Cover The lanai at Liane Aboitiz-Peña's home
The lanai at Liane Aboitiz-Peña's home
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Enter the creative and tropical world of Liane Aboitiz-Peña as she tells us about her aesthetic and shares a delicious recipe too
“I love food and sharing a meal with friends and family; setting a table for me is therapeutic,” shares the founder of Flora Magica and The Funky Setting, Liane Aboitiz-Peña. A natural creative, she composed the interiors of her home by mixing items collected from her travels, infusing pieces made by her friends, and adding details sourced from around the Philippines, including framed beautiful textiles as works of art. What may feel confusing and appear as a daunting task to many comes naturally to Aboitiz-Peña. “I find the process enjoyable because it gives me the chance to be creative with how I mix and match patterns, colours, and textures. It sparks joy in me,” she exclaims.
One feels immediately transported to a tropical wonderland when stepping into her residence. Rattan and abaca details, hues of wheat, and a multitude of textures, combined with bright pops for a touch of whimsical flair, prove that her home reflects her personal taste. “I love to collect vintage pieces and buy plates when I travel. Seeing those pieces again, but in my home reminds me of those places—[it] is really special. To make a house feel like a home, details matter.” The story behind certain items of furniture, works of art, or serving dishes bring meaningful depth and infuses memory into a space and is something that Aboitiz-Peña takes to heart.
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Above Aboitiz-Peña, in a Flora Magica dress
Above The dining table setting by Liane Aboitiz-Peña
Aboitiz-Peña, in a Flora Magica dress
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“My style is definitely more casual, personal and, in a sense, global. I love using natural elements like raffia, shells, and weaves but combine them with funkier colours and designs. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I think that translates into creating an overall light-hearted table and atmosphere,” she elaborates. While she does not entertain frequently, she loves to host her family and closest friends over a beautifully made, thoughtfully put-together table.
This aesthetic is exactly what you can expect from her brands which are further extensions of her: Flora Magica and The Funky Setting. The former is known for beautiful tropical earrings, bags, and dresses, while the latter, her latest project, is all about decor and tablescapes. In fact, The Funky Setting features creations designed by Aboitiz-Peña in combination with various vintage finds.
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Above The vintage bird plates from the Perla x Flora Magica collaboration features timeless classics with elements of fun
The vintage bird plates from the Perla x Flora Magica collaboration features timeless classics with elements of fun
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“Homeware is something I’ve wanted to do for some time. The Funky Setting began when I found myself spending more time than usual at home, nesting during the pandemic. It’s meant to be a source of home decor inspiration where I share my personal table settings, and homeware finds. During that time, I realised that I wanted to create a more meaningful homeware line that [is] locally made under my Flora Magica brand,” she explains.
The Funky Setting’s latest project is a collaboration with Perla, which was founded by her good friend Pie Alvarez, another lover of home goods and table settings. “We both love homeware and gravitate more towards bright colours and prints, so we really wanted to design a plate collection that is classic yet still fun. We also have some vintage side plates in two tropical designs that we absolutely adore,” Aboitiz-Peña adds.
Aside from using her own sophisticated taste as a compass to curate The Funky Setting’s collections, she also does extensive research online to spot vintage items that call her attention. “I think it’s also really important to highlight small businesses, especially local brands and those that are female-led,” Aboitiz-Peña underscores.
Above lates from Perla x Flora Magica, napkins from Malaika Linens, cutlery from Laguiole, water goblets from Daylesford Organic, and tablecloth made from Indian ikat fabric complete the summer setting
Above Aboitiz-Peña, in a Flora Magica dress, ready to entertain guests
lates from Perla x Flora Magica, napkins from Malaika Linens, cutlery from Laguiole, water goblets from Daylesford Organic, and tablecloth made from Indian ikat fabric complete the summer setting
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Every week, one can find posts on her Instagram account titled “Weekly Finds”, a curated list of homeware goods from around the world, and “Local Finds”, which spotlights Filipino brands. “There are so many great homeware products available locally, and most are handmade,” she shares.
The bottom line? “Have fun with the whole process,” encourages Aboitiz-Peña. “You don’t need to go crazy on flower arrangements or worry about symmetry. Using what you have will also make it less stressful. Pick out items that you already own that can work, like jars for mini vases and unique items from your shelves for accent pieces for your table. Tablecloths are great for adding texture and colour to a table setting. If I see a fabric I like, I make my own tablecloths or napkins out of them,” she enthuses.
A signature dish from her home is what she calls Moroccan Zaalouk, which features roasted eggplant and tomato salad. Try making it yourself by following this recipe. Aboitiz-Peña says she serves it with a range of things—from crackers to bread, pasta, poultry and meat!
See also: 5 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Tiny Home Design Inspiration
Above and bubbly for brunch. The tablescape features wine bucket from Cariloo, vintage side plates from Perla x Flora Magica, glasses and vintage table linen from Etsy, and cabbage bowls from Bordallo Pinheiro
and bubbly for brunch. The tablescape features wine bucket from Cariloo, vintage side plates from Perla x Flora Magica, glasses and vintage table linen from Etsy, and cabbage bowls from Bordallo Pinheiro
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Moroccan Zaalouk
INGREDIENTS
2 large eggplants
4 medium to large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon cumin
1-1/2 tsp tomato paste
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1-1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
4 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon wedge or lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Trim the stems from the eggplants then slice them in half lengthwise. Arrange the eggplant halves on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil and place them skin side up under the broiler as close to the heating element as possible.
- Roast the eggplants for about 20 to 25 minutes. The skin will be slightly charred and the flesh will look puckered and feel very soft. Remove from oven and cool. Once cooled down, it will be easy to then scoop out the flesh from the skin with a spoon.
- Peel, seed and chop the tomatoes. Peel tomatoes by first removing the stem and cutting a shallow X on the bottom of the tomato. Place tomatoes in boiling water for about 15-20 seconds. Remove them from boiling water then transfer tomatoes to a bowl filled with ice. Once tomatoes have cooled down you can then easily peel off the skin and chop and seed.
- Transfer the chopped tomatoes to a pan along with the olive oil, garlic, parsley, cilantro and spices. Add in the tomato paste.
- Cook the tomato mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and a sauce forms (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Add the eggplant flesh to the tomato mixture, stirring to combine. Use a potato masher or a large fork to mash and combine.
- Cook the Zaalouk for another five to ten minutes to allow the flavours to blend, or longer if you want to reduce the mixture to a drier consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from heat.
- You can choose to squeeze a bit of lemon at the end. This dip is best served with pita chips, bread, or crackers.
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Credits
Photography: sonny thakur
Make-Up: roshni hemlani
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About
Isabel loves to learn, and see things from different perspectives. Connecting with people and engaging in new experiences to broaden her horizons is what inspires this storyteller, keeping her constantly curious, and excited for what's to come. An absolute love for all things F&B ignited a hunger to devour content from this world and keeps her jumping into tasty adventures around the globe. From the beauty of simple bites, to nuanced fine dining tasting menus, street food, and the art of entertaining, the multi-faceted nature of the dining experience is something she can't get enough of. A good cup of coffee or a glass of wine paired with a dash of witty conversation is a quick way to win her over. This editor loves travelling, food, music, skincare, fitness, and is only friends with people who love dogs. Guilty pleasure?: Binge-watching TV shows and movies she has already seen.
Work
Concept creation is the name of the game and branding takes centre stage in Isabel's day-to-day schedule. From producing shoots, conceptualising bespoke projects for our partners, relationship management, to cooking up features and events for Tatler Dining, this editor is a tried and tested foodie at heart. She mainly writes content for Tatler Dining, engaging in captivating discussions with restaurateurs, chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts to tell must-know stories. Aside from that Isabel manages Tatler Dining's flagship events like Off Menu, or Cocktail Festival and puts together the Tatler Dining Guide, our annual listing of the best eats around town.
Follow her on Instagram @isabelvmf.
