{Party} Dining by candlelight

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Party Planning, Recipes

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

candlelight, Irish Stew

I’ve always liked using candles in and around my home. I think that the fall/winter months are my favorite time of the year to let candlelight provide the light needed to dine by.

Until the early 20^th century, everyone ate by candlelight, I’m sure they didn’t think of it as anything more than an essential way to see what you were eating. Bright lights became the norm as the introduction of electricity was installed in homes and restaurants everywhere.

{Party Resources ~ Carolyne Roehm}

According to Jan Whitaker of Resturant-ing Through History,

…there were some ultra-refined people who considered the glare of bright light vulgar. Etiquette expert Emily Holt recommended in1902 that candles be used instead of gas or electric chandeliers for home dinner parties lest the dinner resemble a “blazing feast … in some hotel restaurant.”

Candlelight promised the gentility of an elite dinner party, far removed from loud music, noise, and guests who drank too much. Candles suited the tea room perfectly. Not only did they shed flattering light, they discouraged the rowdy, fun-seeking masses from entering the door. Tea room owners, overwhelmingly WASPs, also liked how candles, as well as lanterns and fireplaces, created a quaint atmosphere that they imagined resembled how their Colonial ancestors lived.

I confess, candlelight does seem to make everything look better. Even the faces of guests seem aglow when we dim the electric lights and let candlelight do its magic.

So, in addition to a recipe for my beef stew (below), here are some pretty tables with candlelight as their main source of illumination.

{image source}

*Note, this image captures what my stew looks like when I serve it in these bread rounds, but for some reason, my food photography leaves much to be desired for capturing the delicious goodness on the plate. Thank you for your understanding.

KB’s Irish Stew (serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds Chuck roast, cubed, patted dry

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 large carrots, scrubbed and sliced

8 large mushrooms, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, diced

1 1/2 cup frozen peas

6 cups beef broth+

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cube beef, trim off excess fat. Heat oil and butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Dry beef with paper towels; season with salt and pepper; brown beef in small batches. Once brown on all sides; continue until all beef is browned; set aside.

Lower heat to medium and add onion and carrots, (it may be necessary to add a little more oil) cook about 2-4 minutes (until translucent); add mushrooms and cook until mushrooms have released their juices. Return beef to pan and add broth and cubed potatoes. Reduce heat to keep (medium-low or low heat)* stew simmering; cook for 2 hours, with lid on pan. Check periodically in case more broth is needed.

*This can be cooked in the oven at 325° for 2 – 2 1/2 hours, check periodically to make sure you don’t run out of broth in the stew.

30 minutes before stew is finished, make slurry of flour and whipping cream, add to stew and stir. Check and adjust seasonings.

Serve in a mini-boule that has been hollowed out (retain lid) and dry for a few minutes in the oven or with a loaf of crusty bread and salad.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

Mercury glass candles make everything shimmer and it seems they are very popular this fall.

I like tapers as much as votives and often use a combination when we serve dinner. Do you have a preference when you entertain?

Downton Abbey – isn’t this pretty? I can’t wait for Season 3!

{Inspiring Interiors ~ Christmas in Oslo}

{via}

{Inspiring Interiors}

The above image is one of my favorites, I borrowed it from Kifus over at Inspiring Interiors. If you’ve never visited her site you’re in for a treat. She features homes from all over the world and most are exquisite. {The tray that holds the mercury glass votives and vintage silver candlesticks is so pretty}

{The New Victorian Ruralist}

Isn’t this a clever idea. I’m not sure where you’d find 7 rustic ladles of varying sizes but it’s a very fun image.

{the adventures of tartanscot}

Every Christmas Scot of the adventures of tartanscot shares photographs of his dining room table, complete with little gifts for guests and every year I’m inspired and in awe. His talents in all of the design work he does is always worthwhile.

{Party Resources}

{Shari Curtis Mortensen ~ Pinterest}

{tumblr ~ That Inspirational Girl}

I realize some of the table settings are wedding settings, but you get the idea, right. Besides, we have a wedding coming up (watch for posts pre/post wedding) and candlelight will be a huge part of the ambiance of our (Son #2 & fiance) upcoming celebration.

In light of the stew recipe, maybe I should plan on this (below) form of candlelight…

{tumblr ~ Little White Daisies}

Do you enjoy dining by candlelight?

I’ve joined in the fun at Stone Gable for her Turtorials and Tips party, see you there.

