summer nights:alfresco dining

With summer now in full swing, a beautiful table and a pretty place setting is a great start to creating a gorgeous alfresco dining experience.

Warm summer afternoons and evenings are the perfect time to head outdoors to enjoy the ambiance of alfresco dining.

Set up a table in a shady spot, preferably under a pergola. There’s nothing quite like it in the world!

Dining under a shady tree is the ultimate way to connect with nature and to enjoy a lovely meal with family and friends. 

I want to spend quality time in the backyard while entertaining and since we're all creatures of comfort, having few throw pillows and an umbrella is always handy.

And, it’s always wise to have a few throw blankets on hand, in case guests get chilly.  

Using nature’s backdrop as your inspiration point, position the table in a spot that’s both cozy and beautiful.

Set up several tables near each other for a larger gathering, and mix and match the tableware at each table for a casual fun look.

Even if the setting is a bit fancy, keep the whole vibe  of your table relaxed and all your guests will feel right at home!

 ciao! fabiana

photo credit: 1. Veranda  2. Ciao Newport Beach  3. Veranda  

4. House Beautiful 5. Country Living 6. Family Circle 7. bh&g  

8. pinterest  9. tumblr  10. bh&g

black and white stripes forever

Another one of my favorite classic combos…

black and white stripes!

Use them on a table,

for a formal or casual gathering.

It’s a traditional look with modern flair!

A little,

or

a lot…

It’s always a showstopper,

as in this wallpaper in my friend

Marion's kitchen.  

Outdoors this look can’t be beat…

It’s so versatile too!

These stripes can come off as too funky or edgy,

but they can actually bring balance to a room.

The perfect yin and yang!

 ciao! fabiana

photo credit:

1, 2  BH&G

3  Martha Stewart Weddings

7  Opal DC

8  Architectural Digest

9  NY Times

10  Woman's Day

11  House Beautiful

12, 13  Lido Marina Village

15 Domaine

true blue

It’s Sunday,

so today I’m sharing a little design and decor

eye candy

 from a few of my favorite magazines.

I’m really excited about Barclay Butera’s

newest line of outdoor furniture…

it’s so pretty!

Hi, Barclay!

Isn't this the perfect outdoor spot 

for a cup of coffee in the morning!

Spring is here and the  hydrangeas 

will be blooming like this very soon!

Can't wait!

Such a fun Easter tablescape.

Currently obsessed with this color combo!

I love the idea of painting a plain

faux bamboo desk an amazing blue like this!

I hope you’re enjoying the rest of your weekend…

 ciao! fabiana

image sources:

1. Serena &Lily   2. & 3. Barclay Butera   4. BH&G   5. Garden & Gun

6. & 7. Good Housekeeping   8.  BH&G    9. Coastal Living   10. BH&G  
11.  Country Living   12. Domino

featured designer: raili clasen

Interior décor with a fun, youthful twist

best describes local interior designer

Raili Clasen.

She’s been a favorite of

the Newport Harbor Home Tour since 2012

when she debuted her own

  

modern California ranch house

here in Newport Beach.

This month, there’s a gorgeous feature on

her newest home on Lido Island gracing the pages of

Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

Raili has a knack for creating bold and bright

design plans perfectly in line for casual California living.

I love her signature H E L L O accents. 

They just make me smile!

Here’s Raili's first home that we saw on the

Newport Harbor Home Tour.

This simple black and white kitchen 

gets a dose of color with the vintage red and yellow

message of HOPE.

On the 2015 Home Tour,

Raili showcased her ever-evolving style with

this fan favorite…

So fun!

Just sharing a few other favorite Raili rooms…

Last year on the home tour,

 we loved the Dover Shores home she designed

and

the great news is…

Raili will have another home featured on this year’s

 Newport Harbor Home Tour!

😍

I can’t wait to see it on May 17th!

Stay tuned for more “Featured Designers” this month

where I'll be sharing the work of my favorite local designers.

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Raili Clasen,  BH&G, & HGTV

For more on Raili, check out this brand new book: