Hi, I'm Thea.
I'm an American that moved to Italy way back in 2003. I use my years of experience in Italia to help you realize your dream of living in Italy.
Are you looking for extra Christmas spirit this year?
Perhaps you had to cancel the trip to Italy that you had been planning for months?
Or maybe you just love all things Italy and you want more?
Then A Very Merry Italian Christmas is exactly what you need!
2020 has thrown more changes at us than I think any of us could ever have imagined. And as the cooler weather rolls in, we’re spending a lot more time at home than usual.
So, I decided to bring the holiday joy to you in the safety and comfort of your own homes with a series of FREE Italian Christmas workshops!
These workshops will:
show you how to make some of Italy’s most mouthwatering, festive Christmas dishes
let you travel from home to learn about some of Italy’s most magical Christmas traditions, and
fill your heart with festive joy
Wouldn’t it be nice to take part in such a wonderful community event? Watch with your family or take a moment for yourself to enjoy this unique Christmas experience.
For a full list of workshops, and to get notified when they’re about to start, make sure to sign up!
Doing Italy’s Very Merry Italian Christmas FREE Workshops include:
SATURDAY - DEC. 5
ARTISAN PANETTONE WITH BONFISSUTO
The Bonfissuto brothers, Giulio and Vincenzo, both have experience working in catering and restaurants, but their true passion lies in Sicilian sweets. So, they decided to start a Pasticceria together that would pay tribute to Sicily’s ancient pastry traditions, without being afraid to alter longstanding recipes or try something new. The Bonfissuto brothers also pay homage to the region’s by using some of its most famous products, like chocolate from Modica, pistachios from Bronte, and almonds from Avola.
(Instagram Takeover)
SUNDAY - DEC. 6
SANT’AMBROGGIO AND CHRISMAS IN MILAN WITH GIACOMO ZAVATTIERI OF MILANOARTE
Together with Antonella Fuga, Giacomo is the the co-founder of MilanoArte, which specializes in high quality cultural services. Giacomo studied in Parma and graduated in Conservation of Cultural Heritage with Dr. Arturo Carlo Quintavalle, one of the greatest Italian experts of Medieval Art.
As a tour leader and tourist guide in Milan, Monza, Brianza and Varese, he loves history and I has a crush on the Middle Ages. Giacomo also worked at the Handel House Museum in London, but his nostalgia for Milan and its cuisine brought him back home.
MONDAY - DEC 7
RISOTTO WITH PORCINI MUSHROOMS FOR CHRISTMAS WITH THEA DUNCAN
For many risotto seems like a really difficult dish to make. But with a few tips and tricks it can be as easy as boiling water. In this workshop Thea will show you how.
TUESDAY - DEC 8
CHRISTMAS IN VENICE WITH ROMENA BRUGNEROTTO
Culture blogger and a registered tour leader specializing in groups that speak English, Spanish and Italian. Romena also has a degree in Beni Culturali (Cultural Hertitage). She’ll be showing you around her hometown of Venice.
WEDNESDAY - DEC 9
A WARM CHRISTMAS WITH HER “VOV” (THE ITALIAN EGGNOG) WITH THEA DUNCAN
Vov is the Italian version of eggnog. Originally from the Veneto region its made with deliciously sweet marsala wine.
THURSDAY - DEC 10
“UNDERWATER CHRISMAS” IN TELLARO WITH THEA DUNCAN
Tellaro is a coastal village in Liguria that is considered on of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy. It’s also near and dear to my heart because it’s the village where my husband is from. Throughout the year, village inhabitants organize various activities and festivals, but natale subacqueo (Underwater Christmas) is without a doubt my favorite.
On Christmas Eve villagers place hundreds of handmade lumini (candles) all over the winding medieval streets and on the rocky coast line, and there’s more
friday - DEC 11
christmas around Italy WITH THEA DUNCAN
Over on Instagram (IG stories), I’ll be sharing some of my favorite most romantic images of Italy over the holidays.
saturday - DEC 12
artisan nativities scenes from naples with claudia Comella
Originally from Naples, Claudia is passionate about her cities culture and tradition. She’s be sharing details the stunning work by Giovanni Giudice of Bottega Ferrigno.
sunday - DEC 13th
pandolcini genovesi with Thea duncan
Pandolce (sweet bread) made with raisins, candied oranges, and pine nuts is a typical treat in Liguria over the Christmas holidays. There’s a “tall” and a “short”, we’ll be making the short version and shaping them into pandolcini (little sweet breads)
Monday - DEC 14th
“The enchanting spell of Christmas in Capri and the amalfi coast” with francesca del vecchio
Francesca is an art historian, professional tour guide and a talented story teller. Francesca Del Vecchio is an art historian and a licensed professional tour guide, who also specializes in museum education and art communication. After studying for a Degree and a Master in Art History at the University of Naples – with a thesis on Museum Education in British Museums - she started her career as a manager to Cultural Heritage in Campania Region. Her company, Itinera, has achieved since 1995 several goals, including the managing of the Education Department of leading cultural sites in Naples (the San Carlo Opera House, the Royal Palace, the Santa Chiara Museum Complex). She’ll be enchanting us with her knowledge and skills!
