red, white & blue sprinkle cake

For that special 4th of July celebration, try this recipe! 

ciao! fabiana


via Baked

july 4th: lauren conrad style

Lauren Conrad seems to be everywhere these days sharing her fun party tips, decorating ideas and fashions.  I just got this month’s redbook magazine, and just absolutely love all her 4th of July party ideas for setting a cute table and serving the perfect foods. She also shares some fun tips in Us Magazine this month.    

Lauren anchors her tablescape with a red and white gingham runner, uses simple dishes and wraps the utensils in red, blue and turquoise bandanas.  The turquoise is an unexpected pop of color that I love! Tall delphiniums give that wild flower look and finish off the table.

Super cute patriotic deli sliders with a pretzel bun.

Watermelon is a must for the 4^th of July, and why not spritz a little lemon on top?  It’s super yummy! 

A variety of fruity cocktails will please guests.

A simple idea like a DIY hot dog bar can be taken up a notch when the ingredients include a variety of gourmet mustards, relishes and ketchup options.  Fresh ingredients are delicious too.  Think heirloom tomatoes, a mix of shallots and scallions, chopped avocado and pico de gallo.  For dessert, cool everyone’s palate with homemade Arnold Palmer popsicles!

ciao! fabiana

a little red, white and blue

As we start getting ready to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, I wanted to share some fun red, white and blue inspiration with you!

Souvenir transferware plates have always been a favorite of mine.

I love how they are used in this tablescape!

 

A few stars and stripes to liven up a room!

photos  1  |  2  |  3  

ciao! fabiana

favorite recipe: spiced chicken skewers

a

Grilling season is here!

I love this middle-eastern recipe because of 

all the flavorful spices and fresh ingredients it contains.

Pair this delicious chicken dish with couscous and salad shirazi,

for an exotic & unique dinner that's a little different than the norm. 

Let me know what you think.

recipe via House & Home

ciao! fabiana

summer party menu

Here are some of the most perfect ingredients to have on hand this summer for spontaneous get-togethers, and look at how pretty this can all look on your table!

ciao! fabiana

via BH&G

beach picnic

             
Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.                                                     --Ralph Waldo Emerson

ciao! fabiana

image from coastal living

june garden

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

                                              ― Audrey Hepburn

ciao! fabiana

image via bhg

somewhere in laguna beach

Somewhere in Laguna Beach,

sits this home.

I’m not sure where,

but I’m determined to find out!!

ciao! fabiana

pool power

A little something to cool you down until the weekend hits…

this one's on a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea.

I love the symmetry in this backyard.

A more traditional style home with more great symmetry.

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Architectural Digest

summer beach house inspiration

Summer décor is all about being cool and breezy.

Keep things fresh and light.

Surf boards and woven textures epitomize beach house décor.

Fresh leaves and green tones soothe the soul.

Design with water and sand in mind,

and your home will thank you!

from the pages of  Coastal Living & Traditional Home

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”.

june blues

How about a little blue to brighten up your weekend?

from the pages of

Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, House Beautiful, & Traditional Home

ciao! fabiana

Molly Wood free table top class

You're invited to the Molly Wood Garden Design FREE Summer Tabletop Class on June 25. Prepare to entertain with style this summer, with great tips from Molly Wood at her Costa Mesa Garden Design shop on Saturday, June 25 at 11am and 2pm. 

Molly will be offering expert advice on setting up gorgeous, sustainable centerpieces, table settings, and more. The class is FREE, and reservations are required. Call 949.548.1611 to reserve your spot, and the class will be held at 1660 Orange Avenue in Costa Mesa.

ciao! fabiana

house by the sea

“When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?” --Ralph Marston 

photo via coastal living

ciao! fabiana

yummy iced tea mocktail

Happy National Iced Tea Day! 

Here's a yummy recipe to try this weekend.

Fruity Green Tea Spritzer

8 bags green tea
4 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons honey or sugar
4 cups assorted fresh fruit, such as white or regular nectarine wedges, lime slices, blueberries, and/or raspberries
1 liter plain or flavored sparkling water, such as raspberry, strawberry, or peach, chilled
2 tablespoons snipped fresh mint or 8 to 10 mint sprigs

Add tea bags to boiling water and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes; remove and discard tea bags. Cover and chill brewed tea.  Before serving, add honey or sugar to chilled tea. Divide tea mixture among eight to ten 12-ounce glasses. Add fruit to each glass and fill with sparkling water. Top with fresh mint. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

ciao! fabiana

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white marble kitchen crushes

There’s something extraordinary about a kitchen that features white marble.  It's timeless and modern at the same time.  

It is earthy but sleek, cool but glowing at the same time.  This dichotomy must be what draws us into the allure of white marble. 

For me, there can never be too much in one kitchen. Here are some of my kitchen crushes this week.

ciao! fabiana


photo credits:

  Peacock Home
Jean Liu Design
Urban Electric Co.
Chatelaine
Pink Peonies
Rue Magazine

St. Charles of NY