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.

 

easy apple roses for dessert

Apple roses are truly are a delightful treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, they're surprisingly simple to make, considering how fancy they look. 

🍎 Have you ever tried making them before? 🍎

Apple roses are not only delicious but also beautiful. Here's a simple recipe to make them from one of my favorite UK magazines.

(Metric conversions are under the recipe)

*25 grams = 1/4 cup sugar

*500 grams = 18 ounces frozen puff pastry dough

like Pepperidge Farm  

*190°C  = 375°F

*60cm x 5cm = 24" x 2"

🍎🍎🍎

Apple roses are versatile and perfect for various occasions!

 

1.  Holiday Gatherings: They make a stunning addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables.

 

2.   Special Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings could be extra special with these elegant treats. 

 

3.  Tea Parties: Impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious accompaniment to their tea or coffee.

 

4.   Brunches: A lovely treat for a weekend brunch with family and friends. 

 

5.  Mother's Day: Show appreciation with a homemade and heartfelt dessert.

 

6.  Dinner Parties: Serve them as a fancy dessert to cap off a wonderful meal.

 

7.    Valentine's Day: A romantic and sweet gesture for your loved one.

 

8.   Just Because: Sometimes, you don't need a special occasion to enjoy a delightful treat!

 

🍎🍎🍎

You can get creative with flavor variations for apple pie roses. Here are some of my favorite flavor upgrades:

 

1.   Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the apples before rolling them up for a classic apple pie flavor.

 

2.   Caramel Apple: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on the apple slices or the puff pastry before rolling them up. 

 

3.   Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) along with the apples for a nice crunch.

 

4.   Berry Blend: Mix in thin slices of berries like strawberries or raspberries with the apple slices for a fruity twist. 

 

5.   Spiced Apple: Add a dash of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

 

6.   Cheesy Apple: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the puff pastry before adding the apples for a creamy contrast. 

 

7.   Chocolate Apple: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or chocolate spread on the puff pastry for a chocolatey treat.

 

8.   Citrus Twist: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the apple slices for a fresh citrus flavor.

 

 

Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your favorite combination. Enjoy your baking adventure! 

🍎

 

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

Recipe courtesy of Modern Gardens magazine 

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.