it just overwhelmes you and easily brings you back into that late 13th century, when the rich Venetian families Ruled the city and build their grand palaces.

Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, Venezia | Photo by: Mrs. Conti

Venice is also a perfect place for getting the even more perfect wedding, people from all over the world come here and celebrate, what will be one of the most important days of their life. I was lucky to have met a lovely lady from Brooklyn NewYork that told me she'd got married in Venice. So how could I not ask her some questions:

Before we begin this interview, can you give us a short introduction of yourself?

I am the Brooklyn contessa.

ART | FOOD | TRAVEL | DESIGN

Photo: copyright Nicole Dufour Durocher 2007

Why did you choose Venice, Italy for your wedding and where in Venice did you have the bridal ceremonie?

The decision to have our wedding in Venice was simple. We both wanted to have a wedding that was intimate and romantic that focused on the reverence of the event … neither of us wanted to have an absurdly expensive large, hectic traditional American wedding.

Italy was the ideal choice since we are Catholic and would not be required to have a civil ceremony first as with other European countries. Originally we considered Rome, Genoa, the Amalfi Coast and the Lakes District too, but Venice was a sentimental favorite. Why?! Though it is a bit embarrassing to share I have been enamored with Venice since my freshman year of high school. For Christmas I had received the complete works of Jane Austen and a bookmark with the famous painting of the Grand Canal by Canaletto.

The first opportunity I had to go to Venice was for a weekend when I studied abroad in France and I was in complete awe. To arrive in Venice on the first morning train and to walk out of the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia is something I will never forget. It was shortly after I returned from France that I met my wonderful husband David and when we went to Europe for a good friend’s wedding in 2005 we were sure to visit Venice for a couple of days. There I told him about my silly bookmark and how I thought Venice was the most romantic city in the world. He never forgot and when he proposed a year later he did so on a Venetian gondola in Central Park.

My beloved husband and I were married in Venezia on Sunday, September 16th, 2007 at Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore by Father Gianluigi Pasquale a Capuchin Friar. After our ceremony we traveled at sunset from Guidecca down the Grand Canal to San Marco for our reception at the Ristorante Gran Caffe Quadri where we dined on a nine course traditional Italian dinner. It was magical and romantic … simply beyond anything we could have imagined for our wedding.

Can you tell us something about your wedding dress?

The bridal gown was purchased from The Designer Loft in the New York City Fashion District and was created for me by Elen Paumere a European designer. My haute-couture gown was made of a simple Italian peau de soi in ivory and I had a vintage Eisenberg rhinestone brooch {my something old} attached.

Is there a special item or gift from venice that you want to tell us something about ?

Our most special present came from our Priest at the end of our ceremony. He presented us with two pretty glass rosaries to honor his maternal great-grandmother Eurosia Fabris Barban who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2005.

-----

The Venezia Luxury Bedding Collection

We think the Venezia Luxury Bedding Collection is the perfect Bridal gift; the one that you hand over to your daughter while telling her about your perfect day and revealing all your secrets for a perfect wedding.

' Venezia' Belvivere Luxury Bedding Collection

When we designed the Venezia Bedding Collection our thoughts went back to our visit to this beautiful city and how could we not Rediscover the grace and charm of its Renaissance with a Precious Swiss "tulle" Lace gently embellishing the softest cotton sateen in Venetian inspired pastel colors. And you, do you have a Bridal heirloom ?

P.S. I would like to thank Nicole aka The Brooklyn Contessa for her kind interview and the Beautiful pictures by Kathi Littwin Photography.

P.S.S. Did you marry in Italy and do you want to share your story?

Please contact me: finelinens@gmail.com

More Photo's on:

Housewife Blessings

2011-01-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Coryanne Ettiene | Aprons by theopenpantry | Cake by Donna Eastwood | Tiara by thecrankyprincess

Social Media is so powerfull and every time it just suprises me how many awesome people you can meet through the Social media.

