Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape

Looking for Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas on Pinterest boards and home decor magazines can be as overwhelming and time-consuming as planning a wedding! Give your brain a break this Thanksgiving and create a Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape with an easy but elegant mixture of metallic and natural elements.

The metallic trend is here to stay but don’t believe this means you can’t also use some of the traditional nature inspired Thanksgiving decor, such as gourds, wheat and Indian Corn, on your Thanksgiving tablescape this year as well.

One of my favorite looks is mixing the two decor trends together. Look for faux gourds in rich metallic tones like bronze, matte gold and copper which naturally complement the gold tones of wheat and the deep reds and browns of dried Indian Corn.

Place textured chargers under your china, then top each Thanksgiving placesetting with a linen napkin tucked into a grapevine napkin ring – then add a placecard if you like. One of my top tips for setting a Thanksgiving tablescape is to keep the decor low and tight, this allows guest to speak to each other over the centerpeice.

For this tablescape I am mixing and matching my glassware… we have “lost” a few to kitchen tragedies and I have more than enough. So why buy more when they all look so festive mixed together.

Entertainers Tip :: when mixing glassware have one common variable. For instance here they are all clear glass with a stem.

Bring all the tones and textures together on your Thanksgiving table by tucking in a few sprigs of my favorite foliage Eucalyptus. The leaf color and shape looks great with metallic seasonal decor and perhaps even a bit of the calming energy to your gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

November 1, 2016September 21, 2017

Spiked Pumpkin Rice Pudding for October Unprocessed

For the second year in a row I am a proud contributor to October Unprocessed. A month long pledge created by Andrew Wilder of EatingRules.com to reduce the amount of processed food we consume. This year however, pushed my knowledge of processed versus unprocessed AND my comfort level in the kitchen to new levels as I created first a Baked Sweet Dumpling Squash with Pumpkin Custard and then recipe #2…. Bourbon Pumpkin Rice Pudding.

Yes, you heard correctly. I ended up creating two recipes but only one was fit to be published during October Unprocessed 2016. Why you might ask?

Turns out there is an entire FAQ on sugar, how it is processed, which sugars are considered the least processed and why we should/or should not consume them. I thought I was doing the right thing by using brown sugar {and the folks at Bob’s Red Mill consumer team have provided me thorough information regarding how they are using the best possible methods to create their line of sugars} but other companies may or may not have your best health in mind so please be sure to learn more about this topic HERE.

See how my Bourbon Pumpkin Rice Pudding turn out, my lessons learned in the kitchen and take the October Unprocessed pledge HERE.

Thank you to Andrew and Kristi at EatingRules.com for their patience, support, understanding and commitment to their cause and Bob’s Red Mill for providing me with their tasty baking Congratulations on another successful year!

October 12, 2016August 25, 2020

#FALLFLEA Home Decor Favorites + New Additions

The Fall Flea is now in it’s second week and the feedback has been really great! It is hard for me to say what my favorite Fall home decor items in the shop are. However if I had to pick, the Wood Cake Stand with Metallic Pumpkin accents, the Faux Cotton Wreath or the Metallic Leaf Candle Holder would make the list this week.

SHOP THE FALL FLEA NOW

According to you, the shoppers, the most popular items in the shop to date have been the Burlap Runner, Gold Leaf Thankful pillow and the Gold Fall Acorn Decorative Dish.

Have you had a chance to shop the #FALLFLEA to pick your favorite Fall decor item for you home, kitchen or Fall gathering table?

If not, this is the perfect time to stop in the virtual pop-up market because new items have been added this week AND doors will close Sunday October 16th for the season and your opportunity to shop from my favorite Fall Decor items for 2016 will be like a leave blowing in the Autumn air…

SHOP THE FALL FLEA NOW

Ready to see a few of the new additions? I have added items to the home accent category, the kitchen collection and of course the entertaining collection!

HERE IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT’S NEW IN THE FALL FLEA SHOP!

Hammered Copper Cheese Knife Set – Set of 3 Cheese Knives are a must have item for every well equipped host. The Hammered Copper handles on this set easily transition from rustic to modern tables, giving any style a touch of urban craftsmanship.

VIEW IN THE SHOP HERE.

Give + Gather. Harvest Kitchen Towel

Give + Gather Harvest Kitchen Towels feature script give and gather lettering set around a fall foliage pattern. Enjoy in your kitchen or give them as a gift to your favorite hostess.

VIEW IN THE SHOP HERE

Amber Glass Apothecary Bottle

Fall decor is all about warm colors and textures. Bring both this season to your kitchen, or bathroom, counter with Amber Glass Apothecary Bottles.

VIEW IN THE SHOP HERE.

Faux Golden Apples – set of 2

I love to place faux fruit everywhere around my home these days. You will find Faux Golden Apples lining shelves, down the center of dining room tablescapes and dozen or so together in a bowl on my kitchen island.

VIEW IN THE SHOP HERE.

Here are my top 3 tips to make the most of The Fall Flea Pop-Up ::

#1 – Be sure to sign up + open your emails over the next two weeks to learn about new + featured items.
#2 – Join the Facebook Event Group for daily updates and community conversation about their favorite items.
#3 – Follow along on Instagram to see new + featured items first. And share your favorites using #FALLFLEA

Happy Fall! Shop the Fall Flea here now.

October 21, 2015October 29, 2016

Krayl’s DIY Fall Themed Treat Bags

Have you ever wanted to be that person in the neighborhood who gave out the perfectly packaged treats at Halloween or the neighborhood Fall Fest? No? Me neither, until this year … For some reason I am on a mission to make my own treats and the pretty little bags to put them in. I have even considered stamping the names of the neighborhood kids on the Fall themed treat bags, but then I thought that might be slightly over the top so I pulled back. But just a bit.

While I realize the number of trick-or-treat visitors you get will determine how excited you might be about tackling this project, it really did not take very long and I was able to complete it while catching up on my BRAVO reruns after dinner. And I was even able to use pieces of scrap tissue paper that has been staring at me from the craft closet begging to be used for months. Crafting AND organizing? Does it get much better than that?

Bottom line, I feel confident you can get this done in one evening and feel like the Martha on your street – at least for one day. Let me know how it feels.

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE DIY FALL THEMED TREAT BAGS::

Tissue paper, variety of colors
Card stock paper
Leaf craft punches, two or more shapes
Glassine bags
Crafting glue, such as Mod Podge
Small paint brush

DIRECTIONS FOR DIY FALL THEMED TREAT BAGS ::

1. Fold tissue paper over to create 3 to 4 layers, place card stock paper behind the tissue paper and using the leaf craft punch cut out several leaves. Repeat with all tissue paper colors. NOTE – the card stock prevents the tissue paper from tearing and allows for clean cutting edges.

2. On a protected surface, place leaves in the desired pattern on the glassine bags. Dip the paint brush into the glue and carefully spread over the leaves. NOTE – you may need to repeat this step to create a layered effect with the leaves. Allow to dry overnight then fill with your favorite treats!

What will you fill your Fall themed treat bags with? Up for a suggestion, how about my Homemade Candy Corn marshmallows? They are super easy to make, and their color comes from food based dyes’ so they are safe for little ones.

Let me know what you will be filling your Fall themed treat bags with in the comments and be sure to tag #AnAppealingPlan in your pictures if you give this DIY a try.

October 2, 2015November 12, 2015

The October 2015 An Appealing Plan Printable Calendar

Download + Print Your

October 2015 An Appealing Plan
Calendar Here!

This month we celebrate ::

Cool Weather Grilling Outdoors, Fall Foliage + Flavors and Halloween Decorating.

I hope it inspires you to celebrate everyday of this wonderful month!

Now available to download the October 2015 calendar with holidays. Full of seasonal inspiration + monthly reminders to create the home, garden + gatherings you dream of. Simply click on the image above to

get your monthly calendar sent to you today!

September 15, 2015April 30, 2016

Creating the Perfect Potluck Gathering

Planning a Fall Fete or just interested in doing more entertaining at home? A potluck gathering might just be the answer for you. Learn why I recommend hosting one and all my advice on my latest article for Inspired Home.

Here are a few images to inspire you …

I love to entertain at home. It is one of my true pleasures in life. I am energized by the planning, the inviting, menu creation, deciding what plates and napkins to use, picking out the perfect flowers to place on the table and what music should be playing in the background – I love all of it. But so often I hear friends tell me how the very idea of hosting a gathering at their home sends a wave of panic straight through them stopping the gathering before it even gets started. Trying to do it all can be overwhelming. My best advice – host a potluck gathering. Getting your guests involved in the preparation and cooking of the meal can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel and allow you to have more time for aspects you actually find fun about entertaining at home.

Other words of advice to ensure a smooth potluck party: set the table with neutrals. Most likely you will not be able to control what color your friends platters and serveware will be, so don’t try to! By starting with a neutral base of plates, napkins and flowers, you create a welcoming neutral palette for any color or patterned plate that may arrive.

Once you have your table planned out, I always recommend the host make a main dish. It doesn’t need to be too elaborate or take too much prep work, however, Buttermilk Chicken {recipe coming soon} is a great dish that can be cooked the night before and is sure to be a crowd pleaser both aesthetically and to the taste buds. I also like to provide a bread or muffin type starch along with the main dish and this year I have been obsessed with Cast Iron Cornbread + Poblano Corn Sticks.

