oh, Christmas tree

Happy Saturday, everyone. The holiday season is really gearing up now! Christmas is a hop, skip and a jump away, and I’ve got quite a list of things to do today... how about you? 

So before my day gets started, I’m popping in to sharing a few better pics of my little Christmas tree in the front entry. It’s certainly not a glamorous tree. It’s not symmetrical or perfectly done up, but that’s the way I wanted it, simple. 

It's just like the wreaths on our front doors, simple. We have double doors, so I always like to get a pair of matching wreaths. These lush evergreen wreaths are from our local Armstrong’s Garden Center. I then added a trio of  antique-looking bells on each wreath. 

I love the way they softly clang upon our arrival and departure. I originally saw similar bells at McGee & Co., but they sold out immediately. I knew the look I was after for this year’s doors, so luckily Amazon had just about the same exact ones!   

The little foyer tree is from Urban Gardner, and I set it in one of my vintage French champagne buckets. Each ornament on the tree is meaningful. Some are old favorites that we acquired from our parents, grandparents, and friends, and some were found at thrift shops or estate sales. I really love the ones that say "Merry Christmas".

The branches of this tiny tree are just right for holding each precious glass ornament, and a few extras are on hand for a last minute addition to the tree. I found this quaint old bowl through Heather Bullard's Trouvé shop. 

The patina on some of these ornaments is so endearing. 

This one’s not that old, but he’s kinda cute. 

Last night we went to our second holiday party of the season at our friend Jennifer’s loft in Costa Mesa, and I was so inspired! She’s got the most amazing style and displays her Christmas collections so creatively in her home. I’m thinking, we’ve got to share her home her on the blog.... working on it!

After a night out, it was so nice to be greeted at the door by this sweet little tree, and our three silly dogs. I'm off to get started on a few things now, and will hopefully check everything off my list today!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I'll share a few Christmas tables I set with red and white transferware and lots of fun holiday pieces and accessories. 

💖

ciao! fabiana

For lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram! 

christmas and new years inspiration

Happy Friday before Christmas!

I’m sure this weekend will be busy for us all, with last minute shopping, wrapping and party-prepping!

I just received a couple of extra tester shots from our photo shoot last week with Cottages and Bungalows Magazine.

The first photo is a little pre-setup that ultimately got tweaked a little bit for the final photo, but this is the basic vibe of the family room mantle.

  

From photographer, Bret’s camera, you can see the setup of the front door vignette. I made the “Buon Natale” banner a couple of years ago, but it’s the first time I’m using it over the front doors.

I like how all the gold and black colors work together. The wreathes are a collection of silver, gold and copper Christmas ornaments that stand out nicely against the dark doors. 

Here I am in the dining room… oh, how I dislike taking photos! I’m much more comfortable behind the camera.

The dining room tablescape came together using my husband's grandmother's antique "Indian Tree" china. You'll get an up-close peek at it soon, but I love the pinky-red details on it. 

Serena and Lily napkins and raffia placemats were used to update the more formal look of the china. This photo is a little dark, but I wanted to share this look with you. 

BTW, the chairs and pillow in the background are also Serena and Lily.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have gotten a peek at my New Year’s Eve feature in the January issue of Romantic Homes Magazine.

I've updated my favorite clock plate theme exclusively for Romantic Homes, and here's a little peek at some of the outtakes.

Lots of glittery details were used for this partyscape!

And of course, if you know me, we had to incorporate a lot of vintage details too!

You can read my whole article and see all the best photos in this issue of Romantic Homes, so be sure to pick up a copy soon!

photo by Rita Lavoe

I’m so looking forward to Christmas! I spent ALL DAY baking my favorite Christmas cookies yesterday, and I think I made at least ten dozen! 🍪Just little gifts for friends and neighbors!

Today I’m starting on the Christmas pudding, which is really a cake that steamed and filled with all sorts of amazing fruits, nuts and chocolate!

I'd be so happy if you left me a comment to let me know what you’re up to this weekend. I’d love to know! 😍

ciao! fabiana

...and for lots of fun extras, follow me on instagram!

inspiring Christmas doors

Something as simple as a Christmas wreath is all it takes to elevate your mood and spread Christmas cheer!  What’s your favorite kind of Christmas wreath? 

Check out my crafty attempt at a golden magnolia wreath!  Not too shabby! I started out by collecting and purchasing a few magnolia branches. The fresher ones were easier to work with.  I then separated each leaf and sprayed them gold. 

After I let them dry, I bundled them in groups of three with floral wire and then wired all those onto a 15’ metal wreath from... and voila!

ciao! fabiana

💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 

You can check it out here, at “Tablescaping Essentials”.