easy Christmas projects and recipes

I’ve been contributing to Country Sampler Farmhouse Style for more than 6 years now, and today I want to share some of my favorite Christmas projects and super yummy recipes with you.

First up is this hot cocoa bar that was in the 2023 Winter issue. I wanted to create a sort of campfire vibe for this shelf in my kitchen. I gathered several vintage spice tins and plaid accessories as the start to this whole look.

My secret to delicious and easy hot cocoa is to just buy your favorite carton of chocolate milk and then keep in nice and warm in a small crockpot or “slow cooker” as they now call them.

 

If you don’t have the room or the budget for even a small Christmas tree, then this project is for you! It starts with a fun vintage crock, but any similarly shaped container would work.

The secret is to add a little pyramid shaped piece of floral foam, the wet kind, to the crock. Water it, and then add small little branches and cuttings of foraged evergreens and winter berries. I like to start at the top with a strong leader branch and then fill it in from there.

 

Covering a small crate with festive plaid wrapping paper is another fun project. I decided to create a little farmhouse winter scene in mine, complete with a cheery red barn and lots of bottle brush trees. A little moss around the bottom of the landscape finishes off this idyllic scene. 

Now for a couple of non-Christmas projects… they both involve thrifted treasures. The first one is a little lamp made from a small ironstone pitcher. 

The bottom of this lamp is actually a spare metal chandelier medallion that I had on hand in the garage. It was the perfect size for the base of the lamp. I bought a lamp kit online and put this little beauty together. The shade was an extra little chandelier shade I had left over from another project. 

During the pandemic, I found a whole box of Fiestaware on the curb that someone had set out for free. I took a long wooden board and decided to glue the cups and saucers on the board for a fun and colorful utensil holder.

 

A few little “s” hooks do the trick for holding whisks, wooden spoons and other kitchen gadgets.

 

recipes

I'm currently working on four more projects for the Autumn 2025 issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, and then we head straight back into some winter and Christmas projects and more recipes for 2025.

 

What a surprise it was to have my picture selected for the Winter 2024 issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style...

 

Did you read this one? I have several projects and recipes in this one too! I’ll share those with you all in a few weeks’ time.

 

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.

 

new Christmas table linens and more!

 from Pacific & Rose      

Hot off the press, literally!!! This brand-new Poinsettia print from Pacific & Rose has all the Christmas feels you could ever want! 

This festive Poinsettia print made its debut this week and comes in all sorts of beautiful table linens and even a cozy robe and a fun little holiday apron!! 

Just like all of Pacific & Rose’s products, these textiles are all hand printed in Jaipur, India using the ancient technique of hand carved wooden blocks. Each piece is unique and quite beautiful!  

Also arriving in perfect time for the holidays, Pacific & Rose is introducing a brand-new collection of velvet robes and jungle-print table linens. 

Everyone could use festive table linens, elegant accessories, and cozy loungewear to bring holiday cheer to every corner of your home!

 

This is such an easy way to dress up a place setting for Christmas!

Of course, we all know that the poinsettia is a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolize goodwill and community spirit.

This is the perfect pattern for any kind of holiday gathering. I also just love to set a pretty table for everyday meals with the family, and this print is ideal for the whole month of December! 

 

The poinsettia is a Christmas flower, and many people give them around Christmas time to symbolize goodwill and community spirit. That's why I love this tablecloth so much!

 

 So festive for the Season!

Pictured here are the Poinsettia tablecloth, placemats and napkins, layered for a really elegant look!

 

 

The Charlotte Berry table linens are also back in stock. A quintessential Christmas look is so easy to recreate with this charming pattern. 

Look at how well these two pattern coordinate with each other. Soft, rich tones and effortless charm create the perfect vibe for a cozy, festive table.

 

One of my favorite holiday activities is setting a festive table! The possibilities are endless for table settings during the holidays! 

What's the most important aspect for setting a pretty holiday table? My choice is always a gorgeous patterned tablecloth and napkin. 

But how about a table runner, you may ask... 

Yes, the Poinsettia print also comes in a prettytable runner which also pairs beautifully with the placemats and napkins.

 

In Guatemala and Mexico, poinsettias are called "La Flor de Nochebuena" – Flower of the Holy Night, and that makes it extra special to me!

This pattern is so classic, it looks sort of vintage,

which I love.

 

I just found the perfect apron for all my holiday meal prep and cooking baking, it's the Poinsettia print, and again, so comfortable and well made. Big front pockets are handy for holding my phone and special recipes.  

And then we have the Poinsettia Robe. Lovingly sewn together from a soft cotton voile, this robe has two front pockets and easily ties with a coordinating candy cane striped belt.

 

Presented in matching fabric envelopes, all of Pacific & Rose's robes are ideal for travel and for gift giving. Add a coordinating cosmetic bag for a really nice gift set. 

Bandanas are so versatile. Tie one on to elevate any outfit for the holidays or tie onto a French market basket for a colorful touch. You never know when you may need this fun accessory. And its hand printed on the softest cotton voile fabric!

