5 Secrets To Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House

 Your social calendar is filling up but you promised yourself you would make the time to host a Holiday Open House this year. What is a hostess to do?? Not to fear. My 5 Secrets to hosting a successful holiday open house is here to get you through with ease. Simply set the date, send out the invites and follow my 5 tips for hosting a Holiday Open House. #HolidayGoals coming true!

Secret #1 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Plan Ahead

I know… I just told you that you can do this with only weeks left in the holiday entertaining season,  and now I am talking about planning! Don’t worry. You’ve got this but you still need to put in a little planning time. Believe me, an hour planning makes for an entire night full of a low stress holiday open house.

Set aside 1 – 1 1/2 hours tomorrow to create a quick guest list, a basic time-line and easy menu. With it on paper you now have a guide for planning your holiday open house.

Secret #2 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Show Them the Green Stuff

NO, I am not talking anything illegal or even about money. I am talking about live greens, evergreens, boxwoods and other cuttings from either your own garden or purchased at the local market.

I have been hosting, planning and decorating holiday gatherings for over 20 years so take it from me, live greens go a long way. It must be something to do with bringing nature inside, the scent of pine filling your home, their intense texture or the variety of colors that is an immediate WOW factor. Use live greens at your entranceway, on your tablescape and mixed with cut flowers placed in a vase – they will transform your space into a winter wonderland guaranteed. 

Secret #3 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Bring Out the Bling

Decorating during the holiday season is all about metallics, glitter and using “the good stuff” so don’t be afraid to mix metallic serveware and your favorite flatware for your open house, or for the entire holiday season.

My new obsession…  this hammered copper flatware by Argent Orfèvres  for Hampton Forge. Seriously. I am completely in love with this pattern and it is now my must-have for my holiday season. It actually makes me smile when I open my flatware drawer – no joke!

Copper pairs perfectly with all metals especially the latest trends in kitchen hardware – gold, black metal, rose gold and copper. Have you seen all the copper small appliances hitting markets these days? Get a jump on the trend with your own set of Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper flatware.

Secret #4 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Serve Punch!

One of my best friends is all about bringing retro back and what is more Retro Rad around the holidays than a big bowl of punch!

This year I am serving up a wintery spice Wassail at my holiday open house. Make up a big batch and let guest serve themselves. It looks incredibly festive on your bar and taste just as good!

Secret #5 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Set It + Forget It

Secret #5 could be my number one secret for hosting a successful holiday open house – set it and forget it. Ok, maybe don’t completely forget about it but you get my gist.

By selecting menu items that can stand being at room temperature during the span of your party, you allow your self time to mix and mingle in between refreshing and replenishing your apps. Serve a cheese + charcuterie platter, mini quiches and a lovely seafood bite – it is the holidays after all, splurge a bit on one or two items then fill in with less pricey and more filling options.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable + confident hosting your own holiday open house this season. 

If you have ANY questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email, Instagram, Twitter or your favorite social media platform with questions – I am more than happy to answer them all!

Happy Entertaining!!

 

 

 

A little more about my favorite new flatwareArgent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper .

Created in premium 18/10 stainless steel with an artist’s eye and jeweler’s attention to detail, Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper  surprises with precious metal finishes, sophisticated textures and inspired forms that elevate the experience of fine dining. The lux Argent Orfèvres brand’s expressive design is perfect for this holiday season! We hope everyone who invites Argent into their home and on to their tabletop this season will feel as decadent and magnificent as the flatware itself!

Disclosure Statement: This post is sponsored by Hampton Forge in conjunction with a social media campaign. Although I was compensated, I truly am a HUGE fan of their beautiful flatware – all opinions are my own.

The Gift She is Sure to Love …

I am Hunter Boot deep in my busy home + event decorating season and it hit me just this morning that Christmas is only two weeks away. OK … as of today we have 16 days left to be exact, but take away today, any traveling days you need to reach Grandmother’s house, plus that day you need to spend getting yourself ready for the upcoming neighborhood / corporate / client holiday party and we are down to 2 weeks.

