FABBY: First Christmas Table 2011

Victoria decorating her cookies, she does a great job as she's such a little artist.

Cayetana is decorating her cookies too and she's taking her job so seriously...she cracks me up, lol!  Cayetana was my elf 2 years ago and now she'll be 5 in January 26th.....for the ones that saw my last post, where I show my 2010 Christmas?!



I made this casual tablescape inspired on my grandgirls's ginger cookies and they came out so cute!  The mugs and sherbets with pedestal were made at our former Ceramic Co., I copied the design from a Christmas fabric!   The tabletopper has been mine for  30 years, it looks old fashion...well?  My daughters were so little and they loved it, and now my grankids also chose this one, so I'm glad I've kept it for so long!



Look at these great cookies, aren't they?! The pretty red glasses are vintage from my mil too...and maybe for a little eggnog!

 The cute angels and gold stars on the tablecloth.

 The teapots were made at our past Ceramic Co. in the design of my formal Christmas dinnerware as it didn't come with teapots. I will make a formal Christmas dinner table with that china later on. 

 My breakfast room buffet with the German Christmas carousel, a present from hubby several years ago.

 My mil's vintage French mirror with a wreath.  That's a cook book in back and it's called: Christmas From The Heart of the Home by:  Susan Branch... and it was a Christmas gift several years ago from my friend Stephanie, I always love to display it here come the Christmas season to check on the recipes for the Holiday season. 

 My lidded cheese plate  was a birthday present from mother's years ago. I love the little bear with a dress on which I bought several years ago. Most of my C'mas decorations I have kept them for many years, some already have memories.

My  Mil's antique in an Art Deco style English buffet, which was part of a four piece set of dining room furniture from her parents.  This is where I display my favorite things for the use of everyday through the Holidays  Season.



The pretty white linen napkin is beautifully hand-embroidered with a Christmas motif.  Here is a close up of the napkin.



 Our breakfast room it's  all ready for the Christmas holidays.  I'm not the cluttered kind, but I love to change everything into Christmas items I can use, see and enjoy everyday until January 6th. which is the Three Kings Day and after this date I usually start to put away my Christmas decor and back to normal.

 A better shot of our breakfast room. The door you see, next to another tea set,  leads to the kitchen.

This platter with cloche is for a dip and chips, or cheese dip and crackers and for the holidays I display cookies, chocolates and Christmas candy in it too.  The platter was also made at our former Ceramic Co.  My flowers are on a Bohemian crystal vase and I loved the red leaves!

I made this runner around 25 years ago when I used to sew and embroider, now I'm a blogger grandma!...it goes along with a big tablecloth I also made and embroidered for my formal dining table; I used them for many years in our Christmas day gatherings at my former house, where I used to have my father, my Fil and Mil and  my grandmother Stella, all passed away now, just wonderful memories.

My grandgirls Victoria 7 and Cayetana almost 5 in  January; are visiting us for a week as their parents went to Miami for a medical check up because my son in law has some back problems.  My daughter Sofia just made black Friday too and did some Christmas shopping, how great!  Well,  their little girls in the meantime are baking  ginger cookies with grandma and grandpa and so that inspired me to make a casual tablescape to later have some tea and cocoa with their cookies, along with hubby and the girls....we'll also have a little eggnog  in the vintage red glasses from their great-grandma.   I hope you like the first casual Christmas  table I created for  the girls and for us in 2011.

Thanking you my darlings in advance for your wonderful visits and generous comments.   I will also be joining some terrific parties and I'm thanking the lovely hostesses who welcome us every week!

Lots of hugs to you all,
FABBY


                        HAPPY HOLIDAY DECKING TO ALL !

Blue Monday at:  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

Show off you Cottage Monday at:  http://thehouseintheroses.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sunday at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Metamorphosis Monday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Masterpiece Monday at:  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/
Amaze Me Monday at:  http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/
On the Menu Monday at:  http://stonegable.blogspot.com/
Mod Mix Monday at:  http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/
Lady Katherine for Tea Time Tuesday at:  http://ladykatherineteatimeparlor.blogspot.com/
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at:  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/
Wanda Lee and Pam for their Tea Things Party at:  http://theplumethpen.blogspot.com/
Martha and Terry for:  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/
Trish's Tea Party Tuesday at:  http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tabletop Tuesday at:  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Patty and Paula for their meme: What's It Wednesday at:  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/
Miss Spencer's Teacup Thursday at:  http://missspencers.blogspot.com/
Wow Us Wednesday at:  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Wayfaring Wednesday at:  http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/
Whassap Wednesday at:   http://elementsinteriors.blogspot.com/
Primp your Stuff at:  http://primp.blogspot.com/
Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Vintage Thingie Thursday at:  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Open House Party at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Thursdays at:   http://bornagaincrafter.blogspot.com/

FABBY: Christmas 2010

    My Little Elf here, when she was almost three years old...now my Elf, Cayetana is four and a half and can reach a lot higher!

 Here is where the Christmas tree used to be and now this is where the vintage Italian table is now, so no more space for the Christmas tree in the foyer. As soon as I give the last touches to my new changes and Christmas decor, I will post it, I think it will be after Thanksgiving .

 I loved the way you could see the tree from every where, living room, dining room, family room and foyer...but the new changes I will post when I finish, I think you will like too.  My grandgirls are here visiting for a week and they love where the tree is now and of course, some changes to the mantel I did.

 We also changed, as you remember last October, the wall color and the window treatment...so the pictures will look  different this year, all together!


The mantel how it looked last year.  I really didn't like it much.

 

 The grands love the Nativity scene that I make it inside the chimney as the weather here this time of the year is 70-75 and even 80 with no humidity, so it's great!  For many years been a Newyorker I missed white Christmas, lol!

Hi Darlings!

 I'm posting my Christmas decorations from last year as there has been a few changes here at home.  I'm sure the ones that follow my blog saw that a few months ago hubby bought a gorgous vintage Italian marble table for the foyer and our Christmas tree used to be set there...here are some pictures from last year, where changes happen, besides the fact that I have a better camera now too, lol!! 
The new Christmas decorations will be posted later on when I finish giving the last touches to them.  Everything I'm posting has been changed somewhat.
Meanwhile, wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy every minute with your family.
Thanking you in advance for your very appreciated visits my dearest friends.
Thank you to the lovely hostesses of the parties I will be linking too.

Love always,
FABBY

Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
vintage Thingie Thursday at: http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Open House Party at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Delighfully Inspiring Thursday at:  http://thefrenchcupboard.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Thursday at:  http://bornagaincrafter.blogspot.com/
Pinning and Singing on the Weekend at:  http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/
It's a Party at:  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/
Feather Nest Fridat at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home Friday at:  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Things Fridat at:  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday at:  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com/
Flaunt it Friday at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Potpourri Friday at:  http://apotpourrioflifeat2805.blogspot.com/
Pink Saturday at:  http://howsweetthesound.blogspot.com/
Sunday Favorites at:  http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sunday at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

FABBY: Tea Set & Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Add caption

 I baked this Pumpkin Bread Pudding cake today, that's why I just posted... from my Betty Crocker's Easy Entertaining Book...I had so much fresh pumpkin so here it is, my hubby loves this cake.  Here is the recipe:                  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.

PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING:

3 cups milk
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
3 eggs
1 can (16oz.) pumpkin
6 cups bread cubes
1/2 cup currants
1/2 chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350F.  Grease springform pan 10X3.  Mix all ingredients except bread cubes, currants, and pecans in large bowl until well blended.  Stir in bread cubes, currants and chopped pecans.  Let mixture stand 10 min.; spoon into pan.  Arrange pecans halves on top of pudding, (I didn't put them on top, but inside the batter).  Bake 50 to 60 min., or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Let stand 10 min. and remove side of pan.  Serve warm with cream or ice-cream, if desired.




Add caption

I created this tablescape for tea inspiring myself in this beautiful tea set, with lovely bright pink roses, made in the Chzech Republic, acquired around three years ago. I displayed it on my glass lazy susan so I can turn the tea set on whatever angle I wanted to shoot.

Add caption

 A closer look of the Chzech tea set.  The pretty cyclamen  has the colors of the roses of the tea set.  The porcelain white and gold plant pot was made at our former Ceramic Co.

Add caption

 I really love the tea pot, it's tall with pretty handles. There's a cute little butterfly too...hubby says it's a mosquito, lol...or is it?!


I paired the tea set with my mil's antique china teacups, cake plates and dessert bowls, as it has roses in the same colors as the teaset! 
The pretty mercury glass votives, I like to use them for Christmas... I have two.

Add caption

 Each piece of the porcelain tea set has such pretty shape...kind of on the slender side too.

Add caption

 Here is a better shot of one of the mercury glass votives.

Add caption

 This is a pretty cotton linen embroidered tablecloth from the Philippines, the kind that takes too long to iron all the wrinkles, lol.

The pretty sugar bowl and the cute creamer.  I think it's a bow or a butterfly that unites the handles?!...what do you think?

My father gave me that cute silver butter dish at your right.

Add caption

 The water crystal goblets are French and were my Mil's; she left us three sizes, twelve of each. The glass and silver marmalade container was a  birthday present from my mother several years ago. 

Add caption

   Hi my darlings!  I'm sure you're all busy getting ready for Thanksgiving, even cooking something you can freeze...I do some cooking and freezing, like my sweet potato pudding and cookie dough, than the rest is easy enough. 

Thank you in advance for your lovely and very appreciated visits. 
 
I am going to start my visits to you on Beverly's Pink Saturday at:  http://howsweetthesound.blogspot.com/    Thanks again for hosting lovely ladies and for making us have so much fun!

Sunday Favorites at:  http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sundays at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Sunday Showcase Party at:  http://underthetableanddreaming.blogspot.com/
Just Something I Whipped Up at:  http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/
Sass's Sunday Salvation Show at:  http://sassafrassalvation.blogspot.com/
Masterpiece Monday at:  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/
On the Menu Monday at:  http://atstonegable.blogspot.com/
Amaze Me Monday at:  http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/
Blue Monday at:  http://smylingsally.blogspot.com/


Mod Mix Monday at:  http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday at:  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at:  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/
Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday at:  http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/
Tabletop Tuesday at:  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday at:  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/
Tea Time Tuesday at:  http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/
Trish for Tea Party Tuesday at:  http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at:  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
White Wednesday at:  http://fadedcharm.blogspot.com/
Wow Us Wednesday at:  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Vintage Thingie Thursday at:  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Open House Party at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday at:  http://thefrenchcupboard.blogspot.com/
It's a Party at:  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/
Catch a Glimpse at:  http://aglimpseeinside.blogspot.com/

FABBY: Recycled Tablecloths

   After changing our window treatment from  yellow moire to Hunter Douglas shades in our formal living room and family room; I thought:  "what a shame all this beautiful Italian moire has to go to waste"!  Than one day I walk up with the idea that I should take it to my seamstress and have the draperies be transformed into beautiful tablecloths!  I washed the curtains and took them to the seamstress, she agreed and made two great, all lined yellow tabletoppers for our round alabaster breakfast table and for the large table in our formal living room.  I did my Thanksgiving tablescape using the yellow topper and a tea table on the round one.
The seamstress charged me $7 for the round one and $10 for the large one, so you can't beat that, for $17 two terrific tablecloths!
Here goes the metamorphosis from draperies to tablecloths.

 BEFORE:  There are two large windows like this one and two half the size of these, so I did have  a lot of material that was perfect for the tablecloths transformation, or metamorphosis.

 AFTER:  The formal dining large table with the new recycled tablecloth.

AFTER:  The round alabaster breakfast table with a pretty ruffle on the yellow moire tabletopper.

