Aperol is an Italian apéritif that tastes lightly of citrus with bitter undertones. Learn how to turn Aperol into a cocktail that will elevate your afternoons, and how to turn that cocktail into a party.
Read MoreHave a craving to mix up your American traditions with some Italian heart?
Read MoreStumped for what to give your loved ones who adore Italy? Here are seven singular gifts that are sure to surprise and delight.
Read MoreLaughter bloomed like dandelions in a field of sunshine. Everything was shinier, rosier, more glowing, more dramatic, more emotional, more vivid. I started wondering about why and then thought, “Because Italy.”
I stopped wondering.
Read MoreHold onto your party hats, because I’m about to tell you how to throw the most incredible, fantastical, unforgettable celebration.
Read MoreThe story of Italy's Christmas witch, and what she can mean for you.
Read MoreGift ideas for the Italophile on your list. These aren't "things" that get shoved in the back of a drawer by the time La Befana visits. Rather, these are intended as experiences to enliven days and bring people together—to create a sense of daily celebration.
Read MoreGetting beyond the rhetoric, and thinking about how to actually help.
Read MoreHere are the answers to the questions I get the most often. If you have a question not answered here, please leave it in the comment section!
Read MoreQuestions to deepen and further the experience of reading IBC, either with a group, or on your own.
Read MoreEven if you can't stay abroad for a year, there are ways to allow travel to change you, no matter how short your stay.
Read MoreThe Christmas music playing at Michael's and the sudden switch from everything pumpkin-flavored to everything candy-cane-flavored indicates that though I'm still enjoying the crunch of fall leaves underfoot, the holiday season really is upon us. Though there's a part of me that misses the simplicity of our Umbrian Christmas, there's much to enjoy in the patterns of gift giving we've developed here over the years. From these patterns I've collected a list of gift ideas that I thought I'd pass along to you. Each gift idea embraces the IBC values of savoring moments and encouraging connection, of course with an Italian flavor.
Read MoreI hated taking this post out of the book. It felt like I was betraying the cats that gave our Spellani days such flavor and joy. So I'm so happy to be bringing this back to the website. I love it when people send me photos of these animals from their trip to Spello. If you take a photo, include it in the comment section! I'd love this to be an homage to the animals that enrich small town life.
Read MoreAs my skiing in the Dolomitiwas limited to the barest of slopes, I'm delighted to present a guest post by Siena, who thrilled to each peak and crag of the alps she skied. I hope her words convey the beauty of her experience, which she describes as the best of her life.
Read MoreWebsite for Michelle Damiani, author of Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, the funny and heartfelt memoir of an American family living in Spello, as well as Santa Lucia, a page-turner set on the Umbria border.
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Festival participant, speaking about “Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center”
Featured speaker on panel discussing Romance for “Santa Lucia”
