Holiday Dining SALE

Dec. 17-21, 2012

It's our second & last of two Holiday Dining Sales that we are having this season and it's your time to stock up on all the lovely dishes, table linens, & glasses that you could need to make your holiday table simply beautiful!  All of our in-stock dishes (including fall, holiday, & the "Constance" collection), all glasses, table runners, napkins, & placemats (including Kitchen Papers) are on sale starting today through the end of this week.  So hurry in and enjoy some happy holiday savings!

Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Back by popular demand is our Holiday Gift Guide! 

Our Holiday Gift Guide 2012 is a little different in a couple of ways this year...

{1} Each week we will feature a daily selection of gift ideas for all the unique interests of the ones you love

{2} You can see our weekly features & daily selections over on Facebook!

So, pop over, like our page, & check out our selection of gift ideas for all of the folks on your gift list this year...

A Simply Beautiful Thanksgiving Dinner

Holiday Dining SALE

{Nov. 15 - Nov. 21}

It's our first of two Holiday Dining Sales that we are hosting this season and we hope you will take advantage of some great deals with us as you prepare for the Holidays this year with your family & friends.  If you are getting ready to host Thanksgiving Dinner, then let us help you set your table beautifully this year.

Our 'Constance Collection' Dinnerware, a simple but beautiful earthenware collection made by hand in Portugal, are the beautiful beginnings of classic table settings.  We have plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, & dessert plates in classic white and dessert plates available in Poivre (Pepper), Mastic (Tan), & Verde (Green) that can be mixed in beautifully with the classic white collection.

Add in a lovely selection of cotton placemats or dinner napkins to add color, texture, & interest.  Or, if you want to forego the laundering of all the linens, choose from our collection of Kitchen Papers Placemats, Cocktail Napkins, & Paper Runners - an elegant yet easy way to entertain a large crowd.

Wishing you a wonderful & very Happy Thanksgiving with your family & friends!

Save the Date - Holiday Open House 2012

It's coming, coming quickly! 

Our Annual Holiday Open House will be the second weekend of November this year,

so mark it on your calendars & plan to join us, Nov. 9 & 10. 

We will feature all of our new holiday decor, ornaments, gifts, & more,

so you definitely do not want to miss out this year! 

Getting Crafty

Okay, I don't really consider myself crafty.  I have tried my hand at scrapbooking & even pottery painting, but have discovered utter failure each time.  However, having this little Bella shop, I most often times have to resort to some sort of crafting.  Window displays are such tricky little things in the retail biz.  It has to be eye-catching, reflective of your goods, & able to tell some kind of story, all of which challenge me greatly on a fairly regular basis.  Lately, I have been noticing on my new addiction Pinterest all of these really amazing flowers, leaves, garlands, wreaths, etc. that are made out of book pages.  I LOVE the look and completely admire that someone came up with this idea!  The book pages add great texture, interest, & simpleness of color to whatever you create.  Being that it is fall & all, I decided to give my un-crafty hand at making branches with book page leaves to complete my fall-themed, leaf-themed window display, and to my ginormous surprise, I think they turned out okay.  I gathered branches from my yard, used old newspaper (I couldn't quite bear to cut out of a book just yet, but I think any old book that you don't love will do), dug out my hot glue gun, & began my crafting.  If I can do it, well, I am completely confident that you can do it too.  Give it a try, get creative, & have fun with it.  Happy crafting!!

{I just gathered really big branches out of my yard, cost = free! 
Added bonus = saved my sweet husband from having to clean up the branch pile}

{You can use any leaf shape, just find a template that suits your project. 
I thought about going with maple, or oak, but that seemed a little wrong being
surrounded by aspens so this is my best attempt at duplicating the shape of
 an aspen leaf}

{This is a really bad picture, but it was part of the process, so forgive me for my 
amateur ways.  I re-discovered my hot glue gun, which was a necessity & quite powerful
in adhering these fragile newspaper leaves to these old branches}

