ciao! newport beach: 2023-08-27

September 1, 2023

just like grandma's dishes, but better

I remember growing up with Corelle plates, and I’ll never forget the nostalgic feel of these glass plates. And now… I’m happy to share with you a peek at the newest era of Corelle.

They’re timeless and so strong, but light and airy at the same time. This new “Botanical” pattern is highlighted by coastal blue, organic lines and pretty florals.

This pattern evokes a timeless seaside style for any meal or gathering.

I paired my “Botanical” floral and striped Corelle with this pretty blue and white Seville tablecloth and napkins from Pacific and Rose.

It's a match made in heaven!

Going into the weekend ready for

casual family gatherings around this table.

This boxed set of Corelle includes floral and striped salad plates, a contrasting stripe for the dinner plates, and generous bowls edged in blue.

I love how they mix and match with each other! And the blue designs on the plates is my favorite shade of denim.

Do you recall the groovy patterns that Corelle made during the 1970’s?

Their variety of patterns and styles were so popular for that era, and the quality never quit! These plates are designed to be used daily and hold up to wear and tear beautifully.

Aren’t these vintage magazine ads from Pinterest so much fun?!

Today, Corelle still offers pretty patterns and durable plates that make setting a table so much fun.

I still can’t get over how lovely this Botanical Floral set of plates coordinates perfectly with Pacific & Rose’s Blue Seville table linens.

How would you style your Corelle dishes?

ü Plates and Bowls: Corelle Dining

ü Tablecloth & Napkins: Pacific and Rose

ü Blue Glassware: Carolyn Bender Lifestyle

ü Rattan Placemats: Serena & Lily

ciao fabiana

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August 30, 2023

farmhouse style for fall 2023

Have you picked up the Autumn issue of Farmhouse Style yet? 🍁🍂

They’re celebrating their fifth year, and this issue is just filled to the brim with fall décor inspiration, fun DIY projects and yummy recipes.

As a regular contributor to Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, I have a few season projects and recipes to show you today…

Check out the table runner. It’s made entirely of vintage book pages. I took a damaged book, ripped out the pages and affixed them to contact paper to create this look.

Here’s another view of the table that did not appear in this issue. I love how the patina of the old book pages blends in so well with the rustic autumn leaves.

And check out these gorgeous Acorn Leaf Plates from Vagabond House. They’re heirloom quality china, and so pretty!

Also notice the little DIY Votive. It’s also featured in this issue. Pretty gauzy napkins are from Amazon, and most everything else is vintage.

Next up is my fun collection of vintage enamel coffee pots. I really love the ones with curvy spouts and the ones with the little glass percolator knobs on top.

I styled them here for fall with sunflowers, daisies and autumn leaves from the garden.

Here’s the same look but without the autumn leaves. Which look do you prefer? This one would work any time of year, wouldn't it?

This fall issue also featured one of the first projects I created for Farmhouse style, this apple wreath. I still remember how happy and amazed I was when it first appeared in print 5 years ago!

One of the cutest projects are these repurposed glass jars made into votives by simply using old book pages, a little baker’s twine and some mod podge. A little pumpkin cut-out adds fall charm to the whole look.

I also used these on the tablescape with the book page table runner that I mentioned above. It all goes together hand in hand with the autumn vibe.

A Halloween tablescape is up next. I kept it elegant and slightly spooky all with a farmhouse twist. The Farmhouse Stripe Table Linens is what really gives it that home feel, and I used vintage china for added warmth and character.

Bright pops of orange marigolds gives it that fun Halloween vibe and of course the black candles bring it all to life.

Back to the “Novel Décor” article, they also brought back one of my vintage projects that appeared in their Kitchen Issue. This one using old books as a knife block is quite cheeky, but it works brilliantly!

And check out that preppy madras belt. I stole that from my hubby's closet, but he was happy to lend it to me.

Two of my recipes are featured in this fall issue, and first up we have this yummy dessert. I’ve been making this Sweet Potato Chiffon Pie at Thanksgiving for many years, and it’s definitely a family favorite.

The cute napkin featured above is from August Table.

The theme for the recipe article is “Favorite Southern Dishes”, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Another favorite Southern recipe is my take on She-Crab Soup.

Back in the day, way, way back in the day, they used crab roe for this recipe, but by today’s standards, that’s not sustainable, so here I substituted egg yolks to give it an extra luxurious kick.

The Blue Crab Cheese Board and Pewter Crab Place Card Holders are from Vagabond House.

🍁🍂 All-in-all this is a great issue,

and given that I love fall soooo much,

this one definitely has lots for seasonal inspo.🍁🍂

ciao fabiana

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

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August 29, 2023

beautiful heirloom pumpkins

My favorite time of the year will soon be here!

Can you guess?

It’s pumpkin time!🎃

And one of my favorite ways to decorate with pumpkins is to use them at the dinner table. It adds such a festive seasonal look that reminds me of being in the middle of a pumpkin patch.

Paired with beautiful plates, napkins, placemats, tablecloth, goblets and flatware, pumpkins make the best kind of statement at any tablescape.

(Please check the bottom of this blog post for information on all this tableware.)

Even a pumpkin peeking out from a bowl adds charm to each place setting. I love the ones that are a soft clay color. They’re so sculptural and pretty.

This table even works nicely for a fun, bright take on a Thanksgiving table. Just add adorable Turkey place card holders likethese from Arthur Court.

All these pumpkins and plants are from my favorite nursery Armstrong Garden Center.

In addition to the soft colors of the pumpkins, I used muted varieties of ivy, succulents and begonias. It’s our very own pumpkin patch at the center of the table!

This style of seasonal table really works for weeks and weeks. Starting in September when the first pumpkins appear, and all the way clear through to the end of November, you’ll have a lovely fall set up to enjoy.