Flowered Pumpkins

Even though Halloween has passed, you don't have to toss your pumpkins. I love to decorate with pumpkins through the thanksgiving season and these images are tempting me to cover my pumpkins in flowers!


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I've been given the task to decorate my parent's dining room table for Thanksgiving...um, stressful! I'm thinking about possibly decorating with flowered pumpkins. What do you think?

Photos via Better Homes and Gardens

Vegetables...for decoration!

If you don't like to eat vegetables...you can decorate with them! I love this unique idea for decorating your fall table. If you aren't an expert on flowers, this would be an easy alternative! And, unlike flowers, these don't have to go in the trash after your party.

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When I came across this idea on BHG's web site it reminded me of an article I recently saw in Flower Magazine. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the image online, so this scanned version will have to suffice. In this article, florist and event planner Sandra de Ovando has designed a table that mixes both food and flowers harmoniously. Her table (complete with food) looks to me like more of a work of art than something edible.

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So often it seems that I go to an event where the food is served in silver chaffin dishes or on boring platters. I get so excited to see a more creative way of serving food, especially when the food compliments the decor. If you are planning an event, I urge you to think outside of the box when it comes to displaying your food, and to consider about using food as a decoration!

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens and Flower Magazine

Delicious Fall Dishes

I'm a huge fan of gnocchi and this dish...sweet potato gnocchi with fried sage and shaved chestnuts looks AMAZING. I so wanted to whip this up in my kitchen this weekend, but I don't have a potato ricer(need to add that to my Christmas list). Instead, I decided to make Butternut Squash Soup.


My friend Brooke introduced me to a simple recipe for Butternut Squash Soup last year and somehow I managed to lose the recipe, BUT I found a few online that I combined

and ended up with this...(and it was delicious!!)
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2 butternut squash (peeled and cut into 1" chunks)
2 tablespoons of butter
1 onion (diced)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
2 cups of chicken broth
nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste
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Melt butter in a large pot, add in onion and sautee for about 2 minutes, on medium heat. Then add in garlic and butternut squash, and cook for around 6-8 minutes. Next add in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once pot is boiling, reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Then pour mixture into a blender and puree. Finally add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.



Images via Gourmet and Martha Stewart

Thankful

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I thought I would take each Friday this month to talk about what I am thankful for. This week my blog has been heavily on my mind since I've been working on a new design. I contacted Danielle at Girls Night Out Blog Designs last week to give my blog a makeover, and she did a fabulous job!! I LOVE my burlap background, new header, side bar titles and signature! Danielle was so sweet and VERY patient with me as I flip flopped on which design I liked the best. I am so thankful I found her because the finished product turned out better than anything I could have done on my own! If you need a new look you should contact Danielle asap...she is easy to work with and her services are definitely affordable. Below are a few designs she has worked on recently for her clients.

Not only does Danielle design blogs, she has a couple blogs of her own! You can check them out here and here. Thanks again for your help Danielle!

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So, what do you think of my new look?? Do you love it as much as me??

Images via Girls Night Out Blog Designs

Fall Inspired Place Cards

I'm loving these fall place card ideas from Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens. I don't typically use place cards since my dining room table only holds four people, but I love these festive ways to incorporate fall into your table setting. I also think place cards are a great way to mix up your table (boy girl boy girl) and to introduce your guests to new friends.

All these ideas are simple to implement (except for maybe the pinecone) and cheap!! 

Photos via Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens

Dining Room Re-Do!

Do you ever find yourself not wanting to host a party because you just don't love your dining room? Well, I've been there...and am still there. I saw this dining room "rescue" as they called it on myhomeideas.com and am so jealous!! I need someone to come rescue my dining room!

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Dining room BEFORE rescue:

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Dining room AFTER rescue:

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So, here are the reasons why I am green with envy over this dining room:

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1. I LOVE a round table because it is so much easier for everyone to be in conversation with each other. I really hate it when I am stuck on the end at tables and the great thing about a round table...no end seats!

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2. Lighting can be so important in setting the mood for a party, and my awful brass(yes, I admit that it is hanging in my house) chandelier just isn't cutting it these days. I have been wanting to switch to an iron piece, especially a lantern like this one.

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3. The antique buffet is calling my name! I usually have to serve plates in the kitchen because my dining room isn't big enough(neither is my checkbook) for something similar to this gorgeous buffet.

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4. I love the soothing and warm colors incorporated into the room through paint, fabric, and the table setting...simply fabulous!

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Even though I am not head over heels in love with my dining room, I'll still be hosting parties...its in my blood...and I LOVE it!

Photos via My Home Ideas

Salt Harbor Designs

Now that Halloween is over, I guess its time we start thinking about Thanksgiving before Christmas takes center stage. Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays because
A) I LOVE food (especially my mom's squash casserole that is always present on T-giving)
B) I LOVE spending time with my extended family and
C) I think it is SO important to stop and remember all that I am thankful for.
When I think of Thanksgiving, I immediately think of gathering around the table for a delicious meal. Last week I came across some fabulous inspiration for a Thanksgiving table, and now I think I am officially obsessed with Salt Harbor Designs. I first saw Jennifer's work on Style Me Pretty and I immediately knew I needed to start following her blog. I just can't get enough of her gorgeous designs!! Salt Harbor was recently asked by Wrightsville Beach Magazine to design a fall table and they did not disappoint. I love the rustic elements incorporated into the design and may have to copy a few ideas for Thanksgiving!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lanterns...trunks used for seating...church pew...and baskets full of pears. For more details on the design click here...

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Photo via Salt Harbor Designs