Valentine's Day Wishlist 2025

 

With only a week until Valentine's Day you better hurry if you still have to find a suitable Valentine's Day gift! It's the thought that counts... so a gift doesn't have to be expensive if you ask me. Heart-shaped pasta can be just as nice as a bouquet of red roses. As long as you write a nice Valentine's Day card, give it your all, put in some TLC (tender loving care)... and make sure it's suitable for the object of your affection! In case you need some inspiration, here's my yearly Valentine's Day Wishlist:

My Heart raffia handbag by Mercedes Salazar:
My Heart Handbag

Heart-shaped plate in Cerise by Le Creuset:
Heart shaped plate

Formula 1 The Impossible Collection by Assouline:

Formula 1 Coffee Table Book

Heart-shaped chocolate by Venchi via De Bijenkorf:
Heart shaped chocolate

Chérie Ski Pully in Flame/Pink by Goldbergh: 

Ski Pully Goldbergh

Cast iron Heart-shaped Casserole in Berry By Le Creuset:

Heart-shaped casserole 

Love Lace Triangle Bralette in Hot Pink by Love Stories:
Love Lace Bralette

Carole Tanga Style Briefs in Hot Pink by Love Stories:

Tanga Style Briefs

Heart-shaped Pasta by Morelli via Dille & Kamille:
Heart-shaped Pasta

Sicily Is My Love Toaster by Dolce & Gabbana for Smeg via De Bijenkorf:
Dolce & Gabbana Toaster

Rouge Coco Lipstick in Lively by Chanel Beauty:
Chanel Lipstick

Brut Champagne by Ruinart via De Bijenkorf:
Ruinart Champagne

Heart Socks by Happy Socks:

Heart Socks

Holiday Season in Rome

Spending the holiday season in Rome is a dream! The Christmas trees and decorations are gorgeous, the weather is usually not very cold, the mood is festive... I can totally recommend going to the Eternal City in december. There's only one downside... it's gonna be super busy everywhere. But when you reserve your favorite places in time, it's definitely manageable.

At Piazza di Spagna (on the Spanish Steps) there is always a huge Christmas tree. The last few years this Christmas tree was sponsored and designed by Dior. The Dior store is actually at the bottom of the Spanish Steps and beautifully decorated as well. Just like all the other fashion stores! Rome can certainly compete with cities like London and New York in regard to Christmas lights and decorations.

On top of the festive mood, the big advantage of going to Rome in december, is that you can have a drink or meal sitting outside! Most bars and restaurants have heated terraces. One of my favorite places to enjoy an outdoor aperitivo is Vitti in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. The pretty square is frequented by the well-heeled locals, so if you enjoy people watching, you know where to go. 

Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina is the perfect start to go Christmas shopping in Via di Campo Marzio and Via della Maddalena. In this upscale area you'll find stores like Borsalino, Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, Campo Marzio 70 (beauty store) and more.

A store that I like a lot, any time of the year, is Chez Dede. Located in the beautiful Via di Monserrato, it's heaven for vintage lovers. Chez Dede sells anything from vintage furniture to jewelry, from home decor to fine art. If you're looking for a special gift, this is the place to be.

While you're there, stop by Forno Monforte for a coffee, glass of wine or mouthwatering pastry! You'll find this cosy bakery in Via del Pellegrino, close to Campo dei Fiori. Forno Monforte sells twenty tipes of bread, delicious pizzas, pastries and snacks.

In Rome there are so many bars, restaurants and hotels... it's really "l'imbarazzo della scelta"... you'll be spoilt for choice! I do have a few favorites though, restaurant Pacifico Roma in Hotel Palazzo Dama is one of them. For lunch you can choose from an internationally oriented menu, for dinner it's -mainly- Nikkei cuisine such as ceviche, tiradito and tacos. This boutique hotel is so chic, you probably don't want to leave. (In summer you can lounge by the pool!)

Another amazing hotel that I discovered the last time I was there, is Palazzo Roma in Via del Corso. It's located inside an aristocratic palace from the 1800s. The interior decorating is exquisite! Oh and don't even get me started about the epic bar...!!!

Besides shopping, walking around the city, enjoying good food and drinks, there are of course so many beautiful museums and historic sites in Rome that you can visit. I absolutely love the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi fountain, Villa Borghese, the Trastevere neighbourhood.... oh it's just too much to mention!