I had the privilege of speaking at Bromberg’s store last week for a Vietri holiday event. As the women and men came in and took their places, I asked the question, “How many of you collect china or dishes?” Every hand went up in the room. Now, why should I be surprised? You know I love beautiful tableware and have always loved seeing the new items that are introduced ever year. But I should have realized I am one among many that collect!
The Old St. Nick pattern has been expanded to include many new pieces that are so clever. But the new pattern debuting at this event was Lastra Holiday. And to make it even more exciting, the artist who designed the pattern was there—Stefano Barbieri of Vietri. You would not believe that this man did not speak a word of English. He made an announcement in Italian that sounded incredible, but of course none of us understood. Then his translator informed us that Stefano had challenged us to paint a Vietri dish of our own using the new Lastra pattern! It would then be fired, and voilà! We would have our own creation! The pattern is simple—green trees with redbirds. So we all thought this task would be relatively easy…but that wasn’t quite the case.
Stefano mixed our paint and handed us brushes, and then we all proceeded to create a replica of this beautiful pattern. What I didn’t figure into my painting attempt was that the paint would run if too much paint was on the brush. Everyone at my table was laughing at mine, as it resembled a Hawaiian pineapple with red chickens on it. I decided that adding more paint would fix it, and oh my, that was a mistake. For good measure, I went around the rim with polka dots and painted a solid border inside the dots. So now, I am anxiously awaiting my fired plate and seeing my creation!
But the good news for all of us is that Vietri Founder Susan Gravley has written a book, The Magic of Old St. Nick: The Adventure Begins, and it is packaged in a darling little tote with a handmade Santa. I can already tell this will be wildly popular for us grandmothers to give this year! Susan has graciously provided one of these sets to give away to one lucky winner who will be drawn.
The Old St. Nick pattern is adorable, and this wonderful gift idea will delight all Santa lovers. The little redbird is a featured motif on both this pattern and Lastra Holiday, and it continues throughout this book. “The red bird brought him love and cheer from those who loved him, far and near.”