Tuesday - Dec. 15th “The Lights of Turin” With stefano Ricca
wednesday - Dec. 16th “Christmas in Modica, sicily” With Giulia Pedrotti of body vibes Yoga
thursday - Dec. 17th “Cocchi for Christmas” With Roberto Bava
Friday - Dec. 18th “homemade tortellini in brooth” With Sarah ubertaccio OF QB CUCINA
SATURDAY - Dec. 18th “Christmas APERITIVO” (ALCOHOLIC and non ALCOHOLIC beverages and little nibbles to match) With MARIE AND LORENZO OF AUTHENTIC TUSCANY
AND stay tuned there’s more to come!!
(WE’RE ADDING A SUNDAY BONUS!!!)
SIGN UP NOW TO GET NOTIFIED OF ALL THE TIMES AND zoom LINKS
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE workshop
“That was fantastic - listening to Giacomo's lovely presentation about Milanese Christmas traditions! Looking forward to future presentations.”
- Michelle B
“Absolutely loved it. Almost forgot and missed the first bit but thank you sooooo much”
- Sume H
But what if you missed out on a workshop you really wanted to take part in?
Or you want to watch your favorite cooking demonstration once more to get that dish just right?
Perhaps you’d like to have access to these wonderful, joyous workshops all year round?
Become a Very Merry Italian Christmas VIP!
That’s right, for $57 you’ll gain lifetime access to all of the Very Merry Italian Christmas Workshops!
UPGRADE TO VIP recordings NOW
$57
A Christmas Treat You Can Really Feel Good About
In the spirit of the holidays, 100% of net proceeds from A Very Merry Italian Christmas will be donated to the World Central Kitchen.
The World Central Kitchen is an incredible non-profit working tirelessly to solve hunger and poverty. They don’t just provide nutritious meals to people in need, they empower communities and strengthen economies for a long-term solution. It seems only right to give back and spread the Christmas cheer as far as it can go, and I’m so excited to support a wonderful organization while bringing holiday cheer to homes around the world.
So, what are you waiting for?
It’s time to start the merrymaking – Italian style!
Sign up here to learn about all the Very Merry Christmas Italian workshops available.
Not to mention, if you upgrade to VIP Membership, you won’t just get lifetime access to the workshops…
You’ll also gain access to some wonderful Italian Christmas bonuses!
Bonus #1
Only available to the first 50 people to sign-up! Don’t miss out!
A SPECIAL playlist of Italy’s most famous songs to get you into the Italian spirit!
I’ve compiled a list of some of Italy’s favorite classic songs from the 50s, 60s & 70s – the kind of songs that see whole Italian bars leap into song when they come on the radio. You won’t want to miss this!
Bonus #2
A movie list filled with ItalIAN Christmas films
Take a moment to escape from daily life and lose yourself in some hilariously wonderful Italian Christmas movies. Not only will these movies bring back that Christmas cheer, they’ll also take you on a virtual tour of Italy, seen through the eyes of Italy’s filmmakers.
A Christmas Treat You Can Really Feel Good About
In the spirit of the holidays, 100% of net proceeds from A Very Merry Italian Christmas will be donated to the World Central Kitchen.
The World Central Kitchen is an incredible non-profit working tirelessly to solve hunger and poverty. They don’t just provide nutritious meals to people in need, they empower communities and strengthen economies for a long-term solution.
It seems only right to give back and spread the Christmas cheer as far as it can go, and I’m so excited to support a wonderful organization while bringing holiday cheer to homes around the world.
So, what are you waiting for?
It’s time to start the merrymaking – Italian style!
Sign up here to learn about all the Very Merry Christmas Italian workshops available.
And make sure not to miss any of our fun-filled workshops and get your VIP Membership now!
Ciao, I’m Thea!
The first time I came to Italy was in 2003 to study abroad in a little town called L’Aquila, about an hour from Rome. It was love at first sight, and I couldn’t stop myself from coming back. I spent 2 months studying Italian amongst Florence’s dreamy laneways, and then I received my master’s degree at Bocconi, a globally renowned Italian University in cosmopolitan Milan.
As was bound to happen, I also met and married the Italian love of my life, Diego. We now have a beautiful son, Lorenzo.
I love Italy and Christmas and Italy, so with my “A Very Merry Italian Christmas” I figured… “Wouldn’t it be great to combine the two?”.
AS SEEN ON