{And, the finished project....not too bad!}

For the Love of Burlap

Fall is coming!  And, I love it because I just absolutely LOVE fall!!!!  It has always been my favorite season - I love the colors, the smell, the flavors, the feeling, the light of the sky - everything about it.  I am obviously very ready to fully embrace the season, but, alas, we have still been experiencing summer like weather, since after all, it is still officially summer.  So, what to do in your homes during this late summer/early fall transition time? Oh, there is SO much you could do, but I think the texture & color of burlap is such a lovely transitional accent.  It can bring such warmth and coziness while also allowing for a light yet earthy neutral that hints of picnics and the enjoyment of the outdoors.  Pair a burlap runner with a large glass vase full of yellow sunflowers and I am instantly happy!  Toss some burlap throw pillows on your mudroom bench, sofa, a favorite chair, or a guest bed & bring a little touch of the transition easily into any room.  The possibilities are endless...how do you love burlap?  I would love to hear and see how you integrate the love of burlap into your home as you transition into the upcoming season!

Modern Gingham

I love jam - good jam, and I long to have the time to make it myself.  But alas, since I don't take the time do that, I try my best to find creative jam makers that are taking the time and have the talent of mixing amazing flavors (goodbye just plain strawberry jelly!).

As you know about a year ago, we were wonderfully delighted to find LemonBird Jams.  Amy Deaver is the jam artisan behind LemonBird Jams, and she is brilliantly sourcing all of her wonderful ingredients from local farms in California and then mixing them with other local spices & ingredients to create some decadent and very artisanal jams.

About a week or so ago, I was even more delighted to find a jam artisan who is working right here in Denver, sourcing local Colorado fruit, combining them with spices from a local Denver shop, and creating samll batches of gourmet jams - right here in our back yard!

I LOVE finding local goods, and I am just thrilled to introduce to you Modern Gingham Preserves.  Just a bit about MGP....

"Modern Gingham Preserves (MGP) is a local company. Aiming to use organic produce from local trees, gardens, and farms (hand-picked whenever possible), we search for unique flavor combinations to bring out the flavors of each fruit and vegetable we preserve.  As a Denver enterprise, MGP has made every effort to use local businesses-from the logo design and photographs taken, to the labels and jars, produce, and spices-we aim to obtain all components of our preserves from Denver based companies.  When you eat our products, you know you are supporting the Denver economy, sustainable farming practices and eating something good for you." ` Katharine Lee, Artisan Jam Maker

I absolutely love what Katharine is doing right down to the very precious detail that she is literally hand-picking all the fruit herself - AMAZING!!  Her jams and preserves are absolutely delicious & we think you will agree.  We currently have MGP's delicious Strawberry Black Pepper Preserves & Capitol Hill Apricot Preserves on our shelf and will be getting more delightful flavors in soon.  In the meantime, try these - you will be so glad you did!!!

Gifts for Your Wedding Attendants

As mentioned in our post last week, we are deep in the heart of Wedding Season!  And, if you are a bride-to-be or a mom of a bride, you may be thinking (or starting to think) about all the wonderful people who will be standing with you the day that you say "I do" - your maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, etc.  So if you are looking for something a little different for gifting these special people on your special day, then let us help!  We have lots of unique & beautiful little sentiments that will be a special way to say thank you.  A few of our ideas are posted here, but as always, we can work to create something special that will fit in your budget, and most importantly, that you will feel

 super-delighted to give!

  

For the Maid of Honor or Shower Hostesses:
A beautiful glass hobnail candle paired with a matching fingertip towel

For the Maid of Honor or Bridesmaids:
 A beautiful collection of soap, bath salts, & petite hand creme
 from Lollia, a Denver based company

For Bridesmaids, Shower Hostesses, or anyone else on your list:

These 2oz Soy Candles come in a variety of scents that you can

mix & match or give all by itself

pair with a decorative mini match box to complete the gift

We think these little floral earrings would be a sweet gift
for a Flower Girl who has pierced ears!

For the Best Man:
How about this classic Shaving Set?
An enamelware mug filled with shaving soap & a shaving brush

For the Groomsmen or Ushers:

Atticus Caramels handmade in Denver are dark delicious caramels

made with Colorado Whiskey, Smoked Salt, & Cane Syrup

Add a bottle of Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey for the perfect touch

For the Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Ushers, or anyone else on your list
 who might enjoy a really good martini:
This Pure Olive Juice is delicious & paired with a bottle of Vodka
 would be deliciously perfect!

