Something special will be forever cherished.

There are so many unique and lovely things to gift the parents and the new little wonder. None will be more cherished than a rocking horse. The full size, solid wood  Rocking Horses with handmade accents at La Bella Fiona are nothing short of magnificent. A timeless treasure! This is not just for the new baby, but for the generations that will follow. 

A charming bank is a timeless gift for a baby. The Child's Money Bank Merry-Go-Round is an adorable addition to his or her room for a lifetime. Musical and silver-plated it is a glistening addition to a baby’s room.

Elephants represent good luck. They also bring sweetness and fun to any nursery. A silver-plated Child's Money Bank Elephant is a perfect keepsake gift for a baby.

Mobiles are known to be wonderful stimulation and an early educational tool. The darling Flying Skies Mobile is the ideal gift for a baby's nursery. This colorful, but simple mobile is for a boy or girl and will inspire even the youngest minds.

A nursery is an ideal room for vintage dolls. La Bella Fiona has a collection of the prettiest vintage dolls, hand crafted by Italian artisans. Each doll is in its original box. Edna, Isotta, and Antea are the only ones of their kind available.

For the newest and most delicate little flower in the family, a precious Petit Rabbit Bracelet is perfect. It is a keepsake that will last many lifetimes. 

Whatever gift you choose, the sentiment will be appreciated by the parents and remembered with love by the littlest member of the family. 

Shelves

If you don’t already have built-ins, both wall-mounted shelving and free-standing shelves are great options for displaying your books in any space. Consider pairing a full bookcase with some wall shelving to add dimension to your space.

The Books

As a book-lover, you probably already have a large collection of treasured books. However to add beautiful coloring, elegance and unity to your shelves consider shopping for hardcover books, with binding that matches your color scheme, from flea markets, local libraries and used books stores. A dusty cover makes for the best reading!

Décor

Fill in the spots without books using art and decor elements that bring old world style and comfortable sophistication to your home library. Nothing is an old world WOW more than a bronzed hourglass. This is the kind of piece that is useful and fun, and most certainly a conversation piece for guests.

Few boats have libraries, but for some reason, they go together like tea and honey. Add some sailing savoir faire to your home library by displaying the classic America's Cup Model.

If you have full wall shelves, you can display art on the beams in between the books. With a nice ribbon and a stunning work, you have instant refinement.

A library is a placeto combine pieces that bring in cultures from around the world. The Bronze Torso hearkens to the classic Greek style. A piece to be admired, artistically and intellectually inhaled, and passed down to generations to come.

If you have deep shelves, feel free to add to the ambiance by placing an objet d'art or two to add interest to your old world space. Crystal magnifying glasses, handsome and intricate letter openers, clocks, and elements of whimsy are perfect pieces.

Leather-bound frames for keepsakes, family photos and diplomas are perfect for a space of contemplation and travel memories. Often the homes in the old world had walls and shelves adorned with paintings of loved ones. Most designers say that every room needs a little black and our Black Leather Picture Frames are a great way to display your keepsakes in a modern and classic way.

A love of art, books, and the old world can make for amazing inspiration for a home library. Fill it with books and things you love. No matter how small or large the space, reading is an eternal pursuit and fantastic pastime for the entire family.

Get more inspiration on our Home Libraries Pinterest Board!

The Christmas Tree

Ornaments on a tree can be random or themed and still be absolutely stunning. No matter what colors you chooseor the style of your home, La Bella Fiona has a collection of ornaments to suit everyone's tastes. Simple, elegant and striking works in every home and the Thomas Glenn Pine Cone Ornaments have all those elements. This gorgeous piece can complement any color scheme in classic white, or make a statement in a lovely red. 

A classic round ornament is ideal for your tree. You cannot go wrong with a traditional piece in the colors of the season. The Thomas Glenn Coronation Ornament is made in Poland by a select group of artisans, mouth-blown, and a perfect jewel for your holiday tree.

