The UK

Royal Albert

This UK brand will always be a reminder of high tea in the United Kingdom.  Read more about the Royal Albert collection here

Royal Albert Tea Set UK brand wedding gift
Shop now: Royal Albert Old Country Roses 20-Piece Dinnerware Set

Austria

Swarovski Crystal

Decorate the hostess of the party with a touch of Innsbruck. Founded in 1895, Swarovski is iconic to Austria. 

Swarovsky Gema Crystal Necklace Collection
Swarovski Gema Crystal Necklace Collection

The USA

Alexa

A reminder of my shopping in New York.  The United States is known to have the most Alexa skills

Buy Alexa smart speaker echo dot th generation home decor appliances music technology USA
Shop now: Echo (4th Gen) | With premium sound, smart home hub, and Alexa | Twilight Blue.
World heritage journeys in Hungary list of UNESCO sites in Hungary travelandhome travel and home min

Hungary

Hungarian Goose Down

Widely recognized as the best duvet filling, Hungary is one of the world’s top-quality goose-down providers.

Hungarian Goose Down home decor
Shop now: Hungarian Goose Down Bedding

Africa

Africa Wall Decor

A stylish touch of Africa to any room or work space.

NBEADS Africa Map Metal Wall Decor, Africa Animals,Home or Garden Decor
Shop now: Africa Map Metal Wall Decor, Africa Animals,Home or Garden Decor

Italy

Murano Glass

Vases, bowls, decorative plates, sculptures, and glassware.

Inspired by our trip to Venice.

Murano Glass Tree of Life Vase, Hand Painted In Italy
Shop now: Murano Glass Tree of Life Vase, Hand Painted In Italy

Czechia

Bohemian Crystal

With fond memories of Prague, Czech Republic! This is a beautiful focal point for any coffee table.

Unbreakable Flower Glass Vase .lb .inch Sparkle vase Bohemian Style, for Centerpieces, Kitchen, Office, Living Room, Wedding,Gifts, Perfect Home Decor Glass Vase (Sparkle Color)
Shop Now: Unbreakable Flower Glass Vase Bohemian Style, for Centerpieces, Kitchen, Office, Living Room, Wedding,Gifts, Perfect Home Decor

Scotland

Whiskey Decanter

This spectacular whiskey decanter set is the ultimate home bar experience and a fond reminder of Edinburgh, Scotland.

For the Men's Cave, Whiskey Decanter Set with Whiskey Glasses
Shop now: For the Men's Cave, Whiskey Decanter Set with Whiskey Glasses

Portugal & Spain

Glazed Blue Ceramic Tiles

Also known as azulejos, these blue tiles are everywhere in Portugal. They decorate the winding streets of the capital, Lisbon. They cover the walls of train stations, restaurants, bars, public murals, fountains, churches, and altar fronts.

Spanish Portuguese Azulejo Style Backsplash Peel and Stick Tile Stickers Set
Shop now: Spanish Portuguese Azulejo Style Backsplash Peel and Stick Tile Stickers Set

Azulejos products are authentic to both Portugal and Spain. They have a long history in both countries, and both have their own distinct styles and traditions. 

While both Portuguese and Spanish azulejos are beautiful glazed tiles, there are some key stylistic differences:

  • Color Palette:
    • Portugal: Often known for their intricate blue and white designs, or a more limited palette with additional colors like yellow and green. These blue tones can range from cobalt to a lighter cerulean.
    • Spain: Spanish azulejos tend to embrace a wider range of colors, incorporating vibrant hues like red, yellow, and green. You might also see more geometric patterns influenced by Islamic art.
  • Design Motifs:
    • Portugal: Portuguese azulejos frequently depict geometric or floral patterns, as well as scenes portraying historical events, religious figures, everyday life, or landscapes. The blue and white palette often lends itself to a more detailed and intricate style.
    • Spain: Spanish azulejos can include geometric patterns, but they might also feature more abstract or stylized motifs. Scenes depicted could be religious, but also include themes from mythology or hunting scenes. The broader color palette allows for a bolder and more theatrical style.
  • Technique:
    • Both: Both countries primarily use the majolica technique, where a white glaze is applied to the tile first, and then the design is painted on top.
    • Spain: Spain may also incorporate the cuerda seca method, which uses a wax resist to create raised lines between different colored glazes.