FABBY: Christmas Past Tablescapes

Hello sweet friends!

I just got back again from my daughter Sofia's as we attended the First Communion of a young g'boy of Alejandro's cousin. Everything was wonderful as usual.

I've had no time to do any posts these days, so as I was looking through my tablescapes and decorations at my blog-home from Christmas past, in order to start inspiring myself in decking the halls, I decided to re-post some of them.

Here they are:

Christmas 2010, before I had the French vintage table in the foyer, instead I had a red antique Chinese trunk from my Mil and I always used to take it out of the way to do the tree.

Christmas 2012 with my then new red transferware set for twelve place settings and my Lynn's Fine China Christmas dishes from almost twenty years ago.



Christmas 2011 table for my g'girls, with doggies.

Hanukkah Table 2012 for my Jewish friends.

Christmas with my everyday dishes for the Holidays.

Everything in this setting from 2011 was French, starting from the antique bowl, antique table with the marble and finally the dishes from my mother and goblets from my Mil.

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2011

Here you have some Christmas tables to start the "lovely season to be jolly."


Thank you sweet friends for your kind comments, you always make my day.

Thanking the lovely and gracious hostesses for having me at their fabulous parties.

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining:


Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Martha for MUST LOVE TEACUPS PARTY at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Tuesday with a Twist at,  http://backtobasics.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Emily for Tasteful Tuesday Party at,  http://naptimecreations.blogspot.com
Terri for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Debbie for Join Me for the SCOOP at,  http://cofessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Judy for Wordless Wednesday at,  http://judyhjsthoughts.blogspot.com
Kathleen for Let's Dish at,  http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Jann for Share your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from Above Linky Party at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Sarah for The Homemaking Party at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
The Real Housewives of Riverton at,  http://realhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Deborah for What We Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com
Sherry for Open House Party at,  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home at,  http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday at,  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Thursday Social Media Roundup at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Jenn for Fabulously Creative Friday at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com
The Inspirational Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
Lisa for Everyday Vintage Link Party at,  http://helenaslegacy.blogspot.com
From the Farm Blog Hop at,  http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Saturday Sparks Link Party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Bouquet of Talent at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com







 I will be participating in PINK Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.








 I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.



















 I will be participating in Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Souhtern Style.


 

FABBY: Fall Dinner and Hot Chocolate

Hello sweet friends!

        I set up an Autumn dinner table for four and at the end we will have hot chocolate, (not cocoa powder) with Pumpkin Cake for dessert. The chili evening sure made me want to go for the hot chocolate, it's been a while since we had it last...actually, I don't even remember when it was!

I used my everyday dishes that I love cause although they're a set in the pattern, the colors are different and came in four colors. I have eight place settings; but here I just used two colors, green and orange for Fall. The four mugs are a set too, as the dinner set didn't come with teacups and saucers.

For the hot chocolate the mugs are displayed in the four colors they come in, which I have only four, as I figured if I have eight people than I'm not serving anything in mugs, but in off white teacups and saucers I have for them.

Again, we will have Pumpkin Cream-Soup in the white bowls,  Chicken Cutlets a la Paprika with some rice and a hot Ratatouille vegetable salad....and for dessert Pumpkin Cake and Hot Chocolate made out of the real pure chocolate tablets, as Ecuador produces one of the best chocolate in the world and it's sort after in Switzerland, Germany, France and other countries for their chocolates products for the market.

The recipe for the Hot Tablet Chocolate is at the end of this post for some of you who might want it. The recipe is Ecuadorian and from my Mil's recipe book.

"I will be going again for a long weekend with Alejandro this time, as we're invited to our friend's grandson's First Communion...you know, one of those great ones they make around here, lol!  Hope I can catch some pics, if hubby let's me!  See you next Tuesday! "

The tablecloth I used is a hand made "Ikat-Material" made here in Ecuador, and I love the colors the Ikat has and I thought perfect for Autumn, with the greens, golds, oranges, a soft black, etc.

The dishes are my everyday ones I acquired a few months ago, but never showed you the mugs that came with them. I'm using them here for the hot chocolate and cake for dessert.

The napkin holders are silver Autumn leaves.

The cake pedestal is standing on vintage American made nesting tables that belonged to my Mil.

The centerpiece is done in a galvanized flower vase and I placed it inside a wooden bowl with some gourds and pine cones and of course, with burnt-orange and purple mums.

I love this combination of colors for a November Autumn centerpiece.

Cute gourd with warts at left..so funny, lol..

My dear Bil and Sil sent me the gorgeous bouquet of roses (in the buffet) from their professional rose-farm, for my birthday, which was Oct. 20th. because they weren't in town than. Aren't they so sweet?!

This bouquet of multi color roses is stunning!

A close up of the stunning roses! The two blue ones, the turquoise and that dry green color at your left are
stained, as sometimes they're asked for in the flower shops. 



Pumpkin Cake and we will be having it tonight for dessert with hot chocolate.

Looks like I love pumpkins!

Thank you so much sweet and generous friends for all the wonderful comments, as they always make my day!

Thanking the lovely and gracious hostesses for having me and many times even featuring some of my posts; well, that is the most generous way of expressing support for our blog work. I am so very grateful!



LOVE,
FABBY

Hot Chocolate Recipe

3 ounces of store bought chocolate Tablet, semi-sweet
3 ounces of bitter chocolate in big pieces
1 cup water
5 cups of milk
1 stick of cinnamon
Sugar to taste
3 eggs  (if you rather not use the eggs, go ahead, it's ok too)
dash of salt

Place a medium heavy copper pot (or whatever) in the stove on medium heat and add the water and when it's boiling add the chocolates in small pieces so they dissolve. Now add 4 1/2 cups of the milk, the cinnamon stick and at the end the sugar to taste. Beat by hand all the time so it's foamy and a little thick.

In the meantime beat the egg yokes, the dash of salt, and 1/2 cup cold milk and with a sieve pour it through on the pot of the chocolate. Lower the heat and keep beating until it's perfect for you and it has not a tinge of an egg taste and the sugar it's perfect too.

You can beat the egg whites with a little sugar and put a dollop on top of each chocolate mug. This part is optional, but we like it that way.
 
I hope you like it if you ever make it because it's delicious!

Yields 8.  I make half recipe for 4 persons.


I will be joining the following parties:


Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://adedicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Inspiration Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dewllingstheheartofyourhome.blogspot.com
Judy for Creative Monday Blog Hop at,  http://judyhjaysthoughtsatwinlesstwin.blogspot.com
Lisa for Mix it Up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Mary for Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Ramona for Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Stephanie Lynn for The Sunday Showcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com
Kaysi for Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Linda for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at out Home at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
The SCOOP at,  http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Mary for Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://backtothebasics.blogspot.com
Melody for Rednesday at,  http://brownginghamcreations.blogspot.com
Karyn for Two Cup Tuesday at,  http://pintsizedbaker.blogspot.com
Emily for Tasteful Tuesdays at,  http://naptimecreations.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from Above at,  http://adornedfromabove.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Sherry for Open House Blog Party at,  http://nominimalistehere.blogspot.com
Jann for Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.com
Leslie for Create it Thursdays at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Kathleen for Let's Dish at,  http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://rattlebridgefarm.blogspot.com
Ivonne for TUTORIALS, TIPS AND TIDBITS at,  http://stonegable.blogspot.com
Christina for Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Richella for Imparting Grace at,  http://graceathome.blogspot.com
Lucy for the Inspiration Gallery at,  Inspiration Gallery
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http thethriftygroove









 I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.




























 

FABBY: Dinner Party for Fourteen

Hello sweet friends!

       I just got back from my very long weekend tonight from a 45 minute flight from Sofia's house, because we had to go to another fabulous First Communion, which was the granddaughter of a very good friend of mine.

I did promise I will show you what I did and worked myself away for the dinner party we hosted a week and a half ago for our twelve best friends, plus the two of us.

I did all the flowers, which I love that part. I did the cleaning and ironing of the linens, which I don't care for that part, lol..

I do like the cooking and I get very organized each day with a schedule and the menu was: A great turkey recipe that was my Mil's, who was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain..the best! I also did a London Broil which came wonderful as it's a recipe from my good friend Stephie from NJ. A really yummy Wild rice recipe, very tasty with lots of spices and butter and finally a Caesar's Salad with home made croutons and a delish dressing which I copied from our dear friend Ivonne, from Stone Gable. The entree was a 'Yucca tamale,' (cassava tuber) which is very delicate in taste. The dessert was Bread Pudding with Caramel sauce and toasted slivered almonds on top. Last but not least, all the spirits and liquor Alejandro loves to serve, besides wine for dinner...that part I don't take care, at all!  Our guests had a great time and loved dinner!