Table-Top Décor

If you want to add a contemporary edge, the Bronze Swirl Ornament is perfect. Think outside the Christmas box and place these round ornaments in a bowl or clear glass vase for unique and stylish holiday décor. Used on a coffee table, this arrangement will be a conversation piece. 

A tall clear glass vase filled with long, glittered branches would be gorgeous on a buffet table or fireplace mantel. Attach some ornate, conversation-worthy ornaments and you have a stunning display to impress your family and friends. The renowned Italian made Soffieria de Carlini ornament collection is sure to stun.

Handcrafted Wreath

Wrap some silky red or green ribbon around a craft store or fresh wreath and adorn it with ornaments. It is a warm and special way to greet the holidays at your front door. 

You can also make several wreaths with different motifs or color schemes around your home. A Winter White, Classic Red and Green, or one inspired by nature.

The best part of the holidays is gift-giving. Choosing an ornament to be used on a tree or in décor year after year is the ideal way to show your affection for a friend or family member. Our collections of beautifully boxed gilded ornaments are so pretty. Bejeweled and fabulous, they are meant to be handed down for generations.

Happy Holidays and Happy Decorating! 

1. Don’t Get Stressed, Make it an Adventure

First and foremost, do not become stressed about choosing for someone you know and love. If you have someone in your heart, then you are ready to choose a work of art for that person. Make it an adventure. Think about all the things you love about him or her, and all the things he or she loves. Make mental notes of what they like or don’t like. Take a trip to a museum! Realism, modern art, abstract framed works or sculptures, or impressionist originals are all magnificent options for the art lover in your life.

2. It’s the Thought That Counts

Always keep in mind; it truly is the thought that counts. Search for pieces that fit your budget, not overextending yourself. Art does not have to cost a small fortune to create impact and breed thoughtful contemplation, or simply make someone smile. Good art is not always pricey art, but a thoughtful gift is always cherished.

3. Support Living Artists

Art need not be centuries old to be great art. Living artists produce works with as much feeling and skill as art from the old world. Current works of art can recall the old world, transport your loved one to a favorite place, or inspire new desires in life. The feeling put into it and the feelings it evokes are what make it art, not the year it was created.

And if on your search you find something that catches your eye… feel free to gift yourself this season, as well! Find that just right piece to celebrate yourself. Something to look at when you are resting, or something to stimulate conversation in your dining room, or a piece that sweeps you away to another place and time. If it calls to you, you have found that piece. Art created with passion is what makes it beautiful to the beholder. 

One of the first things to bring excitement and smiles are the stockings that trim the fireplace. This stunning Poinsettia Stocking Holder will look pretty and hold the fullest of stockings! The gold finish with green and red hand-enameling and hand-set jonquil Swarovski crystals add instant elegance.

Equally as pretty, but with a bit more sparkle, we have two new pieces this year, the Flocked Christmas Tree Stocking Holder. This piece is as bright and beautiful as a real tree with hundreds of hand-set clear Swarovski crystals and faceted gems. The cast pewter piece has a silver finish with white hand-enameling. Our other new stocking Holder is a classic evergreen, cast pewter in gold finish with natural hued hand-enameling and hand-set clear Swarovski crystals.

Perfect for trimming any room, the Olivia Riegel Garland Tealight Holder is a charming piece. Light up your holidays with this exquisite antique brass finish piece with classic holiday motifs.

No matter what colors adorn your holiday theme, the Olivia Riegel Gold Tealight Holder by Olivia Riegel is absolutely gorgeous! It shines and gleams on its own in its gold finish and hundreds of hand-set clear Swarovski crystals; with a candle inside, it truly dazzles.

Make any table a sight to see for your holiday party and dinner guests. The Windsor Candleholder by Olivia Riegel is just lovely. They can hold any color candle and are just the right height for seeing the sweet faces of your beloved family and friends at your table.

Dessert service is best done, if possible, on a rectangular table. Having to reach to the center of a round table makes service difficult. You can use a coffee table if your dining table does not have the proper shape. If you are tight on space, you can use counters and a desk; just cover them with tablecloths as you would a dining table or coffee table. Always leave space at the very center for a centerpiece of tall flowers. Use an interesting vase that matches the decor of your tablescape. Like a  Log Vase for a table inspired by pine trees or fall leaves. 