Now a few months ago I met Coryanne aka Mrs. Bliss through twitter and let me tell you I've never met a woman who knows her thing like Coryanne does. She is so passionate about domestication and loves exploring the finer points of nesting wich all come together on her lovely website: www.housewifebliss.com

Tim Evan Cook

Coryanne decided to do an article on Fine Linens and asked my husband aka Jay C Conti (who happends to be the Luxury Linens Expert) to answer some of her questions about Fine Linens.

Go to the Connoisseurs guide to fine linens on Housewife bliss to read more >>

Connoisseurs guide to Fine Linens on Housewifebliss.com

You can follow Coryanne on Twitter 

Or connect with her page on Facebook

---------------------------------------- 

Sunshine and Orange on New Year's Eve

2010-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

Elle Macpherson

 "If I have a choice of going to a restaurant or having friends round, I'll have friends round. Every time."

- Elle Macpherson, Australian ex-Top Model

And what are you doing on New Years Eve ?

Friends invited us for a New Year's Eve dinner and we were very happy to accept the invitation. Some -male- friends who can cook very well, will probably be following the Italian tradition and prepare us a complete fish based menu. They always do such yummie stuff that Christmas is quickly forgotten.

Source

Table Linen

I always bring the Table Linen to our New Year's Eve dinners. This became a tradition that everybody really liked, for obvious reasons! So I love to repeat this tradition and choose a different fabric and color every year.

Luxury Table Linen: Giardino Collection

This year I choose the Premium Belgian Linen from the Giardino Collection in the Sunshine/Orange combination. I think gold like colors like sunshine and orange are definitely New Year's Eve colors, and you can combine them with either white or golden plates and have some red, here and there. They are fresh and elegant but can easily be used during an everyday dinner as well, that's the great thing about Belgian linen; it's 'easy' but it's chic!

Decoration

I would love to decorate the New Year's Eve table with some beautiful porcelain from the Paola Navone Collection, I found this porcelain through SplendidWillow and I think it's absolutely amazing!

Paola Navone

Now what could go better with the finest german porcelain designed by an Italian, than Venetian designed murano glasses, have a look:

Wine Glass Bacco di Rogaska Collection by Zanolli Argenterie
Nason Moretti murano Colored Vintage Wine glasses

Then add some funky colored flower or fruit decorations, and I think your New Year's Eve dinner table will be absolutely stunning and original!

Tulips&Table decoration By Mrs Conti

Don't forget to have a look at the care instructions and the stain removing section on the last post or on Belvivere.com.

More Pictures on:

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Now all I can say is:

Happy New Year!!

Christmas Convivium

2010-12-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming and my first thoughts are going to our Table in the dining room. I think it's so much fun to decorate a table for Christmas. Every year I'm trying to be as original as possible, the most challenging is definitely choosing the color of the Table Linen.

A Christmas Get -Together with Friends | Photo: Mrs Conti

This year I will go for the white table linen of our Convivio Collection. It's made of Egyptian Cotton Sateen Damask and woven into a 600 TC, that means it's not heavy but it's not to light either and it drapes perfectly around any table .

Belvivere Convivio Luxury Table Collection

Did you know that The word 'convivio' comes from the Latin word 'convivium' that means banquet / Symposium ? It really makes me think of getting together with friends and family during the holidays or special occasions, enjoying each others company and the always and ever delicious food. Yes, Convivio is the perfect word and the perfect tablecloth for this Christmas.

Photo: Esselunga

Now I can imagine that you are afraid to use your best linen on your table even when it's christmas, but if you carefully follow these washing and care instructions you should be just fine, Here they are:

A lovely addition to any home, a well-dressed table sets the scene for many family gatherings and special occasions. Just follow these simple suggestions to ensure a long-lasting preservation of your fine table linens.

- Machine wash in hot water for whites, warm for colors.

- Use pure soap for soft water or a gentle detergent in hard water. Use oxygenated bleach for whites only – chlorine bleach can weaken the fabrics and cause yellowing.

- Use the rinse cycle to remove all detergent. This will help avoid “age spots” which are caused by oxidation of the fibers.

- Treat the stains when they are fresh. If allowed to set, stains may be impossible to remove at a later date.

- Delicate lace and embellished linens should be placed in laundry bag (or a pillowcase) before being placed in the washing machine.

- Avoid twisting or wringing out linens before drying. Tumble dry on low setting until slightly damp.

Wine

White wine is always easiest and will usually come out during a soapy washing in hot water.
Red wine is a different story, try sprinkling salt on the stain followed by soaking the linen in cold water. If the stain remains rub it out with more salt then wash. Also soaking a stain with club soda and water will often remove it.

Coffee or tea stains

Probably, if serving, you wont be able to treat these stains before they are dry, to treat dry stains, use a mix of one part glycerine, and one part water to loosen the stain. Another way to get out tougher stains on tougher fabrics is to stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water through it from about 2 or 3 feet high until the stain disappears.

Grease stains

Try to remove these stains while they are still fresh. Put baking soda on it and leave it for a few hours, then brush off baking soda and wash.

Apply an absorbent such as talcum powder or cornstarch to the affected area, then brush away. If the stain is heavy or old, proceed to Step 2; if fresh, skip to Step 3.

1. Place stain facedown on paper towels. Blot back of stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. Replace paper towels as they soak up the stain.

2. Spray with laundry pretreatment.

3. Wash in the hottest water that's safe for the garment.

4. Air dry.

Chocolate stains

For delicate linens try sponging them with warm water while ringing out the sponge often.
For your tougher linens, try putting dry borax on the stain and then washing in cold water.

More Pictures on:

Photo Source:

Esselunga

Marie Claire Idée

Florence is White Snow and Roses

2010-11-30T05:27:00.000-08:00

I woke up one morning, it was very early and i didn't understand why I couldn't stay in bed. I went to the kitchen to make some espresso, when I saw this strange, bright light coming through the kitchen windows. Hesitation made me open the curtains just a little bit. Through the smallest gap there was a great surprise; all was white, it had been snowing all night and everything was covered with a soft white blanket. I've been living in Florence, Italy forever and never ever saw it snowing.

View of San Niccolò and Arno River | Photo By: Mrs Conti

I was so excited that I put on my clothes as fast as I could, grabbed my photo camera kissed my husband goodbye and off I went. There were just a few people strolling in the white powder amazed as I, by seeing this beautiful and rare white city landscape. I decided to walk all the way to Piazzale Michelangelo where you have the perfect view of the city centre of Florence. I was rewarded with a breathtaking peak of one of the most beautiful places of the world dressed in white.

View over the River Arno | Photo By: Mrs Conti

While I was Taking pictures, my thoughts went out to our Firenze Luxury Bedding Collection, with it's soft pastel hues of Rose and neutral Ivory tones. It made me think of Wanting to stay in bed under a soft duvet cover, feeling cozy and warm looking at the snow from the rooftop window in one of those little romantic luxury Hotels just outside of the city. I caught myself daydreaming about those beautifully embroidered rustic retro styled roses on soft sheets and cushions, Made me want to hurry home and crawl back into bed straight away! ahhh I just love the snow don't you?

Left: Firenze Luxury Bedding Collection in Rose | Right: View of the City of Florence, Italy Photo By: Mrs. Conti

I asked artist and Photographer Agatha Loonstra to get inspired by our Firenze Luxury Bedding Collection in a Christmas kind of way:

First of all Agatha where do you live and what do you do?

I live in France in a small village with my husband and Dachshund. I am an artist; I paint, make sculptures and I am a photographer by heart.

Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

So What is your art and photography about?

My art and photography is about what is going on around me. I especially love to capture the Flowers in my garden, the rolling hills and nature of the French Landscape that surrounds me.

Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

Where do you exhibit your art and Photography?

I do various exhibitions of my art and Photography in France and
Since a few weeks I have a blog where I drop a Photo or art piece a day:
http://studiopensee.blogspot.com/

Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

In what way did our Firenze bedding collection inspire you?

