an alfresco table that keeps on giving

 

Today has been the most amazing sunny February day! So perfect for a little alfresco table with all sorts of spring vibes! Blue and green Talelayo tablecloth and napkins from August Table.

 

So, I’m just sharing this little impromptu alfresco table. It’s an easy, breezy way to instantly set a beautiful table when you start with pretty table linens like this and then simply add your everyday tableware and a lovely bouquet of cottage garden flowers.

 

I'll be in the veg garden most of the day. The Rainbow Chard hasn't stopped since December, and I'll be making a delicious garlic and chard pasta for dinner tonight.

  

These flowers were all grown in our cottage garden and are just loosely arranged in a wicker basket to softly sway any which way the wind blows.

 

Shades of blue paired with crisp whites can evoke a coastal vibe. Think navy blue, turquoise, and seafoam green, complemented by white tableware and accents.

 

Creating a beautiful ambiance for your alfresco table can make your gathering truly special. Here are some ideas to elevate the atmosphere:

 

Lighting: String lights or fairy lights can create a warm, inviting glow. You could also use lanterns or candles for a cozy, intimate feel.

 

Decor: Add fresh flowers or greenery as a centerpiece. You can even place small potted plants or herbs around the table.

 

Table Setting: Use a tablecloth or table runner to add a splash of color or texture. Pretty napkins, nice dinnerware, and elegant glassware can all make your setup feel more special.

 

Comfort: Provide comfortable seating with cushions or throw blankets, especially if the evening might get cool.

 

Music: Soft background music can enhance the mood. Choose a playlist that complements the vibe you're going for, whether it's a relaxed dinner or a lively gathering.

 

Scent: Use scented candles or let the fragrance of the garden flowers be your focus.

Personal Touches: Consider adding personal touches like handwritten place cards or themed decorations that reflect the occasion or season.

 

Weather Prep: Make sure you have some umbrellas or shade options in case the sun gets too intense, or a backup plan if it rains.

 

Creating an ambiance is all about paying attention to the little details and making your guests feel welcome and comfortable. 

Make sure everyone will enjoy your alfresco dining experience!

 

I’d love to show you how this same look works indoors! It’s as easy as it looks. Just create the same vibe in your favorite dining space.

 

Best of all, this look can last for days and days! In fact next time you set an alfresco table, just bring it all indoors after the party is over to enjoy the flowers and gorgeous tableware for a bit longer.

 

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!

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

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

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

the evolution of the dish room

 

Here’s another look at the new area in the house that I'm calling the “dish room”. 

Throughout the seasons, it’s really proven to be quite useful and popular for photo shoots, as well as housing all my extra plates, home accessories and vintage colored glassware.

Last year I decided to take an unused bedroom and use it as the main hub for a lot of my styling props. 

Here it is styled for the autumn months. Brown and white transferware, copper accessories and lots of natural textures five this space a fall vibe.

 

A cottage farmhouse display was set up against the big wall with furniture that was already in the room. I just added a peg rack to the shelves that were already in the room. 

I did have to paint the shelves white and move them to the center of the wall, but all in all, this was all very budget friendly.

 

A dark brown-black Ikea desk and the two shelves were transformed with a few coats of white chalk paint. I papered the wall with a fun beadboard textured wallpaper which saved me quite a bit of money on using actual beadboard.

 

All I bought, besides the wallpaper, was a custom-made peg rack to fit right under the bottom shelf and a cute gingham curtain for the desk opening.

 

I also found the most adorable vintage chandelier to finish off the room. This is now a great spot for my early morning photo shoots and also fulfills my organizational tendencies! 😜

My good friend and contractor George found this vintage corner cabinet around the corner from my home, on the curb!! It was free, and he knows my taste so well, that he immediately called me to give me the heads up on this free cabinet.

 

When we found this piece, it was painted with a very shiny and bright enamel paint that was just starting to peel off.

 

A lot of elbow grease, sanding, scraping and now this piece was ready for a new coat of paint.

 

I painted it a neutral grey-green color. In this photo, it looks greener than it does in real life. It’s a great farmhouse style neutral color.

 

With all the pretty dishes and plates I’ve collected over the years, I decided floor to ceiling dishes on the wall was a fun surprise for this main accent wall.

 

The stage is now set. There’s still time to fill in all the plates, but projects got in the way of it all. I love the evolution of it, so time is on my side.

 

Some of my favorite farmhouse and cottage style pieces are now on full display here in my new dish room.

 

And best of all, when Christmas projects came along, this was now the perfect backdrop for some very special stylings…

 

You may recognize this shot from the winter 2024 issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style magazine. Yes, my new little dish room now has proudly graced the cover of a magazine!   

 

Don’t ask me how this happened! It was a complete and utter surprise, but wow!!! A very special one!  

Here' how the cover shot turned out... 

This dish room is like a dream come true! I love how you've made use of an unused space and turned it into something so functional and aesthetically pleasing.

It's always inspiring to know a little creativity and some resourceful design can completely transform a space.

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

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pantone color of the year, Mocha Mousse

 

Have you heard?! The color of the year is Mocha Mousse and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Although this subdued neutral, it’s quite chic and so versatile!

To quote from the Pantone website: "For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. 

It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort." 

Fashion already seems to be hitting its stride with this color of the year. Here are some beautiful gowns (and celebrities) featured in a recent Us Magazine article.

 

Which look is your favorite? I have to say I prefer the first group of Molly, Rosie, Ashley and Monica.

So dreamy, but back to reality and the thing I'm most comfortable with... tablescapes!!

 

One of my most favorite jobs ever…

 

styling tables for Pacific & Rose. This brand-new look is a slightly updated version of the classic LILIBET pattern and is a great neutral colorway known as MOCHA.

 

Reminiscent of the color of the year, Mocha Mousse, I know this will be one of my faves for ease of styling and giving me that pretty farmhouse cottage look that I love!

This pretty pattern is hot off the press, just arrived from India and is available at Seaside Gallery and Goods.

 

Also available online at Pacific & Rose. A great way to start the new year… pretty table linens and we’re good to go!

 

Here’s a collection of accessories in Mocha Mousse shared this week by star Magazine. My pick is the cozy Unhide Little Marshmallow furry blanket in Mocha Shar Pei.

 

So many cute things to choose from!! The Puma sneakers and the OPI nail polish are my picks of the week!

Even magazines in the UK are jumping on the Mocha Mousse train! This collection of goodies was shared this week by Your Home Style magazine. My pick for an easy Mocha Mousse update... candles!!

Candles, pillows and lamps are all a great way to easily add this color of the year to our homes!

 

My pick for bringing the color of the year into the kitchen is this gorgeous MarthaStewart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven in the color “Ganache”. A gorgeous sister tone to Mocha Mousse!

 

 

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.

a real country pantry and larder

Antique and vintage collectables have always had a dear place in my heart, especially kitchen collectables. Once you start off with a piece or two, the collecting process can be quite fun!

 

It’s always a hoot finding one of these pieces, and they can turn up in some of the most unexpected places. 

Garage sales are my favorite place to find these goodies and a great opportunity to create a super cute vintage-style pantry like the ones shown here.

Mason jars filled with dry goods and colorful cans are an excellent way to bring character into any country pantry.

 

 

What adds character to a farmhouse style pantry and personalizes the space most? Well, I think it’s having a few elements that are perfectly imperfect!

A rustic wood floor, an unfinished ceiling, whimsical lights, mismatched chairs, flowers from the garden, the possibilities are endless!

In this case we've got ironstone on the top shelf, followed by blue and white transferware on the second shelf and red and white transferware on the third shelf. What a pretty way to style a pantry! 

 

There are so many ways to personalize your kitchen and add character. Check out these adorable mis-matched country curtains hiding whatever is behind the shelves under the counter. 

 

This kitchen stopped me in my tracks! The vibrant green color of this fabulous kitchen table is amazing! 

It’s got all the storage opportunities of a mini larder or pantry right there, smack dab in the middle of this kitchen. 

All the photos above have been found in the pages of one of my favorite magazines, Country Living.  

 

So, what is the difference between a pantry and a larder? A pantry is a general storage space for food, drinks, and kitchen items, while a larder is a cool, dry area for storing food that needs to be preserved.

 

Larders must be cool and dry in order to help preserve a variety of foods.

 

A pantry is usually a larger space, added through stylish use of architectural features and are often created from spare rooms or extra space near a kitchen.

 

Even though the differences are subtle, and the words are now used interchangeably, I can’t help think of Downton Abbey, Mrs. Patmore and Daisy creating fabulous meals in that historic kitchen.

 

The kitchen itself had “larder” elements. It’s just a vibe! That chic English kitchen look is something that is completely ingrained in my mind.

 

From the copper pots and pans to the classic cabinetry, this kitchen is just dreamy. And when it comes to life during the hustle and bustle of cooking for the Downton family (the Crawleys) and guests, it really is at its best!

 

You can ring my bell, any time!

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

 

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.