'Tis the Wedding Season

So it's June & I do believe that June is the "unofficial official" kick-off month to wedding season!  Bella Vita is located in a beautiful spot that is directly across from the Evergreen Lake so when I leave in the evenings, I often see in the near distance a wedding going on at the Lake House.  Evergreen Lake is a beautiful place to get married - I especially think so because that is where my sweet husband & I said our vows almost 9 years ago!  Being reminded almost every evening this month that the wedding season is in full swing also reminds me that our little shop location is quite handy for those having a wedding here in Evergreen or just attending one.  During the summer months especially (but even throughout the year) we often get folks into the shop that are either attending a wedding or wedding shower and want to pick up something for the bride & groom that is unique but beautiful and that will celebrate their start of a new journey together.  And, I am always delighted to help them find just the right thing!  Below are a few ideas of items that we can put together for the new couple, but we also have so much more to pick & choose from.  So if you are heading to a wedding or a wedding shower this summer - let us help you find just the right beautiful thing for the new couple!   

A Summer of Savings

3 days | 3 months

BELLA VITA summer sale 2012

Instead of doing our typical July-only Summer Sale, we're doing things a little different this summer & giving you 3 opportunities to take advantage of some crazy good deals on our beautiful goods.  For 3 specified days during the next 3 months you can come by & pick up some wonderful finds at some great discounts!  We're kicking off our

3 days|3 months summer sale 2012 this week - June 7,8, & 9. 

So come by, check it out, take advantage of some great deals, & take home

some beautiful finds! 

Summer Ready Feet

Okay, I know - an odd title for a Bella blog post, but summer is unofficially here, the weather is definitely warmer, & flip-flops, sandals, & bare feet abound!  To get those feet ready for the fresh air of summer try our Candy Mint Foot Care Collection from Deep Steep.  This luxurious treat for the feet is loaded with all natural ingredients and laden with Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree & Spearmint extracts that will keep your feet feeling invigorated & fresh all season long.  We have the Foot Polish for exfoliating, the Foot Cream for deep moisturizing, & the Moisture Stick for keeping those heels smooth as silk.  So get those sandals out, indulge in a lovely pedicure, & keep your hard-working feet pampered all season long!

Thanking our Teachers

As school winds down for our little town here in the Colorado foothills, it is a good time to remember to thank those wonderful people in our kid's lives that teach them & help them grow & learn in so many ways.  As you get ready for school to be out and begin to plan for vacation & summer camps, we hope you will be able to find a little something here at Bella that will say thank you to the teachers that make an impact in your children's lives.  We have put together a few gift ideas for you but as always we are happy to help you put a little something together that will be appreciated by the ones who receive it. 

{Kick off summer with a "sweet & tangy" Lemonade Gift Set - including
Hammond's Lemonade Mix, Lemon Tree Dish Towel, Tasting Spoons, &
a mason jar for mixing, toting, & keeping the lemonade}

{A thoughtful sentiment at the end of a school year - the 'Breathe' Collection by Lollia
includes a soap bar, petite hand creme, & a beautiful bag of bath salts}

{A lovely 2oz Soy Votive Candle available in a variety of fragrances & paired
with a decorative mini matchbox that is made by a local artisan in Denver}

{A delicious collection of Helliemae's Salted Caramels including Salted Caramel Sauce,
Gift Bags of Bite Size Caramels, & Individual Caramels}

Lollia Love

Knowing that Lollia by Margot Elena has been around the market for awhile, we felt like this Mother's Day was just the right time here at Bella Vita to bring this exquisite bath & body line into our little shop.  We have had our eyes (& hearts!) on it for some time & the opportunity came at just right the time for us.  We couldn't be more happy to be featuring these beautiful products that are made right here in Denver & we are sure that you will fall in love with this line just as much as we did!