First of all I really love Belvivere, I have several bed sheet sets and duvet covers that are great to sleep in and make a gorgeous decor. The soft luxurious Egyptian cotton made me think of Raffaello Sanzio's (aka Raphael) angels surrounded by fluffy clouds. The coziness to snuggle under a warm duvet cover together or alone surrounded by antique Roses inspired me to make these photo's in a kind of Renaissance Florentine style.

Left: Detail of Firenze Luxury Bedding Collection in Ivory | Right: Detail of a Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

"What are four walls, anyway? They are what they contain. The house protects the dreamer. Unthinkably good things can happen. It's such a surprise."

- Frances Mayes, Novelist, from NY Times Bestseller "Under the Tuscan Sun"

Details of Firenze Luxury Bedding Collection

For More Pictures regarding this post please visit:

Gift Guide Week on Belly's Button

2010-11-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

I just met the kindest person through social media, her name is Chedva and she is the Author of bellysbutton.typepad.com. She loves books, design, interiors and sewing.

Chedva

Anyway Chedva had the nicest idea; handpicking designers and boutique owners, all indie and all in the social media and blogosphere and ask them some simple but very straight to the point questions.
The result? Each day, for a week, one of the designers/boutique owners will present their picks for host/ess gifts and will reveal which gift they'd wish to receive from another indie designer.

Monday 15 november was Belvivere Luxury Italian Linens gift day:
When Chedva asked us to be featured on her blog during her 'gift guide week' we were very excited! Picking out 'gifts' from our site was so much fun. We came up with a Plush Bathrobe - so great to be embraced by a soft and warm bathrobe after a relaxing shower or bath, you're own personal spa at home -
And what about those Fabulous Table Linens, for the holidays they are so perfect. Makes you want to stay home with family and friends making a lovely and cozy dinner instead of going to a restaurant !

- For Bellybutton's Blog readers we offer a discount coupon of 10% read more >> -

Thuesday 16 november is one Sydney road gift day:
She has a lovely online boutique where she sells inspired items for the home where you can find new, handmade and eco-friendly goodies all designed by indie artists.
I absolutely love the tea towels, they are so original! The tufted cotton blankets that Chedva Choose are a decoration must-have for your couch or bed and will be a perfect xmas gift!

Can't wait to see more... read more >>

A Free Bed Sheet Shopping Guide

2010-11-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

My husband -Luxury Linens Expert, CEO and Co founder of Belvivere Luxury Linens - Jay C Conti just released a short buyers guide with an easy to follow Step-by-step Checklist to get your shopping for luxury bed sheets done right.

The 10 Step buyers guide will lead you through all the jargons and technical details in a quick and easy way. After reading and compiling the Step-by-Step Checklist, you should be able to make an informed purchase decision when shopping for new bed sheets !

If you should have any additional question, need help on a specific topic or would like to have a FREE consultation with The Luxury Linens Expert, He will be very glad to personally be in touch with you : http://luxury-linens.com/ask-the-expert/

A Boboli Inspiration...

2010-11-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful places in Florence, Italy are the Boboli gardens. A green triangle that brings some peace of mind in a busy city as Florence can be.

Boboli Gardens; Amfiteatro | Photo By: Mrs Conti

The Boboli gardens are a beautiful combination of Tuscan landscape and Italian art. The gravel paths and avenues lead you through the wonders of peace and nature and take you to the ponds and grotto's that are surrounded by a beautiful collection of amazing ancient sculptures, that go back as far as the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries (with even some Roman antiquities).

Il Giardino del Cavaliere | Photo By: Mrs Conti

The lemonscent is always in the air, as the Boboli gardens has a great collection of old lemonplants in terracotta pots. In the winter the lemonplants are brought to the 'limonaia' where they are protected against the winter cold.

