Parties & Celebrations

A Florentine Brunch

This Sunday brunch was set poolside at the Villa San Michele, a 15th century Franciscan monastery now transformed into one of Europe's most charming and picturesque hotels. Only a few minutes from the center of Florence, Villa San Michele is an oasis of peace and unsurpassed beauty, surrounded by its own gardens and woodland on the Fiesole hills. I can’t think of a more perfect setting to enjoy good food, spend time with friends, and rehash what was an extraordinary birthday weekend celebration. It was a fantastic journey finally coming to an end with everyone sharing a last meal in one of Europe’s most exquisite cities.

Guests, invited for 11 am, dined at beautifully adorned tables shaded from the sun by elegant white umbrellas scattered around the pool area. We picked our poolside location to take advantage of the vistas overlooking the hills of Fiesole. It was a casual gathering with children swimming in the pool, yet distinctly European and certainly elegant. Guests listened to the sounds of a live band as they relaxed in the sun and feasted on a selection of delicious foods including pastries, salads, grilled delicacies, fresh fruits, eggs, yogurt, and sliced local meats. Dining, laughing, and swimming; we squeezed every last ounce of pleasure to be had, including one last breathtaking glimpse of the hills while sipping champagne. It was a flawless end to an incredible weekend, and I could not have been happier to have planned such a fantastic birthday celebration.

As a final memento of the weekend, we couldn’t let guests leave empty handed. Each guest, as they left brunch, took with them a photo from the evening before set in a silver frame, boxed and beautifully finished with an Arrivederci bow.
It was certainly a weekend I’ll never forget.

As always, there's more to come!