Welcome back to Florence

Dear all,

are you back in Florence? Well as you can see from this picture I am almost there, last days in Palm Beach wrapping up the season and getting ready to fly back to Italy.

I was lucky enough to enjoy the final for the Polo Tournaments in Wellington, a short ride from Palm Beach where if you are an equestrian fan you definitely can enjoy a Sunday with your family. Do not wear stiletto heels!!...they do not get along much with the divot stumping.

The tradition of divot stomping may appear unusual to an onlooker, but it is in fact one of the longest-standing and most important traditions in the Sport of Kings (aka POLO).

The practice achieves two things; it engages the crowd, and allows them to play an important part in the game that is so enjoyable to watch. Often you’ll find the adults just as excited to participate as the children! Whether at half time, or between chukkas, guests are invited onto the pitch and, if they don’t already have one (or perhaps need another…) offered a glass of champagne.

Because what better way to enjoy the Spring weekends, than sipping champagne and stomping away to your heart’s content! This is a time to relax and discuss the game with your fellow spectators, to let everyone stretch their legs and languish in the sun, as well as actually being able to appreciate how big the polo pitch truly is.

More practically, a large crowd divot stomping is the most efficient way of repairing the field for play to continue.

Now, tag me in your stories, write to me, stay in touch with social networks and if you need a special personal shopper session online, you can ask to:

personalshopper@jennifertattanelli.com

PALM BEACH AND THE HAMPTONS

After the last weekend at Polo in Wellington, few days remain before departure.

Town is still active, while everyone is preparing the next stops for the Summer season to come.

From Palm Beach to the Hamptons the change will be as always seamless. After a quick stop in Florence, I will temporarily bouncing back in the Hamptons the first week of June setting up the Atelier reopening, then back again to Florence.

Likely I still enjoy traveling with my Sophia bag and my sneakers....a staples for your journeys

FIRENZE...

It’s a lovely month to be in Florence!

From the blooming of the irises to the roses, wisteria and tulips, it’s most certainly the season to get out and about enjoying the scents and surroundings.

The city is currently gearing up to elect its new mayor, so lots of chatter on the street right now is focused on who looks likely to take the victory in early June.

In other news, this May, a Scudo Verde (green shield) will be raised, meaning 78 CCTV cameras will monitor every vehicle entering the city 24 hours a day to prevent the entry of polluting vehicles into the city centre. Do you want to breathe better air....leave your car home and enjoy walking my Bella Firenze.

In terms of the cultural scene, May means music! It’s time for the 86th edition of the classical music fest, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The theatre of the same name showcases top names in the industry, with operas and concerts at the spectacular setting until June 13. This edition features two masterpieces by the Lucca-born maestro, Giacomo Puccini, on the occasion of his 100th anniversary.

In the art world, things are as active as ever, with a rare chance to see a masterpiece by Modigliani currently possible at the Museo Novecento.

The museum dedicated to 20th century art celebrates ten years since its inauguration with a major exhibition titled Returns: From Modigliani to Morandi dedicated to the history of one of its most prized ensembles, the Alberto Della Ragione Collection. As part of the show, an invaluable work by the Livornese artist, Amedeo Modigliani, takes pride of place. Interestingly, the collection was donated to the city of Florence on the occasion of the devastating flood in 1966, with the works now reunited until September 15.

There’s a wonderful photography show up at Villa Bardini! Mimmo Jodice’s Senza Tempo is on display until July 14, featuring an homage to Michelangelo. The Neapolitan photographer often experiments by ripping, burning and using light in fascinating ways, while his series dedicated to the sculptures of Michelangelo mesmerizingly portrays works such as the Madonna of the Pitti Tondo and the Bandini Pietà. Of course, once you’ve seen the works, you won’t want to miss a walk through the glorious gardens!

This month for me is all about cherries and carciofi (artichokes), and I’m picking them up at my local market every time I pass by! One recipe I love to make is typical stuffed artichokes, which can be easily made with ingredients you’ll already have at home. The work is in preparing the vegetables, but once you’ve removed the inedible parts, you’re left with a truly delicious base to add to a breadcrumb and Parmigiano Reggiano mixture, with just a few garlic cloves, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil and as much lemon juice as you like, before you’ve got a lovely fresh-tasting dish that cooks in 30 minutes in the oven. 

I hope you have a wonderful May!

Yours,

Jennifer