christmas tree decorating secrets

Last night was time for some gorgeous Christmas tree inspiration. I teamed up with a group of incredibly talented ladies and shared a really fun CHRISTMAS TREE HOP on instagram!

We all shared photos of our newly decorated Christmas trees along with our best tips for holiday tree décor. The tip that I shared was to stick to one color theme and decorate with the things I love.

This year my tree is done in muted tones with some of my favorite vintage and heirloom ornaments. My favorite new ornaments are the little houses that light up.

In addition to the delicate glass ornaments that I love so dearly, there was a little theme of cute cottages and winter birds on the tree. See if you can spot a few… 

It’s not too late to check out all 12 trees that were featured last night on the Christmas Tree Hop. Stop by Instagram for a peek and link to the other talented bloggers.

ciao! fabiana

it's beginning to look like Christmas

Christmas is here, and I'm working on finalizing all my  holiday decor this week, but I wanted to stop by and give you a peek at this little vignette. It's one of our favorites this year and would you believe this huge lantern was found in one of my favorite thrift stores for only 8 bucks? 

So perfect for a little winter scene featuring two bottle brush trees, two glittery house ornaments and one of my favorite old-world Santa figurines. This lantern is easy to style for any holiday or occasion.

Here are some of my favorite vignettes from last year, and I'll share more on this year soon, as well as a BIG announcement...

ciao! fabiana

for lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram

and on our special facebook group

   

Friends Who Like Ciao Newport Beach Blog Closed group · 228 members Join Group Thank you for visiting Ciao Newport Beach! I love sharing my favorite things with all of you. Decorating, fashion, gardens, holiday decor, cooking an...

christmas decor and some free goodies

Christmas is all about memories and festive occasions, so this Christmas my table will be set with versatile easy-to use tableware including a few beautiful items from Serena & Lily. 

I love to simplify certain aspects of Christmas preparation, so finding an easy way to set an elegant table is at the top of my list for easing the hustle and bustle of the holidays. 

In addition to the classic details of the white plates, gingham napkins and placemats, it’s important to add a whimsical touch or two, so this year a cute little Santa makes an appearance at each place setting.  

Old-fashioned Santas holding a sweet little tinsel bottlebrush tree are the perfect addition and will put a smile on everyone’s face. I found these Santa ornaments early in the season and new they’d look perfect on my Christmas tablescape!

(Shopping details below)

This larger Santa is pretty cute too!

This year I’m into just surrounding myself with a mini forest of evergreen trees. Some are real, and some are faux, but they all co-mingle happily together!

Cottages and Bungalows magazine is offering   adorable free holiday printables on their website. All you have to do is sign up for their 12 Days of Cottage Christmas emails and you’ll receive complimentary recipe cards, gift tags, place cards and design ideas!

I've already printed mine!

Later in the week I’m sharing one of my favorite local décor shops, Blue Springs Home. This little bedding vignette is one of my favorites! 

Here’s how the table came together:

Gingham Napkins:  Serena & Lily

Round Raffia Placemats:  Serena & Lily

Amana Candlesticks:  Serena & Lily

Santa Ornaments:  World Market

Larger Santa:  World Market

White Plates: World Market

Fleur des Lys Glassware: La Rochere

Faux Christmas Trees: Home Goods

Real Christmas Trees: Trader Joe’s

ciao! fabiana

Disclaimer:  I received some of these Serena & Lily tabletop items for free and all opinions are truly my own.

your holiday decor

     

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I’m so glad you stopped by today for the latest here at Ciao Newport Beach. I’ve been really looking forward to seeing all of your holiday décor and now I have the perfect place for you to share your favorite holiday vignettes with me and friends of Ciao Newport Beach.

I’d love to see how you’re decorating your home for the season…

It’s also fun to share community photos, like the first snowfall, the Christmas boat parade or the lighting of your town’s Christmas tree.

Or maybe share your favorite cookie recipe!

We’d love to see it!

All you have to do is join our “Friends Who like Ciao Newport Beach Blog” on facebook and then you can share your posts with all of us!

Click "Join Group" below, and your all set!

Friends Who Like Ciao Newport Beach Blog Closed group · 175 members Join Group Thank you for visiting Ciao Newport Beach! I love sharing my favorite things with all of you. Decorating, fashion, gardens, the beach, cooking, photo...

 

ciao! fabiana

and, for lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!

cozy and romantic for Christmas

Christmas tables are my favorites to decorate, 

and if you happened to pick up the December issue of Romantic Homes magazine, you got an inside view of how this cozy little Christmas tablescape came together. 

Here are a few pics that didn’t make it into the magazine.

And, those Serena & Lily chairs work perfectly with the bold black and white gingham patterns on the table!

For the whole story, 

pick up the December issue of 

Romantic Homes! 

ciao! fabiana

Check out my latest on instagram!

christmas decor on my mind

Four short weeks and Christmas will be here!

