ITALIAN FOLKLORE
DESIRES FOR CHRISTMAS NORDIC FAIRY-TALES
the Scandinavian charm the last three days of January
magazine winter nuances
LITTLE PLEASURE for a demanding taste
for a flawless dinner
ETERNITY TOP TASTES
an undeniable touch
KIMONO THE EAST
edited by É Magazine
The product story begins. Once the photo shoot phase is completed, the visual material is used to create eye-catching and high impact packaging that it’s at the same time clear and immediate. The packaging design is the key to communicate the best product peculiarities. Excélsa pays particular attention to the choice of materials and graphic solutions, creating packaging that not only protect the product but also enhance its aesthetics. To do this we need great synergy between Product Manager and Graphic Office but also knowledge of the available opportunities and wide dialogue with suppliers. Simultaneously, we developed catalogues and brochures, essential tools for fully and detailed coverage of the product range. These advertising materials are made with the same care and attention to detail as the photographs and they are designed to offer a clear overview of the wide range of products. Excélsa does not neglect anything and tries to tell its products in a dynamic, direct way and always in line with the trends.
The editorial staff
UNIQUE AND SHIMMERING textures
THE TABLE and its beauty
Chief Executive Officer ENRICO VIMERCATI
Managing Editor RAFFAELLO BACCEGA
Design and Copy SABRINA CITARELLA
Photography NICOLE GENONI
Product design: PAOLO METALDI, ELEONORA FOGATO
Research & Development: MARCO SALVATI, MARCO BUGA, BEATRICE ROCCO
Graphic and digital design: ELISA BALDON, CLARISSA POLI, ANDREA LONGHI
Excélsa stores:
Excélsa Mondovicino Outlet Village
Excélsa Vicolungo The Style Outlets
Excélsa Torino Garibaldi
Excélsa City Life Shopping District
Excélsa Scalo Milano
Excélsa Milano Stradivari
Excélsa Milano Belfiore
Excélsa Milano Cascina Merlata
Excélsa Franciacorta Outlet Village
Excélsa Orio Center
Excélsa Palmanova Outlet Village
Excélsa Bolzano
Excélsa Brugnato 5 Terre Outlet Village
Excélsa Sanremo
Excélsa Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets
Excélsa Valmontone Outlet
Excélsa Market Central Da Vinci
Excélsa Maximo Shopping Center
Excélsa Città Sant’Angelo
Excélsa Puglia Outlet Village
To discover the new openings follow us on
ANTICHI SAPORI
the last three days of
JANUARY
The coldest frost always precedes the warmth of rebirth because only through winter we can really appreciate the spring.
Anonymous the last three da ys
The 29th, 30th and 31st January are known to be the coldest days of the year and their name is linked to several legends and folk tales. The name comes from a legend that has several variants but all have a blackbird and the harsh winter climate as main characters. One of the most common versions tells that originally the blackbirds were birds with white plumage. During a particularly cold winter, a blackbird and its young sought shelter inside a fireplace to protect themselves from the frost. After three days, they had come out of hiding and turned black from the soot. From that moment, it’s said that all the blackbirds have dark plumage. The last three days of January are seen as the culmination of winter and the cold that is perceived in this period, symbolizes the end of the harsh winter period. According to the peasant tradition, if these days are particularly cold, spring will be mild and it will arrive soon; on the contrary, if they are relatively mild, the winter will last for a long time. They are a fascinating part of the Italian folklore with a strong link to nature and seasonal cycles. Although the climate may vary from year to year, this tradition remains alive and continues to be told, remembering the times when people tried to understand the natural world through stories and myths.
Geometries
essential shapes and colors, timeless design, minimalism, refinement
Even the table can become a work of art, where the plates, with their geometric patterns, seem to float on a canvas that dances between light and shadow. The black and white shapes are intertwined in a magnetic game of visual harmony, as if each plate was a fragment of an abstract dream.
The net lines and the soft curves capture the eye, guiding it through a journey of perfect symmetries and sharp contrasts. The addition of gold details and marble surfaces gives a touch of warmth and preciousness that breaks the monochrome with hints of discreet luxury.