Limonaia | Photo By: Mrs Conti

The Boboli gardens are the perfect place for children and I love to go there with my oldest daughter ( there is some climbing to do so for small children or carriages is not that simple ). We are very fortunate to be residents so we have free access to the gardens and we go up there as often as possible. She'll pick a lot of flowers runs up and down the gravel paths and gives bread to the wild ducks that are swimming in the ponds.

L'isolotto | Photo By: Mrs Conti

The Boboli gardens gave us the inspiration to design a Luxury Bath Towel Collection that resembles the colors and the sloping landscape of our beautiful citypark and it is one of my favorite Luxury bathtowel collection as it has a simple yet special design ... and I really love to choose from a big pallette of colors, don't you?

Boboli Luxury Bath Towel Collection on Belvivere.com

Let the Season Choose Your Colors

2010-10-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

I Let the season choose the colors of my Luxury Bedding, Bathtowels and Tablecloths. The Fall season of 2010 choose for me these stunning colors; Tangerine, Wine and Terracotta.

Belvivere Luxury Table Linens | Flower Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

Terracotta is a color that I really love, maybe because I love my garden that is full of terracotta pots. Terracotta litterally means 'Baked Earth' and in Tuscany, Italy the Terracotta pots and vases are the most famous in the world.

Belvivere Luxury Bedding Collection

Wine is a beautifull deep red color, the color of the beautiful wines whe have in Tuscany like the famous Chianti and brunello.

Belvivere Luxury Quilted Collection | Photo By: Mrs. Conti

Tangerine (Citrus × tangerina) is an orange-coloured citrus fruit. It is a variety of the Mandarin Orange and the Clementine. The Tangerine or Clementine is one of my favorite fruits. Ofcorse the reference to Orange in the Fall will directly lead you to the Pumpkin, wich I really love as wel. I Found this Pretty Pumpkin Bread recipe through one of my favorite Blogs; abcddesign .

Belvivere Luxury Bath towel collection | Pumpkin Photo By: Agatha Loonstra

All these Beautiful colors this Fall Season choose for me, may seem boring and dark, but they really make me feel at home and comfy surrounded by my terracotta vases, the scent of the red chianti wine and the sweet bite of a freshly picked Tangerine....

A Capri Follow-Up....

2010-10-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

When I was writing about my trip to Capri I was googling for some Capri styled bedroom pictures and I came across these two beautiful Hotels. So I really had to do a Capri follow-up on the Tiberio Palace and on JK Place Capri, here they are :

Giampiero Panepinto: Photo by Men's Mentore

Giampiero panepinto

The Capri Tiberio Palace had a major restyling wich definitly higlighted the Mediteranean look of the Hotel. Giampiero panepinto, Architect, ex-designer and stylist, has a very particular taste that seems to float in time, he is definitly not a fashion victim and has a pure own feel and taste. I think he did such a beautiful job on this hotel that words are not enough. These photo's will speak for themselves:

Tiberio Palace


Tiberio Palace

Tiberio Palace

Check out the House of Turquoise Blog that also did a nice article on the Tiberio Palace.

JK Place Capri

JK Place Capri is so breathtaking and has the classic sea, beachy style that I really love (check out my post versilia waves). It has a very chic yet modern style, not as original as the Tiberio Palace, but still... keeps you dreaming of a perfect trip to Capri..

JK Place Capri

Jk Place is also in Florence, situated in an old Palazzo on Piazza Santa Maria Novella. If you can't stay over, go for Brunch! every sunday from 12.30 pm till 3 pm, so you can have a stunning look of this state of art hotel!

JK Place Florence

As we travel al lot, we've slept in a lot of different Hotels, tried many different beds and a lot of different Hotel Bedding. Througout These travels we wrote down our thoughts and came up with this Hotel Sheets 'Masterpiece', Enjoy:

Think about the Best Luxury Hotel Sheets you’ve ever slept on, and your memories might include spectacular snoozing, passionate wrestling or just languorous mornings in Bed.
Indulge your senses in Pure white Egyptian Cotton sateen.....

Imagine that you just got out of a bath, lounging in a plush bathrobe. You slide back the fluffy overstuffed comforter with a luxurious Egyptian cotton duvet cover.

You climb into a sumptuous pillow-topped bed with the softest bed sheets you can imagine. You slip into the bed and feel the silky texture of smooth cotton sateen on your bare skin.
You pull the lofty bed covers over you and feel so warm, so relaxed, so safe. As you close your eyes, you feel like you could sleep forever.

Sounds nice? Imagine that same experience every night at home.

Now think about the look you want to recreate......
....do you want crisp all white Luxury bedding?
....or blues and greens reminiscent of the ocean?
....do you want to create a tropical feel of sunshine and lush greenery?
....resemble the earthy tones of Tuscan Villas?
....or just bring pastel hues as an accent to your bedroom décor.

Turn your bedroom into that heavenly Hotel suite you always dreamed about.....

Milano Collection on Belvivere.com

The Soft Capri Island Waves

2010-09-28T04:18:00.000-07:00

Capri is a small Mediterranean island that has been visited by millions of tourists and is especially loved by intellectuals, artists and writers. People come from all over the world to enjoy and experience the beauty of this magical island.

Perfectly tailored for the rich and famous,

I've been to Capri a few years ago to celebrate my honeymoon (we all do!!). Everybody talked so highly about this famous, romantic little Island just off the coast of Napoli, that I really wanted to go there and experience the island by myself.

I think Capri is indeed beautiful yet perfectly tailored for the rich and the famous. To really enjoy Capri you have to step into it's Luxury lifestyle. Beautiful deLuxe Hotels, fine restaurants and exclusive clubs where well known artists play their music live. Fancy Prada and Missoni's stores and all the luxury fashion brands you can imagine in the Via Camerelle. Capri is eating fish for 100's more Euros - with a view -.

The also Famous "Piazzetta"..

Inspiring boat trips around the island,

Of course Capri is more than just that. Capri has a beautiful nature and some lovely walking paths if you're into hiking. Colorful gardens enrich the little streets where no cars can ruin the magnificent scenery. Inspiring boat trips around the island are worth every penny, that doesn't count for the 'Grotta Azzurra' though. Tourists on crowded ships are lowered into small boats and pushed into the darkness of the famous cave to admire that unique tone of blue that really seems to shine like a gemstone under water. Too much tourists are making this poor Cave no more then a money pit.

La Grotta Azzurra

Capri, Caprese and vino,

The most famous dish of Capri is the 'Caprese'. We all know and love the three simple ingredients that represent the colors of the national flag of Italy: Basel -green-, Mozzarella cheese -white-, Tomatoes -red-. This perfect, simple 'salad' can be combined with a really special local wine and will do wonders during your lunch. If you want to know more about Capri wines, I encourage you to read this blog of Tom Hyland, freelance writer and photographer:

thylandviews.blogspot.com

Caprese Salade

Creative Capri Sandal souveniers,

Capri also has the famous colorful and creative Capri sandals and the equally famous canvas and cord shoes. If you are a real shoelover You just can't miss out on a pair! I bought some black sandals with strass and little pearls, own them for a few years now, but never used them because of the rather heavy leather sole. But that's ok, for me - and yes I am a shoevictim - I will cherish them always.... they are my little souvenier of unforgettable days on the Capri Island.

My Souveniers from Capri...

The edges are the soft waves of the sea....

The Capri collection of Belvivere Luxury Linens is definitely inspired by that trip to Capri. The edges are the soft waves of the sea we love and miss so much. The Mediterranean inspired color tones like the green and earthy tones of the coastline that we watched from our boat while sipping an espresso coffee in the morning breeze. The pastel pinks of clouds at sunset we could admire from our hotel bedroom balcony in front of a glass of Capri's full bodied crispy white wine .

Hope I'll visit you again my dear Capri, somewhere soon....

Capri Inspired Bedding Collection at Belvivere.com

Versilian Inspiration

2010-09-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

This year we spent our holiday in Versilia, a piece of Italian coast that runs from Marina di Massa to Viareggio. Versilia is the most commen beach destination of Tuscany. 20 km of sandy beaches occupied almost entirely by beach establishments.

