Rustan's celebrates Bella Patria

MANILA, Philippines - Exquisite taste and beauty embodied the very special workshop that was held at Rustan’s on June 30. In celebration of the Italian festival Bella Patria! Beautiful Motherland, the workshop revolved around the lovely styles of three outstanding personalities — Nena Vargas Tantoco, Daphne Oseña Paez and Leif- Erik Hannikainen.

The workshop was a journey throughout Italy as the three personalities put together Italian-themed table settings with their individual sense of style. Nena Tantoco’s table setting was a Tuscan approach, with trees, colors, and cheese. Dap,hne Oseña Paez’s was more of a Naples approach with a lot of items inspired by the sea. Erik Hannikainen’s was inspired by the “Northern Italian” feel.

The table setting of Nena Vargas Tantoco exemplified her personality as it showcased a playful yet caring character. Her table setting was furnished with San Marco plates and ceramics, OVO chairs and plate holders, Rustan’s Home’s candles, napkins, table runner, IVV glasses, and Tramontina utensils. Her table setting typified a motherly persona as she mixed a lot of earth colors and green plants. The overall ambience exuded feelings of familial warmth and comfort. The playful tone of the setting livens up any room as it manifests the childlike quality of Nena Vargas Tantoco.

Daphne Oseña-Paez with her Italian home setting

The table setting of Daphne Oseña Paez personified her great fashion sense and style. The San Marco ceramic plates, Herdmar utensils, Daphne Furniture, Pescarissi Art Deco, Murano chandelier and candleholders, Luigi Bormioli wine glasses, Hotel Line teacups, and OVO seashells were indeed a statement of her chic and stylish approach to decorating. Daphne’s furniture line, which is available at the home division of Rustan’s, was showcased at her table setting. Guests and workshop attendees indeed appreciated the brand for its remarkable and distinctive beauty.

The table setting of Leif- Erik Hannikainen illustrated his excellent taste. The overall impact of exquisite crystals, glasses, and a mirrored table epitomized world-class grandeur and beauty. Erik mixed brands in achieving an Italian-themed table setting with Ego glassware, San Marco Ceramics, Rogaska clear bowl, Cote Table glasses, Robbe & Berkin salt cellar, Luigi Bormioli & Rogaska, Richard Ginori plates, IVV centerpiece bowl and vase, Bourgie lamp, Magppie ice bucket, wine cooler, cocktail shaker, Lagostina utensils, and Bugatti racing car model with Jayland gasoline pump.

This workshop by Rustan’s was certainly a testament to beauty and style, the Italian way. De Longhi coffee stations were overflowing with excellent coffee and cappuccino for all the guests. Rustan’s Supermarket raffled off special Italian food baskets and Parmigiano Reggiano for the workshop attendees. The final touch of East Café and Benny’s Restaurant, in-house restaurants of Rustan’s Department Store and Rustan’s Supermarket, helped to enhance the great mood of the workshop.

Leif-Erik Hannikainen with his Italian home setting