The Venetian Spritz

Drink Like a Venetian…

It’s summer and that time of year for dinner parties al fresco. While you’re wondering what to throw on the grill, start off your evening with a refreshing summer cocktail.

One of our favorites is a drink we discovered in Venice called the “Spritz”. It’s the quintessential aperitivo in the Veneto, and not only does it tastes great,  it’s beautiful to behold (especially at sunset), thirst quenching and will whet your guests’ appetite before dinner.

A combination of white wine or Prosecco, bitter alcohol such as Aperol or Campari, and soda, it's garnished with orange or lemon for that extra infusion of citrusy splendor. Aperol is lighter and less bitter than Campari, so you be the judge of which spirit to use. It’s easy, fast and fresh… summer never tasted so good!

Tuto va bene!

 Cin cin!

Venetian Spritz

3 ounces Prosecco (or any sparkling wine or plain white wine)

1 ounce Aperol

Splash of soda water or sparkling water
Garnish of orange or lemon

Pour the sparkling wine or white wine into a glass of ice cubes.  Add the Aperol and then a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with orange or lemon slice (green olive optional).

Spritz

Carlo Bugatti 1856-1940

by Lauren Stewart-Ebert

Carlo Bugatti

Carlo Bugatti was born on February 16, 1856 in Milan, Italy.

Bugatti studied at the Brera Academy and the Académie des Beaux Arts in Paris in the 1870's and began manufacturing furniture only ten years later in both Milan and Paris.

Bench by Carlo Bugatti, 1900.  Stained wood, pewter, inlaid copper and vellum details.

In 1880 he married Teresa Loriole and, over the course of the next several years, they had three children, Ettore, Deanice, and Rembrandt.

During this time Bugatti and family entertained a number of art world heavyweights including the composer Giacomo Puccini and the painter Giovanni Segantini.

The Snail Room, by Carlo Bugatti, 1902.  Oak, vellum, and bronze.

Chair from the Snail Room

Although Bugatti worked with ceramics, silverware, and textiles, his true calling was furniture designs. His first show was at the 1888 Fine Arts Fair in Milan. Later that year he had his first international showing at the Italian Exhibition in London.

Cabinet by Carlo Bugatti, 1900.  Walnut, tin, brass, parchment, ivory and ebony inlay.

His elaborate inlays with exotic wood, parchment, copper and mother of pearl were a huge success and he was awarded an honorary prize.

Asymmetric chair by Carlo Bugatti, 1902.  Walnut, copper applications, pewter, mahogany and copper inlay, hand painted vellum, and silk tassels.

Chair by Carlo Bugatti, 1902.  Walnut, vellum, copper, and silk tassles.

Double-sided desk by Carlo Bugatti, 1900.  Walnut, vellum, pewter inlay, and repousse copper. 
Sold at auction for $1.56 million.

Coffee table in the style of Carlo Bugatti, circa 1950.  Burled ash with tulipwood inlay.

Bugatti began showing worldwide and creating lavish interiors such as the Waldorf Astoria's Turkish Salon.

The Waldorf-Astoria in New York City

He was awarded the silver medal at the Paris World Fair for his designs.

In 1904, Bugatti solid his Milan studio and moved to Paris with his family. There he worked with large department stores such as Maison Dufavel and Au Bon Marché.

When his youngest son, Rembrandt, committed suicide in 1916, Bugatti withdrew from public life. However, he continued to work privately and spent much of his time painting.

In 1935, Bugatti formally retired from the world of design.

By this time his son Ettore had come into his own right by founding the auto company bearing his family name. Bugatti spent the last years of his life with his son Ettore at the Chateau Saint Jean, the home of the Bugatti automobile company.

1937 Bugatti Type 37SC Atalante Coupe.  Sold at auction for $7.92 million.

Bugatti Type SC Atlantic from the Ralph Lauren Collection

Carlo Bugatti died in April of 1940 at the hospital in Molsheim. He is buried in the Bugatti family cemetery at Dorlisheim.

The Chateau Saint Jean in the early 1900's

The Chateau Saint Jean as it stands today

The Chiavari Chair: A Brief History of a Beautiful Chair

Pair of vintage Italian Chiavari chairs in solid bronze, circa 1950

The Chiavari chair is named after the coastal Italian town of Chiavari from which the design of the chair originates.

The coastal town of Chiavari, Italy

Designed in 1807 by craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, these chairs have become a staple at special events all over the world. Descalzi modeled his design after several Parisian chairs brought back to him by Marquis Stefano Rivarola, founder of the Economic Society of Chiavari. Descalzi wanted to create a lightweight, utilitarian yet elegant chair. He certainly succeeded.

Chiavari chairs with silver finish

Chiavari chairs today come in a variety of materials and finishes, from lightweight bamboo and beech wood to sturdier bronze and steel. The standard for weddings is a white or natural finish, while awards ceremonies (like the Grammy's or a White House brunch) tend toward glitzier silver or gold.

Gold Chiavari chairs at the White House

The famous chair has even been re-imagined by modern designer, Gio Ponti. Inspired by the traditional Chiavari chairs Ponti had seen at the Italian seaside, he created the Superleggera chair in 1957. Meant to be simple and lightweight (just like the original Chiavari chair) the piece could be lifted with one finger.

Gio Ponti's Superleggera Chair

Although originally created for large gatherings and special events, the Chiavari chair is an elegant and practical decorative piece for any home. It's simplicity and lightness are sure to impress no matter what the occasion...

Gold Chiavari chairs

Silver Chiavari chairs

Rustic Chiavari chairs