Beach Colors
Now I'm totally in love with beach colors, as they are fresh, light and airy. I love the watery seafoam greens, but the tipical dust blue or provencal blue color, is my favorite. We always go to this little beach establishment in Versilia where all furniture and decoration is in this beautiful blueish color. Inspired by the 1960's, all tents have a white/provencal blue motive and cabins are white with a provencal blue door. The wooden parts of The beach furniture are in provencal blue and all fabric is white.

My Beach house
I love to immagine my beach house just like this little beach establishment. Full of these beautifull beachy colors and matching beach accessories. I would have a beautiful headboard made of driftwood found on the beach and dried by the sun, matching my Capri inspired Italian luxury bedding in one of those pastel colors.

Versialia Luxury Bath Towel Collection

My bathroom would be full of shells strings dangling from the ceiling, making a soft noise as they are moved by the sea breeze. A white painted wooden rek would hold my Versilia inspired towels, drying my wet feet from a midnight walk along the beach. ( I actually have the Versilia towels, white with a light blu application that resembles the waves of the sea. I really love those towels, maybe because of it's name or maybe because of it's classic yet modern design fitting every bathroom....)

I would have a tiny porch with Belgian Linen cushions and an old rockingchair painted white -several times - as I love shabby chic. My little garden will be full of Lavender and other aromatic plants, surrounding my wooden dinner table dressed with one of those beautiful Belgian Linen tableclothes, light and easy, slightly wrinkeled. Mmm I can smell the sea...

The Color and Flavor of Sage...

2010-06-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

First of all if we talk about 'sage' we think of the herb. I often use sage in my dishes and combine it with other herbs like rosemary, basil, mint and any other herb I can find in my garden.

I like to use sage to spice up stuffed or roast chicken or pork. I often prepare fried sage leaves, wich my friends go absolutely grazy for -just make the 'pastella', or batter, of flour, beer, egg white and olive oil. Mix it all together untill you have a yoghurt like density. Dip the leaves in this mixture and than fry them in hot olive oil- Serve with chilled white wine from Sardinia (Vermentino di Sardegna)

I really love the smell of sage and the feel of its soft leafs.

Next to my rosemary, the sage plant adds a different kind of

green to my herb garden.It's a very easy plant that does not need a lot of attention, just sun, water and some love (don't

we all!).

There are three kind of sage plants; you have the Tricolor, the Pupurescens and the Aurea. But most of the times when we talk sage we think of the 'Salvia Officinalis', that's the classic sageplant you mostly find in (herb)gardens.

Not everybody agrees on the sage colour though, because it's not an easy colour. It's not green, it's not blue it's somewhere

in between. When we choose the colour sage for our luxury bedding collections I just thought of my herb garden and thought everything was fine.

Now the funny thing is that the staff of Belvivere changed the color name into eucalyptus, they say it was because of the colour. I say it was because of the sound. And it's just like I said before; not everybody agrees on the colour of sage!

I'll let my readers be our judge .

The story of the Sorrento collection...

2010-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sorrento is a small town in Campania, southern Italy. The landscape that surrounds Sorrento is full of characteristic terraces full of flowers, contrasting the yellow of the lemons and their intense green foliage. The strong dazzling light and the blue of the sea makes Sorrento so special and unique like our Sorrento Collection. Visiting this city we became inspired by her colours, like Caramel, Chocolate and Terracotta and the soft sea and flora colours like Acqua and Celery.
The Sorrento luxury bedding collection is Elegant, Fresh and Modern with a Classic touch. The high thread count makes the bedding soft and embracing like the landscape surrounding the beautifull city of Sorrento.

High quality luxury bedding can make a big impact on how well you sleep at night. Soft-as-butter snuggly sheets will greatly enhance you sleeping habits and cuddle you lovingly all night long. You will wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with the right mood to start a new day.