THE TRADITION

Passion for linens is born in the Italian culture. In generations past, Italian families prepared a Corredo for their daughters. The Corredo, or trousseau, was a collection of fine linens used to create towels, bed linens, table cloths and lingerie. Grandmothers, aunts, the mother and other female members of the family would collect and hand-embroider fabrics as their contribution to the Corredo. As each girl gets older, they themselves would add to the collection. 

This tradition crossed socio-economic lines. Regardless of income, each family created a Corredo, the difference being the number of pieces in the collection and the richness of the fabrics. The minimum pieces for this trousseau, for even the most humble families, were:

• 24 double sheets of pure hand-embroidered linen
• 24 simple sheets of pure linen
• 36 pairs of pure linen pillowcases
• 12 towels of canvas of Holland
• 6 guest towels
• 12 organza table cloths
• 6 everyday table cloths
• Lingerie of linen and silk nightgowns, canvas shirts, capes, scarfs and such

As the bride’s wedding day drew closer, the mother reserved the finest of the linens to be used on the wedding night for her bed linens and nightgown. 

This lovely tradition has taken on a modern twist. Today, Italian mothers prepare the Corredo and give it to her daughters when they marry. The included linens give the bride-to-be a beautiful start in creating a fine linen collection for her new home with her husband. Linens are still a fundamental part of Italian culture. When Italian families invite guests to their home, it is important to welcome them with beautiful table linens and towels. 

THE HISTORY

Maurizio and Sandra, are currently the creators of the linens at Modigliani. They are heirs to an old family tradition that crosses generations. Their grandparents, Bruna and Giuseppe, produced linens using the best Tuscan embroiderers in the 1950s. They are known for precious tablecloths and sheets fully embroidered.

There were difficult years in Italy just after World War II, but they managed to bounce back on their feet by selling their beautifully made items directly on beaches frequented by the bourgeoisie of Northern Italy.

Today, Maurizio and Sandra wanted to follow the family tradition by innovating the family trade, offering a product closer to the modern customer demands, without ever losing sight of the quality and accuracy of craftsmanship.

Modigliani works to keep this tradition alive by offering an array of fine linens for the table. So as weddings come up throughout the year, think of purchasing table linens for the happy couple allowing them to start a Corredo of their own.

Wedding season is in full swing here at Modigliani. Julie and our team are always thrilled to help a bride and groom create a beautiful table. For families and other wedding guests, it can be difficult to decide on a gift for the happy couple that is as unique and wonderful as they are. To help, we have curated a selection of our fine Italian glass and dinnerware. We have even included a gift idea for bridesmaids and hostesses as well. 

Colori e Sapori

Colori e Sapori translates as Colors and Flavors. Our collection of bakeware inspires us to bring together the flavors of your dishes with Modigliani's colorful, and textured bakeware. These pieces go from oven to table bringing their bright colors to add a celebratory splash to family meals or any occasion. Also perfect for dips, appetizers and casseroles. Make this a perfect gift for the bride and groom by filling the dish a few of your favorite recipes on gorgeous cards. Garnish with a bow, and you have a gift the couple will cherish for years to come. 

Artist Series

For the couple who has it all, we present the Artist Series. Each piece of handmade pottery in our Artist Series is one-of-a-kind, or mezzo unico,  and signed by the artist.  Indulge the bride and groom in the beauty of this series created by a young, upcoming ceramist in conjunction with a seasoned painter. It is our great pleasure to share these pieces with you and support the new and revitalized interest in an old Italian tradition.

Appunti di Viaggio

Does the special couple have a modern flair? The handpainted ceramic mugs of our Appunti di Viaggio collection is the perfect gift. Inspired by the world around them, artists often make sketches or “notes” about what they see and experience. Our Appunti di Viaggio collezione, or "Notes of the Village" collection takes the quick simple lines of an artists notes, and adds washes of vibrant color to create six village scenes with a contemporary twist.