{Party} Some seasonal finds via blog land

16 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

recipes, Table Settings

I believe autumn is at least partly responsible for the extra enthusiasm I experience during this time of year, that or the cooler weather which aids with slumber and allows me to stay more energized. Therefore I feel like cooking more, trying new recipes. Does this happen to you?

~I hope you aren’t sick of my speaking of Autumn and the seasonal traditions and go along with it~

{via}

Blog land is bursting at the seams with great ideas and inspiration for all things fall, but there have been a few recipes that were so tempting I thought I’d share them with you.

If you’re going to eat, you know you’ll have to set the table so I’m including some nice table settings too. [I’m a full-service blogger]

{via Party Resources}

We don’t have maple trees in our area but we do have a tree (Liquid Amber) that gives us a show of color, but the branches are very high and it’s not on our property so you can see my dilemma. I wonder if the branches (above) are real or faux?

Let’s start with this delicious Skinny Spiced Latte Recipe from Yummy Mummy Kitchen. Marina nearly ruined my day when she mentioned that the Spiced Pumpkin Latte you get at most coffee houses was 390 calories! It’s not that I have them that often but I didn’t know this calorie fact, they might as well be considered meal-replacement at 390 calories. I know, I know, just order it with non-fat milk. Ugh, not nearly as tasty. So, maybe you will find this to be a delicious, low calorie replacement…I’m going to try them.

{via Yummy Mummy Kitchen}

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte :: by Yummy Mummy Kitchen, Marina

Pumpkin Whipped Cream:
makes about 25 (2.5 tablespoon servings)

1/3 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
10 ounces TruWhip (available at many grocery stores including Ralphs and Whole Foods)
sprinkles or additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish, optional

Place pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice in the bowl of a mixer. Beat until combined and smooth. My organic canned pumpkin was quite hard and this beating helps it smooth out. Add the whipped topping and beat in just until combined. Transfer to a 11×7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Alternatively an 8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish could be used. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the freezer until ready to use.

To make lattes:
8 ounces brewed coffee
1/4 cup warmed low-fat milk (or however much milk you like)
Stevia to taste

Add milk to your coffee and sweeten to taste with Stevia or your favorite sweetener. Top with pumpkin whipped topping from the freezer. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or sprinkles, if desired.

Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick had a soul-warming soup recipe that was hard for me to pass up. She has some delicious soup recipes, and for me, this time of year is ideal for soup and crusty bread and maybe a salad.

Chorizo & Vegetable Cream Soup | Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Grilled Cheese

1 pound of chorizo sausage
3 carrots, diced
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1/2 small white onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, diced
1 large can of whole peeled tomatoes, hand crushed with juice
4 cups of chicken broth
1/2 cup of cream
4 cups of fresh spinach

fresh mozzarella
tomato, sliced
fresh basil
baguette, sliced
olive oil
1 clove of garlic, whole

Remove the sausage from its casing and break it up into small/medium pieces. Cook it in a sauté pan on a medium/high heat, rendering some of the fat. Add the carrot, mushrooms and onion and cook until soft, approx. 5-7 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomatoes by squeezing them in one at a time. Continue to break them into bite size pieces with the spoon. Add the juice from the can of tomatoes.

Add the chicken broth and cream. Add spinach. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Slice the baguette, pile with mozzarella, tomato and basil and top with a second piece of bread. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes just until they start to brown. Flip and repeat. Rub a raw clove of garlic on the crusty sides of bread.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

I really like the simplicity of the table setting below. The array of interesting colors that pumpkins come in work with almost any decor. I especially like the white baby boo pumpkins.

For our main course, this recipe is from my good friend, Jean. She prepared this dish for a ladies’ luncheon years ago and it continues to be a seasonal favorite. Super easy too. I do not have a photograph of the dish but I promise, it’s really pretty.

Chicken/Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup butter
2 packages Uncle Ben’s White & Wild rice, cooked*
1 cup sour cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
¾ cup Craisins
1 cup cashews

Preparation Instructions

Shred cooked chicken breasts, set aside. Melt butter in skillet and cook mushrooms until most of the liquid is absorbed.

*Cook rice according to package directions [omitting the spice packages] using 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup water.

Combine soup, sour cream, cashews and Craisins with chicken and rice. Spread in 9” x 13” baking dish and bake at 350° for 30 minutes, or until hot.