This is a reference to geometric art and the trial of new materials that featured the first decade of the ‘900. This composition is not only an expression of style but a true sensory experience, perfect for environments where the art of living blends with the essence of design.
collection
Agorà
a delicate and elegant trend SIMPLICITY
A
MINIMAL
MISE EN PLACE:
a refined table with neutral colors that it s able to relax after a busy day. This tableware is suitable for all occasions and all tastes.
Martini a timeless charm
One martini is all right.
Two are too many, and three are not enough.
James Thurber
Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. It is synonymous of elegance and sophistication and it is often associated with James Bond or the glamorous New Yorker cocktail bars.
At the beginning the Martini was prepared with gin, sweet vermouth and bitter, a very different recipe from the modern version, in fact over the years, the cocktail has undergone many changes. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the recipe began to simplify and sweet vermouth was replaced by dry vermouth. In addition, the percentage of gin has increased making the cocktail drier and stronger. In the 1950s and 1960s, Martini reached the peak of fame mainly thanks to pop culture and the icon of James Bond who preferred it “agitato, non mescolato” (“shaken, not stirred”). Martini has always been considered a symbol of elegance and refinement and it is usually served in coneshaped glasses.
Today the Martini remains a classic of mixology and it is appreciated in both formal and casual context.
THE ORIGIN OF MARTINI
Its history is fascinating and rich in mystery since different versions overlap regarding its origin:
Martinez, California
One of the most well-known theories is that Martini originated from the town of Martinez, California in the 1860s. A gold digger, happy with the success of his venture, asked for a special drink to the bartender. His name was Jerry Thomas who made a cocktail with gin, vermouth, a touch of maraschino liquor, bitters and called it “Martinez”: this drink is considered the predecessor of modern Martini.
Martini & Rossi
Another theory links the name of the cocktail to the famous Italian vermouth brand, Martini & Rossi, founded in 1863. Some believes that the drink was created using the brand’s vermouth which gave the name to the cocktail.
Alice:
refined and surreal charm
It’s always tea time and during the breaks we don’t have time to wash the cups
The Hatter
collections Alice and Elisa rococò
Imagine sitting at a table where time seems suspended and reality dissolves in a succession of wonders. At the heart of this surreal experience, you can find a refined plate with a gold trim which glistens gently in the light as if it were imbued with enchantment. The elegant and almost hypnotic lines of the design call to mind a sense of perfection and luxury as if every details had been chosen to transport you to another world: the world of Alice in Wonderland. The real art lies in the ability to create an atmosphere that makes you lose your breath, transports guests to a place where fantasy takes over. To do this, each element must be treated with mastery, as if it were part of a work. The soft and golden lights, the delicate scents that mix in the air, the ringing of cutlery become part of the melody of a dreamlike afternoon. In Wonderland, the refinement is not only a luxury but also an experience that invites you to dream with your eyes open; it is an enchanted world where every detail tells a story and every moment becomes magic.
Playing cards was born in the East, it arrived in Europe in the 14th century and it found a new life in England becoming symbols of power, cunning and luck. Kings, Queens and Knaves assume an almost mythical aura representing not only the game but also the sophistication of a culture that it is expressed through details.
The dishes, with their delicate colors and designs, reminiscent of the Victorian English style and they become vehicles for this tradition celebrating the art of an era when time was marked by the afternoon tea and by the hands of cards played in the rooms of private clubs.
King, Queens
the timeless charm
and porcelain of English game
The timeless charm of playing cards intertwines with the elegance of English-style porcelain creating a refined dialogue between tradition and mystery. The dishes are decorated with intricate floral patterns and delicately scalloped edges that tell a story whose roots come from the nobility and gambling of the European courts. At the center of each plate, the figures of playing cards emerge majestic as protagonists of a secret drama: the King of Diamonds, austere and resolute, stands out on an ancient blue plate while the Knave of Hearts, with his elegant appearance, nestles in the red tones of fine porcelain.
The scene is featured by a casual elegance, a discreet but irresistible beauty that recalls English refinement where luxury is expressed in details and the game becomes a metaphor for life. Every card, figure and dish tells a story that belongs to the past but it still manages to enchant us like an ancient legend told by candlelight.