Roma Amor

Vibrant and affectionate like Rome itself, our Roma Amor Collection is inspired by the love of a city full of heart, passion, and joy, that is always happy and vital. This handmade vase features a round base that gracefully twists to a square top. The bright color palette looks beautiful in any home and the happy couple will enjoy displaying flowers that express their love.

Villa d'Este

A new twist on the traditional champagne glass! Modigliani's Villa d'Este is our hand blown glassware beautiful enough to grace any table for a dinner with friends and family. Available in two colors that beautifully complement a variety of tableware. Better yet? Surprise the bride before the wedding with these champagne flutes for their wedding day toast!

Buongiorno!

The Buongiorno! Collection brings the lucky rooster, an iconic Italian symbol of good fortune, into your kitchen or onto your casual table with an updated and colorful flamboyance. What a beautiful way to add an exclamation point to your celebrations and gatherings. Help stock the kitchen for the bride and groom by filling the Buongiorno! Utensil Jar with wooden spoons, spatulas, dish towels, and more. 

Intrecci

These woven, colorful ceramic pots and baskets create a new twist on the traditional. The story of this collection begins with a mother of four who mastered the wheel but missed her children while working and began to produce pottery in a separate small room at home on her own wheel. These were produced by one of those children who learned their craft at age 5! Available in a variety of sizes, these baskets make ideal bridesmaids gifts. Fill with lotions, oils, bath bombs and more to create a spa basket your ladies will love and remember for years to come!

Frutta Laccata

Looking for a versatile gift for the bride and groom? This handmade Italian olive boat is your answer. Fill it with nuts, stuffed dates, mushrooms or tomatoes, or olives, of course! Fits into any side table or buffet as a beautiful accent piece. 

Condotti Flatware

The handles of our Condotti flatware are tipped with stainless steel ridges reminiscent of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Handmade in Italy of 18/10 Stainless Steel, the whole Condotti collection is available in multiple solid colors including lightly stained wood with decorative handles to match any of our ceramic patterns or any tableware the bride and groom may have on their registry especially those special serving pieces for salad, pasta, cake, or lasagna.

Introducing our newest collection, Porto Venere! Inspired by the rich traditions and artistry of Italian ceramics, this nautical themed collection combines an array of vibrant colors in a nod to the harbor nestled there and the exotic sea-life that frolics in the gentle sea waves of the Italian coast. 

Located on the Ligurian coast of Italy, Porto Venere is a tourist town that caters to its guests with an array of hotels & inns. While on holiday in this Italian coastal town, tourists walk the island promenade in the Doria quay and picturesque Alley and stop to shop at the local boutiques and dine at the outdoor eateries.

With panoramic views of the church of St. Peter and the Doria Castle, Porto Venere offers a distinct landscape all its own with high coasts, caves and vegetation that enhance the atmosphere each season with the changing colors.  The warm sea breezes swirl on the island shores to make way for a truly Mediterranean feel where the waters, with their shades of deep blue & turquoise, can go from being calm and reflective one minute to rough and rocky the next. 

The visually stunning Porto Venere collection combines a variety of effervescent colors that were designed especially to mix and match well within the design itself but can also be accented with most Via Veneto flatware color options. 

So add the vibrant colors of the Italian seas to your table with our newest collection, Porto Venere, available now! 

Introducing Panarea! Inspired by the rich traditions and artistry of Italian ceramics, this coral color collection is the sister design to our beloved collection, Mediterraneo, and is a gorgeous salute to the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, Panarea. 

The Panarea island boasts open-air discotheques, spectacular sea views and robust micro vineyards amongst the whitewashed adobe cottages garlanded in bright bougainvillea flowers that fill the island. Whether it’s scuba diving on the island’s shores, dining on spaghetti alfresco with a dessert of tiramisu or enjoying a bottle of the local Malvasia sweet wine, Panarea is a magnificent Italian paradise for any tourist. As well as a fashionable vacation spot in the Mediterranean, where a very playful, group of guests reside during the season. From the sunset views on the terraces to the glistening sand on the beaches, Panarea island is a pristine and polished gem of the seven-island Aeolian chain offering unique and breathtaking sights.