And yes, I had that moment of panic + anxiety.


With nothing under our tree, except a tree skirt and the pine needles that have already fallen, I sat down to create my holiday list.

Please tell me I am not the only one…

As I created my list of loved ones, I realized I have several newly weds and/or new-ish homeowners on my list this year. It occurred to me that you may have a few as well. Perhaps a good friend, a daughter, a niece or a daughter-in-law who is still trying to pull her home together, still collecting + searching for the perfect pieces.

A lightbulb went off above my head – my Seasonal Home Box would be PERFECT for these lovelies on your list!

What could be better? Let me spend my time shopping for the perfect items for their homes and let YOU look like the hero {insert best aunt, mother-in-law, boss, mentor, etc.. as it pertains to you}!

So let me do the work for you? I am pretty sure you have other things to cross off your holiday checklist – most likely things you are better at handling than running from busy parking lot to busy parking lot.

Let me search for new home decor trends, shop for the best brands and spend the time waiting in line while you simply press a button to send a box filled with speciality seasonal items ready to be unwrapped.

My seasonal home subscription box is an effortless home styling service to make sure every home looks it’s best every season without you having to deal with spending hours searching + shopping for those perfect pieces.

Click HERE to send either a Holiday Home Box or a take advantage of the specially priced Annual Seasonal Home Box Membership, or keep reading to learn more…

HOW DOES THE SEASONAL HOME BOX MEMBERSHIP WORK?


WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Each limited release box is unique, hand-picked with you in mind and delivered to your {or your recipients} door – available quarterly for the season or for the entire year, a new box shipping each of the four seasons. While the products inside vary, I promise to select quality items I have brought into my own home for the season.

Examples of items included are seasonal candles, kitchen accents, accent pillow covers, tablescape decor, a favorite book, seasonal entertaining must have’s or gifting trends. Many will be items I find my self replacing or swapping out each season now. Don’t let Christmas sneak up on you too!

 

                

Send either a one Season Gift {you pick Winter 2016 or Spring 2017} OR select to send a Full Year Membership including 4 shipments. Buy yours HERE.

After purchase you will receive an email requesting further details on shipping + welcome card wording. Find out more HERE.


P.S. ~ or perhaps… press “forward” and let someone make YOUR holiday dreams come true when they purchase my Seasonal Home Box for YOU. A little hint never hurt… right?

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.

metallic inspired Thanksgiving tablesetting ideas on AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch

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. 

metallic inspired thanksgiving tablescape ideas on pinterest AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch 3

metallic-thanksgiving-table-with-indian-corn-and-grapevinw-napkin-rings-over-view-1-1000x

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. 

metallic inspired thanksgiving tablescape ideas on pinterest AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch 1

metallic inspired thanksgiving tablescape ideas on pinterest AnAppealingPlan.com by Krayl Funch 4

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!  

 

Mini Stuffing Muffins {#SundaySupper}

Stuffing is one of the most popular dishes of a Thanksgiving meal, I thought why not try making it as fun appetizer bites served before the big meal OR as a fun twist on leftover stuffing recipe served Thanksgiving night or the next day.

mini-stuffing-muffins-for-thanksgiving-leftovers-krayl-funch-on-anappealingplan-com-1

metallic-thanksgiving-table-with-indian-corn-and-grapevinw-napkin-rings-over-view-1-1000x

You can use this recipe with any stuffing recipe or leftovers, the key is to add back in moisture then bake the muffins to ensure they stick together.

Serve your mini stuffing muffins with the a side of cranberry relish for a tangy fruity and colorful topping.

mini-stuffing-muffins-for-thanksgiving-leftovers-krayl-funch-on-anappealingplan-com-6553

MINI STUFFING MUFFINS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage
1 cup stock, chicken/turkey or vegetable 
1/2 cup dried cranberries, rough chopped
4 cups stuffing – left over or pre-made

METHHOD

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease 12-cup mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet melt butter, add sage and cook on medium heat until sage begins to crisp.
  3. Add stock and bring to a boil. 
  4. Add chopped cranberries to liquid and allow to cook on medium for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to absorb liquid.
  5. Pack the stuffing into the muffin cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack and let stand for 5 minutes. Loosen the muffins with a sharp paring knife and lift them out.
  6. Serve warm with Cranberry Relish.

