While traveling in Italy, take a look at the arcades that dot many Italian streets and visit the many stores that sell artwork crafted with care by local artisans. These shops are often chocked full of merchandise that you can only get in the United States if they are mass produced. However, while in Italy, most of these wares are hand crafted or made with a minimum of machinery and almost no mass production, such as how most Italian pottery is still crafted.

Some of the hottest spots to visit include Rome, Venice, Naples, Milan and Florence. In these cities, you will find a mixture of old and new. Most everywhere you turn you will see history that dates back centuries. The great part is that in these same cities you will also be able to enjoy modernity, as Italy has made a concerted effort in the past twenty years to update many of its cities with modern facilities, transportation and infrastructure.

There are many web sites that will give you the ability to map out your route to Italy and also allow you to calculate the time you will need, money and hotels to stay in during your visit. Like most European countries, Italy makes a point of attracting tourists from all over the world so your visit will be warmly welcomed by a community of helpful and genuinely friendly people.

Visiting Italy ranks on the “to do” lists of many throughout the world, and it should. The country is a very enjoyable mixture of old and new, merging history with a rich tradition of culture. By planning your trip to hit the hotspots, you can get a strong feel for the diversity of the country and still be able to figure out which version is “your Italy.”

Above all, remember to keep comfort and relaxation as your motivating factors when choosing your interior cabin décor. For you, this may include large, overstuffed furniture that you can lounge in for hours, reading a good book or watching the fire dance in the hearth.

Area carpets and throw rugs in the bedroom and all around the cabin lend an air of coziness and quaintness. When shopping for carpets and area rugs, choose thick and warm ones that you can sink your toes into. Comfort accents may include sheepskin rugs for the ultimate comfort indulgence. Lots of throws, pillows and candles will add to the ambiance.

Don’t forgot the outside of your cabin or cottage where you are bound to spend many nights in the complete silence of nature, gazing at the stars and listening to the grasshoppers chirp. Consider adding a beautiful copper fire pit so you can enjoy a safe, outdoor fire and perhaps install a unique weathervane with an equine or nautical theme, which will add character and personality to the yard area of your cabin.

One of the hottest trends in recent times is baby boomers looking for an escape to the country. Having attained a certain status in life; financially well off after years of hard work on the career front, North Americans are seeking out remote locations and purchasing cabins and cottages in record numbers.

Some have chosen the quiet, remote areas of Vermont and Massachusetts. Others have sought out peace and quiet in the waterfront cabins in Florida and North Carolina. Nature enthusiasts have turned to the mountains in Colorado and the Ozarks. No matter what location you choose for your home away from home, it represents a distinct opportunity to decorate in a more laid back, casual and ultimately comfortable manner.

No rules apply here – you do not have to maintain the formal or functional décor that you do in your home in the city. You can inject your personality in your cabin home décor and have fun doing it.

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When designing your Al Fresco dining area, make sure you include your own personality for your environment and selection of accents. If you are going for a seaside atmosphere, you might want to consider adding a unique copper weathervane for your yard or garden.

For your dining table, be whimsical and fanciful! There is no need to be as conservative as you would be with your indoor dining table settings. Consider using authentic ceramic Italian dinnerware to bring your al fresco table to life, Italian style! Another great idea is to add some hand painted glasses, available for all seasons and special occasions.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of Al Fresco is “in the fresh air; outdoors”. Celebrating the warmer weather by dining al fresco, either with your own family or entertaining special friends, will be the best gift you can give to yourself. Enjoy! You can find all of your Al Fresco style living needs at Upside Living.com.

There are many fine types of pottery that came from various regions across Europe. The most common and popular, even today, being earthenware and porcelain potteries. Each comes with a rich history and an evolution of the pottery making processes. Anyone who loves or collects pottery understands the different between authentic and mass produced; exceptional artistry as opposed to commercial grade decoration. The industry seems to have come full circle, and what started as a cottage industry of individual expert potters turned to a time of mass production, and has once again returned to its roots, thankfully for all collectors.

Earthenware
Most commonly known to us as Majolica, earthenware pottery is a derivative of Chinese porcelain, and first appeared in Italy in the latter part of the 14th Century. History says that Italian Majolica pottery was inspired by the decorated luster wares from Spain, and introduced to Italy by the Majorcan sea traders.

Majolica, whether it was wheel thrown or mold pressed, was always fired once to achieve the brown body and then dipped into a glaze which created a surface that was suitable for painting and decorating. Once the decoration was applied, the piece was fired a second time to ensure the brilliant colors were permanently preserved. The application of metallic luster finishes was only done by very skilled artisans, since the colors required very special care.

Continental Porcelain
European potters who had long admired the porcelains being created in the Far East, tried diligently to imitate it but never really got it down pat. Then in 1709, potter Johann Bottger discovered how to make porcelain. The first European royal porcelain manufactory was consequently established at Meissen near Dresden, Germany. Throughout the century following the discovery of the porcelain formula, many new porcelain making factories popped up all over Europe including Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and England, all producing porcelain wares in the style of Meissen.

By the end of the 19th century, machinery and technology invaded the pottery making industries and the result was mass production; often resulting in substandard quality and design. It was not until the late 1930’s, that artists and master painters began to return to the work and the quality markedly improved. Many of these new age potters found inspiration through the advent of new materials and techniques, while others followed the lead of primitive forms of pottery such as Japanese and American Indian models.

Luckily, since the conclusion of World War 2, the design and decoration of pottery in Europe has been largely influenced once again by artisans. Commercial and consumer ware, such as table pottery that you see today truly reflects the styles and patterns developed by these 20th century innovative potters, whose work has often shown striking originality.