a real country pantry and larder

Antique and vintage collectables have always had a dear place in my heart, especially kitchen collectables. Once you start off with a piece or two, the collecting process can be quite fun!

 

It’s always a hoot finding one of these pieces, and they can turn up in some of the most unexpected places. 

Garage sales are my favorite place to find these goodies and a great opportunity to create a super cute vintage-style pantry like the ones shown here.

Mason jars filled with dry goods and colorful cans are an excellent way to bring character into any country pantry.

 

 

What adds character to a farmhouse style pantry and personalizes the space most? Well, I think it’s having a few elements that are perfectly imperfect!

A rustic wood floor, an unfinished ceiling, whimsical lights, mismatched chairs, flowers from the garden, the possibilities are endless!

In this case we've got ironstone on the top shelf, followed by blue and white transferware on the second shelf and red and white transferware on the third shelf. What a pretty way to style a pantry! 

 

There are so many ways to personalize your kitchen and add character. Check out these adorable mis-matched country curtains hiding whatever is behind the shelves under the counter. 

 

This kitchen stopped me in my tracks! The vibrant green color of this fabulous kitchen table is amazing! 

It’s got all the storage opportunities of a mini larder or pantry right there, smack dab in the middle of this kitchen. 

All the photos above have been found in the pages of one of my favorite magazines, Country Living.  

 

So, what is the difference between a pantry and a larder? A pantry is a general storage space for food, drinks, and kitchen items, while a larder is a cool, dry area for storing food that needs to be preserved.

 

Larders must be cool and dry in order to help preserve a variety of foods.

 

A pantry is usually a larger space, added through stylish use of architectural features and are often created from spare rooms or extra space near a kitchen.

 

Even though the differences are subtle, and the words are now used interchangeably, I can’t help think of Downton Abbey, Mrs. Patmore and Daisy creating fabulous meals in that historic kitchen.

 

The kitchen itself had “larder” elements. It’s just a vibe! That chic English kitchen look is something that is completely ingrained in my mind.

 

From the copper pots and pans to the classic cabinetry, this kitchen is just dreamy. And when it comes to life during the hustle and bustle of cooking for the Downton family (the Crawleys) and guests, it really is at its best!

 

You can ring my bell, any time!

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

 

 

 

 

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 

spring design event from Serena and Lily

 

As many of you know, Serena and Lily is one of my favorite design shops. I own many furniture pieces, especially chairs, pillows and tableware from this fun and coastal inspired company.

With spring just around the corner, Serena and Lily is celebrating with 20% off everything during their Spring Design Event from now until March 10th.

I want to make sure this Serena and Lily design event is on your radar as you start your spring refresh and share some of the items we’re excited to shop.

My favorite is the PRIANO wallpaper, which I have in the front foyer of my home.

💙The New Spring Arrivals 

💙 Over 150 just launched!

💙Introducing Outdoor Riviera, now in a rainbow palette. 

💙And the iconic Balboa Dining Chairs.

💙The new Ravello Collection adds character to your bedroom with faux bamboo detailing, an inlaid travertine top, soft close drawers, and brass pulls.

💙New Tiburon Outdoor Collection is weather-friendly resin wrapped around a warm teak frame, it’s perfectly proportioned for any outdoor space.

💙The new Earth colorway added to the South Seas and to the all-weather wicker outdoor collections, Pacifica and all-new Antigua.

💙New Corsica Outdoor Dining Chair – This new sleek teak frame has a water-resistant mesh seat and is lightweight and easy to move, making it ideal for outdoor patio spaces.

💙The new Earth colorway added to the South Seas and to the all-weather wicker outdoor collections, Pacifica and all-new Antigua.

💙Gorgeous new modular Outdoor Pacifica Collection features 5 versatile silhouettes that can be arranged into numerous configurations offering flexibility and comfort to your outdoor spaces.  

💙The useful new Beach Buggy, perfect for lugging our Pilar Cooler, Picnic Basket, Mallorca Beach Towels, and Teak Beach Chairs featuring a sturdy steel frame and durable wheels for traversing sand.

💙Have your best night’s sleep with our new Songbird Quilt and Sutter Linen Comforter.

💙New Pillows in island-inspired motifs to bring your home into the spring season.

💙And my favorite category, Table Linens and Napkins for casual, come-as-you-are meals.

💙Removable Wallpaper - Offered in the most-loved patterns, our new removable wallpaper options allow for easy decorating. 

No one does natural textures quite like Serena & Lily. These textures instantly add that coastal inspired look we love in our décor! 

Let me know if you have any Serena & Lily pieces you love!

 

 

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.

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!

 

 

cottage florals in the veg garden

Today from the veg garden: Happy Monday, friends! Just sharing a little impromptu alfresco table set with the a vintage tablecloth and  a few of my favorite cottage garden flowers.

 

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 big bouquet of flowers.

This garden has kept me busy just about every single day. We call it the new Potager Garden.

 

This area has always been a small lawn, and over the years has had a swing set, baby pools and lots of children’s play equipment out here, but my love for growing veggies has now been fulfilled by this new veg garden.

 

It’s such a dream come true, and just so happens to be the perfect spot for the raised beds, as the borders surrounding this area is a small orchard of sorts, filled with apple, lemon, orange, guava, plum and apricot trees.

 

These flowers were all grown in our cottage garden and are just loosely arranged in a fun wicker-wrapped vase to softly sway any which way the wind blows.

 

ciao fabiana

 

 

For lots of fun extras, follow me on Instagram!

 

 

 

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