Next, place the taller cake stands toward the back and in the center of the dessert service setting. A tiered service piece works well. The Volterra 2-TieredStand is perfect for small and elegant Petit Fours and bite-sized dessert pieces, or holiday cookies. Several plain cake stands are the ideal service for a tiered look. Your beautiful holiday cakes will be stunners on these simple, yet classic, service pieces.

Clear glass can be dressed-up with any number of colors and type of style or manner of formality. The Cero Cake Stand is perfect. To add an extra touch of luxury, top it with the Cero Cake Dome. A perfect set.

For the front and sides of the serving table, flat and low service is best. Platters are great for this purpose. Our Foresta Rectangular Tray is festive for traditional holidays. These can be used for small, sweet bites. A picturesque pitcher is nice for tall treats such as sweet pastry straws and decorated pretzel wands for the stars of the holiday season, the children.

For the adult treats, such as chocolate covered nuts, fruits, and festive-colored candies, and liquor filled chocolates, use the Cero Centerpiece.

Now that you have your dessert service table set, you will need serveware. You need to have several pieces so that guests are not waiting too long to get their holiday treats. The Bella Bianca PastyServer (pictured left) is simple and elegant; the Isabella PastryServer (pictured right) looks just lovely for any holiday.

With your platters and bowls and stands filled to the brim with goodies it’s time to add some holiday whimsy. For Thanksgiving add some natural Fall foliage. Just go outside and find an array of gorgeous orange, yellow, and brown colored leaves. For some extra fun include small pumpkins and gourds.

For Christmas and other holidays add some ribbon to match your holiday décor. Include branches from your tree, or some poinsettias, and intermix some extra ornaments too! Just play around with natural fresh elements, accessories you already own, and maybe some candles for ambience.

These are the days of friends, family, and good cheer. Putting together a festive table will make it all that much more joyful!

Get more inspiration on our Thanksgiving Pinterest Board!

As summer comes to an end, a delicate scarf with a bit of nature infused in the color and print is a lovely choice. This Eco-Light Scarf can be worn loosely around the neck and allowed to hang simply. Used as a headband it is a classic look. Fold the scarf over until you make a band 2-3 inches wide and tie it under your hair, leaving the ends to rest on your shoulder.You can also simply tie the scarf into a bow at your neck with a blouse for some weekend sophistication.

Made from cashmere and silk, the Dream Scarf is ideal to bring your wardrobe into Fall. It is soft and flowing, with a touch of warmth for the cool air soon to come. Wrapped easily around your neck, or worn as a belt around the waist of a Fall tunic, or in the loops of slacks for some work-wear panache, this scarf is for all moods.

A fantastic and comfortable way to wear a scarf is to simply put it around one's shoulders and pin it at one side. This is an eternally elegant look for day or night. The Leopard Print Cashmere Scarf and any of these gorgeous vintage button Pins are a lovely combination for making an unforgettable wardrobe statement.

A simple and pretty scarf is always a great element of a Fall wardrobe. One of the most traditional ways of wearing a scarf is to tie it at the front and pull one end of the scarf through as you would if tying a tie. This makes a loose knot which will keep you warm and be the height of style. The Signature Cashmere Scarf is just that piece. Try adding a coordinating pin like this stunning Fleur de Lis Brooch for extra luxury. 

Our gorgeous Windsor Candleholder is perfectly lovely for a formal living room or an old world bedroom. Elegant and made with hundreds of sparkling Swarovski crystals, this piece is just the one to ring in Fall’s splendor.

Make your dining room a place your friends and family will want to gather for the holidays. Light the room with a few of our vintage Pewter Candleholders to bring warmth and refinement to your dinners.

Placed on bookshelves or tables, the Elegante Candleholders provide just what the name states- elegance! Lit, this pretty pair is perfect for dinning, relaxing, or taking a long, hot bath during a Fall cold-snap.

