a Peter Rabbit table in the veg garden

Many of us have grown up loving dear Peter Rabbit and many of the other adorable Beatrix Potter characters. 🐇

 

With Easter seeming to be on the far-off horizon for 2025, it’s not until April 20^th, it’s always fun to start planning ahead.

So today, I'm sharing a tablescape that is very dear to my heart... a Peter Rabbit themed table for Easter. 

 

I've taken some of my favorite aspects of this endearing and timeless story by Beatrix Potter and put my own spin on it.

For me, the jumping off point is the backdrop of my treasured vegetable garden.

 

How perfectly enchanting for this do be the place for Peter to do his frolicking in.

 

And check out these lovely blue and white Peter Rabbit transferware dishes that I recently found at Home Goods.

 

Isn't this the perfect spot for a little cup of chamomile tea? 🐰

 

This table is a mix of favorite English style items that I cherish, like this beautiful antique ironstone tea pot. 

A few little topsy-turvy terracotta pots add to the allure of Peter hopping to and fro on this table.

 

Ooooops! There’s the watering can! Could Peter be hiding in there?

Aren’t these ornamental cabbages delightful? I get them every year at Armstrong’s, and I’m always drawn to the bright, vivid pink and green color combinations that their leaves feature.

 

Did you notice the little bunny napkin rings? I found them here at Arthur Court. The pretty linen napkins are from All Cotton and Linen. 

 

For a slightly different set up in the veg garden, I’ve added a few little cupcakes with edible pansies for dessert.

The prettiest and most charming flowers in my garden right now are these Edible Pansies from Armstrong Garden Center. They can add that ‘wow’ factor to any plate.

 

This is my favorite way to add a little touch of the garden to a favorite dessert, and it couldn’t be easier than using something as simple as these mini store-bought cupcakes.

Pansies like this make it so easy to add fresh, edible blooms to your baked goods, salads and charcuterie, because they just keep blooming and blooming!

Pansies have a pretty mild flavor, and even if you’re not interested in eating them, you can still include these edible violas as a garnish.

Here are a few other beautiful ways to use fresh pansy flowers:

🌸Press them into soft cheeses

🌸Use them to garnish deviled eggs

🌸Bake them into tea cookies

🌸Make candied pansies

🌸Freeze them into ice cubes with other edible flowers

🌸Add to the top of a salad after tossing

 

 

 

 

In case you haven’t heard, I started a new Instagram page in October and named it Claudia Fabiana Home. My former page is still up, but after getting a new phone, I was no longer able to log into this account, so the new profile was born!

 

I hope you’ll follow along with me on Instagram for all the latest projects and décor I will be sharing in 2025.

 

 

 

ciao fabiana

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

 

 

You can check out some of my favorites here at “Tablescaping Essentials” 

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

a gorgeous new garden green tablecloth

It’s early morning in the breakfast room. I’m starting off the day with a few other new treasures on the table, and it’s an easy to put a big smile on my face!

Stop and take a peek at this gorgeous new Garden Green Tablecloth and Napkins from August Table. 

The look of these table linens is so cozy thanks to the fact that these are all 100% linen. The darling little stylized floral pattern is a classic.

 

Don’t you love the look of these wonderful new woven Safavieh farmhouse chairs? And there are also a few other goodies to share…

A pair of woven wicker glass vases in two complimentary sizes. These are so versatile for holding flowers, stems and even candles. Best of all, they look very pretty on their own too!

As a soothing backdrop, I just clipped a few eucalyptus branches to add a lovely bit of green to the room.

  

Freshly cut sprigs of kumquats add life to this little scene, not to mention a fun pop of color. The morning light in February is magical!

Check out these cute stoneware bowls from Antique Farmhouse. I love how they look with this Garden Green Tablecloth and round burlap placemats.

I have this same Garden tablecloth pattern in the yellow and gray tone that I love to style with lemons, but today I felt like a pop of orange from the kumquats would be fun!

Here’s another quick look at the new Garden Green tablecloth from August Table. Sometimes the simplicity of a simple white centerpiece is all you need to create a soothing look for the room.

 

A pair of white ironstone pitchers always come in handy, whether they’re holding some flowers from the garden or pouring your favorite iced tea. 

One of my favorite ways to serve Arnold Palmers is to have tea and lemonade in separate pitchers so guests create their own custom formula, over ice, with a sprig of mint!

 

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

 

 

You can check out some of my favorites here at “Tablescaping Essentials” 

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

pistachio shamrock cookies

 

Shamrock Cookies are not just a delightful treat but also come with a sprinkle of history and symbolism!

 

Shamrock cookies are typically associated with St. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated on March 17th. 

The shamrock itself is a three-leafed clover, which, according to legend, was used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the people of Ireland. Over time, the shamrock became a symbol of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day.

 

While shamrock cookies have Irish roots, their popularity as festive treats soared in the United States, where St. Patrick's Day is widely celebrated with parades, parties, and lots of green-themed foods. 

The cookies are often made in the shape of shamrocks and decorated with green icing and sprinkles. This recipe is a real gourmet upgrade!

Pistachio Shamrock Cookies are the most a delightful treat, especially for celebrating St. Patrick's Day! Here's a simple recipe from Better Homes & Gardens magazine for making these tasty and festive cookies.

St. Patrick's Day is bursting with delicious and festive treats! Here are of my other favorites, Including Irish Soda Bread which I make a lot. It’s not only a March treat, you know!

 

Irish Soda Bread: A traditional bread made with baking soda instead of yeast. It's often studded with raisins and caraway seeds. Check out my Soda Bread Recipe here.

