Tis the season for pumpkins! If you are looking for quick ways to decorate pumpkins without the mess of carving, here are some great ideas that use materials such as ribbons, an apple corer, and a clay loop in place of traditional carving knives. Click on the pictures below for specific instructions.
Pumpkin Centerpiece by Good Housekeeping
Floral Inspired Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens
Polka-Dot Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens
Chinese lanterns have been a popular way over the last several years to decorate a party space. I love the Fall twist Martha Stewart gives these lanterns, making them into seasonal, festive pumpkins. And they look super easy to make, too.
Today is the first day of Autumn. While I am sad the summer flew by, I am so excited for Fall. The leaves turn, the weather gets crisp, and it is a sign the holiday season is not far behind. I also love Fall because it is a fun time to entertain. Here are some reasons to celebrate this season:
There is so much to celebrate this Fall, so don’t let the season fly by without stopping to spend quality time with friends and family!
As I was finishing up my Thanksgiving menu and grocery shopping today I remembered a few tips that make preparing for Thanksgiving so much easier and less stressful. These simple tricks can make a big impact when in the midst of the chaos of entertaining and preparing such a special meal.
1) Create a menu plan.
The menu plan template I created includes the item (recipe/dish), ingredients, where I will buy each ingredient, when to prepare it, what serving vessel I will serve it in, and any additional notes I might have. I print the plan out and use it as my shopping list as well as a guide on Thanksgiving day. Each year I save the document and my chicken-scratch notes to remind myself of what I served that year, which recipes worked, and other lessons learned. The document doesn’t need to be complicated or pretty, it just needs to work for you.
2) Label your serveware.
I generally set out my serveware a day or two before the meal to make sure I have all of the right vessels and to determined how they will work with my tablescape. Once I’ve pulled out all of the vessels, I use post-it notes to label what item will go in what vessel. This not only helps me stay organized, but it is also helpful if you have family who are helping you set out the items — they’ll know where everything goes.
3) Keep recipes and notes in a clear folder.
Once I have determined my Thanksgiving menu, I put all of the recipes in a clear folder along with my menu plan. I take it with me when I go shopping. Before I leave the store I not only check my menu plan/shopping list but I also scan the ingredients on the recipes themselves to make sure I have not forgotten anything. (I hate having to make two trips to the store!)
The clear folder is also helpful because it keeps the recipes clean and visible when cooking. If something spills on the folder, wipe it off and keep on going! No crinkled or smudged paper to deal with next year when you are pulling out your recipes.
I prefer the reusable tabbed clear folders like these. I write the event in pencil and then erase and reuse for my next event.
It was like clockwork. When Fall arrived, my mother would always set out a bowl of whole nuts on our coffee table for us to enjoy. Cracking them, of course, was our favorite part. I’ve taken now to setting them out as well. The nutcracker I use is one of the ones we had when I was a kid. It’s special, but I have to say, it is not as cute as this!
squirrel nutcracker from Sur La Table
These chalkboard mugs from Wisteria are clever! They’d be perfect for a casual brunch or filled with hot apple cider over the holidays.
I love this idea for Fall wall hangings that look like pages from an encyclopedia. Pressed leaves, cardstock, a few twigs and voila! Instant, nature-inspired wall art! They’d also make a great accent resting against the wall on top of a sideboard at a Fall dinner party.
Leaf wall hangings via Better Homes and Gardens
I saw this serving dish by Michael Aram the other day as I was passing through Neiman Marcus. I had to do a double take as it was so eye-catching. I think the shape of the bowl looks like an acorn, but apparently the line is all about figs — and, in this case, the fig-inspired handle. Figs. Acorn. No matter. It looks very “Fall” to me and would be perfect for social occasions this season. It would also make a beautiful wedding or Christmas gift.
Michael Aram serving bowl, from the Fig Collection
These acorn placecard holders would be perfect for a children’s party this Fall! I spotted them at Paper Source just the other day…
Paper Source Acorn Placecard Kit
I am always looking for non-floral decor alternatives for weddings and other events. My husband and I went on a hike today in Great Falls and everywhere I turned I found inspiration for Fall decor! My mind is now spinning with ideas for incorporating natural elements — like pinecones, greenery, branches, and acorns — into designs.
In fact, I worked on an event recently where a team of us collaborated on nature-inspired centerpieces — we filled clear vessels with pears and apples and used acorns and pinecones as filler. I can’t take credit for the design, but it looked great!
Below are a few images that are inspiring me to go out and collect all of the pinecones I can find — then I’ll be prepared for Fall decorating next year, too!
DIY pinecone wedding bouquet via Once Wed
pinecone boutonniere via Martha Stewart
Rustic pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart
pinecone escort card table via Martha Stewart
pinecone monogram via Martha Stewart
pinecone wreath via Country Living
gilded pinecone placecard via Country Living
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.