alfresco: ivy at the shore

 

There's something so soothing about this green and white Ivy print!

Maybe it’s the outdoor nature of it combined with a nostalgic feel...

Here in Newport Beach, we have very mild weather, due to the onshore breezes we get so often. So setting an alfresco table is always a great idea! 

I don't know what it is exactly about this glorious green and white ivy print, all I know is I'm in LOVE! You can find this pretty tablecloth and napkins over at Pacific and Rose, along with a few other pretty ivy patterned items.

And how about those pretty white snapdragons? I grew them myself this year in my cut flower garden along with these pretty blush colored Desdemona roses.

 

Each place setting features a vintage French onion soup lion bowl filled with a personalized bouquet of one Desdemona rose wrapped in a sprig of English ivy. 

My favorite bamboo flatware is the perfect choice for this elegant alfresco tablescape.

 

FUN FACT: Do you recognize this vintage Franciscan Ivy dinner plates in the first and second photos? 

It's a classic that's been around since 1948, and more importantly, you may recognize it in a black and white version, because it was featured on "I Love Lucy" for years in those darling scenes where Lucy and Desi are in the kitchen having breakfast. It was Lucy's everyday dishware!!

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.

 

3 new celebrity recipes

 

From the pages of People Magazine, today I’m sharing 3 delicious celebrity recipes that will make your tastebuds very happy!

Click on each recipe to enlarge and print.

Perfect for indulging in something warm and comforting during the weekdays, we have Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup.

 

I’ve made this myself with my homemade chicken stock and I can attest to this tortilla soup being quite tasty! It’s perfect for making and having over the course of two days, which I love! Cook one day and rest the next.  

 

I love the idea of making these next two recipes for a little weekend indulgence. Don’t feel like going out to a fancy dinner in a restaurant? Make one at home instead, and let’s Start with George Clooney’s recipe for Mojito Risotto with Seared Scallops! Yum!!

Don’t be intimidated, this recipe is pretty easy to make, and if you’ve ever made home made risotto, you know it’s quite a treat in itself! Personally I like less rum added, or none at all. 

 

And now for my favorite part of the meal, dessert! And it’s perfectly alright to treat yourself like a princess while partaking in this glorious dessert!

 

The Princess of Wales’ Sticky Toffee Pudding is a treat for all the senses, and trust me, if you’ve never had sticky toffee pudding you are missing out… big time!! Give it a try this weekend.

Oh, and here's another one of Kate's delicious recipes. I've made this chutney several times, and it's delicious served with a traditional chicken salad or with cheese and crackers.

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.

2025 inauguration : fashion & table settings

Happy Tuesday! Please remember that this a non-political post and I just wanted to share some fashion, the table setting and menu from yesterday’s inauguration.

 

This first part is just a show-and-tell of some of the pretty ball gowns seen last night with just a little bit of interesting trivia. Did you know Ivanka’s gown was inspired by a very famous dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in 1954?

 

Photo by Remoulade Sauce on X 

I really love all the fashion I’m sharing with you all today. First up, of course is the First Lady, Melania Trump. It’s simple, elegant and so stylish!! This white with black gown compliments Ivanka Trump Kushner’s gown so perfectly!   

   

Photo by Remoulade Sauce on X 

Here’s Ivanka’s Givenchy gown inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s beautiful dress she wore in the movie Sabrina. I just love it!! It’s such a classic style and a wonderful nod to Audrey and Givenchy! (More on Audrey’s iconic dress in a minute…)  

 

Photo by Remoulade Sauce on X 

Beautiful Tiffany earrings worn earlier in the day by Ivanka. 

Photo by Remoulade Sauce on X 

The Second Lady of the USA, Usha Vance, looked equally stunning in this sparkly gown by Reem Akra in the most beautiful blue color.

 

Eric Trump’s wife Lara is seen here in a lovely red gown with sister-in-law Tiffany Trump. Tiffany is expecting and looks pretty in this silver-grey gown.

 

Photo by Remoulade Sauce on X 

First granddaughter and teenager Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Jr, wows the crowd in this Sherri Hill beaded gown.

 

 

Sabrina happens to be one of my favorite movies, so this custom Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the party scene is etched into my memory. You can see how pretty all the details are…

 

 

I found this colorized photo of Audrey and a couple of cute poodles on the internet and it looks like the embroidered design of this famous dress is different shades of brown, but alas, it’s not accurate.

 

Here are a few current pictures of the same exact dress Audrey wore in the movie. As you can see it has yellowed considerably over the last 70 years but still looks as gorgeous as ever!

 

It was sold at auction last year for $125,000. This dress was one of many rescued by Debbie Reynolds when the big studios like MGM sold off most of their costumes and props many years ago.

 

Now on to the table settings! You know how much I love a tablescape, so I wanted to give you all an up-close and personal look at how they set the tables yesterday for the 2025 inauguration.

 

The tablecloths are a patriotic navy-blue color, but with muted tones. This color is the perfect backdrop for the gold flatware and gold-rimmed plates used here for this official event.

 

Lots of pretty white and neutral colored flowers line the length of the main table. I spot mostly roses, a few anemones, and maybe a few ranunculus.

 

Handwritten in pretty calligraphy, the place cards here reflect some pretty famous names!!

 

Here’s an overview of the whole room during the inauguration luncheon yesterday. This is the Statuary Hall in the US Capital building.  

 

And now for my favorite bit of info from yesterday’s big luncheon, the menu!! What did all these illustrious people eat for lunch!?

 

Wonder no more! Crab Cakes (yum), Ribeye Steak and basically a fancy apple pie a la mode! Works for me!!

Some Photos by Remoulade Sauce on X, and Getty Images

 

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.

 

country living UK : magazine clippings

 

Just popping in today with a few magazine clippings and some lovely inspiration found in the newest issue of the UK’s Country Living.

 

There’s something I really admire about the British style of country décor. It’s so laidback and seems lived-in and effortless. Here are a few things I want to share with you…

 

For example, this small-ish kitchen. Although we only catch a glimpse of it here, I love the white cabinets and walls set off with the natural textures of the wood floor, countertops and accessories. This is a classic look that I’ve always loved.

 

To add the sought-after farmhouse charm, the table runner, light fixtures and kitchen gadgets all have a vintage look to them and fit in perfectly here. This look does not look old-fashioned. It’s fresh, young and cozy.

 

Here’s a small sitting area next to the above kitchen. Notice this chair fabric with the cute pigs is repeated in the window shade above the sink. It’s whimsical and fun!

 

A bit more inspo… I am drawn to neutral country style, especially this time of the year. 

Don't you just love the peg rack shelf and the single standing distressed shutter? 

I have those same two elements in my home!

 

This kitchen also speaks to me, in an understated way. Again, we see whites, and neutrals. The neutral palette is dominated by raw or distressed wood tones that warm up the space. 

Subway tile is one of my favorite elements, and I don’t think will ever of out of style.

 

Prue Leith, who you may know from the Great British Baking Show, also makes an appearance in this issue. Here are a couple of fabulous recipes she’s shared.

 

Herbed Salmon Parcels! Don’t these look delicious? A take on a Beef Wellington, or perhaps a very healthy Pop-Tart!! Lol!!

 

I must try this recipe, as it includes all my favorite herbs, parsley, tarragon and chives.

 

Lemon, mustard, and capers, oh, my!!

January is all about making healthy options. And isn’t it a great idea to take that philosophy all through the year?!

Fish is such a superb choice for lunch or dinner, and here’s another recipe that look like a winner!

 

How about a brilliant ad for inspiration? deVol is known for creating some of the most gorgeous kitchens in the world, and this one is just lovely.

 

Speaking of deVol, have you seen their TV show? It’s called “For the Love of Kitchens”, and it’s really good. 

It’s on Amazon Prime and designer Helen Parker is always on the lookout for new inspiration and color palettes. 

She searches vintage shops and old estates for the most beautiful ideas. This show is a must-watch for sure!!

 

Thought I’d add one more delicious recipe that was published in this issue: a Winter Veggie Bowl. This one would truly be delicious for breakfast, but I’m not picky and I would eat this any time of the day.   

 

And lastly, Emma Bridgewater celebrates her 40^th year! I know you’ve seen her amazing black and white designs on mugs, plates, pitchers and all sorts of kitchenware.

 

According to her website, “It all began in 1984, when Emma was working in London soon after leaving university. One day, she was hunting for a birthday present for her Mum. 

She wanted to give her two cups and saucers that would say 'I love you. I miss you'. She went into a china shop and looked around, hoping to see some china that would capture the warm and welcoming spirit of her mother's North Oxford kitchen. 

But in those days, the Great British high street seemed to have only two offerings: dainty and formal or robust and decidedly unromantic.”

“Emma suddenly had a vision of the dresser from her mother's kitchen. She imagined it here in the china shop, laden with a wonderful array of colourful, mismatched pottery.  

It was clear that the only way to make the vision a reality would be to start making china herself. But she had absolutely no idea how - or where.”

 

 

Here are some of her fun designs…

 

I hope you enjoyed my little clippings of some of my favorite things! Happy Monday, friends!

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.