Here’s the first look at the Poinsettia Cosmetic Pouch! It’s constructed from quilted block-printed cotton and the inside is lined with plastic for easy clean-up, and also features two handy pockets. A pretty tassel is attached to the zipper.

 

 

And how about this beautiful Christmas apron?  These aprons are ideal for working in the kitchen, the garden or the studio. Add matching Poinsettia kitchen towels and this makes a really nice gift set.

Described as beautiful workhorses in the kitchen, these kitchen towels are block-printed in Jaipur, India on 100% soft and absorbent cotton. 

 

All the pretty Pacific & Rose kitchen towels have a handy twill loop for easy display and drying.

 

 

Stock up now for Christmas gift giving! Wouldn’t you love to receive this lovely robe!?

Lilibet in Green is such a chic look for Christmas! As you can see, a few key accessories are all you need to evoke a festive winter look.

Getting ready for the holidays means creating a warm, inviting space for loved ones to gather, and the Lilibet Green table linens provide the perfect backdrop for all your holiday decorating, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations... to all year round enjoyment!  

 

For those who choose to live life a little bit on the wild side, we have the brand-new Jungle-Inspired Quilted Placemats and matching Napkins.

 

These gorgeous placemats and napkins make it so easy to transform your dining into a tropical escape. Featuring lush, exotic designs paired with a chic striped trim and stripe reversible backing, these placemats are perfect for bringing a touch of nature to your table.

This set of four cotton placemats is available in three color combinations. Here’s a look at the Green. Why not make it a tropical Christmas with these stunning prints? I think the green pattern would be lovely and so chic for holiday entertaining!

 

The Ivory Jungle print makes it so easy to mix and with the green and black jungle print for a very unique look.

Handmade in India, each piece celebrates the artistry of Jaipur’s skilled artisans, blending tradition with modern design.

Add a super-luxe, festive touch to your meals with Black Jungle print. Perfect for boho-chic and nature-inspired table décor any time of the year!

Infuse your dining experience with tropical charm using the Jungle-Inspired Napkins. Adorned with vibrant jungle motifs and finished with chic striped trim, this set of four adds a stylish, sophisticated flair to any table setting.

Each set is tied with a matching stripe ribbon, perfect for gift giving!

Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Jaipur, India, these cotton napkins celebrate the art of traditional hand printing.

Available in three stunning color combinations, they offer a perfect blend of beauty, sustainability, and functionality.

They are made from 100% cotton for durability and easy care and are handmade and eco-friendly, supporting traditional craftsmanship.

 

Make cocktail hour unforgettable with any one of these colorful Block-Print Quilted Coaster Sets, featuring a lively leaf print. 

These charming coasters are designed with vibrant color combinations, accented by chic striped trim and a reversible backing for a touch of elegance. Mix and match for a charming effect!

 

I absolutely love that these sets comes neatly packed in matching drawstring bags, perfect for storage or gifting.

 

Whether enhancing your bar cart or delighting a hostess, these coasters are a functional and stylish addition to any space.

 

This year, Pacific & Rose has selected an ultra-soft velvet fabric adorned with a striking IKAT pattern that echoes the graceful beauty of butterfly wings.

The Mariposa Robes are lined with a plush cotton striped fabric, ensuring a luxurious feel against your skin. Designed for comfort and convenience, each robe features hidden side pockets and a stylish belt tie.

You'll be thrilled to know that the Mariposa Robes come in 3 beautiful Ikat colorways – mint green, salmon pink, and sky blue, each screen-printed by hand with care by traditional craftsmen in Rajasthan, India.

Whether lounging at home or gifting to loved ones, these robes bring a touch of elegance and comfort to any occasion, but especially at Christmastime!

 

And as a special reminder, Pacific & Rose has several gorgeous options for your Thanksgiving table too! 

For Southern California locals, pop in to Seaside Gallery & Goods to shop all of these products from Pacific & Rose and more!!

Visit PacificandRose.com to shop online now.

Or visit

Pacific & Rose at Seaside Gallery and Goods 
124 Tustin Avenue Suite 100 Newport Beach, California 92663
Phone: 949-438-7277

 

 

ciao fabiana

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!

 

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

 

a garden foraged Thanksgiving bouquet

 

It’s all about Thanksgiving today, as my friends and I give you unique glimpses into our homes and share how we’ve set our Thanksgiving tables this year!

For my table, my inspiration started with this floral arrangement I made using all foraged flowers and greenery from my garden. It’s mostly a cozy mix of muted hydrangeas and zinnias that I had still blooming in my yard.

Watch how it all came together HERE, in my Instagram garden stories.

 

From there, I let the colors of these flowers dictate the rest of the table. I know I wanted lots of candlelight.

 

Of course, a Thanksgiving table wouldn’t be complete without the representation of a pretty turkey. 

 

Black bamboo flatware offers a little rustic hint at each place setting where I've used vintage cream Wedgwood "Patrician" plates, amber colored glassware to complete the look.

 

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and I want to hear what your favorite part of the meal is... especially your favorite side dish or dessert that you like to prepare, or just eat!!

 

Let me know if you have any special recipes that you can't live without on Turkey Day!! 🦃

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.