Filpucci certainly knows how to throw a party.  Why procure just any palace or ballroom for your grand event when you can mingle in the famous Pitti Palace®, once owned by the Medicis, the most influential family in Italian history? Why, indeed. Not only was Filpucci's 40th anniversary dinner held in the beautifully transformed courtyard of the Pitti Palace®, but they graciously and generously arranged for all of their guests to tour the Vasari Corridor connecting the Uffizi museum to the palace. For those of you who aren't art history buffs, the Uffizi is home to Botticelli's famous "The Birth of Venus" (you know, Venus on a Half Shell). The once secret passageway is not normally open to the public and I was thrilled to be able to glimpse its contents while listening to our fascinating guide. I was especially captivated by the world's largest collection of artist's self portraits.

But Italian parties are all about food, friends and fine wine and this soireé did not disappoint. So many of our yarn friends were there - yarn company friends from the States, mill friends from all over Europe and new friends made over dinner. Tables overflowed with delicious meats, cheeses and fruits. Wine flowed freely and the mood was festive. I snuck out after profiteroles (around midnight), but I hear the party went on long into the night.

Mille grazie Filpucci!

Our hosts, Signor Gualtieri and son, greet party attendees

Filpucci's international liaison extraordinaire, Michela,
talks to our friend Brett (from Tahki Stacy Charles)

Pre-party, tables for 400 are set up in the courtyard of the famous Pitti Palace®

Norah (center), Marco (our italian buying agent), and Warren (our fearless leader)
enjoying the food, wine and company

The party twinkles late into the night

2007 - Florence, Italy