LEARN ALL MY TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT POTLUCK PARTY HERE

Disclosure: I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, my opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

September 1, 2015September 1, 2015

September 2015 Printable Monthly Calendar

Download + Print Your

September 2015 An Appealing Plan
Calendar Here!

This month we celebrate ::

The Final Weekends of Summer with Friends, the First Day of Autumn, Fall Decor Must Haves
and Autumnal Recipes Celebrating the Bounty of the Season.

I hope it inspires you to celebrate everyday of this wonderful month!

Now available to download the September 2015 calendar with holidays. Full of seasonal inspiration + monthly reminders to create the home, garden + gatherings you dream of. Simply click on the image above to

get your monthly calendar sent to you today!

November 26, 2013November 16, 2015

Use Lanterns To Add Warmth to Your Thanksgiving Entranceway

I love to use lanterns to decorate a Fall or Thanksgiving entranceway. The flickering candle light to lights the way for Thanksgiving guests and adds warmth to any Fall Entranceway.

You may already have a lantern or two at home, bring them out from storage, or you may need to head out and grab one or two, either way I promise that adding the warm glow of candle light to your walk way and front entranceway will add a special touch.

I always look for wood or metal versions that can be mixed together or a pair that can sit on either side of the doorway. Don’t worry too much about getting matchy-matchy, Fall is the perfect season to mix metal and materials to create a personalized look for your Thanksgiving entranceway.

Of course safety comes first – Ensure the flame is far from dry leaves or corn stalks and fully enclosed in the lantern is even better!

What style of lantern is your favorite? Wood or metal? Share your thoughts in the comments. Like & Share.

* * * * * * *

And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations.To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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November 26, 2013May 31, 2016

A Bountiful Fall Entranceway

Fall Entranceway design is one if my favorite services and topics. {interested in learning more about my design services? Set up a FREE telephone consultation by visiting the contact me page here}

This time of year is all about the bounty and harvest of the season, so head to your local farmers market and create a welcoming display using baskets to hold your treasures.

What treasures did you find this year? Let me know in the comments! Like & Share with your friends!

Interested in learning more about my seasonal design services? Set up a consultation by visiting the contact me page here}

November 14, 2013November 13, 2013

Easy Fall Decor Idea For a Small Space

Adding small touches of Fall Décor around your home can be easier than you think. This small seasonal display can be used in a living room, on a bedroom night stand or to greet out-of-town guests in a guest room.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Mini White Pumpkin
Small Cutting of an Olive Branch
Small Clear Glass Vase
Books for Stacking

Begin by stacking hardcover books on a table or nightstand. A variety of color is nice but stay in the same pallet for a calm visual appeal.

Place Olive Branch cuttings in vase with water. Making sure the bottom is dry. Add white mini pumpkin.

Viola! Instant Autumn!

What small details do you add to your home to bring the season inside? Let me know in the comments below. Like this post? Share with your friends and sign up to receive tips right to your mail box!

November 13, 2013April 12, 2022

Decorating the Front Door for Thanksgiving Harvest

In this video for eHow I discuss how to decorate the Front Door for Thanksgiving or Harvest Dinner. This is something you can easily do even if you live in an apartment.

Decorating your front door for Thanksgiving and harvest is an easy seasonal decorating project you can do to bring the Fall & Harvest season to your entranceway. If your entranceway is smaller this is perfect for you!

How to Decorate the Front Door for Thanksgiving & Harvest — powered by ehow

You may live in an apartment, or may not have a lot of room near your entrance way. There are still things that you can do to decorate the entrance way to make a very festive for your Thanksgiving or your harvest dinner.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Large Heirloom Gourds. If you find large gourds at your local maybe your pumpkin patch. Maybe your farmer’s market or your corner store may have some of these heirloom varieties. I find they actually last longer then some of the conventional large orange ones that you may find. I use these right from the beginning of October on through Thanksgiving. These varieties come in many, many different colors. Blue which I love. And then some of the different green ones, and Mexican hat variety. And really, really brings a lot of different texture and variety to the door if you are able to find a really nice selection.
Indian Corn
Basket with a Variety of Gourds.
If you don’t have a door where you can place a wreath, a sign is nice. You can just prop that up really nicely. Maybe put a little pumpkin in front of that.
Stalks of Wheat. We can just tuck those in. And if you keep them to the side they really shouldn’t interfere with too much with the in and out of the doorway.
Preserved Leaves in various colors. Tuck them in around the larger gourds. Just giving it an effect. If you have a beautiful maple tree outside go and clip those. However, if you live in an apartment this is a great opportunity to use some of the preserved leaves that you may find in your craft store.
White Pumpkins. Leaning and stacking them in a little bit of an angle.

What is your favorite type of gourd or pumpkin in this video? Leave a comment below and share this post with your friends.