Maison European Antiques: collecting....Florentine ♥

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

collecting....Florentine ♥

Florentine...when I looked up the meaning of the word, such a beautiful word, that slides easily off one's tongue...I found the meaning, to be from or related to Florence, as in Italy, one of the most beautiful places on earth or a hand rubbed gilt finish. In the culinary arts, the word Florentine, or the term à la Florentine, refers to a recipe that is prepared in the style of the Italian region of Florence. (delicious) Florentine also is a style from several hundred years ago, a heavy Italian design. The Florentine we see today is antique or vintage from Italy, in wood or papier mache, furniture, boxes, trays, that are very collected. I love seeing florentine trays used in entertaining and they look wonderful on a desk or vanity. Florentine nest tables always are good accents pieces, as is the many styles of florentine boxes. Many times, I have added a folded antique linen napkin and served rolls, cookies, etc. from my florentine boxes. The large umbrella stands, standing jewelry boxes & the larger chests are more difficult to find. The trays & boxes are very affordable & both add that Italian country chic feel to any room. Florentine can be colorful as well as neutral with gilt and fit well with many design styles. I love them in my French country home, I have a friend who uses several pieces in a modern setting & it looks fabulous. Sharing with you, some of my fave florentine finds!