 

Whether you are a seasoned pro or it is your first time hosting Thanksgiving the number of details to keep track of can be daunting to say the least. You need the Ultimate Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.Get yours HERE.

krayls-ultimate-thanksgiving-planning-checklist-2016-get-access-button


How to Use Holiday Leftovers

Everyone loves the holidays, but often we’re left with way too much food. This week the Sunday Supper Community helps us spice up our leftovers and turn them into new and exciting dishes!

Thank you Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventure, for hosting.

Appetizers

Breakfast

Dessert

Mains

Sides

Soups

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Easy Pumpkin Placecards

Pumpkin Placecards are super easy to make and add a festive fall accent to your Thanksgiving, Friendsgving or Harvest Celebration Tablescape. Use either kraft paper cut outs or chalk paint to give each placesetting a personalized touch.

easy-pumpkin-placecards-segment-with-krayl-funch-and-gayle-guyardo-on-wfla-for-thanksgiving-entertaining

I don’t know about you but I LOVE mini pumpkins and gourds of all kinds so while I have the chance to decorating the table with Autumn gourds I take every opportunity to do just that! 

Start setting your Fall tablescape by lining the center of the table with mixed gourds, Indian Corn and a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece or two. There really isn’t a wrong way to group them. Pick out a variety of shapes and sizes ~ I promise they will all look perfect together!

diy-pumpkin-centerpiece-ideas-by-krayl-funch-with-gayle-guyardo-on-wfla-holidayentertaining-above-placesetting-1000x

Once I have my centerpiece in place I like to add a textured charger, a main serving plate and a fall leaf plate at each placesetting. Continuing adding seasonal elements  like a grapevine napkin ring around a natural linen napkin.

The stress of hosting can be overwhelming. No matter if it is your first time hosting, Or your 10th. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like an entertaining pro. Download yours for all my seasonal entertaining must-haves.

diy-pumpkin-centerpiece-ideas-by-krayl-funch-with-gayle-guyardo-on-wfla-holidayentertaining-gayles-placesetting-1000x

diy-pumpkin-centerpiece-ideas-by-krayl-funch-with-gayle-guyardo-on-wfla-holidayentertaining-pete-placesetting-1000x

For a step-by-step demo how to make your own Pumpkin Placecards, you can watch my  recent segment on WFLA Gayle’s Guide to Pinterest.

 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

Thanksgiving tablescape with pumpkin placecards by Krayl Funch

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN PLACECARDS::

diy-pumpkin-centerpiece-ideas-by-krayl-funch-with-gayle-guyardo-on-wfla-holidayentertaining-supplies-1000x

SUPPLIES ::

  • mini pumpkin
  • chalkboard paint
  • foam paint brush
  • chalk marker
  • leaf stencil
  • scissors

INSTRUCTIONS ::

For Chalkboard Pumpkin Placecard – 

Using a foam applicator simply apply a stroke of black chalk paint to the side of mini pumpkin. Allow to dry and apply a second coat.

Once dry, use a chalk marker to write your guest’s name on the card. Repeat for all guests.

For Kraft Paper Leaf Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a Maple leaf form, trace the edges onto kraft paper, Cut out shape and write your guest’s name on each card.

Carefully slice a slit in the top of the pumpkin stem. Insert paper placecard into stem and place on table!

Not the DIY type… Did you know I offer services tailored to meet the needs of busy women. They are especially valuable during the holiday entertaining season. Learn more on HERE on KraylFunch.com

 

Baked Sweet Dumpling Squash with Pumpkin Custard

As you know I LOVE a gourd. Gourds of all kinds can be found on my entranceway, dining room table and kitchen counter, but when I found out one of my fav was actually considered a squash my world was turned upside down!

