THANKSGIVING Archives - Page 2 of 3

October 29, 2015October 29, 2016

Krayl’s Nature Inspired Tablescape for A Fall Gathering

Fall is a season for falling – falling leaves, falling temperatures and for me, a time to fall back in love with your home. What better way to reconnect than to set the table, light a few candles and invite friends to gather around for a casual late afternoon meal of seasonally inspired comfort food – Pumpkin Soup and Mini Sage Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

The elements for this table, like the menu, are inspired by the beauty of nature happening outdoors. Well, actually more than inspired continue reading on Inspired Home…

As many of you already know, I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for The Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, you know I LOVE tableware so the opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

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.

November 25, 2014March 10, 2016

Holiday Decor Feature in Tampa Bay Metro Magazine

Recently I worked with Tampa Bay METRO Magazine to put together The Joy of Entertaining decor feature for the November/December 2014 Issue – you might recall my Posh New Year’s Chic table for two was featured last year. I was able to narrowed it down to 5 of my favorite tables for Fall + Holiday, from there we still needed to bring it down to only 3! Luckily I didn’t have to make the final cut, I love them all equally! Ronda Parag, Publisher and Managing Editor, selected her top 3 for the final spread – 2 fall tablescapes {fresh from being featured in the new book} and one never before released client holiday table. If you are in the area be sure to pick up a copy and let us know which one is your favorite!

Where noted photographers by Heather Stalker. Product sources available upon request.

See all the images selected by viewing online version on the Tampa Bay METRO Magazine website by clicking here.

So, which one is your favorite?? Start the conversation in the comments below.

October 28, 2014April 30, 2016

Holiday Planning Essentials Webinar: Harvest + Thanksgiving

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Planning a Harvest Dinner party? Or perhaps your are simply looking to bring this season of bounty into your home with seasonal decor.

As much as we love the holiday season it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to juggling work, family, the house and all the planning. You work hard, the last thing you want is to feel behind on planning the holiday details.

Let’s get a jump on the planning! Join me for a FREE Holiday Planning Essentials webinar with a focus on Thanksgiving + Harvest. Spaces are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today by visiting the webinar registration page here.

{This will be a group session but if you prefer to schedule a private session focusing on your specific needs please visit my services page to learn more about rates and availability.}

October 23, 2014April 12, 2022

Monogrammed White Pumpkins

Monogrammed white pumpkin entranceway via @AnAppealingPlan #CelebrateEveryday #Fall #Decorating #DIY

Monogrammed pumpkins add a little touch of chic to your entranceway or table for the Fall + Thanksgiving decorating season. Follow along this quick video to create your monogrammed white pumpkins.

Watch this video below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.

SUPPLIES:

2 to 3 medium white pumpkins
adhesive backed letters
decorative push-pins
additional pumpkins for grouping

Once you place your monograms group your pumpkins at your front door with other gourds of various sizes and shapes for variation. Add indian corn and a few heirloom varieties for additional visual interest.

Do you decorate your entranceway for Fall or for Halloween?? Let me know your secrets in the comments below and be sure to sign up for updates and follow me on Pinterest for more seasonal decorating ideas.

October 14, 2014October 24, 2016

White + Orange Mini Pumpkin Tablescape

I love the vibrant colors of Fall but really, is there anything better than those little white mini pumpkins? They just call out my name to be part of a Fall or Thanksgiving table setting.

Keep it all white or mix them in with the mini orange pumpkins to create the perfect table to welcome your autumn guests to the table.

A neutral blue tablecloth works a blank canvas for your decor elements like, wooden charges, bright green reindeer moss, white birch votives and floral arrangements.

Keep the pallete clean with pretty flowers to complement the white but not fight with it. Purple adds color but won’t draw attention from your mini whites. Use a white birch box covered box as a container to arrange them in, consider using wild flowers as a filler {they look great and keeps the overall cost down, especially if you are making 3 or 4 to line the table}.

After placing your floral arrangements down the center, fill in the table with groupings of mini white pumpkins, white birch votives and Chartreuse green reindeer moss to add textural and visual variety.

For a special Fall table I love to use this equestrian inspired flatware, it is shiny and adds another layer to the story. I have literally had entire conversations based off the chic little buckle!

For the final touch add a single mini white pumpkin on top of white linens on your layered accent plates.

Sure you want it to be perfect but remember in the end, entertaining is all about connecting with your guests, keep that focus and your gathering will be a success.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving or Fall entertaining? What is your #1 concern when it comes to entertaining at home?? Leave a comment below and start the conversation.

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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, 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.

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

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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 24, 2013September 9, 2014

Cranberry Anise Syrup Recipe

Looking for a syrup to flavor desserts, cocktail and your cheese tray, this Cranberry Anise Syrup has the perfect level of sweet, bitter and spiciness to compliment your fall and winter recipes. Place it in an attractive glass jar, tie a ribbon on it and you have a hostess gift to bring along to your next holiday gathering.

Cranberry Anise Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups cranberries
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 star anise
1/2 stick of cinnamon

PROCESS:

In a small to medium sauce pan on medium heat on the stove bring water, sugar and cranberries to a simmer. Add star anise and cinnamon. Keep on low heat until cranberries begin to pop and break down. Use a wooden spoon on muddler to break them down further and combine ingredients.

Leave on low for 15 minutes till liquid begins to thicken up.

Strain mixture to remove cranberries and spices.

Place cooled syrup in glass container. Refrigerate unused portion.

What is your favorite way to use cranberries? Leave a recipe idea in the comments below!

November 15, 2013November 16, 2015

Easy Placecards for Your Thanksgiving Table

Using hand stamped gift tags for your dinner place cards is an easy and fun way to add style to your Thanksgiving tablescape.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Hand Stamped gift Tags
Corn Husk Ribbon
Pen to write Guests Names
Napkin
Plate

Using your guest list write the names of your guests on the back of a stamped gift tag. Thread ribbon through punched hole and tie around napkin.

Place napkin on plate making sure it lays flat and the ribbon bows are in order.

{these hand stamped gift tags are available in our Esty Shop. Visit it by clicking here now!}

When you will set your table? The day of or the night before? Let me know in the comments below. Like & share!

Looking for other Fall Decor ideas? Check out Decorating with Indian Corn or Decorating Your Entranceway for Thanksgiving

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.