  I hope you liked my NEW recycled, from curtains to tablecloths, I am thrilled! They look great in real life and the moire is so pretty!   I did recycled the dining room curtains as well and I got one for the large table, as that one was a smaller curtain, so  there was not enough, but for one table.  I will show it after Christmas  maybe for  a New Year's tablescape as it is somewhat silvery.
   Thank you my darlings for your sweet visits, you are all so very appreciated.   Wishing you all a very happy week.   Lots of hugs.
FABBY

I'm linking to Metamorphosis Mondat at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Masterpiece Monday at:  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/
Tabletop Tuesdat at:  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

FABBY: Thanksgiving Table 2011

Hi my sweet friends!   I'm sure you're all thinking and even making already your Thanksgiving tablescape for this year...I am!  My table for 2011 Thanksgiving is going to look like this, while my table will have a fall look my house will be all Christmas decked up!  I am posting a couple of weeks in advance as here in Ecuador there is no Thanksgiving as in the USA so we usually celebrate the next Saturday after Thanksgiving, usually at an American friend's house who is married to an Ecuadorian too; or at home with the family.   Hope you enjoy my Thanksgiving 2011 tablescape.  
I will be joyning some parties, so I'm thanking the super lovely ladies that host them each week.
I'm also thanking you all my darlings for your sweet and wonderful visits, they are so appreciated!

Love,

 I did my Thanksgiving tablescape using part of my china made at our former Ceramic Co.  I paired the china with my orange plates and the salad and small pan with the birds motiff. The chargers I used my Turkish glass ones because of the gold color. The small pan will go in the oven with a potato and cheese antree.

 This is a dip platter which I use with a hot chile cheese sauce dip and small empanadas.

 The name cards are set on a walnut which I copy cated from Martha Stewart's. The duck lid on the bowl is for patè and it's from Portugal, bought in Bloomingdales NY in the 80's.

 This other mud duck was bought in NY's China Town several years ago.

 I was so happy to have recycled my living room and den yellow moire draperies into two beautiful tablecloths!  I think gold is great for fall too.

 You can see in this high photo I took of the fruit centerpiece bowl with two birds, one is feating the other and from up here they look like they're kissing.

 Coffee or tea is ready in this corner of my buffet to drink along with dessert, or later in the afternoon.

Some pink flowers for Beverly's Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound.

 The vintage church brass candle sticks that were my mil's, with orange candels.

Here are the two cute birds in the fruit bowl which I put gourds in as a centerpiece...the one that is feating the other must be the mother bird, lol!

The glass charger with my mother's doily.

<> </></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></><> 

The plates layers.

</></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></></>

The layers with the pottery pan, which  can be used in the oven perfectly as they are made of terracotta.

This is a pot with a duck lid and I often use it for a Pecan Sweet Potato pudding that goes in the oven in this same pot and to serve it I replace the lid on it... and the pudding it's everyone's favorite!

 This is a vintage cheese platter in depression glass and hand decorated, (you can see like an Arizona house with a cactus plant) made in the USA from the 1950's....it was my mil's too and my hubby has such fond memmories  when we cut cheese from it at the dinner table.

The bread plate it's so cute with the decoration of  a flower flanked by two birds decorated in  many colors.

FABBY

Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Vintage Thingi Thursday at:  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Open House Party at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday at:  http://thefrenchcupboard.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Thursday at:  http://bornagaincrafetr.blogspot.com/
Transformation Thursday at:  http://theshabbycreekcottage.blogspot.com/
It's a Party at:  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/
Feather Nest Fridat at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Vintage Inspiration Friday at:  http://commonground.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home at:  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Things Friday at:  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Fridat at:  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com/
Flaunt It Fridat at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Potpourri Friday at:  http://apotpourrioflife.blogspot.com/
Fridays Unfold at:  http://stuffandnonsense.blogspot.com/
Few of my Favorite Things Friday at:  http://bargainhuntingandchattingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/
Sunday Favorites at:  http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sunday at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Sunday Showcase at:  http://underthetableanddreaming.blogspot.com/
Just Something I whipped up at:  http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/