FABBY: Tea and Cake in the Foyer-Table

Hello sweet friends!

   I was craving some pound cake after seeing a blog with a recipe. I made a small one, actually, half a recipe... enough to share it with Alejandro, my friend Carmen, maybe someone else and me of course...just one little piece for me, as I hardly ever have any carbs, lol..

The other thing is that we'll have the tea and cake at the foyer's 'Antique French' table. The foyer table is flanked by the living room and formal dining room; so I have prepared a 'Little Tour' of this area too, for a bit more fun! Ok, say no further and come on over for some tea and cake...or coffee if you prefer.

Alejandro, (Mr. Living) bought this vintage French beauty 2 1/2 years ago at the European Antique Imports shop, (some might even remember it) we have around here; which brings lovely things from Europe all year round. I didn't have anything in the center of the foyer, so the table was just the perfect thing!

The French table has white Carrara marble top and goes well with our marble floor. I used the tea set from my beloved blue and white Onion china from the Czech Republic.

I love this inexpensive flowers from the grocery store, too! The doggies in the back are vintage French, as well. The two small busts, with blue hats are also vintage French.



This pretty china set didn't come with a teapot, as it had broken in the store, but I had this lovely blue and white, Bareuther Indischblau-Bavaria teapot, that matches beautifully! In the back, a small vintage French girl's bust holding a sheep, and wearing a blue bonnet.

The two vintage French busts is of a boy with a flute, here... and a girl holding a sheep, like in the previous photo and they're from the Antique European shop from a few years ago. The yummy pound cake!

To your left you will enter our den. My Starbucks mug at left, with my green tea; which I drink it all day...it supost to burn fat and yeah, I do believe it! The Scandinavian Antique chair has real leopard skin on...sorry Pita people, too late!

In the foreground is Alejandro's grandfather's antique piece of furniture, with blue and white Dutch Delft pieces and some family photos in silver frames. Mercury glass candle sticks.

To the left you can see a little of the formal dining room. Up front a Capodimonti tray with Puti.

Last month when we were on vacation in Florida, I bought on sale at 'Bloomingdale's- Orlando' this big set of 80 pieces of 'Reed and Barton,' classic flatware. Here are some teaspoons and cake forks. The set is for 12, with regular knives and stake knives as well... and lots of serving pieces. I love it!

The Chinese hand painted, black secretary I love. My grandgirls's portrait in the wall.



The pound cake came out delish and thanks to blog friend from: 'The Kitchen is my Playground.' I placed it on a mercury glass cake pedestal.

A marble side-half moon table that goes with the coffee table in the living room. The mirror is an antique from hubby's grandma and it's brass with 'mother of pearl.' The Armillary-Sphere is also brass, as is the little ashtray. A brass Hansen arm lamp on top.

Towards the living room.

I took this shot sitting in the couch's living room and you can see my lovely orchid. I'm also having fun playing with my new camera, that I bought in Florida and it's a cute little Canon.

This bowl is Imari- Dutch Delft, hand decorated and it's now carrying my orchid plant in the living room. In the foreground you can see our den area and fire place mantel.

The marble coffee table I had custom made 20 years ago from an, Architectural Digest issue where Francois Sagan, French writer had in her living room and I fell in love with it! In another pic before, you saw how I had a small half moon side table made to match this one.

This is exactly how the foyer looks. Couldn't do anything with the big arm of the side couch to get rid of it in the picture, lol.. Anyway, the upholstery is Italian silk brocade.

The water pitcher with blue etchings is vintage English.



This is it, my friends. I hope you enjoyed this part of our house and the little tea setting. The chairs you see here are 'Chinese Chippendale.' The entrance door is next to the painting in the back. Good by for now and thank you for coming. You always make my day!



I appreciate the wonderful parties such lovely ladies host each week.


LOVE,
FABBY





Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife
Sally for BLUE Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor
Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://ladykatherineteaparlor
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife
Ricky Jill for My Happy List Tuesday at,  http://artandhome
Kathe for You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at,  http://kathewithane
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://rosechintzcottage
Angela for Efforts and Assets at,  http://hickorytrail
Bernidden for Tea in the Garden at,  http://bernideenteatimeblog
Paula and Patty for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants
Wow Us Wednesday at,  http://savvysouthernstyle
WildlyOriginal Linky Party at,  http://gottacreate
Suzy for Home (work) Wednesday at,  http://worthingcourt
Rverton Housewives Round Up at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton
Debbi for Wednesdays Adorned from Above Blog Hop at,  http://adornedfromabove
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife
Wildly Original Linky Party at,  http://igottacreate
Simple and Sweet Friday at,  http://rootedinthyme
Suzanne for Vintige Thingies Thursday at,  http://coloradolady
Create it Thursday at,  http://lambertslately
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess
Festive Friday Fiesta at,  http://thehomegirl
Library Day at the Homemaking Party at,  http://hopeineveryseason
Feather Nest Friday at,  http://frenchcountrycottage
Holly for Tickled Pink at,  http://504mainbyhollylafevre
Kathryn for Anything Blue Friday at,  http://thededicatedhouse
Jennifer for Creative Friday at,  http://jenniferrizzo
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday at,  http://thehibiscushouse
Debrah for Be Inspired Friday at,  http://commonground
Suzanne for Saturday Sparks Linky Party at,  http://piecedpastimes









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











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







 

FABBY: Tour of the Kitchen

Hello sweet friends!

   I thought I invite you for a small tour to my kitchen, since my mother is coming for lunch tomorrow, therefore,  the kitchen nook is all set and of course the rest of it, as well.

When we left for our Florida vacation, I left a small post with my kitchen window with the cyclamen; so a couple of 'new friends' requested I showed some day more of the kitchen, although my older friends have seen it a few times, after we remodeled it completely. Anyway, I obliged and here it is.

Welcome to our kitchen..'the heart of our home.'

I just brought from Florida this cute mug from Starbucks. In the three tier I've displayed many vintage items that belonged to my Mil that I enjoy looking at them on a daily bases. The teacups, (at left) with hand decor with flowers, were made by us.

The cabinets are solid wood. When I first posted this custom made kitchen, I knew the name of the wood, but now I forget, lol...We have enjoy it 3 1/2 years already, and it still feels  brand new!
Here is a link to the post I did 2 and more years ago, with every detail. Maybe you'd like to go and check it out.

http://fabbysliving.blogspot.com/2011/07/fabby-total-kitchen-rebuilding.html    

The butcher block nook table is all set for tomorrow's lunch for three, as mother is coming. The dishes were made by us and the bowls have an onion in the lid, because I'm making onion soup that she loves and the bowls are oven safe.
The door in the background leads to the laundry room.

The coffee bar.

On top the microwave and than, Italian Dipiu double ovens

The service entrance is in the foreground. The black floor is a very hard Italian tile. The framed art work in the wall was made by our little g'girls.

We'll have some chilled French rosé wine. A close up of the bowls with onion lids, specially made for 'onion soup.'

I forgot to place the soup spoons..but don't worry, we'll have them tomorrow for the real thing, lol..

My favorite kitchen window. I enjoy the view while I wash the dishes and sometimes I even hear birds sing after a good rain. Several years ago I saw a beautiful 'White Owl in the window here!'

I will be making chicken and vegetables here in my German-clay pot, 'Sclemmentopft.' You don't need fat in any way, so it's light and very healthy, as it's oven baked. I love the pot and the chicken recipe. I bought it some time in the 90's.



This is a hand made stained glass and decorated skylight we had made for the ceiling. In the evening is great all lighted up!

This adorable porcelain, hand made Ecuadorian country girl is making potato dumplings, and they're great and very popular around here. The figure was hand molded by an artist who worked back in our factory. 

The view I love...'the woods and the beautiful river that runs through it.'



All the way to your left is a little of the refrigerator.

This door leads to the formal dining room and to the left would be, the breakfast area.

A better shot of the Italian Dipiu double ovens.

This week our local home store had a great anniversary sale and I bought a few things I will show later next week. Here is a dish towel which I loved because it says:  'Do not EAT more than you can Lift! I have to keep this in mind..hehehe

Some small demitasse cups and saucers.

I just came out of the kitchen to take this shot of the 'shawl as a runner'..which you all agreed and commented that you liked it as a runner too, therefore, here it is now, with the bronze fruit bowl and Italian bronze candle sticks from way back. Thank you so much for all the generous and wonderful comments I received from this!

Again, thanking you in advance for your comments on this new post, as you always make my day!

I appreciate the wonderful parties such lovely and gracious ladies host each week.


LOVE,
FABBY 

Susan for Tablescape Thursday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch
Fabulously Creative Linky party at,  http://jenniferrizzo
Feather Nest Friday at,  http://frenchcountryparty
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove
Holly for Tickled Pink at,  http://504mainathollylafevre
Foodie Friday at,  http://rattlelbridgefarm
Blog Loving hop at,  http://simplyvinatgious
Festive Friday Fiesta at,  http://thehomegirl
Beverly for Pink Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife
The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://craftberrybush
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper
Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome
Be Inspired at,  http://commonground
Frugalicious Friday at,  http://theshabbynest
Cindy for Show and Tell Friday at,  http://myromantichome
Kate for Flaunt it Friday at,  http://chiconashoestring
Shadow Shot Sunday at,  http://shadowshotsunday2
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday at,  http://hibiscushouse
Redoux Interiors Linky Party at,  http://redoux
Natasha for Say G'day Saturday at,  http://natashainoz
Show and Tell Saturday at,  http://bedifferentactnormal
Aimee for Share Your Creativity at,  http://itsoverflowing
Diane for Beautiful Sunday at,  http://dianewantstowrite
Donna for Party Junk Link Party at,  http://funkyjunkinteriors
The Bouquet of Talent Linky Party at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive
Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage
Inspire Sunday at,  http://inspireview
Tammy for Share it One More Time Feature Events at, http://onemoretime
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofyourhome
Kristi for Inspiration Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor
Suzanne for Saturday Sparks Link Party at,  http://pricedpasttimes
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy
Sunny Simple Monday at,  http://sunnysimplelife
Mix It Up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove
Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple


















 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

  




 

FABBY: Newly Discovered "Gold lace Runner"

Hello sweet friends!

First of all I hope you are all celebrating the USA's Fourth of July weekend and having lots of fun!

     Yesterday I was looking for a scarf for my neck in my scarf drawer, as the day was a little chilly and rainy around my woods; so my inspiration for this small tea setting is a beautiful vintage, gold lace evening shawl that belonged to my dear Mil and I had it very safely in a pretty scarf box, among the other silk scarfs. I didn't recognized it, or remembered what it was, so I presided to unfold it, feeling  geedy with excitement and it was this beautiful shawl, which is not my type to wear it myself, though. Immediately I envisioned me making a 'little switcheroo' on my formal dining table and using it as a 'runner'! I hope you like it's 'new life, or I'd say, it's re-purposed life,' as much as I do.

Don't you love it when you find special things in your own home, which you had had no idea you had? I do.. and this brings me to mind a few months ago, when I found the half way done crocheted round tablecloth from ten years ago, lol..

Please feel free to tell me whatever you think of it...if you like it as a runner, or as it was originally...a 'shawl'!  I will not be offended! Thank you.

Here is the beautiful vintage lace gold shawl with fringes that was my dear Mil's and now turned into a lace runner in my formal dining table.  I love how the etchings in a different wood in the table corner matches the roses in the lace too; which are gold as well. 

The runner has lovely golden roses in an embossed fashion. I also decided to place my flowers in my vintage Italian yellow crystal flower vase, because of the gold lace.

I did my tea setting with my mother's French Limoges aqua cake plates and the Bavaria-German, antique tea set, which also has small flowers in aqua and with pretty gold rimmed in the tea cups and saucers.

I think I will leave this heavy bronze fruit bowl, from many years ago... after I clear the tea table; to continue with the gold in the runner and perhaps flanked by my Mil's antique bronze candle holders, also.

A close up of the Antique Bavarian-German tea set against the lace runner. I used as a tray the oval platter from the Limoges's dinner set, which my mother gifted me several years ago.

As you can see it's also quite long, perfect for this long table too.

Some tea anyone?

The runner and the fringes are very shiny gold like silk in real life, which the photo doesn't do justice. I'd love it come Fall too!


 

From here you can see a little of the foyer and living room.

The Limoges aqua cake plate with gold.

Here you can see a bit clearer the aqua flowers inside and out of the tea cup and saucer..like the plate.

I accept your comments about the shawl turned into a dining table runner. I would love to know what you think! 

Thank you so much my sweet friends for stopping by, as you always make my day.

I appreciate the wonderful parties such lovely and gracious ladies host each week.

LOVE,
FABBY


Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife
Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage
Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse
Mix It Up Monday at,  http://flourmewithlove
Mop it Up Monday at,  http://ishouldbemoppingthefloor
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Amaze Me Monday at,  http://dwellingstheheartofyourhome
Sally for Blue Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
My Happy List at,  http://artandhome
Stephanie Lynn for Sunday Showcase party at,  http://bystephanielynn
Motivate me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple
Sunny Simple Mondays at,  http://sunnysimplelife
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickodtime
Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://artfulaffirmation
You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at,  http://kathewithane
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups
Kathy for A Bouquet of Talent Link Party at,  http://lifeonlakeshoredrive
Spotlight Saturday at,  http://classyclutter
Saturday Sparks Link Party at,  http://piecedpastimes
Aimee for  Share Your Creativity at,  http://itsoverflowing
Shadow Shot Sunday 2 at,  http://shadowshotsunday2
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://createwithjoy
Motivate Me Monday at,  http://keepingitsimple
July Brfore and After Party at,  http://thiftydecorchick
The Scoop at,  http://confessionsofaplateaddict
Effort and Assets Linky Party at,  http://hickorytrail
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove
Assets and Efforts Linky Party at,  http://hickorytrail
Paula and Patty for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants
Home (work) Wednesday at,  http://theeverydayhome
Make Bake and Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason
Debbie and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from Above at,  http://adornedfromabove
Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady
Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://haveadailycupofmrsolson
Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife
It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess
Wildly Original Linky party at,  http://igottacreate
Riverton Housewives Round Up at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton









 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.