Designer Q & A

A CONVERSATION WITH
SUSAN GRAVELY

Founder and creative director of VIETRI

GWYNN’S: Your journey with VIETRI began with a magical trip to Italy. What inspired your very first collection, and how does it reflect your continued passion for Italian craftsmanship?

SUSAN GRAVELY: As you may know, during that magical trip to Italy with my mother and sister, we stayed at the Il San Pietro Hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Everything about this hotel was just beautiful - from the deep bougainvillea hanging from the ceiling, to the brightly painted local art, and a flower filled garden overlooking the sea. One of the most memorable parts of our trip was having dinner in the hotel dining room. The room was aglow with light reflecting off the sea, and the tables were covered in peach-colored tablecloths with crisp white napkins and a few springs of draping bougainvillea in vases. What especially took our eye, however, was the array of colorful plates on each table. The plates shared a gentle, ruffled edge and a similar palette of cheerful, Mediterranean hues, each adorned with a different design - flowers, animals, fruits, and more. It was like nothing we’d ever seen before and we were so taken with this dinnerware! When asked about its origin, our waiter explained that each plate was handpainted by local artisans in the nearby town of Vietri Sul Mare, and he asked if we would be interested in visiting the factory - so off we went the next day! We spent our first full day at the factory, watching the artisans bring these plates to life with their hands and paintbrushes. It completely transformed how we saw dinnerware and we knew not only would we bring this collection back to America, but we knew that the Italian craftsmanship we were witnessing was going to be an integral part of our journey moving forward. The artistry and incredible craftsmanship used by the Italian artisans we work with is the most important part of the products we create. Every collection has a unique story behind it.

GWYNN’S: Which pieces in your signature Holiday Lastra collection stand out the most to you, and what makes them special?

SUSAN GRAVELY: Lastra Holiday is one of my very favorite collections. In Italy, the handpainted design of the red birds perched on the fir trees signifies that someone loves you and is thinking of you. What better collection to use during the holiday season with such a beautiful message behind the design?My favorite pieces in the Lastra Holiday collection are tied to traditions I find special during the season:I have some family recipes I make every year during the holidays, like my great grandmother’s hot milk layer cake and chocolate icing. I’ve been making this recipe since I was a little girl and still love to make it for my friends and family and display it on the Lastra Holiday cake stand. I often have a standing invitation for friends to drop by for a glass of wine or a simple supper during the holidays and I love to set out little bites like my friend Xenia’s recipe for Crostini Al Cavolo Nero (Tuscan Kale Crostini) on the Lastra Holiday Round Platter. For Christmas Eve, a favorite dish of ours is the Roasted Leg of Lamb which makes a gorgeous presentation on the Lastra Holiday Handled Rectangular Platter.

GWYNN’S: Could you tell us about a holiday tradition you cherish?

SUSAN GRAVELY: Our family always gathers together on Thanksgiving for a potluck dinner, each person bringing a favorite family dish and enjoying the meal together. After the feast, I set the mood for the upcoming season by giving everyone a little holiday gift. I buy the same thing for everyone, and everybody opens their gift at the same time. I think it’s a nice way to get everyone into the holiday spirit and officially kick off the Christmas season!

GWYNN’S: How do you bring the festive spirit into your home during the holidays, and do you incorporate any special touches?

SUSAN GRAVELY: During the holidays, I am always eager to be with the people I love and create some Italian magic around the table. When Bill and I entertain, we delight in discussing the important aspects of a gathering, from the seating arrangement that will best encourage conversation to the courses that will best feature the season’s freshest foods. Our menus always include some Italian dishes, along with a few of my Southern favorites. I love to bring special accents from the outdoors inside by adding fresh flowers from the garden or greenery around the table.

GWYNN’S: Do you have a favorite holiday decorating or style tip that you love to share during the festive season?

SUSAN GRAVELY: I love to mix and match my holiday dinnerware to create a festive table and keep things light and fun! I’ll mix my great grandmother’s china with new VIETRI pieces, pull out antique linens to mix with Old St. Nick or Lastra holiday, combining old and new, patterned and simple designs - I like to get creative! I love to have our Christmas tree decorated with a mix of our heirloom ornaments and handmade treasures we’ve picked up during our Italian travels. Having my home be cozy, warm, and welcoming to guests throughout the season is very important to me.

GWYNN’S: Can you share a favorite holiday memory or moment that holds a special place in your heart, perhaps something that influenced your designs?

SUSAN GRAVELY: I don’t know that there is one specific memory that sticks out! My life has just been filled with so many years of family celebrations and Christmas dinners, Christmas Eve cocktail parties and holiday teas. Memories from my childhood paired with my time spent in Italy has taught me so much about creating memories and establishing traditions. I’ve learned that a simple meal at home is more delicious with ingredients hand-selected from the market; a cocktail hour feels more elevated with heirloom, mouthblown glassware. A party is made magical by candlelight. These small yet thoughtful touches are just the tip of the iceberg of what I’ve learned during my time in Italy, and they all make everyday life feel more special.

GWYNN’S: What do you enjoy most about showcasing your collection at Gwynn's of Mt. Pleasant, and how does it align with VIETRI's brand values?

SUSAN GRAVELY: Gwynn’s holds a special place in my heart because we have been partners for so many years and like VIETRI, Gwynn’s is a family business that has continued to grow and evolve over the past several years. Gwynn’s strives to provide the highest quality products with the best possible service, just as VIETRI does. I’m so grateful for our partnership and look forward to many more years ahead!

GWYNN’S: What’s next for VIETRI?

SUSAN GRAVELY: Oh my goodness what a question! VIETRI has grown so much over the past 41 years and I know that there is such a bright future ahead for us. I am working on my second book, “Italy in a Glass”. I am continuing to scour Italy for more inspiration and unique designs, and we are about to launch our first ever hospitality line!

Discover the Vietri collection on Gwynns.com