{via Stone Gable}

and finally, for dessert…

A site I’ve only recently discovered is one that is guaranteed to provide constant entertainment…talk of the house is written by Kelly. A wife, mother and school teacher, Kelly lives in Georgia and her posts are always informative and fun. She recently posted her family recipe for Apple Cake. I plan to bake it this weekend but visit HERE for some mouth-watering pictures to entice. {I cannot figure out how to copy a picture from her site so you’ll have to visit, but you won’t regret it}.

Fresh Apple Cake:

3 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 ¼ c. oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. sugar

1 c. chopped pecans

3 c. freshly shredded apples

Grease and flour a tube or Bundt cake pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl whisk the eggs together. Then whisk the oil in with the eggs. Pour the eggs and oil mixture into the sifted flour mix. Beat to mix well. Beat in the sugar and the vanilla. Stir in the apples and the pecans. Pour all into the greased pan, and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool only a few minutes, then turn out on your cake stand.

Icing:

½ stick butter

2 Tbsp. milk

½ cup brown sugar

½ tsp. vanilla

Place all ingredients in a medium pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, and boil for 2 minutes. Brush, or pour, on to the warm cake.

Serve with whipped cream.

{via Party Resources}

Those of you who can’t quite give up summer could set the table with a nautical theme and sunflowers. A great blending of a season ending (the nautical) and a season that’s arriving (the fall colors of a sunflower).

{via Hampton Hostess}

Are you cooking more now that the weather has cooled? Share any easy recipes you have tried with me, I’d love to hear from you.

I’m joining the party over at Centsational Girl, seasonal foods, yummy.

{Home} Fall around the house

02 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, House and Home

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

Autumn decorating

So its onward and upward…we’re on a march to cooler temperatures, warm cider, glow from a fireplace, and a general theme of cozy around our house. Comfort foods and a recipe or two will come in a later post.

I wanted to share some ideas for the little touches you can add to your home to embrace the season…if you’re more of a flip flops, warm weather loving person, that’s okay. I understand, sort of.

It doesn’t take much to create a feel of the season with just a bit of bounty from Mother Nature. Pumpkins come in so many colors these days, even my orange hating friends can find a pumpkin that works for them. But a throw draped over a chair, careful placement of a few candlesticks and/or votive candles and a few branches of turning leaves can create an inviting vignette for the season.

The pewter sugar bowl holds faux Pottery Barn acorns because there aren’t many oak trees in our neck of the woods and even if there were, the squirrels would beat me to the stash. {they look pretty real don’t they?}

During this time of year my nesting instincts take over. I want to add a few accessories to the mix. When spring/summer comes I’m always ready to shed the extra items that feel good from October to late February.

I placed a nest I found abandoned in our backyard in a pewter porridge bowl, the feathers were also found on a walk nearby, the quail eggs are real, but purchased from a store called Urban Gardener.

I love that so many creative people have taken the pumpkin way out of the box…this white pumpkin has been stamped with insects and other critters, appropriately creepy for Halloween.

{via}

Ralph Lauren (above) does fall better than most, love that man!

I don’t have a library like this and my dining room table wouldn’t fit in this space, but don’t you love the idea of dining in the library…especially for the cooler months.

Martha Stewart (above) always has some fantastic ideas for the season, no matter which season we’re talking about. {I wouldn’t want to eat each meal at a picnic table, would you, but the centerpiece and the picnic benches are attractive.}

{Pottery Barn}

RL with his bold bed linens, calico print and plaid. I’m probably too cautious to veer out of our solid sheet selection, but I admit, it looks inviting for a bed to crawl into after a blustery day.

{tumblr:That Inspirational Girl)

Fall and winter are nature’s way of urging us to relax, smell the cocoa and read a book. For me that equates to some serious time in a chair, feet up, throw over legs (if it’s cool enough).

~or~

You could pack a picnic and brave the cold…

{via} Don’t you love the inviting look of this outdoor table setting?

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor fireplace, what better time to use it?

{via}

So, are you with me {except my good friend in PA 🙂} ready to pick up a few pumpkins, throw on a turtleneck and enjoy the season at home?

I’m headed over to No Minimalist Here, she’s hosting another one of her Open House Parties.