Sweet Dumpling Squash are readily available in the Fall and are great for filling kitchen island baskets with seasonal color but let’s open up our eyes – and mouths – to the wide variety of recipes for Sweet Dumpling Squash, a hit in my home is baked with pumpkin custard. Serve it for dessert on Thanksgiving or to end your upcoming Fall gathering.

octoberunprocessed-sweet-dumpling-squash-recipe-by-kraylfunch-1

Squash versus Gourd versus Pumpkin :: what’s the difference?

The family screams Fall but I can barely say the name. The Cucurbitaceae family is the latin name for gourds, squash and pumpkins, which most of us tend to simply lump into one big category of bumpy, viney, some say ugly, I say gorgeous, ground growing beauties that we generally associate with Fall.

Read on to amaze your friends with your Squash, Gourds and Pumpkins knowledge.

sweet-dumpling-squash-with-baked-pumpkin-custard-kraylfunch

sweet-dumpling-squash-with-baked-pumpkin-custard-kraylfunch-2Gourds.

The ornamental squash, hardshell, bottle and turban are the most common gourds seen on tablescapes, grouped in glass vessels and adorning mantles in the Autumn, aren’t generally meant for eating. Mainly decorative, our current day gourds – my spirit fruit {or is it vegetable… no fruit} – have been used throughout history in many ways including as tools, musical instruments and food. The are a staple in my seasonal decorating projects with clients and in my own home.

Squash. 

Hubbard, butternut, acorn, sweet dumpling and spaghetti squash {just to get the party started} that are perfect for roasting, souping, dicing, pureeing or any other shape or form you prefer to eat them. Most squash have a thick skin and dense flesh you must cut through in order to use for most squash recipes. However, once you cut back the skin simply scoop out the seeds {save them for toasting with a bit of kosher salt} and you are ready to go.  

Pumpkin.

The most popular of the cucuritaceae, pumpkins are both ornamental and edible. The super mini’s are more like gourds when it comes to getting any flesh from them for cooking but DO not discount them as a serving vessel or other ornamental seasonal piece. Medium and Large pumpkins make great entranceway decor, carved or un-carved, as well as provide tons of glorious flesh for recipes calling for pumpkin.

So the bottom line is – pumpkin is sort of “our” term for the round orange squash and not a biological name. 

I say let’s celebrate the season with the entire family! Squash, gourds and pumpkins are welcome on my table or plate any day. 

See my recipe for Baked Sweet Dumpling Squash with Pumpkin Custard below.

octoberunprocessed-sweet-dumpling-squash-recipe-by-kraylfunch-2

octoberunprocessed-sweet-dumpling-squash-recipe-by-kraylfunch-3

[yumprint-recipe id=’36’] 

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? My Ultimate Thanksgiving Checklist will be your new BFF. Grab yours HERE.

Plan Ahead For a Stress Free Thanksgiving Day

Whether you are a seasoned pro or it is your first time hosting Thanksgiving the number of details to keep track of can be daunting to say the least. You need the Ultimate Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.

krayls-ultimate-thanksgiving-planning-checklist-2016-get-access-button

How many plates do I need? How will I serve the potatoes? How long do I defrost THE bird? How do I keep track of who is bringing what? What if I run out of forks before dessert? 

And the details add up if you are hosting overnight guests.

Where will they sleep? Do I have time to put up the wall paper in the main floor powder room before Thanksgiving? 

What fork goes where?

Not to fear. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like the entertaining pro you know is your real calling.

Avoid the last minute stress of Thanksgiving with my ULTIMATE Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.

When you say yes to the checklist you will immediately receive the first week’s must do list. Then over the next few weeks you will receive a weekly checklist of what you need to accomplish + schedule that week to have a stress free Thanksgiving.

How easy is that?

