Four days after we get home from Italy we are off to my niece's wedding in Banff. We have sent her the "big" present but would like to get her and her new hubby a nice little something from Italy. Any suggestions for a gift?

Hi tt,

Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dried porcini mushrooms.

Whilst that is a very nice gift from Italy, it's hardly suitable for a wedding. Dried mushrooms for a wedding?

Buy some lower end locally made jewellery - very rich coloured gold, and of course it is Italian in style. Or some Prada/Gucci luggage would be appreciated too.

I know I would love to have any beautiful Italian pottery; a big bowl or platter. If you are in Venice maybe a beautiful glass vase.

The bride might like some beautiful kitchen towels, woven with designs like olive oil, bread, wine, into them. High quality towels in the softest cotton can be purchased at Sermonetta on Via Tritone, just a few doors down from Planet Holleywood. Is the couple Catholic? If so, a crucifix for their home purchased at St. Peter's, or a figure of Mary, or rosaries that you can have blessed by the Pope on Wed. or Sunday and the couple can carry on their wedding day.

I second the pottery suggestion, I've bought some beautiful pieces from Italy and France that I absolutely love. We brought my brother and sister-in-law some for their wedding and they like it. The Venetian glass is a good idea as well. For our wedding, we got a beautiful coffee service from relatives in Belgium, so maybe something like that would be nice. I know many of the pottery shops had expresso sets that are relatively small so easy to pack.

I agree about the pottery or glassware- we couldn't buy enough! Also, we found some beautiful hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments there as well. Another idea is a small, framed print.

I also agree with the pottery or glass. Italy is full of great pottery and glass shops! Or perhaps you could pick up a few bottles of local wine and a couple of wine glasses?

While a student in Florence, I used to get away to Venice for a long weekend every once in a while. I'd buy friends who were marrying placemats or tablecloths in Venice, and for my sister-in-law, who was pregnant with my nephew, I purchased his christening gown while there.

BC

In Florence there are many shops that sell beautiful paper products. Perhaps a photo album for their honeymoon photos, or some lovely stationery to use for thank you notes. I too love the pottery, but this would be much easier to bring home.

I also second the pottery and glassware suggestions. Also, you might think about handpainted wine bottle stoppers or drink coasters.

I was married last year in Tuscany. One of the gifts we received was a beautiful handcrafted photo album, with italian leather and marbleized paper.

Marbled dear, I think you've invented a new word there.