Here at Fiorelli we want to celebrate International Day of Friendship this year. We value the support and empowerment that encapsulates friendship and think it’s only right to make a fuss of the occasion and share it with our lovely Fiorelli family. We are delighted to have teamed up with the UK’s first book and wine subscription box, Words With Wine, to bring you an exclusive competition we think you’re going to love.

Anna Smith created Words With Wine whilst reminiscing in lockdown about the book club and wine club she used to attend. Missing the community aspect of both clubs and never straying far from her go to wine or book genre, she decided to combine the two and create the UK’s first wine and book subscription club, which is where Words With Wine was born.

The mission at Words With Wine is to encourage wine and book lovers to try different wines and read genres they might not choose for themselves, all while supporting new authors, small wine regions and independent suppliers.

Lockdown took away our ability to connect and socialise with friends and family and Words With Wine made that possible in a virtual format. Here at Fiorelli we believe that so many enjoyable conversations and moments come from chatting about books with friends over a glass of wine, and Words With Wine brings that to life which is why we love this small business so much.

How does Words With Wine work?

1. You choose your subscription which can be monthly, bi-monthly or a one-time purchase such as a gift box or special occasions gift box
2. Words With Wine will send you a book, full-size bottle of wine, along with information on the book and author and tasting notes for your wine
3. What’s in the box is a secret until it arrives!
4. Head to the online book club to discuss with other members

A message from the Founder

“At Words With Wine, my biggest mission is to get everyone to indulge in a little more self-care and relaxation. What better way to look after yourself and relax than to spend time with friends chatting about your latest book over a bottle of wine. You’ll need something stylish to take that book and bottle of wine to meet your friends, and nothing is more perfect than a Fiorelli handbag.”

When is the International Day of Friendship 2022?

This year it falls on Saturday on 30^th July which is ideal as it means you can get together with friends over the weekend and spend quality time together doing something you love. Whether that’s shopping, a walk in the park or simply chatting over a glass of wine, we love the idea of taking the time to celebrate this day with your nearest and dearest.

What is International Day of Friendship?

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. It has now been widely adopted as a day to celebrate all friendships, and after a pandemic filled with isolation lots more people are likely going to celebrate this day, however big or small.

How to celebrate International Day of Friendship?

Celebrating doesn’t have to involve something special and extravagant, it can be as simple as taking time to reflect and think about what you value in a friendship and reaching out to the people you appreciate and telling them why. If you do fancy a more social form of celebrating then of course getting together with friends has the perfect place in the calendar this weekend.

What makes friendship important?

We spoke to some of Fiorelli HQ to learn a little bit more about what friendship means to them and what they value about their friends. Here’s what they had to say:

Amber Osbourne, DTC Operations Coordinator

"Friendship is a mutual investment of your time and affection in someone that you trust and value. Friends have similar interests and values and are people that you can have fun with whatever you’re doing and wherever you are. They are always there to support you. Friends are family that you choose.

I love that my friends and I all have similar interests and values even though we come from different backgrounds and paths. We’re a mutual support system for each other and always check in on each other when things are tough. I love that even when were busy we make time for each other whether just to chat on the phone or go out and have fun!"

Holly Tebbutt, DTC Trading Manager

"Friendship is all about being there and supporting each other.  Celebrating all the highs that life has to offer, sharing an experience together and making memories which last a lifetime.  Then equally, being there for each other through the tears offering a hug, sitting in silence or bringing round the ice-cream for the perfect rom-con movie. Friendships are very special!

My friends are all fabulous in their own special ways and I love that about them. When we all come together it’s such fun with so many laughs to be had. Making memories and capturing all their smiles is the best!"

Nicole Cottrell, Digital Marketing Manager

"For me friendship means being able to be unapologetically myself and being accepted and loved for it. As I’ve gotten older my friendships have become even more valuable. Having people in my life I can confide in and also fun with is really important. Life can get crazy busy but real friends are the ones who check in, always.

It's really cool that all my friends are happy and successful on their own individual paths but we support and encourage each other always. We are all each other's biggest cheerleaders and I wouldn't have it any other way."

How to enter the competition

This competition is being run on our Instagram page and is open until 23:59PM on Saturday 30^th July. Simply like our competition photo, follow us and Words With Wine on Instagram and tag your bestie in the comments and tell us why you appreciate them. For an extra entry, share the post to your story and tag us and Words With Wine. Full Competition Terms and Conditions can be found here:. Good luck!