 

Corned Beef and Cabbage: While not a "treat," it's a classic St. Patrick's Day meal in the U.S., often enjoyed with potatoes and carrots.

 

Shepherd's Pie: A hearty dish with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes baked to perfection. I make this every Christmas as well!

 

Potato Pancakes (Boxty): These crispy pancakes made from grated potatoes are a delicious savory treat.

 

Green Velvet Cake: A festive twist on the classic red velvet cake, usually adorned with green frosting. I must try this one!

 

 

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

an alfresco table that keeps on giving

 

Today has been the most amazing sunny February day! So perfect for a little alfresco table with all sorts of spring vibes! Blue and green Talelayo tablecloth and napkins from August Table.

 

So, I’m just sharing this little impromptu alfresco table. It’s an easy, breezy way to instantly set a beautiful table when you start with pretty table linens like this and then simply add your everyday tableware and a lovely bouquet of cottage garden flowers.

 

I'll be in the veg garden most of the day. The Rainbow Chard hasn't stopped since December, and I'll be making a delicious garlic and chard pasta for dinner tonight.

  

These flowers were all grown in our cottage garden and are just loosely arranged in a wicker basket to softly sway any which way the wind blows.

 

Shades of blue paired with crisp whites can evoke a coastal vibe. Think navy blue, turquoise, and seafoam green, complemented by white tableware and accents.

 

Creating a beautiful ambiance for your alfresco table can make your gathering truly special. Here are some ideas to elevate the atmosphere:

 

Lighting: String lights or fairy lights can create a warm, inviting glow. You could also use lanterns or candles for a cozy, intimate feel.

 

Decor: Add fresh flowers or greenery as a centerpiece. You can even place small potted plants or herbs around the table.

 

Table Setting: Use a tablecloth or table runner to add a splash of color or texture. Pretty napkins, nice dinnerware, and elegant glassware can all make your setup feel more special.

 

Comfort: Provide comfortable seating with cushions or throw blankets, especially if the evening might get cool.

 

Music: Soft background music can enhance the mood. Choose a playlist that complements the vibe you're going for, whether it's a relaxed dinner or a lively gathering.

 

Scent: Use scented candles or let the fragrance of the garden flowers be your focus.

Personal Touches: Consider adding personal touches like handwritten place cards or themed decorations that reflect the occasion or season.

 

Weather Prep: Make sure you have some umbrellas or shade options in case the sun gets too intense, or a backup plan if it rains.

 

Creating an ambiance is all about paying attention to the little details and making your guests feel welcome and comfortable. 

Make sure everyone will enjoy your alfresco dining experience!

 

I’d love to show you how this same look works indoors! It’s as easy as it looks. Just create the same vibe in your favorite dining space.

 

Best of all, this look can last for days and days! In fact next time you set an alfresco table, just bring it all indoors after the party is over to enjoy the flowers and gorgeous tableware for a bit longer.

 

In case you haven’t heard, I started a new Instagram page in October and named it Claudia Fabiana Home. My former page is still up, but after getting a new phone, I was no longer able to log into this account, so the new profile was born!

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

You can check out some of my favorites here at “Tablescaping Essentials” 

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

the evolution of the dish room

 

Here’s another look at the new area in the house that I'm calling the “dish room”. 

Throughout the seasons, it’s really proven to be quite useful and popular for photo shoots, as well as housing all my extra plates, home accessories and vintage colored glassware.

Last year I decided to take an unused bedroom and use it as the main hub for a lot of my styling props. 

Here it is styled for the autumn months. Brown and white transferware, copper accessories and lots of natural textures five this space a fall vibe.

 

A cottage farmhouse display was set up against the big wall with furniture that was already in the room. I just added a peg rack to the shelves that were already in the room. 

I did have to paint the shelves white and move them to the center of the wall, but all in all, this was all very budget friendly.

 

A dark brown-black Ikea desk and the two shelves were transformed with a few coats of white chalk paint. I papered the wall with a fun beadboard textured wallpaper which saved me quite a bit of money on using actual beadboard.

 

All I bought, besides the wallpaper, was a custom-made peg rack to fit right under the bottom shelf and a cute gingham curtain for the desk opening.

 

I also found the most adorable vintage chandelier to finish off the room. This is now a great spot for my early morning photo shoots and also fulfills my organizational tendencies! 😜

My good friend and contractor George found this vintage corner cabinet around the corner from my home, on the curb!! It was free, and he knows my taste so well, that he immediately called me to give me the heads up on this free cabinet.

 

When we found this piece, it was painted with a very shiny and bright enamel paint that was just starting to peel off.

 

A lot of elbow grease, sanding, scraping and now this piece was ready for a new coat of paint.

 

I painted it a neutral grey-green color. In this photo, it looks greener than it does in real life. It’s a great farmhouse style neutral color.

 

With all the pretty dishes and plates I’ve collected over the years, I decided floor to ceiling dishes on the wall was a fun surprise for this main accent wall.

 

The stage is now set. There’s still time to fill in all the plates, but projects got in the way of it all. I love the evolution of it, so time is on my side.

 

Some of my favorite farmhouse and cottage style pieces are now on full display here in my new dish room.

 

And best of all, when Christmas projects came along, this was now the perfect backdrop for some very special stylings…

 

You may recognize this shot from the winter 2024 issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style magazine. Yes, my new little dish room now has proudly graced the cover of a magazine!   

 

Don’t ask me how this happened! It was a complete and utter surprise, but wow!!! A very special one!  

Here' how the cover shot turned out... 

This dish room is like a dream come true! I love how you've made use of an unused space and turned it into something so functional and aesthetically pleasing.

It's always inspiring to know a little creativity and some resourceful design can completely transform a space.

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.