gingham and ruffles for Easter

Who else loves a little gingham? I’m feeling so inspired today with the sights and sounds of spring all around me, and this new gingham tablecloth from Solino Home inspires all kinds of flowers and bunnies to join the fun at this Easter table setting.

 

To add more interest to this lovely lilac gingham pattern, I’ve paired it with a set of Sky Blue Linen Gabrielle Ruffle Napkins to add a whimsical touch to each place setting.

These Gabrielle Ruffle Napkins truly have my heart, and they come in dozens of gorgeous colors!! I think that the Pink Lemonade color and the versatile Light Natural color are next on my wish list!

They're 100% linen, so soft and luxurious and best of all, they're machine washable.

 

Both the linen gingham tablecloth and linen ruffle napkins are part of the new Solino Home Spring Collection, and they have so many pretty choices that would be lovely here in the breakfast room.

 

This is where we eat most of our meals, so I always want to bring in a little bit of a cozy vintage feel to this space. 

Gingham is the epitome of "cozy" and timelessness that can transcend every season and holiday and always puts a big smile on my face!

Are you as excited as I am that spring is finally here?

Aren’t these green egg cups so cute? I recently found them on Amazon and they’re quite affordable. I think they look very vintage… don’t you?

 

This is a classic way to instantly set a beautiful table, and it’s soooo very easy when you start with pretty table linens like this Lilac Gingham Tablecloth and Sky Blue Gabrielle Ruffle Napkins. 

You then simply add your favorite plates, glasses and flatware. A few lovely bouquets of cottage garden flowers always help to brighten the table. 

 

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

 

Enjoy your spring dining experience!

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.

 

 

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.

 

home: must have spring flowers

Not only is Valentine’s Day a day for celebrating love, it’s also the day to start celebrating the return of Spring flowers!

 

🌷Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite go-to flowers for Spring…

 

This arrangement was made entirely from flowers from my garden, a are so many of the florals I’m sharing with you today.

 

Hydrangeas, Daisies and Roses! They're all so reliable, and I adore the fact that they’re always soooo pretty, easy to style and long lasting.

 

Hydrangeas on their own. A truly classic look that always looks good.   I’d say they even have a classic cottage charm that can’t be replicated!

 

 

Edible pansies are one of my favorite ways to dress up a dessert. From  store-bought cupcakes, toa homemade cake, these little violas always bring a smile!

 

Cottage garden flowers are a thing of wonder and joy! You can basically just pop them into a vase or pitcher, and they do their thing.

I’d love to know, what are your favorite springtime blooms?

 

Roses from any home garden have a unique way of swooning and swaying with grace in any container.

 

The one word that keeps creeping up this season is BUNNIES! 

And I just found the cutest hand painted blue and white bunny rabbit pitcher on Amazon that’s so perfect for holding lots and lots of flowers! 🐇

It’s also a really nice large size, as you can see here holding 3 dozen roses from Trader Joe’s. 💐

Here’s the link for the pitcher: Blue Transferware Bunny Rabbit Pitcher.

This was our breakfast room last spring. The geraniums, foxglove, and hydrangeas have now been planted in the cottage garden in the backyard.

 

That’s what I love so much about using live plants for décor in the house…

 

I can continue to love these flowers outside for years to come, and not only that, but next year I’ll be able to snip their blooms and use them again in the house!

The pink kalanchoes in the wicker baskets have fast become one of my favorite plants!

 

They’ve looked like this since Easter and just keep getting better and better, so I keep them in the house!

Blue Gayatri Buti print is one of the newest prints from Pacific and Rose, and I love how this tablecloth looks with all the cottage flowers.

 

Blue and white is always a favorite look for me, and a little pink compliments these linens perfectly.

We had quite a rainstorm all day yesterday, especially last night, and I’m so looking forward to a little sunshine today.

 

I don't know about you, but I think rainy days can quickly be chased away with fun spring floral arrangements like this.

"I must have flowers, always, and always." ―Claude Monet 💐 I feel the same exact way!

These late spring florals (above) in my living room are all entirely picked from my garden.

A tablecloth made from vintage fabric plays up the colors of the flowers so perfectly. Both the pink and blue hydrangeas, along with the deep pink ranunculus are from my cottage garden.

 

Entering this season with this as my mantra...

"You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." --A.A. Mine

Be strong for yourself and treat yourself with kindness! The white hydrangeas from my garden bloom very early in spring and are almost evergreen all winter. 

Above... a little homemade apple jelly is another real treat. Little acts of kindness are important for everyone! Start your day with a few little things that bring a smile to your face. 

 

Even a little group of Erigeron karvinskianus, or as we call them here in California, Santa Barbara daisies are dainty little reminders of spring. It’s fun to plant them up in the most unexpected sorts of containers!

Here are a few links to some of my favorite accessories that are featured in this post with the lovely Spring flowers we’ve talked about…

 

Bee Napkin Rings

Songbird Candelabra

Apple Jam Jar

Apple Glass Pitcher

Songbird Wood Tidbit Bowl

Blue Transferware Bunny Rabbit Pitcher

 

Happy Valentine's day!!

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

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.

 

cottages and bungalows magazine for 2025

 

 

The newest issue of Cottages and Bungalows is out, and I’m just in love with the cover! Isn’t this just the sweetest little stone cottage you’ve ever seen?

 

Well, inside this issue, the pages are filled to the brim with the most beautiful inspiration and décor.

 

I always love reading the editor’s intro, and this month, Kelly has a lot to share! I’m so excited for the introduction of Cottage and Bungalows' newest Brand Ambassador for 2025. 

It’s Krystle Marie Nickels!! More on Krystle in a minute...

I’m telling you, I’m obsessed with this home! You can follow along on all the progress of this Utah stunner in the last several issues of Cottages and Bungalows. 

When I first saw the cover, I couldn’t believe this was not an old, vintage home! It's so perfect, down to every little detail.

 

You may know Krystle from Instagram. She is so talented and so sweet, and I can’t wait to see all her beautiful content this year, both for Cottages and Bungalows and for her own home that she shares with all of us.

 

Krystle lives in North Carolina, and I’ve gotten to know her a little bit because we both style for Antique Farmhouse among other things. 

You can read a short bio on Krystle in this latest magazine and make sure to follow her on Instagram for soooo much pretty inspiration!

 

She also has a fabulous blog where she shares cozy cottage décor, seasonal DIY’s and yummy recipes.

 

I encourage you to pick up this amazing issue of Cottages and Bungalows to read for yourself about Krystle and all the other amazing content included in these pages. 

And now as a treat, I’m sharing this beautiful blue and white home from the pages of the February/March issue of Cottages and Bungalows. Enjoy!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed this little peek at this latest issue. Magazine Clippings are among my favorite blog post to share here at Ciao Newport Beach.

 

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.