The Panarea Collection design combines images of sea creatures such as playful lobsters, jovial octopus’ and jubilant sea horses in a vibrant coral color that reflects the volcanic nature of the island chain. The collection has an added element of character with the texture and form similar to the uneven sand on the beaches of the island.  The Panarea collection is beautiful all on its own but can also be accented with our gorgeous Via Veneto flatware.

So add an element of fiery distinction to your table with our newest coral collection, Panarea, available now! 

We welcome you to browse our Spring Gift Guide!

Shop the Amore Collection

Colori e Sapori translates as Colors and Flavors. Our collection of bakeware inspires us to bring together the flavors of your dishes with Modigliani colorful, textured bakeware. Perfect for dips and casseroles, any piece from this colorful set is sure to be a delightful gift for mom. Couple this bakeware with a favorite recipe written on beautiful paper and this becomes a lovely gift for a bridal shower or teacher as well. 

Shop Colori e Sapori Bakeware

Small	Medium	Large

Our Primavera collection features pots in three sizes. Primavera is a celebration of the colors of spring. In this collection, cerulean sky, and marigold mingle with earthy greens and browns, depicting a quintessentially spring floral motif. From this collection, we feature these handmade ceramic pots. Each make an ideal gift for those with a green thumb. But don't despair, they can be used in a non-traditional way too! For that favorite teacher, fill with paper clips, pens, or other needed office supplies. They can keep the ceramic pot on their desk as a decorative organizational tool, or add a plant or flower to bring a little of the outdoors in! 

Shop our Primavera Collection

Our Rosso appetizer dish makes a lovely hostess, bridal or Mother's Day gift. Fill it with their favorite candies. When the goodies are all gone, this handmade ceramic dish can easily become a part of their entertaining collection. Rosso translated simply as Red combines the artistic excellence of the Italian tradition with the contemporary functional flavor of strong geometric shape with a multi-dimensional feel. The brilliant red glazing achieves a unique finish that allows entertaining for a special occasion or an everyday event.

Shop the Rosso Collection

Buongiorno!	Olive	Festa

With such a variety of styles, Modigliani has the perfect handmade Italian ceramic utensil holder to fit anyone. They make a delightful gift alone, or for the bride-to-be, fill with wooden spoons, spatulas, and other kitchen necessities. 

Shop our selection of utensil holders

Shop our Tivoli Drop Glassware

Buongiorno!	Extra Virgin	Pop

From the bright and lively Buongiorno!, to the warm and traditional tones of Extra Virgin, Modigliani has mugs as varied as the Italian landscape. Fill with candy or school supplies for a teacher or start off the couple-to-be's coffee collection. 

Shop Ceramic Mugs

Celebrate the joy of the season with one of our handmade ceramic or glass pitchers. For Mom, grab a bouquet of flowers and use the pitcher as a vase. Not only will she enjoy the lovely blooms, but when they fade, Mom is left with a useful and gorgeous pitcher.

Shop Ceramic and Glass Pitchers

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt 
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 
• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Add almonds and beat until combined. 

2. Divide dough in half and transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Form each half into a 2 1/2-inch-wide, 3/4-inch-tall log. Bake until dough is firm but gives slightly when pressed, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. Let cool on sheet on a wire rack, 20 minutes. 

3. With a serrated knife, cut logs into 1/4-inch slices on the diagonal and arrange, cut side down, on two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets. Bake until biscotti are crisp and golden, about 15 minutes, rotating sheets and flipping biscotti halfway through. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.

