Welcome to a new section on La Dolce Vita, “Our Amazing Artisans,” which features those who create and craft the special objects in our store. 

Today is the fantastic day of Carnevale. Here in DC, many people had an extra reason to celebrate, as the extended weekend of President’s Day got an extra boost with some help from a winter storm. So whether you’re feasting on an extra day of brunch, curled up with a cup of (spiked) hot cocoa or taking part in a giant Snowball Fight, this day is your last chance to get all those “unholy” tendencies out before Lent. Bill and Suzy got a taste of a wild Carnevale two years ago, but for today we all remain here in Georgetown, dreaming of attending a lavish Venetian ball.

One of our favorite Italian Carnevale traditions is the wearing of masks. But even through this day only comes once a year, we can’t stand to put our beautiful masks away, which is why we hang them on our walls all year round.

Our masks are sourced from the studio Alice le Maschere, where they are dreamed up and executed in a small town close to Florence. Two years ago, the Menards were led to the studio, and seduced by the exquisite creations.Today, we carry the most eclectic selection in our store, where we have lovingly modeled them for your Carnevale enjoyment.Take a peek at Bill’s post to discover why this studio is so very dear to us.

So go nuts on this Tuesday and have a fantastic Carnevale!

— Via Umbria