ciao! newport beach

June 19, 2019

a first look at the Downton Abbey movie

Who’s ready for the Downton Abbey movie?! It sounds like it’s going to be amazing! The major plot of the movie is the anticipation and visit from the King of England, which would be King George V and Queen Mary, the grandparents of Queen Elizabeth.

The story picks up in 1927, Anna & John Bates are now parents to a toddler and Mary and her second husband Henry Talbot also have a child.

The great news is Maggie Smith is back in her role of The Dowager Countess. Also known as Violet Crawley, the matriarch of Downton Abbey, she’s for sure my favorite character followed by Matthew who’s no longer involved in the series since his tragic accident in season three.

Here’s a look at my favorite movie posters recently released in anticipation of the movie which premieres in the U.S. on September 20, 2019

Of course one of my favorite aspects of the Downton series is the attention to detail given to the costumes, homes and story. Lady Mary and the now Marchioness Edith of Hexham* wear the most incredible 1920’s fashion and I’m all in for that!

*(Edith upgraded her title when she married Bertie who’s the Marquess of Hexham)

Here are a few behind-the scenes looks at the movie to hold us over until September!

ciao! fabiana

My favorite Downton book:

At Home at Highclere:

Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey

Watch the Downton Abbey movie trailer here:

June 18, 2019

meet style maven Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne seems to effortlessly “do it all”. Some call here the modern day Martha Stewart. At age 19 she started her clothing brand and from there she's incorporated more things she loves into her lifestyle brand.

Today I’m sharing some of Jenni’s gorgeous and earthy tablescapes. I love how she uses a foraged approach to her table designs. She’ll gather herbs from the garden and combine them beautifully with fresh flowers, fruits and even vegetables.

Relaxed and ethereal is how I’d describe Jenni’s table setting style. Soft washed linens and old-fashioned blooms combine perfectly for a fresh approach to entertaining.

A gathering of herbs at each setting delights all the senses.

And I think Martha is quite a fan of Jenni’s too!

Jenni Kayne’s boutique at Lido Marina Village

You may have heard me mention Jenni Kayne’s boutique here at Lido Marina Village in previous blog posts. In fact, they even hosted the breakfast reception for the Newport Harbor Home Tour this year!

the Leeward house

Jenni Kayne Lido even set this pretty table for the home tour at the Leeward house! Check out the whole story here.

Fresh Tomato Soup

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients

2 Tbsp unrefined, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling

1 small onion finely diced

1/2 carrot finely diced

2 large basil leaves

1 sprig fresh thyme

3 lb1 3/8 kg fresh tomatoes coarsely chopped

3/4 tsp sea salt plus more to taste

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

optional garnishes: pesto, burrata, grated parmesan cheese, croutons

1. In a medium, heavy bottomed pot, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, basil and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender; 10-12 minutes.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, along with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes to break down the tomatoes and meld the flavors.

3. Remove from the heat and puree the soup in a blender or food processor, then strain through a strainer. Taste for seasoning. I added a bit more salt.

4. Serve the soup hot or warm, with desired garnishes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipe Courtesy of Pamela Salzman for the Jenni Kayne Rip and Tan Blog

Jenni’s relaxed vibe extends to her fashion choices and designs. Her simple shoes and sandals are quite popular here in town.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Jenni’s style a little bit more. She’s given me tons of inspirational ideas for setting my summer tables this year.

ciao! fabiana

photos: Jenni Kayne

And now, for even more inspiration, you can check out

Jenni's amazing new book Pacific Naturals here:

June 17, 2019

home tour part four

The fourth home we’re featuring from last month’s Newport Harbor Home Tour is the Quinn Residence, nicknamed “New Heights”.

The name is a play on words because the neighborhood is called Newport Heights, and the home was refurbished to include a roof top deck with 360 degree views of Newport Beach.

In fact, this modern farmhouse is all about the views! Located across the street from a hilltop park, the vistas are amazing, even from the gorgeous kitchen! Take look for yourself...