Since Thanksgiving I’ve been decking the halls like there’s no tomorrow. The wreaths are standing guard at the front door to welcome every holiday visitors, and the stockings  are displayed nicely above the hearth, waiting to be filled with cute little stuffers.

I haven’t had time to take photos or share on Instagram, since I’ve just been savoring all the precious moments and memories as we unpack our festive décor.

Now that it’s a new week, and we’ve had a nice long weekend to recharge, our latest Christmas décor will be at the forefront, for sure, over the next few weeks!   

These photos are from last year… just a little collection of my favorite pics. A lot of this year’s décor is similar to what you see here.

A few things have been rearranged, like these snowy white holiday houses. This year they're displayed on our Welsh dresser that is new to the living room.

Do you set your Christmas décor the same every year, or do you change it up a bit?

Tablescapes are always a fun way to express your creative side for the holidays. These are three of my favorites from last year.

I like to keep it simple, but add a touch of whimsy to the table. A fun little accent always livens up a place setting, even if it’s something as simple as a candy cane.

I can’t wait to show you this year’s décor. Little seasonal snippets and holiday vignettes will be making an appearance soon!

Until then… Happy Monday!

ciao! fabiana

Don’t forget to follow me on instagram!

classic style from serena & lily

Cove Rattan Lantern & Bedford Tray

This year I’m hosting everyone for Thanksgiving in our dining room, and I’m so happy to have furnishings and accessories from Serena & Lilly in my home to offer a casual and chic sense of style.

Mayberry Napkins & Round Raffia Placemats

I’ve had several questions on where to purchase some of this S&L tableware and a few of my pillows, so I thought I’d share the direct links with you today.

Riviera Side Chair

Also, everyone loves the classic French bistro style of these Riviera chairs, and best of all, I’m here to say they’re as comfortable as they are cute! Best of all everything at Serena & Lilly is 20% off right now, so now's the perfect time to get a few!

(with the code GATHER)

I actually bought four Riviera chairs at first. I loved them so much that a few months later, I added four more to my table . They were one of my best purchases ever! 

Montecito Outdoor Pillow Cover & Alsworth Pillow Cover

On my sofa in the family room, all my pillows are by Serena & Lily, and you can just catch a peek at a couple of them here.

Montecito Outdoor Pillow Cover & Mattituck Armchair

And talk about comfort, I have a pair of these Mattituck chairs in my family room, and they’re always the first ones taken. I love their retro, but beachy style!

So the great news is from now until November 25th

Serena & Lily is hosting 

"The Thank You Event” with 20% off everything,

 just use the code GATHER.

They even have some really nice gifting ideas.

Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for the season...

Collage Product Links:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18

ciao! fabiana

Disclaimer:  I am a member of an affiliate program and any purchases

will in no way increase the cost to you.

thanksgiving prep

I’m so looking forward to Thursday. I spent most of this morning prepping for Thanksgiving and cooking a few things ahead of time.

Turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes

have always been my favorite meal!

In fact in high school, every Thursday, turkey and gravy were on the menu, and I would get really excited about it, like to the point of doing a happy dance! My best friend Lisa still remembers my crazy turkey Thursdays and sometimes teases me about it to this day!

We did have really good cafeteria in high school!

And being the foodie,

that I am,

I was very Thankful!

Do you like to start prepping a few days before Thanksgiving day? I have to start early, otherwise I get super stressed out, and maybe even a little cranky, so I started this morning with the cranberry sauce, which is the easiest thing to make.

I like to put the zest and juice of one orange in the mix as well as some grated ginger. Then all it needs is a little water and about ½ cup of brown sugar.

While the cranberry mixture was on the stove, I put about eight sweet potatoes in the oven, skin and all, on a cookie sheet. After they’re fork tender and cooled a bit, I just peel the skin off and mash them in a large bowl. I like to add a little butter, salt, pepper and a splash of maple syrup to my sweet potatoes.

They come out really good and not overly sweet. Then on Thursday, once the turkey is done, I’ll pop the casserole dish of sweet potatoes back in the oven to warm up, and at that time, I usually add a few mini marshmallows around the perimeter for those who need that extra sweet bite.

Everyone seems to like them that way.

After lunch, I decided to tackle the stuffing. This year I’m trying a different approach and making the stuffing more like a savory bread pudding with a milk and egg based custard that gets soaked up my the bread cubes I toasted.

We buy fresh French bread every other day at C’est si Bon bakery, so I use the day old, hard bread for other things like breadcrumbs, and it’s so perfect for stuffing!

I can’t wait to gather around the dinner table with family Even though our group is small this year with only 9 of us, it doesn’t stop us from having a good time.

After dinner we like to play a game like charades or Apples to Apples and if it’s cool enough, I’d love to light the fireplace.

I hope to check in with you again before Thanksgiving…

I have some really fun news to share!

ciao! fabiana

for lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!