setting a moroccan inspired table

Take a look at how Ellen Pompeo and Martyn Lawrence Bullard set a gorgeous alfresco table with the most amazing Moroccan style!

First thing to remember is to make sure the menu compliments the décor. A gorgeous tray simply includes olives, fruit, cheeses and flat bread.

For the backdrop of the table, good friends Ellen and Martyn chose a black and white geometric fabric from Martyn’s own line.

Earthenware plates are good balance with the brass accessories that showcase a little bit of bling! 

And how about those cobalt blue Moroccan tea glasses that are used as vases for the gorgeous pink roses and little orange kumquats? 

Love it!

“Whether you’re designing a room or a party; to me it’s all about setting a mood.” I totally agree, Martyn!

Ellen can thank Martyn for the décor of her whole house, as seen here.

This outdoor area is so perfect for entertaining.

I love how they set this table with drinks and appetizers out by the pool. It’s so glamorous!

In the kitchen, the food is prepared early and can be served when all the guests are seated.

It looks like a fabulous party! I love how sophisticated the table setting is, and I'm a huge fan of Moroccan food! 

My husband and I visit our local Moroccan restaurant at least once a year. Known as Marrakesh, a Costa Mesa landmark, it has recently changed owners and remodeled their whole restaurant. In fact, it's now called Casablanca, and I hear it's really good! 

I'm so ready to try it! 

ciao! fabiana

Photos by Veranda

inside ellen pompeo's los angeles home

In the September issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, Grey’s Anatomy star and admitted homebody Ellen Pompeo invites GH into her Los Angeles abode for a sneak peek at how she relaxes at home. 

For Ellen, this home is truly where her heart is. With the help of her friend and interior decorating partner, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. 

They worked together on every inch of this renovation and design, often drawing inspiration from fashion, a favorite hotel in Morocco and popular hangouts like Soho House in New York (which gave her the idea to put big velvet sofas in the rooms).

“Every room was sort of inspired by something different. A lot of fashion design inspired a lot of the rooms.” --EP

“The house represents [my family] because it’s hip but also comfortable. The furniture tells a story once it’s been lived in. 

That’s what makes a house a home. I’m a straight-up homebody. It’s hard to get me out of the house once the sun goes down.” --EP

“The house was like an old relic. It hadn’t been updated since it was built in the 20s. Everything about the house needed to be refreshed; the gardens, especially. 

There were no gardens. It was just a yard full of dirt. So to build the gardens was so fun, something that I had never done before. I’m still not finished, I’ll keep adding to it. 

To be able to have all the fruit trees and the chickens and everything, I think it’s so nice for the kids. I think everything I did outside was with the girls in mind.”  --EP

Ellen shares more about the inspiration for her home design, how her happy home and family life is the complete opposite of her childhood, how she’s most like Meredith Grey and her dream guest stars for Grey’s Anatomy! 

Check out the September issue of Good Housekeeping, on newsstands August 16 for all the rest!

ciao! fabiana

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While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 

You can check it out here, at “Tablescaping Essentials”.

For more home tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book: