FABBY: Halloween in the Foyer Table

Hello sweet friends!

I've been a 'busy-bee' these days, specially all last week as we were having a dinner party Friday night for 14 very close friends and I wanted to gather them together with us at home before some of them start going on trips for the holidays, etc. You know how it is with dinner parties, all the cooking, the cleaning, the flower arranging and so much more details, sometimes it seems there's no end!   I will post it later on in the week.

I haven't been inspired for Halloween at all! I've been looking at so many fabulous and amazing Halloween tables and home decors that really, I had nothing in mind for a while, until DD Sofia brought me some cute dishes and others as she was just in Miami again, and my g'girls were so excited buying stuff for me, hehehe..too cute!  Anyhow, here it is my Halloween 2013 Table done up in the foyer's Antique French table, because I find this area and the table sort of dramatic.

Hope you like it and finally looking at it in a post, I hope I end up liking it too, as I do believe there are tablescapes that we love and some we're not totally enamored with and this one is one of those types, lol!

I am going away for a long weekend starting this Thursday, so I will see you Monday night next week!  Hugs

I enjoyed making this table just for the fun of it, as it does make me smile, specially the ugly critters!

I love the chandy, even if I have to clean it, hehehe.

...spiders all over the place!

yuk...there are some cockroaches! I love the disgusting part of Halloween too, specially when they're gifts from my little g'girls, LOL!

This is my fav part of the decor...the chandy with the creepy-crawlers which make the dirty black cobweb.

I love the cute dishes from dear Sofia, who brought them for me from Miami, she just got back again.

The stems are dusty...and for real, as I haven't used them eons, lol!

My sweet Victoria brought me the claw shaped salad thongs; she just loved them...and I do too!

The marble black and white floor and the 'real leopard skin' chair go perfect with the black dishes against the white table top...to add a little more drama.

Look at this mess!

Victoria also gifted me the 'ugly rat' a couple of years ago, hihihi...

Everything seems to be so dusty here because of those creepy-crawlers all over the chandy and table!

I found this 'messy Halloween table' as soon as I walked in my house...so I guess there will be lots of cleaning to do for me later!!!

So much abandonment and neglect here...a 'cucaracha' (cockroach) crawling in the fork!

Here you have it, my Halloween tablescape 2013 and a little dirty decorating as well, hehehe..

Thank you sweet friends for your sweet and kind visit, as you always make my day...specially when I don't like what I do completely!

Thanking the wonderful and gracious hostesses for having me at their parties each week.

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining the following parties:

Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Isabelle for Monday Linky Party at,  http://isabellethorntonlechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Nita for Mod Mix Monday at,  http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com
The Scoop at,  http://theevrydayhome.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Mary for Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://backtobasics.blogspot.com
Paula and Patti for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Judy for Wordless Wednesday Linky at,  http://judyhjsthoughtsatwinlesstwin.blogspot.com
Sarah for Make, Bake, Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.comCenterpiece Centeríece Wednesday Linky Party at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Fall into Fall It's a Party at,  http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Let's Dish at,  http://cuisinekathleen.blogspot.com
Kim for Wow Us Wednesday at,  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Roundup at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Sherry for Open House at,  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Leslie for Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Jenn for Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.com
Ivonne for TUTORIALS, TIPS and TIDBITS at,  http://stonegable.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home Party at,  http://impartinggrace.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Ladier Only Blog Share Party at,  http://mommyfried.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Jody and Stan for Halloween Simple and Sweet Fridays at,  http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Jennifer for FCF Linky party at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.blogspot.com






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

 

FABBY: Pendant Lamp Above the Breakfast Table

Hello sweet friends!

   We've been waiting to hang the 'perfect pendant lamp' above our alabaster breakfast table for a long time now and really never found one that would not clash with the the antique Italian chandy we have now in the formal area of the dining room. We have gone to the Antique shop a couple of times before looking for one and to other stores, but to no avail.

While we were in Guayaquil for our little Victoria's First Communion Alejandro went in our Sil's and daughter Sofia's store, where they have some European modern lighting and others as well. They both are designers for home lighting and 'intelligent homes' and cater to private residences and businesses as well. Ok, to make the story short; we've had an standing, or floor lamp,  a modern style in our breakfast area with a faceted sphere, very ethereal....and hubby found the 'very same one' in the pendant style we needed and here you have it...'the perfect hanging lamp for our breakfast area!' 
 
Hope you like it too.

Here it is pretty and perfect, such a very 'ethereal sphere' with facets all around the sides, which I had to clean each one to assembled it while hubby worked on the ceiling part.

Here is how it looked Before, only with a 'dichroic' lighting in the ceiling.

...and here she is now, our new "perfect sphere pendant lamp," which is also a set with the standing, floor lamp we've had for three years in our home.

Although the photo is somewhat dark, you can appreciate the two of them pretty close together in the same room. In this photo you can tell that the hanging sphere is larger than the floor one.

Here you can see how the modern sphere of the hanging lamp doesn't clash, or compete with the antique chandy, as it is also translucent. We thought about this detail previously too, because our breakfast table is adjacent to the formal dining area. 

This is how I keep my formal dinner table for Fall; when I'm not tablescaping. The tobacco color runner was crocheted by my mother several years ago.



Honoring the ladies in the world that are battling Breast Cancer and for the ones that are Breast Cancer free right now. Our prayers are with them and for a cure...ASAP!!!


Royal Albert's October teacup and saucer. October is 'Breast Cancer' awareness month.

I'm joining Sandi's special party: "A PINK Tea Time Tuesday" at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com

 



 
 This picture is better as you can appreciate both lamps; the standing one next to the Antique
 Belgium buffet and now the pendant one above the breakfast table. I'm loving this touch of eclecticism here!

We love the contrast these two make, as they're so modern in this breakfast area, where I have two antique and more classic European buffet pieces, along with antique Dutch chairs too and an alabaster table, all the furniture here so much more traditional and classic!

I must add that the hanging lamp's sphere is larger, as opposed to the standing lamp, although in the photo they look almost the same size. 



Thank you for your sweet and kind visits my friends, as you always make my day!

Thanking the ladies that host such great parties each week for having me too.

LOVE,
FABBY



 I will be joining Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofyourhome.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple.blogspot.com
Ricky Jill for My Happy List at,  http://artandhome.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://myhappylist.blogspot.com
Kristi for Mop it up Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Judy for Creative Monday Blog Hop at,  http://judyhjsthoughtsatawnlesstwin.blogspot.com
Lisa for Mix it up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Kaysi for Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple.blogspot.com
Syephanie Lynn for The Sunday Showcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com
Sandi for A PINK Tea for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our Home at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
The Scoop at,  http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Terri for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://artfulaffirmations.logspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://backtobasics.blogspot.com
Judy for Wordless Wednesday at,  http://judyjsthoughts.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Bouquet of Talent at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Christina for Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Thursday at,  http://knieckoftime.blogspot.com
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typad.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Stephanie Lynn for The Sunday Showcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com





 I will be joining PINK Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.







 I am participating in Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.

















 

    

FABBY: A Table for an Autumn Dinner

Hello sweet friends!

        To continue with my "Autumn" decorations around the house, now I decorated my wooden bread dough bowl, for the centerpiece for a light dinner of Cream of Pumpkin and Cheese  Soup and Garlic Bread. For dessert, some Tea with Pumpkin Pound Cake. I did mention our dinners are light around here and lunch much more hardier.

This table is set for six and we can all sit whatever we like and serve ourselves soup from the white tureen mother gifted me many years ago...with garlic bread and for dessert pumpkin cake with tea or coffee.

Here it is, I hope you like it.

A very casual Fall dinner table scape and my dining table centerpiece wood bowl.

The orange cloth I kept from all the decorations from my daughter Sofia's wedding many years ago. There's also an eggplant color one I love.

I arranged my wooden dough bowl with more white gourds I painted, some orange pumpkins, pine cones, Indian corn and walnuts in their shells. Underneath it I used some dry hay, or thatch, to make it look more rustic.

At your right is the tureen for the Pumpkin Cheese Soup. The crocheted table runner was made by my mother.

The pumpkin cream and cheese soup, which in real life is a bit more orange looking.
The recipe is at the end of this post.

At your left side there's a tray for tea and the teacups.

The tray in back ready for tea. These dishes are Chinese vintage, they're bone-china, the ones you can see through them, lol!

The Pumpkin Pound Cake from great cooking blog: Mary at 'One Perfect Bite.' 

http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-pound-cake.html?showComment=1381231150778#.UlYeumyHfIV

I painted the White gourds, as there are no White pumpkins or anything like this around here....only in orange with greens and yellows. I love red or colored indian corn.

This side is set for serving soup.

 I did a little tweaking adding some more blue and white transfer ware on top of the artwork, which is blue, as well. I love my new acquisitions; the country couple in the carriage pulled by a horse and it's vintage Dutch Delft's Blauw; along with the pretty vintage English one with the vessel...these two are my fav ones for now.

The left side display has English, Dutch, Japanese and some plates made here, back at our Ceramic Co., Monte Turi.


Down in the wall, the pretty center pink plate is French, flanked by two Bavarian ones from my Mil, and they do remind me of her, so I added them to my Wall display, too.

I love bread bowls all decorated for Autumn, or even with just fruits and veggies in the kitchen, all year round. I also added some faux ivy greenery.

The pretty crocheted runner was made by my mother around 25 years ago. She made a set with a big tablecloth, the tray doily and even a bread basket doily as well. 

The Pumpkin Pound Cake and Cream of Pumpkin and Cheese Soup.
 
Thank you so much sweet friends for your wonderful comments, you always make my day!

Thank you lovely hostesses for having me at your great parties.

LOVE,
FABBY




Cream of Pumpkin and Cheese Soup


2 cups of mashed cooked Pumpkin, or canned
4cups water
2 medium potatoes
1/2 onion, cubed
garlic, salt, pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tablespoon of Olive oil
1/2 Cup grated fresh cheese, or your choice
1 teaspoon of fresh parsley

Preparation:

In a medium pot place Olive oil, onion, garlic and pepper to taste. Once the onion is transparent add the water and boil to add potatoes peeled and cubed.
Once potatoes are cooked incorporate pumpkin puree, let it cook for 10 minutes. Now add milk, let it get cool and blend.

Pour it in the pot again, heat it hot and add the cheese cubes and parsley to serve.

This recipe yields 6.

The PUMPKIN POUND CAKE recipe is from my friend's great cooking blog:  "ONE PERFECT BITE." 

I will be joining the following parties:

Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
 Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Susan for Tablescape Thursday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch
Open House Party at,  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Share your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson.blogspot.com
Sarah for The Homemaking Party at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Round up at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Make, Bake, Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Lesly for Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately.blogspot.com
Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://commonground.blogspot.com
Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday at,  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Ladies Only Blog Share at,  http://celebratingthelittlethings.blogspot.com
Carole for Food on Friday at,  http://caroleschatter.blogspot.com
Social Media Round Up at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
It's a PumkinLinky Party at,  http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com
Holly for Tickled Pink at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre.blogspot.com
Jody and Stan for Simple and Sweet Friday at,  http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://rattlebridgefarm.blogspot.com
Cindy for Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Friday Food Frazy at,  http://mostlyfoodandcrafts.blogspot.com
Junking Joe Linky Party at,  http://thecottagemarket.blogspot.com
Jennifer for Fabulously Creative Linky Party at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday Linky Party at,  http://hibiscushouse.blogspot.com
Jane for Frugalicious Friday at,  http://findingabulous.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sundays at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Funky Fall Decorating at,  http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com
Aimee for Share Your Creativity at,  http://itsoverflowing.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Pieced Pastimes Saturday Sparks at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Natasha for Serenety Saturday at,  http://serenetyyou.blogspot.com
Lorie for Show and Tell Saturday at,  http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Bouquet of Talent at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive.blogspot.com
Danielle for Silver Pennies Sunday at,  http://silverpennies.blogspot.com
Lisa for Mix it up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Stephanie Lynn for The Sunday Showcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com
Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple.blogspot.com

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/



















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





 

FABBY: Fall Mantel and Bread Pudding

Hello sweet friends!

    Although there is no four seasons here in Ecuador, but in the Andean region of the country where I live the weather fluctuates from warm Spring to even a cold Fall and at present we're enjoying a nice, crispy and comfortable Fall kind of climate which makes me easily believe I'm in the best Autumn season in the United States, so of course it's easy to get inspired, lol.. 

Therefore, I had some fun decorating my mantel and baking a delicious 'Caramel Apple Bread Pudding' I found at http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com lovely Lisa's great food blog. Let me tell you it was a hit with everyone around here, as it's not soggy as Lisa explained...it's simply yummy!

I decorated the mantel in our den, with some white gourds I painted, as there are no white pumpkins around here, except for orange ones. I arranged them with some faux greenery in the beautiful Art Nuovo, turn of the past century French bowl my Mil gave us from Alejandro's father's side of the family and the engraving in it has the great-grands initials and ours too, a lucky coincidence!

I also did a small tablescape in the den's coffee table for some tea and bread pudding. I hope you like my first Fall decor.




The antique French bowl is in that pretty French aqua blue, so I displayed it with a couple of Limoges plates in the same color from the dishes mother gifted me many years ago. I also like the fact that the aqua blue pieces matched the sea and sky of the oil painting, as well.

At the right end corner of the mantel I arranged some faux flowers in  Fall colors.

This is the left end of the mantel with some Indian corn under a cloche.

I painted some gourds in white.

The antique French bowl with 'our initials' and decorated with white gourds and some faux greenery.

I tied the cute Indian corn with an orange ribbon as I also did in the flower vase.

A tea table for two with a delicious 'Caramel Apple Bread Pudding' from 'Flour Me with Love blog.'

It is really delicious with some Chinese loose tea. 

You should try it, it's fabulous drizzled with that yummy 'caramel topping' and maybe some ice cream which I didn't put it to make it less caloric, hehe..

Alejandro loved it! I must point out that I added dried cherries and walnuts and it became more elegant, which I'm even planning to make it for a dinner party's dessert...adding ice cream, of course!

 

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

Thanking you gracious hostesses for having me in your wonderful parties!


I will be joining:


Stephanie Lynn for The Sunday howcase Party at,  http://bystephanielynn.blogspot.com
Susan for Metamorphosis Monday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Mary for Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Kathyn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Sally for BLUE Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Lisa for Mix it Up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Mop it up Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor.blogspot.com
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofyourhome
Kaysi for Motivate Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Kathy for A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
The Scoop at,  http://whitelacecottage.blogspot.com
Twick it Tuesday at,  http://cozylittlehouse.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our HOME at,  http://ourhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com
Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://artfullaffirmations.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Judy for Creative Monday Blog Hop at,  http://judyhjsthoughts.blogspot.com
Linda for Nifty Thifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Saturday Sparks Linky Party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Isabelle for Haunted House Linky party at,  http://isabellethorntonlechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
It's a Pumpkin Party at,  http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com
Sarah for October Before and After at,  http://thriftydecorchic.blogspot.com
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Bernideen for Friends Sharing Tea at,  http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
Nita for Mod Mix Monday at,  http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com
The SCOOP at,  http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it at,  http://kathewithane.blogspot.com
Mary for Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://backtothebasics.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Ricky Jill for My Happy List at,  http://artandhome.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com








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








 I will be participating in Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.