You can be the hostess you know in your heart you are. Get access to the checklist HERE.

krayls-ultimate-thanksgiving-planning-checklist-2016-get-access-button

Are you an overachiever? Perfectionist who can’t stand to wait for the weekly updates? My Fast Track planner was created for you. For only $15 you can have access to the entire checklist collection now. Buy yours HERE.

#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

fallflea-group-product-image-wood-cake-stand-cotton-wreath-leaf-votive-holder-by-kraylfunch-anappealingplan-1024x

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

fallflea-group-product-image-gold-acorn-dish-thankful-pillow-burlap-runner-by-kraylfunch-anappealingplan-1024x

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-falllfea-kraylfunch-anappealingplan-250x

 

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-fallflea-on-anappealingplan-by-kraylfunch-250x

 

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-apothecary-bottle-fallflea-3

 

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.

 

 


pair-of-faux-golden-apples-in-the-fallflea-by-kraylfunch-anappealingplan-250x 

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.

FALL FLEA – a virtual pop-up home decor market

fall-flea-a-virtual-pop-up-market-by-krayl-funch-header

Sign up here for your special invitation to member only offers and announcements. SIGN ME UP

Fall Flea :: Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th

Seasonal decorating of private homes + gatherings is my passion. I have even been told that creating personalized environments is my “special gift”. I LOVE it and intend to keep creating these for my clients but I started thinking…

Why keep all the good stuff to myself?

Why not share my seasonal finds with my online community so you can add personalized touches to your home too?

Well you have by now I am sure, heard about my Seasonal Home Box which is available 4 times a year ~ that will continue to be available, not to worry. But I wanted more. I wanted another opportunity to share my finds, especially my one of a kind finds, with you each season. For you to benefit from the hours I spend scouting seasonal trends and in the stores.

I am excited to announce my first virtual pop-up market, the #FallFlea!

For two weeks this Fall – Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th – you can shop the virtual pop-up market from your desk, train or couch! For two weeks only you will be able to purchase fall decor items from my personal collection, recent finds and new arrivals. There will be items for your home, table, and gatherings – all decor that I use in my own home, on client projects or simply a piece I couldn’t resist!

Sign up here for your special invitation to community member only offers and announcements. SIGN ME UP

Items will be very limited, with some only having one in stock, so if you see something you must have add it to your cart ASAP before another market goer grabs it.

What do you have to do to be a part of the #FallFlea virtual pop-up market?

Mark your calendar and get on The List for updates and announcements leading up to and during the Fall Flea.SIGN ME UP

And of course be sure to share your #FALLFLEA finds on Instagram + Facebook for a chance to win a $50 gift card that can be used during the #WINTERFLEA! 

Sign up here for your special invitation to member only offers and announcements. SIGN ME UP

fall-flea-a-virtual-pop-up-market-by-krayl-funch-header

It’s Cocktail Time!! Announcing the First Seasonal Home Box ADD-ON!

Thursday September 22nd is the official first day of Autumn and what better day to announce the launch of the first Seasonal Home Box Add-On! 

Wish you had a signature cocktail up your sleeve for the next time guests drop by?

Love trying new flavors but not taking the time to research what the latest trend?

The Seasonal Signature Cocktail add-on is designed to bring the fun back to mixing up the perfect drink!
You can now include a Signature Cocktail Add-On to your Seasonal Home Box!!

YES! –  Now I will send you a signature seasonal cocktail recipe AND the mixer ingredients. All you have to do is add the alcohol, stir it up and serve. How is that for easy!

ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL ADD-ON HERE to your Seasonal Home Box!

I also wanted to thank you so very much for taking the time to complete the Seasonal Home Box survey last week and providing your comments. 

Getting your feedback and support {either through the survey, phone call or in person over wine…} allows me to create products that truly understand your needs and design/entertaining goals.

After looking at your responses and hearing about exactly what you are looking for, I have realized that like pants, one size does NOT fit all.

For many of you the current Seasonal Home Box Membership is the perfect answer. Arriving at your door, filled with seasonal items to spread throughout your home for each season without the stress or time spent shopping for them. For you the Seasonal Home Box is not going anywhere

However for a few of you, a higher level of service and personalization is the answer. Also perfect! That’s the core of my business and something I love to provide. In the next week you will hear more about new products and services designed just for you.

“What’s next?”  “What do I have to do?”  

That’s the best part – you do not have to do a thing! Be on the look out for a special email announcing the new offerings that will become available in October – AND an incredible new opportunity you do not want to miss.

That’s all the updates for now – back to mixing up drinks and packing up Fall Decor! ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL HERE and grab your Fall Seasonal Home Box before they are gone!

Thank you again for all your support and being apart of the community!
Krayl Funch

PS – If you missed the opportunity to give your feed back – You still have two ways to be involved :: #1 – complete this survey in the privacy of your living room – OR – #2 – have a one-on-one phone call with me discussing your thoughts {also available in the privacy of your living room} on the current Seasonal Home Box and how it can be tweaked to meet your dreams!

Simply complete the survey here or even easier, message me : “pr {@} kraylfunch {.}com now with your preferred day and time to schedule a phone call with me THIS week to discuss it further!

{p.p.s. – you have been hiding in a cave for the summer and have no idea what I am talking about but it sounds perfect for you! Learn more about the Seasonal Home Box Membership here.}

Mary’s Maine Bars l #OXOGoodCookies

Cooler days have me craving warm beverages, the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg + spice and getting back into the kitchen. But you know any time I am in the kitchen it is time for a get together with friends. The perfect excuse to host a tea party and bake up a batch of Mary’s Maine Bars.


Tea Party Menu

::  ::  ::

Variety of Hot Teas

Smoked Salmon + Dill Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwiches

Mary’s Maine Spice Bars


marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-232

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-241

Yes, cooler weather alone is reason enough bake but when I learned about Cookies For Kids’ Cancer and the partnership between Dorie Greenspan + OXO I had to roll up my sleeves and dust off my apron. 

“Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by two OXO employees when their 2-year-old son was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 2007. Larry and Gretchen Witt pledged to support the funding of research for safer, more effective treatments for children battling cancer. With the help of 250 volunteers, Gretchen baked and sold 96,000 cookies, raising more than $400,000 for research.”

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-1

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-484

Each year, OXO continues to support the organization by donating $100,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This year OXO is also working with bloggers to showcase cookie recipes and will donate $100 per blog post in support of the cause. OXO is highlighting cookies from Dorie Greenspan’s new book, Dorie’s Cookies, which features over 200 recipes from classics to brownies to savory cookies. 

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-908

With the help of my OXO baking tools making Mary’s Main Bars was a breeze! I loved working with both the Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid and the Glass 2 Qt Baking Dish with Lid. Each is made from BPA-free borosilicate glass and can withstand extreme temperature changes. Generous handles and sloshproof lids make moving full dishes easier, and the clean, elegant design means you can take them from the oven directly to the family table. 

And the Brownie Spatula made cutting and serving the bars easy and the perfect size for my tea party.

However, what I did not expect is how much I really enjoyed using the Illuminating Digital Hand Mixer! No joke. Who would have thought a light on the front of a blender would be that useful!! “With a light to guide you, OXO On Illuminating Digital Hand Mixer includes intuitive digital controls to steadily increase or decrease speed. When you’re finished, the on-board beater clip, wrap-and-secure cord, and flat, stable base allow for compact, upright storage.”

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-098

For a step-by-step demo of the Mary’s Maine Bar recipe, you can watch my video tutorial below. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

 

 

marys-maine-bars-oxogoodcookies-recipe-on-by-krayl-funch-anappealingplan-266

[yumprint-recipe id=’35’] 
Disclaimer Statement :: This post is being sponsored by OXO in a partnership with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer {OXO will generously donate $100 in my name during the program to reach their goal of $100,000 commitment}. I did NOT receive any compensation for this post, I received OXO baking tools to help me create Mary’s Main Bars by working smarter not harder.