{Beautiful collections of Shea Butter Soaps, Soy Candles, & Shea Butter Petite
Hand Cremes will leave you trying to decide which fragrance is your new favorite}

{the 'Relax' fragrance is a lovely combination of Lavender, Honey, White Orchids,
Amber, & a touch of Tahitian Vanilla that leaves you feeling just as the name indicates;
the 'Relax' Collection available at Bella includes the Shea Butter Soap,
Petite Hand Creme, Bath Salt Sachets, & Oprah's Favorite - the Foaming Bubble Bath}

{These Petite Hand Cremes are made with shea butter,
feel luxurious, & are perfect as a gift add-on; 'Relax', 'Breathe', 'Wish', & 'In Love'
Petite Hand Cremes are available at Bella}

{the Bath Salt Sachets are contained in these lovely fabric bags
that create an instant gift & the recipient can re-use the bag for
carrying lovely things; 'Relax', 'Breathe', 'Wish' & 'In Love'Bath Salts
are available at Bella}

{the 'Breathe' fragrance is a bright combination of Peony & White Lily with
hints of Grapefruit & Orange inviting you to just breathe;
the 'Breathe' Collection available at Bella includes the Shea Butter Soap,
Petite Hand Creme, Bath Salt Sachets, & Foaming Bubble Bath}

Sweet Living

We have been focusing this spring on bringing in more goods & gifts that are made locally in Colorado and as easy as that may sound, to find just the right mix of product, quality, brand, & artisan can be quite the challenge indeed.  So, when we came across a product & a brand that has literally been in our backyard for over 90 years, we were ecstatic to jump on the chance to feature their sweet goods right here at Bella.  Hammond's Candies, made in Denver, has been around for nearly ever and has mostly been known for their hard candies (think lollipops, ribbon candy, & taffy).  This year they have launched some new sweet goods & we are absolutely thrilled to introduce them to you!  Take a peak below at our current selection & don't worry, we will be expanding our selection as the summer continues.  We have LOVED sampling all of these sweet little confections & can't wait for you to try them too!  Here's to Sweet Living!!

{This candy company makes Lemonade Mix too & it's quite refreshing! 
Love the packaging too - perfect for a hostess gift or lemonade lover}

 

{The chocolate bars are heavenly - my favorite right now is the Sea Side Caramel
which is melt in your mouth fabulous & I was actually pleasantly surprised to also enjoy
the Crackle Crunch which is actually made with Raspberry Pop Rocks - kids will LOVE it!!}

{These Anniversary Tins were made to commemorate Hammond's 90th Anniversary
& they decided to keep the tins around for easy gift giving. 
These tins are filled with Hammond's Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee - YUM!}

Save the Date: Annual Mother's Day Open House

Save the date & plan to join us for our

Annual Mother's Day Open House

Saturday, May 12, 2012

10am - 5pm

We will be celebrating the Moms in our lives & showcasing our new summer-inspired goods, a new bath & body line that is just absolutely exquisite, new jewelry, new candles, new cards, & so much more!  To add to your shopping enjoyment, we will have mimosas & treats from "From the Vine Market & Eatery", a free gift with the purchase of $25 or more, & a free class from "Evergreen Pilates" with a purchase of $50 or more.  It will be a fun day of shopping, sipping, & celebrating, so grab your friends, your mom, & come celebrate with us!!

Local Love

Over this past week & a half we have had the opportunity to bring in 2 local artisans (yep, right here in Denver) & their beautiful creations.  I loved their creations the very first time I saw them, & then when I had a chance to visit with each of these super-duper creative artisans my love for what they do deepened even more because they are just really great gals who are smart, fun, creative, talented, and passionate about what they do!  And you can see their love & passion for what they do in their craft.  I am confident you will see that & you will love them & their craft too!! 

Check out Elevated Scraps & {anne franklin designs}, their stories, & pics of their goodies that we currently have at Bella....

Elevated Scraps
Inspired by all things handmade, an obsession with fabric and a passion to buy locally, Heather sets out to make, build, create, construct, and craft items unique and unforgettable.  At Bella, we are featuring her Birds on a Branch that are made from leftover fabric scraps.  Each one is so adorable & so very unique.

 

 

{anne franklin designs}

Anne started her designs in 2010 and sought to create affordable one of a kind items.  Anne hand crafts her products with upcycled & vintage items that are the perfect gift for any occasion!  Currently we have her mini & large matchbooks, pendants, & clothespins.