Welcome back to Florence..

Dear all,

in May everybody is on the move once again, I will be in between Palm Beach, the Hamptons and then Florence.

I just come back from Westhampton Beach where the village is just getting out for the gloomy winter, the Atelier in the Hamptons is ready, and it will reopen very soon.

Few days more to Mother's Day and then it is time to come back to my Bella Firenze. Please wait for me!!!

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

FIRENZE...

The month kicked off with Festa del Lavoro (International Workers’ Day) on May 1, a day often celebrated with time outdoors, enjoying a picnic or an excursion in picturesque Tuscany.

Speaking of parks, the vast green spaces of Villa Medicea di Pratolino, also known as Villa Demidoff, just outside Florence, are the ideal spot for some time in nature. With plenty of picnic tables and cozy corners to lay out a blanket, you won’t be short of space to soak up the spring sunshine. You can even take advantage of free guided tours running throughout the season, learning all about the park’s historical past, having been built by Francesco I de'Medici to stay with his mistress Bianca Cappello. Designed by architect Bernardo Buontalenti, it was later demolished before being purchased in the 19th century by Paolo Demidoff. 

Make sure to see the striking 11-meter-tall Apennine Colosssus, crafted by the late Renaissance artist Giambologna.

May is the month to admire the glorious Iris Garden at viale Michelangelo 20, which will be open to the public for free until May 20. The blooms can be gazed upon as you amble around the stunning gardens, enjoying beautiful views of the city and taking a moment to breathe it all in.

The recent news on the cultural front is that the impressive Donatello Hall at the Bargello National Museum reopened on April 18 after nearly a year of restoration work. The masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture are once again on show, including Donatello’s David, Marzocco and Saint George.

In terms of exhibitions, one I’m particularly looking forward to seeing is Giovan Battista Foggini (1625-1725) ­– Grand Ducal Architect and Sculptor at Palazzo Medici Riccardi. On show until September 9, the exhibition is held on the third centenary of the artist’s death and details how he shaped the artistic language of late-Medici Florence.

Another anniversary to celebrate this year is the centenary of the Galileo Museum! The occasion is marked with a wide range of events, including exhibitions, performances, talks and publications. Originally called the Institute and Museum of the History of Science, the space was the first of its kind in Italy, opened on May 7, 1925. It’s home to original Galileo telescopes, making it of international importance. 

Savor the best of local wine with Chianti Lovers Week (May 5-11). The seven-day program sees 40-plus tastings, cellar tours and cultural events all over the Tuscan capital. There are even film screenings and guided tours of former monasteries, as well as street food and DJ sets, with various sites in the city taking part. 

Fresh dishes characterize our May menus, making sure to feature as much seasonal produce as possible. Fava beans and local pecorino cheese is a super easy combination that’s both simple yet flavorful, and can serve as either a light starter or an antipasto with some crusty (saltless!) Tuscan bread. It only takes a little bit of salt and pepper, parsley, and a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil to make a memorable dish.

Have a great May!

With love,

Jennifer