Imagine yourself bundled up in a pretty scarf, walking the aisles of the Farmer's Market, taking in all the scents Fall has to offer and wishing you could take them home with you. The #9 Farmer's Market Candle will do just that by bringing the crisp Fall fresh scents, with simple, yet warm light into your home.

If you are looking for the sweet scents of the outdoors and delicate light, the Lumiere Fragrant Candle is exactly what your space and mood need. So pretty with a vintage mercury glass holder that casts a soft, glowing light, these candles work for any room, any time of day, but absolutely sparkle during the Fall and the upcoming holidays. With these few simple additions, you can bring a little extra warmth to your home décor this Fall. Just a few simple candles with luxurious scents in elegant candleholders will make all the difference this Fall season.

THE ANCHOR PIECE

First you need an anchor piece. The anchor piece is the central piece for the vignette. It can be a framed family photo or a framed item of importance to the family. This will be the item at the center of your display. All the other frames will surround this one, whether on a wall or surface top display. A frame a tad larger or with a unique material, different from the other frames, is a good choice.

PLAN IT OUT

Before you place the remainder of the frames on a wall, you can use pieces of paper the size of your frames to lay out your plan. This will be the formation. If you want a formal look, then you can do them in even rows on the wall. If you want something traditional, you can hang them not in any order, but cover most of the wall. Use wall safe tape so you can move the paper around as many times as you wish.

COMPLIMENTARY IS KEY 

Commonality is important. Using similar and complimentary colors for your frames is important. If you choose to use whites, you can use whites of varying shades and silver. If you use a multicolored frame, you can add various frames with all the shades included. This is an old world form of photo vignette decorating.

TABLE TOP DECORATING


The same rules apply for a surface top vignette of photos. Use the anchor frame at the center and surround it with the rest of the frames. You can do the same on a bookshelf by using the center shelf for the anchor piece. Formation can still be considered by evenly spacing the frames on tables and shelves. Do not crowd them so close together that the photos can’t be seen. 

POPS OF COLOR

When considering the final element to frame vignettes, commonality, feel free to use a piece with a pop of color. You can surround this piece with subtle versions of the colors in the anchor frame.

If you keep to the advice we have provided, you will make a gorgeous artful vignette of your special memories.

We imagine the spectacular decor and ancient furnishings on display in that charming Italian villa and wish we could bring it into our homes.

Rustic Italian style is one of the most sought-after aesthetics in decor. The most wonderful thing about rustic Italian design is that it is without pretense. It is an old world style of classic charm and warmth. Bringing these beautiful elements into your home is easy.Just a few basic pieces will bring the serenity of the Tuscan hills to your entryway.

The oldest of the old world traditions in Italy is the tapestry. Hanging a tapestry will bring immediate old world charm into your entry. The colors of Italian nature and the images of the Italian artists from hundreds of years ago are exactly what are intended for rustic Italian design.Place a long console table in front of your tapestry and you have the start to the perfect entryway.

Tuscan pottery is a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. There are villas throughout Italy that hold the treasures from centuries of families. In its shape, color, and intricate detail, the Capri Footed Bowl is that ideal piece.

The entryways in Italian rustic villas have vases filled with olive branches. They are not born from intricate planning, but from the natural beauty of the Italian hills. The Corda Vase recreates the vases made from nature in the old world.

Bowls hold special places in the history of ancient Italy. They were painted in the most amazing colors with the most intricate of details. The Lustro Footed Bowl is a stunning piece, painted to look as though it were crafted hundreds of years ago by an Italian artisan living among those purple covered Tuscan hills.

The colors that grow in those pristine hills of Italy are foundno other place in the world. Bringing those spectacular rustic displays of nature into your comes in the form of our Giovanna Flower Arrangement.

Using your vision for the warmth of ancient Italy can make your entryway the rustic space you have always dreamed of. With some basic pieces, little effort, and some old world instinct, that piece of Italy will belong to you.