No recipe today. And no restaurant, gelato, pizza or anything food related really.
Although you do need plates to eat off of, right?
Just sharing some very pretty ceramics I saw last week while I was in Deruta.
Deruta is a small town in Umbria, with about 300 different workshops that have been making glazed ceramics for hundreds of years. (See my out-of-print book for the longer story, or this post)
While there are an overwhelming number of places to go, I usually end up at Sberna. You know how you have your favorite vegetable vendor at the market? Or the hair dresser you’ve been loyal to for over a decade? Well, Sberna is where I usually go to get my ceramic fix.
Why? Over the years the family has definitely become good friends. So there’s that. But there is also the fact that even though Sberna makes the classic Deruta patterns with roosters, fruit and curliques, they also usually have something completely new and different each time I show up.
Like this pretty pattern inspired by 18th century designs.
To answer both of your questions. Yes. I did come away with several pieces for myself.
And yes (you know who I am talking to) I am going back to shop for presents.
And finally. To my sister. Yes, I know these are ceramics. And I realize they are blue. So you don’t have to worry. Something here is eventually coming your way. 
Sberna
Via Tiberina , 146
Tel: +39 075-971-0206
Lucky Jodi
Can’t wait!!
don’t think you bought enough for everyone on your list!! another trip…
While this is such a pretty and romantic look….
I am still looking for the frutta pattern from Deruta! The first photo in your piece on ceramic shopping quite a while ago! HELP! LOL..cannot get that pattern off my mind and cannot find it here in the US! Any help is appreciated….
The Frutta plates are also from Sberna in Deruta. You can contact them directly, they ship.
I know I say this every few months or so Elizabeth but I still have a little inner “yay” when I see your post in my inbox.
These are all completely gorgeous…
These are heavenly… love the colours, the textures and the design… xv
Lovely, thank you so much, Elizabeth, for the tip, what beautiful pieces. I’ve often been overwhelmed and even, sometimes, “underwhelmed” by Deruta for there’s simply so much choice it’s staggering. I’m definitely heading here next time I’m over that way.
My husband and I honeymooned in Italy in 2003. We spent our second week in Umbria,a friend took us to Sberna. We purchased a whole set of dinnerware (12 place settings). We spent a couple of hours mixing patterns and getting exactly what we wanted. Still use them everyday and love them just as much! Love your blog.
So gorgeous! I have fond memories of a day spent in Deruta and only wish now that I had bought more than I did! I have to go back.
I’d love a tea set like this, so vintage and beautiful!
I have been planning a trip to Deruta ever since I learned my great-grandfather was also named Francesco Sberna, though he was born in Sant’Agata di Militello (mid-1880’s) in Sicily. I will be visiting the Sberna store in October with some friends..We can’t wait to shop!!!
Sue Giallombardo Walker
Richardson, TX 75080