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

a sunday spent in the garden

Sunday’s the perfect day to take a little hunk of time and reserve it to spend in the garden. Whether it’s 20 minutes or all day, time spent outdoors enjoying a garden is beneficial to the mind and body.

Earlier this year, I discovered two Netflix shows that kind of changed my life. The first one is English gardening master "Monty Don’s Big Dreams, Small Spaces".

Believe it or not, watching folks in London or in smaller British towns transform their small gardens into fantastic spaces got me soooo motivated to dig and totally enhance my own backyard.

Now that summer’s here, I can actually go out to the garden and gather hydrangeas, old-fashioned roses, lavender, herbs and even some vegetables from my garden.

Just like everyone on Monty’s show, I had a “Big Dream” of what I wanted my garden to look like, and it’s literally come to fruition! My vision was to have a relaxed English cottage garden or French potager that incorporates pretty flowers intermixed with vegetables.

Now I’ve got my tomatoes and flowering sage growing under my apricot tree. I’ve got beautiful eggplant growing amongst the roses and hollyhock. My garden has truly been transformed and it’s so rewarding!  

So, in honor of “time spent in the garden”, I’ve gathered a few pretty garden snapshots from pinterest and combined them with some of my favorite inspirational garden quotes.  

“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” –Gertrude Jekyll

“There is no real need for decorations when throwing a barbecue party - let the summer garden, in all its vibrant and luscious splendour, speak for itself.” –Pippa Middleton

“I have an organic garden and love being able to say, 'I'm going to see what I can pick to throw in my salad.'” –Christie Brinkley

“It gives you a good feeling. Each year, you rediscover in a garden the magic of life. A flower arrives, and it is a miracle. The leaves fall in the autumn, and it looks fantastic. There is a tenderness about a garden, and you can't help but be sensitive to that.” –Hubert de Givenchy

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”― Audrey Hepburn

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”  ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

“Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” – Unknown

“If you have a garden in your library, everything will be complete.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Life begins the day you start a garden.” – Chinese proverb

I have yet to photograph the favorite parts of my garden but I’d love to share them with you soon. You may have caught a little glimpse of it during my magazine photo shoot with Cottages and Bungalows. Check it out here.

And if you’re wondering what the second Netflix show that changed my life is, it’s “The Paleo Way” with Australian Pete Evans. The amazing recipes are what got me hooked, and yes, I’ve been eating Paleo since February 1. More on that later!

ciao! fabiana

photos:  pinterest

Here are some of my favorite new garden books...

      

it's all about springtime decor

A vibrant spring table set with the most fragrant old-world roses transports us to a world of days past. 

One can only imagine the delicious lunch awaiting us in this glorious setting…

and take a look at this festive table. Turquoise and lavender china initiate the color palette at this table, 

but doesn’t limit the possibility of introducing interesting shades of green linens and cabbageware and stunning pink peonies that overflow their containers.

Let’s step into the backyard where spring is springing on us from all four corners of the garden. Ancient brick walls are covered with evergreen vines that envelop us with feelings of comfort and calm. 

What better place to take in the change of seasons than the luxury of a grand garden like this one? 

Climbing roses are my latest garden obsession, and I’m finding that they fit in perfectly with my favorite herbs and succulents. 

Why not fill that blank wall or porch pillar with an old English variety of climbing cabbage rose?  

As seen in this month’s issue of Veranda, climbing roses, go hand-in-hand with ginormous succulents like this variegated agave.

California is a wonderland of plants, terrain and lifestyle. It's fun to incorporate some of these favorite elements into your own garden for a totally unique look.

One can only dream of a room with a view like this! 

I’m working on updating my living room to open up to the garden with view of my sweet little garden shed and lavender garden.  

Growing a variety of antique roses in shades of pink, peach and white is at the top of my list for Spring! I spent many days this winter planting legendary varieties of my favorite roses in the back garden.

My task at the moment is to nurture and just watch these roses as they develop from youngsters into beautiful debutants in the garden. With all the rain we’ve had, they’re well on their way! 

And how about this jaw-dropping shelf display of blue and white loveliness mixed with a brilliant mix of roses and dahlias? And that collection of pink books! 💗 Wow! 

Of course peonies are always on my radar. Known for centuries for their exquisite beauty and striking colors, I oftentimes splurge on a bouquet of peonies, just because…

And of course unique patterns of antique china are one of my favorite ways to usher in Spring. It’s so fun to mix and match unexpected patterns and colors. 

Here’s a little peek at some of my latest acquisitions…

Roses are always at the forefront of my thoughts, especially this time of year!

ciao! fabiana

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Photo Credit: Veranda and Southern Living,
unless otherwise noted

a tiger sofa and more...

Do you remember Lee Radziwill’s iconic sofa that was upholstered in the most divine Scalamandré tiger-striped velvet? It’s legendary!

It was eventually handed down to her daughter-in-law Carole Radziwill and has been prominently featured on the Real Housewives of New York as the centerpiece of Carole’s SoHo apartment.

Well, this year, the shabby and well-worn 50+ year old sofa got a complete makeover and now lives on as a gorgeous blue sofa.

But the legend of the tiger sofa

lives on in Atlanta…

Enter Taylea Fowler,

whose obvious good taste quickly

caught my attention.

This striking blonde and her husband Robin

recently purchased this historic 1930's home 

in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, and

the starting point of the design

concept for their new home was a

Scalamandré tiger sofa, just like

the one that Lee made so famous!

And look at the rest of the décor!

Hello!?

This looks like my fantasy dream home!

More velvet anyone?

This little pink situation room

is the ladies’ lounge.

Her closet, amazing! 

And the stunning décor continues

outside in the pool pavilion.

Surrounded by nature’s pretty green,

how can anyone say no to sitting out here?

And sneak peek...

here’s the Fowler’s wedding photo

from their 2016 Mexican beach ceremony. 

Have a dreamy day…

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Veranda

Interior Design by Melanie Turner 

switch to a summer home

The start of summer brings endless possibilities

for outdoor living options at home.

With the warmer weather,

our attitudes become more relaxed,

the kids are off school,

carpools and pick-ups slow down,

and our lifestyle at home reflects that

laid-back mood.

I love this easy breezy little porch

with the skateboard and sneakers 

waiting at the door.

It's the "kids are home for the summer" look!

This backyard is ready for summer too…

isn’t that giant checker board fabulous? 

Pillow ready at this adorable little

1930’s Spanish-style house in

San Mateo. 

This show house in the Hamptons is

party-ready all summer with my

favorite Serena & Lily chairs and

dramatic black and white striped drapes.

Super fancy outdoor tablescape…

blue and white is always a favorite.

I love me a classic picnic table.

Look at how pretty this one

looks all dressed up! 

Here’s a wee little picnic table used as a beverage station.

All you need is some festive flags to complete the look!

ciao! fabiana

photo credits:

Elle Decor

Traditional Home

Country Living

Veranda