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

 

 

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christmas with antique farm house

 

🎄Welcome to the English Cottage Christmas event

 with Antique Farmhouse! 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at my home, and with the help of Antique Farm House. I’ve created a very nostalgic and comfy look for my family. 

This is the perfect time to bring those same vintage, cozy vibes into your own home this holiday season.

Let’s create the most memorable Christmas together!

 

There are so many festive pieces featured in this English Cottage Christmas event, that I couldn’t fit them all in my reel.

There’s nothing quite like the wonder of Christmas morning. All the anticipation, excitement and joy! All the feelings you’ve had of Christmases past come rushing back!

 

Sentimental at times, but there is a sense of hope as well.

Nothing can match the sight of your glowing tree at sunrise, the smell of bacon emanating from the kitchen, tiny footsteps coming down the stairs, and the gasps and giggles heard at the sight of all the gifts under the tree…

 

all those dear early morning Christmas memories truly live in my heart!

🎄The inspiration for my tree was the beauty of nature done in a fanciful way. I imagined an enchanted forest where Father Christmas lives in a charming little stone cottage, definitely another time and place! 

I started with a new 6’ Noble fir from King of Christmas and added my own white lights. Owls, nesting birds, deer, little red toadstools, and lots of little pinecones. 

Of course, we have to bring in the sparkle with lots of vintage glass ornaments and baubles! This little tree is finished off with just a touch of old-fashioned tinsel for all the nostalgic reasons I can think of!

What a difference a month makes! Here’s our antique hutch all decked out for Christmas. 

Here’s my festive hot cocoa bar! This look is as simple as setting out some cute mugs, a cozy plaid throw and a fun little electric kettle! 

Add some instant hot chocolate mix, a few marshmallows and maybe a candy cane or two! No need to fuss. Keep it simple, my friends!

 

Here's a fun little plaid table that has all the vibrant holiday colors and textures I love!

So, friends, I’ll see you in my stories soon, where I’ll give you some up close and personal looks at some of my favorite items, and I’ll also be sharing a BONUS tablescape using so many ofthese same Antique Farmhouse pieces set up in a whole new way!

Happy Christmas! ♥️

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 visit to Sapori Italian Restaurant

 

We had the most amazing holiday dinner this week at one of our all-time favorite Italian restaurants, Sapori Ristorante. One of the true hidden gems of Newport Beach for authentic Italian food.

 

Not only do they have all the traditional pasta dishes you could imagine, they also have so many delicious seafood, poultry and meat options. We opted for a starter of the Shrimp in White Wine and Garlic Sauce. Very good!! 

For dinner I selected the Filet Mignon with Porcini Mushrooms and a Cognac Cream Sauce, while Willy had one of the specials of the evening, the Grilled Branzino served with a side of Angel Hair Pasta. All very, very good! 

In fact, I think it was the best steak I’ve ever had!!

 

For dessert, we couldn’t decide between the Tiramisu and the Creme Brulee, so we had both!

 

They offer the coziest dining experience on their outdoor patio, where the beautiful fireplace takes center stage. During Christmastime, the restaurant feels very special and so festive!

My husband and I arrived early to make sure we got a nice seat next to the warm fireplace.

 

In addition to the cozy patio, they also have a beautiful indoor seating area, which also opens up to the bar and more informal pizzeria restaurant.

 

Whether you dine in for pizza, or order takeout, the pizzas are authentically made the Italian way!! Is there any other way that pizza could be more delicious?

Pizzeria Sapori has it’s own menu… check it out HERE!

Conveniently located on Bayside Drive between Newport Beach, and Corona del Mar, I would recommend this restaurant whole-heartedly to all my friends! 

Have you ever eaten here?  

Sapori Ristorante is located at 

1080 Bayside Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-644-4220

 

ciao fabiana

 

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princess Kate's favorite Christmas treats

Kate Middleton is known for her elegant and stylish fashion choices, especially during the festive season. For Christmas, she often opts for classic colors like reds and greens and sometimes incorporates plaid patterns into her outfits.

 

Tartan has a rich history and various connotations in fashion. Tartan plaid is deeply rooted in Scottish culture, often associated with clans and families.

 

I love how Princess Catherine wears plaid, as it can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile pattern that has stood the test of time.

 

During the holiday season, the royal family wears the most beautiful and stylish plaid patterns, especially in red and green to evoke a sense of warmth and festivity at Christmastime.

 

Now here's something I love just as mush as Kate does... Sticky toffee pudding!! It's a Christmas classic, and it’s no surprise that Kate enjoys it during the festive season. Here’s her simple recipe for you to try.

If you've never had Sticky Toffee Pudding, you're in for a real treat!

 

And here’s another traditional Christmas dessert…

 

King Charles also has a fondness for traditional Christmas desserts, including plum pudding. This rich, steamed pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and often a splash of brandy or rum, making it a festive favorite.

 

Prince William and the Princess of Wales have several cherished holiday traditions that they enjoy with their family. 

They make sure to spend quality time together as a family, often baking and decorating Christmas cookies, and watching holiday movies like "Elf," which is a favorite of Prince William.

 

Like all of us, they also hang stockings by the fireplace and leave out very British mince pies and milk for Santa and the reindeer.

 

They continue the tradition of attending a Christmas church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, a long-standing Windsor family custom.

 

I love that Kate and William have started creating their own separate holiday traditions, including hosting their own holiday party with Kate's family. This allows them to have a more private and relaxed celebration away from the larger royal family.

Plaid always brings out the true spirit of the holidays, whether it's adding a plaid pillow on your sofa or brightening up an outfit with a bit of tartan. 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

 

 

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

 Do you add a little plaid to your Christmas traditions?

Photos and recipes courtesy of People Magazine