Features and types
A.L.E Import works exclusively with clear glass, available in sharp geometric shapes or more elaborate forms. The result is a versatile range that adapts to formal ceremonies and creative decorations. Here are the main categories in the catalogue.
Bonbonnières and confetti holders in glass
This is the heart of the A.L.E Import offer. You'll find cylindrical, spherical and cup-shaped containers in different heights, designed to hold confetti or become the bonbonnière itself to give to guests. Among the available formats: the Cylindrical Glass Confetti Holder (from H115 mm to H340 mm), the Sphere Bonbonnière with cover (H260 mm, D250 mm) and the Martini Cup Glass as a bonbonnière (H400 mm, D250 mm). Each size has dimensions stated in millimetres, useful for calculating the amount of Maxtris confetti to insert.
Glass cake stands
The A.L.E Import cake stands are ideal as centrepieces for the reception or as support for cakes and biscuits on the buffet table. They range from theCake stand H100 mm D160 mm to the wider version H140 mm D260 mm, all in clear glass, to be matched with any table linen.
Decorative vases
Alongside ceremony items, A.L.E Import includes cylinder and cup vases for everyday décor. The New York Cup Vase (H60 cm, D23 cm) is among the largest formats in the catalogue and suits important floral arrangements. The Hot-cut Cylinder Vases (H150 mm and H200 mm, D100 mm) are more compact, ideal for single flowers or decorative branches.
Glass centrepieces and plates
The line also includes the Vintage style glass centrepiece (D18 cm, H6.5 cm) and the Star Glass Plate (D18 cm and D25 cm), both clear, to use as a base for arrangements or as standalone elements on the table.
Candle holders
The A.L.E Import candle holders cover table and floor formats: from the small Cylinder Candle Holder H80 mm D90 mm to the Candle Holder H350 mm D120 mm and the tall Candle Holder H270 mm D130 mm. They are in smooth glass, suitable for standard cylindrical candles and easily available commercially.
How to choose
By type of ceremony
For a wedding or a communion, the clear glass cups and bonbonnières from A.L.E Import work well both filled with confetti and left empty with a ribbon. The catalogue offers compact formats (H115–H150 mm) for adult guests and larger sizes (H300–H360 mm) for couple bonbonnières or to display on the central cake stand.
For a christening, the Star Plate and the Glass Shoe Bonbonnière (H135×L115 mm) are classic, immediate and recognisable choices as a symbol. Pair them with Maxtris confetti for christening to complete the package.
For reception table decoration
If you're decorating the reception tables, you can use the cake stands as a base for cakes or flowers and place cylindrical confetti holders alongside as place cards. The clear glass is neutral: it matches white, ivory and natural tones without colour clashes.
For home decoration
The A.L.E Import vases and centrepieces are not just for ceremonies. The New York Cup Vase, the glass sphere and the hot-cut cylinders are also used as everyday décor items, to be filled with dried flowers, twigs or decorative balls. For further inspiration on home décor objects, explore the entire offering on L'Arcolaio.
FAQ
Which occasions are suitable for A.L.E Import bonbonnières?
The A.L.E Import catalogue covers weddings, christenings, communions and confirmations. The available shapes — cylindrical, spherical, cup, shoe — adapt to different ceremonies. For a wedding, medium-sized cup or cylinder formats are usually preferred; for a christening, the shoe bonbonnière is an immediate choice.
Are the confetti holders compatible with standard confetti?
Yes. The internal dimensions of the A.L.E Import cylindrical confetti holders and cups (with diameters between 90 mm and 250 mm) are calibrated to hold standard-size confetti. You can browse the selection of Maxtris confetti available on L'Arcolaio to find the variety best suited to your occasion.
Are A.L.E Import products made of solid glass or blown glass?
According to the catalogue, it is worked clear glass, with some items listed as "optical glass" (such as the Optical Glass Confetti Holder H400 mm D225 mm) and others as "hot-cut glass" for the cylinders. They are not listed as handcrafted blown glass, so it is industrially worked glass.
Where can I find other ceremony items on L'Arcolaio?
In addition to A.L.E Import, on L'Arcolaio you'll find the Ale Import line with additional decorative glass items, and the Star Import Italy offering for related ceremony and event accessories. The L'Arcolaio homepage brings together all available categories.
How do you clean A.L.E Import glass products?
The clear glass is washed with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. For confetti holders with scalloped edges or cup shape, it is recommended to use a soft brush to reach the recesses. Dishwasher washing is not recommended, unless the individual product specifies otherwise on the packaging.