With only two more weeks to go before Thanksgiving, some of you may already be shopping & getting things organized for the upcoming holidays. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, some other celebration or all of the above, there are always ways to save & save BIG! I, personally, do not procrastinate! I try to get all of my holiday shopping needs out of the way well in advance. When I shop for Christmas, I want to be finished before December 1 even hits. It's easier for me to brainstorm, find the deals that I want, get the funds together and pick things up sporatically than do it all in one fell swoop! However, if you are like my husband, you wait until the eve before the event to shop and get everything completed. But, if you are more like me and want the bargains and to leave the procrastinating to others, here are some great finds for hosting during this time of year.
My husband and I will not be hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year but we are throwing a "holiday fete" for our friends. We want to do it right and make it classy but we also don't want to break the bank. Here are a couple recipes I found that use some of the same ingredients so that you are buying more of one thing and using it in a couple different ways. My mom makes this AMAZING beef & cheese dip (her secret recipe) that everyone loves. The ingredients for that are very similar to those in this Mini Meatloaves Recipe that is absolutely awesome! This is a great idea for a party because they are muffin sized individual servings and give everyone a hearty base. So, while buying the ingredients for one you can buy for both & save time & money....which is great. There is also this really great Beef Quesadilla recipe that includes some of these ingredients too so you can have multiple options for guests that aren't huge portions but heartier, which is always good when alcohol is involved. And make sure to not forget about any vegetarian friends that may be at the party! There are a couple great appetizers I love to serve for those who are not meat eaters. Delish.com has a great article that includes 15 great recipes for side dishes and appetizers for the veggie lover which can definitely help you at least get some ideas for what to serve to them as well.
I love food and know you do too.....so enjoy these delicious finds!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Colors of Fall
Sorry it has been so long since my last post! Some unexpected things popped up that interrupted my enjoyment of fall for a brief period. But, now that they are out of the way, it is time for some new exciting posts!
I CANNOT believe that Novemeber 1st is a few days away. The weather in Maryland has been fantastic and it will be sad to see it go! Although we have had a good amount of rain, the temperature has been mostly between 65-70 for weeks now and it has been great.
The leaves are definitely changing and while I was driving back from New Jersey over the weekend, I realized how much orange & brown remind me of the fall. Normally, these colors are pretty tough to pull off but there are ways to do it and make it work beautifully this time of year. After some digging, I was able to find some great pieces for entertaining that tie them together make it work in a classy, no frills type of event that lets out a warm & cozy vibe for everyone.
Right now, Pottery Barn is having a sale on their Framed Border Tangerine Napkins for $5.99 each and would look great with Pier 1's Peony Table Runner for $19.95. Using this combination is heavier on the orange side than the brown, but can really brighten up a room. Adding a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers (like those pictured here) that have lots of greens & pomegranate will bring the whole room together brilliantly!
I CANNOT believe that Novemeber 1st is a few days away. The weather in Maryland has been fantastic and it will be sad to see it go! Although we have had a good amount of rain, the temperature has been mostly between 65-70 for weeks now and it has been great.
The leaves are definitely changing and while I was driving back from New Jersey over the weekend, I realized how much orange & brown remind me of the fall. Normally, these colors are pretty tough to pull off but there are ways to do it and make it work beautifully this time of year. After some digging, I was able to find some great pieces for entertaining that tie them together make it work in a classy, no frills type of event that lets out a warm & cozy vibe for everyone.
Right now, Pottery Barn is having a sale on their Framed Border Tangerine Napkins for $5.99 each and would look great with Pier 1's Peony Table Runner for $19.95. Using this combination is heavier on the orange side than the brown, but can really brighten up a room. Adding a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers (like those pictured here) that have lots of greens & pomegranate will bring the whole room together brilliantly! 
Crate & Barrel has some really great stuff too right now! This Placemat & Napkin combination is one of my personal faves and what I have on my dining room table as we speak- I get compliments all the time! This leans more on the brown side but I lighten it up with some tall battery operated Pumpkin Colored Pillars that let off a subtle spiced pumpkin scent & light the room nicely. But, if you prefer real over faux lighting, Tall White Pillars are also a great choice for bringing some brightness to the table decor.
So it's time, my friends, for you all to get planning! Soak up this last month (or so) of fall and the great color schemes that go with it. Looking forward to sharing some more fun ideas soon!
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