Here goes tons of pics, specially of the flowers and of course, 'I just can't stop this transfer ware' situation...as they have become my fav dolls to play with, I mean dishes!

You've seen this table before, but now all set up for a 'real dinner party!' The stems are etched by hand and are Venetian Crystal.

I just received this beautiful smoked in cobalt blue, Venetian crystal as well, flower vase from hubby Alejandro for my birthday, this past Oct. 20th; plus he gave me all the blue transfer ware dishes, and that means he paid for them and not me, as he also gave me the red ones two years ago for my b'day as well.

As you can see, I arranged my gift with orange flowers for a touch of Fall; besides, I do love orange with blue combo.

The breakfast table is set up for five guests with my Onion pattern china, to continue with the blue and white settings.

In the background buffet some pink gorgeous roses from my Bil's 'Professional Rose Farm, Altaflor.' 

I served the entree' in the red transfer ware and the main course in the blue dinner plates.
 I also left the blue salad plates for dessert, as I have them in blue as well...and hubby just gifted me with them all for my b'day.

The flower arrangement here is done in a small white Portuguese vase. The stems are Italian Bormiolli Rocco in this table.

All the pieces I used for the food serving and I also love this 'blue hour.'

We hired a girl we know, that works in a great hotel here to help me serve the trays and bowls with the food to each guest, as it was not a buffet, where you help yourself; but instead, a sit down dinner party, which I love, because of the best part...the settings of the dinner tables and it's many details.



I arranged hydrangeas in the living room.

I love this beautiful hand decorated Delft-Dutch bowl.

A close up of the hydrangeas, which is what I love to do the most for a dinner party! The flower arranging, I mean.

Beautiful roses from my Bil's prefessional rose-farm and next to it chocolate Bom-boms in a pretty Meissen bowl.

The antique French Opaline flower vase with lovely pale pink roses.

Another color of pink gorgeous roses from my Bil's professional rose-farm, Altaflor.

This cute vintage duck flower vase that belonged to my Mil is all done up for the guest 'half-bathroom.'

Alejandro just gifted me with this smoky, cobalt blue Italian-Venetian flower vase for my birthday, along with all the blue and white transfer ware for twelve...thinking it would match my blue and white English dishes, so I did fix it up for him.

I love orange with cobalt blue.

This is the entrance to our home, where I also arranged some little rose flowers in a lovely Czech small flower vase.
Turning to your right is the foyer and living room and to your left is the den, where some of the guests where.. and we all mingled with each other, because of the proximity of both areas.

I love the tiny roses.

The Antique Belgium buffet was arranged with purple and pink too. I adore purple with silver, they're both cold and elegant!

A close up of the flowers.

The Meissen two tier compote with some fresh fruit. Dutch and English transferware plates on the wall, along with some plates made back at our Ceramic Co. on the side wall...all in blue and white.

The two dinner tables. The round breakfast table was set for five guests and the formal big table for nine. Alejandro sat in the big table and me in the round, so both of us could be with our guests.

Thank you so much dear friends for your sweet and kind comments, as you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely and gracious hostesses for having me at their great parties too.

LOVE,
FABBY


I will be joining:


Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Sally for BLUE Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Kathe for It's a Party at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
The Scoop at,  http://theeverydayhome.blogspot.com
Kristy for Inspiration Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
The Homemaking Party at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Ricki Jill for My Happy List at,  http://artandhome.blogspot.com
Anyonita for Tasty Tuesdays at,  http://anyonitanibbles.blogspot.com
Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Let's Dish at,  http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
It's a Party at,  http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Linda for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Sarah for Make, Bake, Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Round up at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Sherry for Open House Party at,  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Ivonne for Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits at,  http://stonegable.blogspot.com
Jann for Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.com
Lesly for Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home at,  http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Debrah for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Diann for Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://rattlebridgefarm.blogspot.com
Jennifer for FCF linky Party at,  http://jenniferrizzo.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Liz for Fresh Cut Friday at,  http://rosevignettes.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Anything Blue Friday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Show and Tell Friday at,  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink Time at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Thursday Social Media Roundup at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Donna for Party Junk at,  http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com
Saturday Sparks Linky party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Kathy for It's Time to Party at A Bouquet of Talent at, http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Creative Home and Garden at,  http://backtobasics.blogspot.com
Danielle for Silver Pennies Sundays at,  http://findingsilverpennies.blogspot.com




















 I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.









 I will be participating in Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.