how to host a garden party

 

Let’s talk easy Garden Party vibes… 

Every garden party must have flowers and cake! My favorite way to dress up an alfresco soiree is to set the table with pretty floaty linens that can rustle gently in the breeze.

Stop and take a peek at this gorgeous new Garden Pink Tablecloth and Napkins from August Table. This is a super easy 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 big bouquet of flowers.

 

A lovely bouquet of cottage garden flowers always helps to brighten the table. The theme of this bouquet is “what’s blooming today in the garden.” 

I’ve recently been watching Sarah Raven floral how-to videos on YouTube, and she inspired me for this floral creation!  

All of these flowers were all grown in our cottage garden and are just loosely arranged in an antique Majolica pitcher that belonged to my husband's great grandmother. 

 

The look of these table linens is so cozy thanks to the fact that these are all 100% linen. The darling little stylized floral pattern is a classic.

 

A store-bought apple bundt cake from Irvine Ranch Market is perfect for adding adorable garden flowers to the top.

Here’s what’s blooming in my garden right now and what is topping the cake:

💗Roses
💗Dahlias
💗Geranium
💗Yarrow
💗Mint

💗Sweet Williams
💗Verbena

💗Borage

  

Creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance is all about paying attention to the little details and making your guests feel comfortable.

 

This year I’m growing fewer vegetables in this garden, and I’ve been focusing more on cut flowers, especially dahlias, with a few zinnias and cosmos sprinkled in.

 

This delicate bloom is a "collarette dahlia", and the variety is Hartenaas. It's one of my favorites!!

Raspberry pie is such a perfect summer treat, especially when topped with fresh whipped cream and berries from the garden. I grow Boysenberries and Jewel Black Raspberries, and we also have a few strawberries and blueberries in pots near this garden. 

There's nothing quite like home-grown fruit for quality and taste!

 

June in the garden is the most magical time of the year, and I couldn't resist setting an impromptu little table to share with all of you and with my friends Cindy, Mary Ann, Annie, Juliet and Kim.

 

They also know a thing or two about styling beautiful outdoor tables and are queens of entertaining! Check out their newest posts here:

 

CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN 🌸 Cindy

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME 🌸 Mary Ann

MOST LOVELY THINGS 🌸 Annie

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER 🌸 Juliet

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE 🌸 Kim

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

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

 

 

 

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.

 

a Peter Rabbit table in the veg garden

Many of us have grown up loving dear Peter Rabbit and many of the other adorable Beatrix Potter characters. 🐇

 

With Easter seeming to be on the far-off horizon for 2025, it’s not until April 20^th, it’s always fun to start planning ahead.

So today, I'm sharing a tablescape that is very dear to my heart... a Peter Rabbit themed table for Easter. 

 

I've taken some of my favorite aspects of this endearing and timeless story by Beatrix Potter and put my own spin on it.

For me, the jumping off point is the backdrop of my treasured vegetable garden.

 

How perfectly enchanting for this do be the place for Peter to do his frolicking in.

 

And check out these lovely blue and white Peter Rabbit transferware dishes that I recently found at Home Goods.

 

Isn't this the perfect spot for a little cup of chamomile tea? 🐰

 

This table is a mix of favorite English style items that I cherish, like this beautiful antique ironstone tea pot. 

A few little topsy-turvy terracotta pots add to the allure of Peter hopping to and fro on this table.

 

Ooooops! There’s the watering can! Could Peter be hiding in there?

Aren’t these ornamental cabbages delightful? I get them every year at Armstrong’s, and I’m always drawn to the bright, vivid pink and green color combinations that their leaves feature.

 

Did you notice the little bunny napkin rings? I found them here at Arthur Court. The pretty linen napkins are from All Cotton and Linen. 

 

For a slightly different set up in the veg garden, I’ve added a few little cupcakes with edible pansies for dessert.

The prettiest and most charming flowers in my garden right now are these Edible Pansies from Armstrong Garden Center. They can add that ‘wow’ factor to any plate.

 

This is my favorite way to add a little touch of the garden to a favorite dessert, and it couldn’t be easier than using something as simple as these mini store-bought cupcakes.

Pansies like this make it so easy to add fresh, edible blooms to your baked goods, salads and charcuterie, because they just keep blooming and blooming!

Pansies have a pretty mild flavor, and even if you’re not interested in eating them, you can still include these edible violas as a garnish.

Here are a few other beautiful ways to use fresh pansy flowers:

🌸Press them into soft cheeses

🌸Use them to garnish deviled eggs

🌸Bake them into tea cookies

🌸Make candied pansies

🌸Freeze them into ice cubes with other edible flowers

🌸Add to the top of a salad after tossing

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

magazine clippings: spring flowers!

Delphiniums, ranunculus and lilacs are such a beautiful combination for Spring, and today I’m sharing a little helpful DIY tutorial from one of my favorite British magazines, "Modern Gardens". 

Modern Gardens magazine always have the best inspiration for floral arrangements and so much more too.

I love that they’re using a vintage white vase as the starting point for this pretty display of flowers. I know I have several of these kinds of vases lying around in my shed, so I must dig one out and try this too!

Jane Scott is such a talented creative force behind some stunning flower arrangements. She has a knack for bringing color and life to any space with her beautiful floral designs.

 

Spring is the perfect time to create vibrant and fresh floral arrangements! Here’s a truly lovely idea to bring the beauty of spring blooms into your home.

Happy Sunday, friends!!

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!