Bread cooker
and not only!
only one product but many preparations and of course perfect results!
Prepare the sauce with the meatballs and put the water to boil. Cook the pasta for 8 minutes. Preheat the oven static to 200°C. Add a first layer of pasta by adding all the meatballs and sauce. Add the béchamel, mortadella and parmesan. Put the last layer of pasta and cover everything with sauce. Place a few pieces of mozzarella and cheese as desired. Bake the product with lid at 180°C in static oven for 30 minutes. For a crispy gratin, at the end of cooking turn the oven to ventilated and remove the lid.
PIZZA METHOD
Prepare the dough and let it rise in the cooker with lid. When the dough is leavened, press it out with your fingers. Let rise for 3040 minutes directly into the base. At the end of rising, garnishing with
tomatoes and add the desired dressing. Bake in a static oven at 200°C220°C for about 15 - 20 minutes. When cooked, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients:
1 liter of sauce with meatballs
100 gr of parmesan cheese
70 gr of mortadella
400 gr of mozzarella
500 gr of tortiglioni BAKED PASTA RECIPE
collection Antichi sapori
The nutcracker
the Christmas keeper
With his solemn look and proud bearing, the Nutcracker guards a Christmas full of magic and traditions. It embodies the beauty of the holidays between lights and pastel colors.
The Nutcracker has become an iconic Christmas character with a symbolism that mixes tradition, protection ad magic. Its fame and connection with the holiday season are due mostly to the combination of European folklore and the famous artistic representation of “The Nutcracker Ballet” based on the story of E.T.A. Hoffman. Originally the nutcracker was a practical tool to break nuts, typically made of wood and decorated with human or animal likenesses. Its production originated in Germany, particularly in the mountainous regions of Saxony and Thuringia. Here, local craftsmen began to create elaborated shapes of nutcrackers often with appearance of soldiers, kings or knights. The folk tale wanted that the nutcracker was not only a kitchen tool but also a lucky talisman and a symbol of protection. It was believed that their threatening expression was used to keep evil spirits away.
The story of E.T.A. Hoffmann was published in 1816 under the title “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (“Nussknacker und Mausekönig”) and it made the nutcracker famous transforming it from a simple everyday object to a symbol of magic and adventure. In the story, a young girl called Clara receives as a gift a toy nutcracker which comes to life at night and leads her into an enchanted world where she fights against the king of mice and lives a series of fairy-tale adventures. The story was later adapted into a shorter version by Alexandre Dumas and in 1892, the Russian composer Pytr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky turned it into one of the most famous ballets in the history, “The Nutcracker”. This ballet is associated without any doubts to the Christmas period as it is often represented during the holidays. His music recalls the magical atmospheres and the ballet tells a dreamlike journey that it has become synonymous with Christmas magic and wonder.
Today the nutcracker is an ever-present Christmas decoration with stylized and colorful versions that adorn houses, shop windows and Christmas trees. His figure is synonymous with joy connected not only to the tradition of ballet and Christmas stories, but also to the sense of wonder that features the holiday season
collection
Xmas sweet pastels
collection
Hanami
Northern fairy-tales
among trolls, heroes, and timeless magic
a journey
collection
Le fil de Noel
Fairy tales from Northern Europe have unique, steeped in magic charm, wild nature and mythological creatures that inhabit worlds fascinating as much as mysterious. These tales have been transmitted orally for centuries and they are not just a means of entertainment but real windows into the culture and soul of the Scandinavian people. The lands of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland have inspired, with their majestic landscapes and harsh climate, fairy tales in which the relationship between man and nature plays a central role often with supernatural touch.
In Nordic fairy tales, nature is never just a background. Mountains, forests, rivers and glaciers are characters in their own right: hostile, mysterious and often with their own will. These inhospitable environments are not just places to cross, but also true symbols of the trials that the hero must face. Nature can be a friends or an enemy, but always a force to be respected. The harsh and unpredictable climate of North with its long winter nights and endless summer days is reflected in the tones of fairy tales. Dangers come not only from magical creatures, but also from the environment itself which requires courage and cunning to be tamed. Fantastic creatures populate these Nordic landscapes and perhaps the most famous ones are trolls. These beings, who inhabit caves and mountains, are described as large, brutal and quite stupid. They are formidable opponents for heroes but they are almost always defeated thanks to intelligence rather than physical strength. The troll is the symbol of wild and uncontrolled nature, a primordial world that humanity tries to conquer.
Alongside trolls we also find giants (jotun), a recurring figures in Nordic mythology who embody chaotic and destructive forces. They represent the most difficult challenges to face, both physically and morally, as they often test the hero’s courage and determination. Many Nordic fairy tales have their roots in Norse mythology which it is not surprising considering the ancient Viking tradition and epic sagas that populate the North. Magic pervades Nordic fairy tales , but it is never a force without consequences or easily controlled. Witches, shamans and wizards can cast spells or create magical items but everything comes with a price. The magic in these stories represents the
hidden power of nature and the invisible forces that govern the world and the use of supernatural powers always entails consequences, often unpredictable. A central theme of these fairy tales is the triumph of intelligence over brute force. The main characters are often young poor or orphaned boys who must overcome impossible tests or fight supernatural creatures. A classic example is the character of Askeladden (also known as “the boy with the ashes”), a typical figure in Norwegian fairy tales. Although initially Askeladden was considered the weakest and laziest among his brothers, he uses his cunning to overcome obstacles and obtain great rewards. Nordic fairy tales influence modern culture through literature and cinema. The appeal the stories with trolls, giants and cunning young heroes lies in their ability to connect the real world to the magical one. These stories speak of universal challenges, courage, hope and fight against hostile forces whether natural or supernatural. Thanks to their wild landscapes and mysterious creatures, the fairy tales remind us the importance of keeping the connection with the world and facing every challenge with intelligence and determination. As in Askeladden stories, even today we can find in intelligence and wisdom the strength to face life’s challenges.
Christmas wishes
Christmas: joyful vibes and time spent with beloved!
Here are some ideas to make the table special during holidays
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS the folklore that warms up
VINTAGE TOYS the joy of Christmas
TRADITION the Christmas essence
JOYFUL VIBES passion for gnomes!
NORDIC simplicity and elegance
GOLD a classic and modern touch
BLUE a snowy peaks recall
Vintage Christmas
The table welcomes the little enchanted world of toys: look at the toy soldier with its proudly chest and a fiery look in his eyes and the rocking horse suspended in the air to look like a magical steed waiting for its rider. It’s a return to that vintage warmth that envelops everyone in a hug.
the folklore that warms up
collection Vintage Christmas
the joy of Christmas Vintage toys
The vintage and timeless flavor that excites adults and children with teddy bears in checkered bow ties, the flaming red wooden cars, the Christmas trains in the rooms cheering up the souls like a delicate melody and the retro air of the funny vintage robots who authoritatively observe the preparation of holidays. The bond between past and present lights up the atmosphere of magical Christmas.
collection Vintage toys
Timeless classics
For those who love a traditional Christmas where cinnamon sticks and pine twigs perfume the air while flickering candles illuminate the golden ornaments. Every detail tells the magic story of the holidays enveloping you in a timeless and elegant embrace.
the Christmas essence
collections Cinnamon and Christmas Eve
Joyful vibes
An enchanting dive in the fairytale world where every detail brings with it a pinch of magic. Small conical hats sprout between the dishes welcoming guests with a touch of warmth. The atmosphere is intimate and playful, as if a little guardian of the forest were hiding in every corner, ready to make you smile and enchant who sits at the table.
passion for gnomes!
collection Gnome sweet home
in the world Christmas
Imagine glittering red paper and gift bows as white as crystals, traditional decorations on the tree, delicious candy canes, the smell of snow in the air and fire essence while in the distance fairy woods and enchanting reindeer. The laid table, the welcoming atmosphere and a soundtrack made with sincere greetings and auspicious words that come from the heart.
collections Christmas Stamp and Holly Christmas
Refined Christmas timeless elegance
For a refined Christmas with refined and gold outlines that illuminate the table and black and white glasses that enhance the harmony of the holidays. Each dish becomes a work of art where essentiality meets luxury, enveloping guests in an atmosphere of pure class and Christmas magic.
collections Alice and Eternity
Gold Christmas
Each golden sparkle awakens precious memories, transforming the table and the atmosphere in a warm and bright embrace where Christmas becomes a moment of pure beauty and eternal enchantment. Everything is wrapped in an aura of elegance and warmth where every reflection tells the magic of the holidays and the heart beats with pure wonder.
timeless elegance
collections Elisa Rococò and Gold
Natale Gold
Golden lights dance like stars on the snow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, where time seems to stop to celebrate love and joy. In the golden glow, Christmas softly whispers promises of warmth and serenity, transforming every gesture into a precious gift
timeless elegance
collections Monochrome gold and Gold
Blue Christmas
The Christmas in blue brings a refined elegance where every detail lights up with a sophisticated and mysterious charm. Among the cold and crystalline lights, the shimmering shades of blue recall an atmosphere of wonder like a full winter snowy day.
shimmering shades
collections Northern Blue and Poseidone
Blue Christmas
The Christmas with oriental touch makes the table elegant and refined. The minimalist shapes and natural tones intertwine with the charm of the holidays, giving a sense of balance and serenity. The scents of incense and spicy tea envelope the environment transforming Christmas into an experience where every gesture has a symbolic meaning
an
oriental touch
collections Zen and Hanami
Gift ideas
It’s time for advices... but also for gift ideas!
Here are some ideas to make the holidays special.
PANETTONE PLATE for the perfect dessert
CENTERPIECE the key of the mise en place
MUGS lots of fun!
NUTCRACKER the utility after lunch
ACCESSORIES a must have for kitchens
COOKWARE for every taste
BAMBOO AND ACACIA a touch of nature
CUSHIONS & GADGET the semplicity that pleases
Panettone Plate for the perfect dessert
This gift idea is a tribute to Italian tradition, perfect for those who love to celebrate Christmas with style and taste. The plates are decorated with festive patterns and they enhance the beauty of the most iconic dessert of holidays transforming each slice into a small ritual of pleasure. It is a gift that combines aesthetics and functionality, making every moment at the table a special occasion.
collections Christmas stamp and Arabesque
Panettone Plate for the perfect dessert
The pleasure of serving panettone on dishes designed specifically for him and with decorations that recall the magic of Christmas. These dishes become not only a useful gift, but also a precious memory to bring out year after year, enriching the tables with a touch of elegance and tradition.
collections Vintage Christmas and Holly Christmas
the
key
of the mise
en place Center piece
A decorated centerpiece with classic elements such as pine cones, red berries and scented candles becomes the beating heart of each table, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is a gift that transforms every dinner into a moment of celebration, making conviviality even more special
collection Arabesque red
Mugs
lots of fun!
Giving a Christmas mug as a present means giving a moment of pause and relax, an invitation to enjoy the slow winter days. Each cup becomes a personal object, a festive touch that features quiet mornings or evenings with friends making every moment a little more special and magic.
collection Gnomo and Cortina
Mugs
lots of fun!
Each cup becomes a small masterpiece, ideal for making coffee breaks with friends and family more special. They are the perfect gift for those who appreciate conviviality and style, an object that will accompany the moments shared, making each sip an opportunity to savor not only the coffee, but also the enchanted atmosphere of Christmas.
collections Vintage christmas and Fall winter
utility and fun Nut cracker
Giving a nutcracker as a gift means giving a piece of tradition that lasts over time, a decorative element that you can find every year in the home, adding warmth and enchantment to holidays. It is a thought that combines practicality and meaning, transforming a simple object into a precious symbol of Christmas.
collections Renald and Squirrel
a must have for kitchens Accessories
Here there are some practical gifts full of festive spirit. They’re decorated with Christmas patterns and bring joy and warmth in the daily activities in the kitchen. These accessories transform the preparations for the Christmas in an even more special moment, adding a touch of joy also to the dishes.
collections Vintage Christmas and Gnomo
the simplicity that pleases Textile
Tablecloths and runners decorated with Christmas patterns transform every meal in a special occasion. They are a gift that brings refinement to conviviality, making every meeting at the table an even more festive moment. Every detail adds charm and personality to the magic of Christmas.