This recipe is is featured on MarthaStewart.com 

There is no better place to be this spring than the Italian islands – with the coastal sea breezes and warm ocean air it is the perfect place to find rejuvenation from the long winter months. Even if you aren’t able to journey to the Italian islands of Sardinia or Capri, bring the ambiance of coastal Italia to your home with an Italian inspired tea party. 

The soul of Italy lies within its romanticism expressed by its lavish and artistic atmosphere. The earthly colors of the coastal shores provide a backdrop of elegance that features greenery and romantic flowers dappled with the sun’s rays.  Keep your decoration authentic to Italian inspiration and set your tables with centerpieces of vibrantly colored bluebells, violets, cornflowers, crocus, jasmine and geranium flowers  - all commonly found on the Italian islands. Or keep it simple with a fragrant rose bouquet coupled with ivy and greenery commonly found in the vineyards of Italy.

Add to the tea party with Italian cuisine including traditional delights such as cannoli, tiramisu, pizelles, biscotti or amaretto cookies. For particularly warm days you could also serve a frozen gelato or cool limoncello. 

For beverages you can offer an array of choices – a traditional black tea, perhaps a freshly squeezed juice or piping hot cup of espresso. Whatever you offer, the perfect exclamation point to this authentic Italian tea party is the dishware from Modigliani. Inspired by the rich traditions and artistry of Italian ceramics, the Olive Teapot, Festa Latte Cup and Saucer or Frutta Laccata Espresso Cup and Saucer pieces are sure to add to the authentic and romantic feel of your tea party.

The smells of the decadent Italian pastries, the beauty of the native Italian flowers adorning the tables along with the stunning serving pieces from Modigliani will make any Italian tea party a true success.

Selected tea, latte and espresso products will be 25% off so visit the Modigliani website and let your Italian tea party planning begin! And as they say in Italian, “Buona Gironata!” (“Have a good day!”).

Shop our sale now!

After a few warmer days we are starting to see the first signs of spring here. Daffodil leaves are pushing up through the leaf-covered grass and trees are beginning to bud! Feeling inspired, we decided to start on our spring tablescape for the holidays in the upcoming weeks.

Here is how you can design your own spring-inspired table:

• Start with a gorgeous tablecloth. We chose a light lime green in linen. The color provides a perfect backdrop.
• Grab green apples, clementines, oranges, strawberries, or even lemons, and pile them in our Intrecci baskets. These woven ceramic baskets come in a variety of beautiful colors. In our design we used white, purple and yellow.
• Our Primavera collection makes the perfect place setting. Primavera is a celebration of the colors of spring. In this new collection, cerulean sky, and marigold mingle with earthy greens and browns, depicting a quintessentially spring floral motif. The collection also includes a playful plaid that mixes perfectly with the lively flowers.
• For flatware we added a pop of orange with Via Veneto. These look especially great if you added clementines or oranges to your Intrecci baskets. 
• Glassware was an easy choice as our Villa D' Este in Amber has just a hint of yellow.
• Finally gather a bouquet of flowers and your table is ready to welcome your guests. 

Introducing Buongiorno! Our newest and most whimsical rooster pattern. Italian legend speaks highly of the rooster. In the 1400’s a crowing rooster saved the then ruler of Florence, Giuliano de’ Medici’s life. 15th-century Florence assassins targeted Guiliano de'Medici but, as they approached his palazzo, the loud crowing of alarmed roosters foiled the attack. In gratitude, and probably to publicize his invincibility and send a message to future assassins, Medici had hundreds of glazed clay wine pitchers made in the shape of roosters and distributed to the citizens of Florence. The intersection of good fortune and good politics produced an enduring artifact that is a staple of Tuscan decor today.

You can add a touch of good luck to your day with our newest rooster collection Buongiorno! This collection is a new twist on a traditional Italian motif. His plume of feathers is playfully painted and displays cheerful colors. This collection fits beautifully with our other Italian ceramic patterns: Mosaica, Pop, and Villa Medici as well as our Via Veneto and Condotti flatware.