August 7, 2015

fun with chalk ink



A new discovery that I have recently made lately are Chalk Ink Markers.  They are basically chalk in marker form.  Chalk Ink takes your chalk board to a whole other level.  

With them you are able to create beautiful lettering, so it makes them perfect for party menus, decorating furniture and walls, labeling items, place settings… 

the possibilities are endless!  Here’s a little inspiration…. 














ciao! fabiana

August 6, 2015

setting the table, italian style





Setting a table Italian style is so easy! Today, I gathered some olive and bay branches from my garden, plus a few sprigs of lemon verbena for the amazing aroma, and used them all as a backdrop for a few colorful and fresh lemons. 

I chose to use these colorful melamine plates from Pottery Barn as salad plates, and the beautiful ivory plates are vintage Wedgwood. 

Both plates sit on rustic raffia place mats from Ikea. These place mats add just the right amount of texture!  Now we are ready for our dinner guests… cosi facile! (So easy!) 
  









ciao! fabiana



💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 

You can check it out here, at Tablescaping Essentials.


fluff and fold


Doing laundry with style!
Which one would you choose?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It’s a tough choice,
but my favorites are 1 and 6.

I love laundry room number 1 for style and color,
but I have been in laundry room number 6,
which  belongs to my friend Heidi and was 
featured on the Newport Harbor Home Tour.

It is an upstairs laundry room and has a great 
gift wrapping station in there as well.

For more on this home, visit Waverly.



ciao! fabiana

August 5, 2015

sugar and spice


A kitchen’s main purpose is for cooking, after all, isn’t it?  I love how these kitchens all have spices and baking ingredients all readily available and on display.  It makes it so much easier for the cook!  







ciao! fabiana


photo credit:
Country Living
Apartment Therapy
Better Homes & Gardens
Traditional Home
Elle Decor

August 2, 2015

entertaining alfresco


some of my favorite tips... 

*Greenery from the garden and candles are the perfect combination for setting an outdoor table.  Bring out some interesting accessories from indoors to add ambiance.

*Have fun with your seating, your chairs do not all need to be the same. 

*Decide whether you want your dinner to have a rustic feel or a more elegant feel as you plan your gathering.

*Set the mood with creative candle light and globe lights hung above the table.

*Keep the surroundings simple and focus on your beautiful table. 

*Save yourself lots of return trips to the kitchen by staging a pretty table near your dinner table with the things you might need during your meal, such as extra water and wine, linens, and condiments.

*Cold food is often an easier choice than hot food, unless you have a barbecue or warming pad near to the table. Salads, sliced vegetables, fruit, pasta, and cheeses work well for alfresco dining.



ciao! fabiana


photo credit: this old house.

August 1, 2015

heirloom tomato bruschetta


We're growing heirloom tomatoes in the garden this year for the first time, and, oh my goodness, they are amazing!  Here is my favorite and easy go-to recipe that’s even really good for breakfast!    

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ripe & firm heirloom tomatoes, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
red pepper flakes, to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
 

Let this mixture sit for at least an hour and serve on slices of toasted rustic Italian bread.


ciao! fabiana


photo credit:  BH&G

dutch doors in the kitchen


A kitchen door to the backyard is useful, but when you make it a dutch door, you have a whole other outlook on life!  Originally these stable doors or half doors were meant to keep animals out and children in, while providing some fresh air.  

Nowadays, they can still serve the same purpose, but for most of us, a dutch door is eye candy!  They are so charming and versatile, especially near the beach where you can enjoy the cool summer breeze.  






image 1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6

ciao! fabiana

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