Collections Merry Christmas and Panama color
for every menu Cookware
A gift that combines beauty and convenience, ideal for creating traditional recipes to share with the family during Christmas. Each dish will have a more intense flavor, enriched with the magical holiday’s atmosphere making every meal an opportunity to celebrate the warmth and harmony that only Christmas can bring.
collections Le grand Chef and Smart Cuisine
Bamboo and Acacia
These tools with their rustic charm and the beauty of natural wood add a touch of authentic elegance to kitchens. They are perfect for serving and preparing holiday dishes and they are a gift that recalls care and attention to details.
un tocco di natura
the comfort that pleases Cushions
A cushions is a touch of softness and style, perfect to welcome friends and family in a carefully decorated environment. Each cushion becomes a detail that makes it difference, making winter evenings more relaxing and full of festive spirit, an invitation to slow down and enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Collections Vintage Christmas and Vintage toys
the simplicity that pleases Gadget
The lanterns are perfect for lighting a winter evening and they add a soft light that transforms every home corner into a refuge of serenity. They can be on a table or near the tree, they become a focal point which enriches the Christmas decorations bringing with it the charm of a Christmas that shines with warmth.
Collections White Dreams and White home
with currant and cinnamon Cocktail
This Christmas gin has a rich and spicy flavor with the fresh and slightly acific notes of currants balancing perfectly with the warm sweetness of cinnamon, This cocktail is perfect for creating holiday’s vibes!
INGREDIENTS:
• 500 ml of gin (preferably dry)
• 100 g of fresh red currants
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange (zest and juice)
• 1 tablespoon of cane sugar
• 1 rosemary sprig
1 - Wash the currant and orange zest well. Cut the orange zest into thin strips and squeeze out the juice.
2 - In a large, clean glass jar add the currants, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, orange juice and, if you desired, cane sugar. Pour over the gin, making sure the ingredients are completely submerged.
3 - Close the jar tightly and let the gin steep in a cool, dark place for at least 5-7 days. Shake the jar once a day to mix the flavors.
4 - After the infusion period, filter the gin through a fine strainer or gauze to remove solids. You can filter it a second time if you want a clearer liquid.
5 - Pour the gin into a clean bottle and close it again. The Christmas gin is now ready to be enjoyed!
You can serve this Christmas gin in a glass with ice garnishing it with an orange slice and a sprig of rosemary or with tonic water garnishing it with some fresh currants and a cinnamon stick
collection Mixology
COLLECTIONS
The collections:
AGORÀ p.14-15
ALBA p.48-49-50-51
ALICE p.20-21-43
ANTICHI SAPORI p.24-25
ARABESQUE p.47
ARABESQUE RED p.55-58-59
ARTISAN p.12-13
CHRISTMAS EVE p.37
CHRISTMAS STAMP p.40-54
CINNAMON p.36
CORTINA p61
DROPS p.44-50-51
ECO LIVING p.73
ELISA ROCOCÒ p.44
ETERNITY p.42
FALL WINTER p.63
GOLD p.15-16-45-46
GNOME SWEET HOME p.38-39
GNOMO p.60-67
GREEN LIVING p.16-48-49-50-51
HANAMI p.50-51
HOLLY CHRISTMAS p.41-57
I BARI p.22-23
LE FIL DE NOEL p.28
LE GRAND CHEF p.70
LUXOR p.12-13
MERRY CHRISTMAS p.68
MIXOLOGY p.18-76
MONOCHROME GOLD p.46
NEW YORK p.44
NORTHERN BLUE p.48
PANAMA COLOR p.69
POSEIDONE p.49
PRESTIGE p.48-49
REAL WOOD p.72
RENALD p.64
SHADOWS p.15-16
SOMMELIER p.44
SMART CUISINE p.71
SQUIRREL p.65
STONE p.15-16
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS p.32-33-56-62-66-75
VINTAGE TOYS p.34-35-74
WHITE DREAMS p.76-77
WHITE HOME p.76-77
XMAS SWEET PASTELS p.27
ZEN p.50-51
Advertising collections:
ALBA p.7
AMICA p.10
ANTICHI SAPORI p.11
COGNAC p.2
DIONISO p.6
ETERNITY p.3
KIMONO p.4