{GHP} 10 Things I love about fall, I mean, Autumn

20 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, House and Home, Traditions

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

greeting fall

Before I provide you with 10 things I love about the ~~fall~~ autumn season, I want you to know I’m a bit of a crazy when it comes fall. The season has always made me giddy with anticipation, maybe it stems from the whole back-to-school thrill I felt when returning the first day of school, seeing classmates I hadn’t seen over summer and sporting a new frock, not to mention the newly sharpened pencils and the fresh PeeChee folders and crisp, college-lined three-hole punch notebook paper.

Why am I telling you 10 reasons I like this time of year, whether you want to hear them or not? I was inspired by Melissa over at The Inspired Room. She hosts an Annual Fall Nesting party every year and I jump on the bandwagon because I know I’ll be surrounded by like-minded fall-season~~-fanatics~~ enthusiasts just like me and I’ll pick up a lot of great ideas for seasonal entertaining and décor.

So here goes, in no particular order because the way I see it each thing I love about autumn receives an equal share of my admiration…

1. Cooler days. A relative term since I live in Southern California however, it’s the little things, like a 10 degree difference that make my day.

{tumblr, the Steward}

Sometimes we even manage a little rain, nothing huge but still, it always makes me happy to know the plants are being gently cleaned of their summer dust.

{source}

2. Fire in the fireplace. We have a wood burning fireplace and it’s one of my favorite things in life. If I lived in the U.K. I would probably need a fire every day.

(above) a match holder I found years ago, love the acorn pattern to it.

{source}

{Carla’s coal burning fireplace ~ gas operated} * I apologize for the darkness of this photo.

3. The holidays. This time of year I begin to plan for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m not as big a fan of Halloween, other than it’s the time of year the goblins arrive, bag in hand, that marks the beginning of cooler weather for us. {Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing small children dressed for the holiday, I just have never gotten totally wrapped up in “Halloween” decorations or costumes — curmudgeon, no, why do you ask?

{Martha Stewart}

{griege blog}

{Southern Accents}

4. Turtlenecks. I know, how can that be a favorite? Easy, I hate my neck and am always happy I can wear scarves and turtlenecks this time of year.

{I don’t think I’ve ever pulled off “attitude” like the turtleneck-clad model below, but I do like her Donna Karan outfit}

5. Extra blankets. I’ve been known to sleep with windows open year round and it always feels good to have the extra weight of a blanket on me. Fortunately Hubby feels the same.

#5 and #6 should have been combined, but I do believe they are not mutually exclusive.

6. Flannel sheets. TMI? We love flannel sheets in the winter months.
Shorter days. This is the one item I reluctantly list because there is a part of me that truly appreciates the longer days of summer. That said, I enjoy getting home from work, having something comforting to eat and enjoying the darkness of the evening while sitting in front of the fire watching TV, catching up on email. We bought our flannel sheets from Lands End and they are so cozy.

7. Entertaining. I’ve had many conversations with friends who enjoy entertaining, about how much easier it is to entertain in the cooler months. When I entertain in the summer, yes the menu can be easier (BBQ, salads, etc.) but not necessarily. The “things to do” list is always longer in the summer i.e. windows should be clean, garden tended, patio furniture clean and so on. Once the time changes the outdoor factor goes away.

{my friend, Cayley always sets a beautiful fall table}

8. Apples. I enjoy fresh apples year round but there are so many delicious recipes using apples and there’s nothing like a piece of apple pie to help reinforce the season.

Have any of you ever tried these individual pie in a jar recipes?

9. Long, hot baths. No further explanation needed, right?

10. Fall foliage. You know, the leaves the plants the berries that crop up on so many deciduous plants. It draws thousands to the East coast annually…there must be something to it.

Talk to me, do you find yourself dreading fall, holding on to that last warm summer day, or do you get a burst of energy from the cooler season? It’s okay, I can take it, let me know.

I’m joining Kate at Centsational Girl for her fall link party. She is featuring mantles but said any fall post could join!

…and Alison at The Polohouse, for her Favorites on the First.

{Entertaining} Champagne Chicken

29 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Champage Chicken

It’s been awhile since I gave you a recipe…I am not always mindful of posting recipes when there is so much to think about, chalk it up to spring fever.

We had some friends in for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day and one of our guests only eats chicken, no red meat, no pork no fish. So the search was on for a new recipe for chicken that would fit my entertaining criteria.

I used to be in the Junior League and during my tenure I found Junior League cookbooks to be a reliable source of really good food. I find a lot of the JL cookbooks provide recipes for busy women who want to entertain family and friends but not spend 3 days in the kitchen. This suits me just fine. In fact, I look for recipes that take that philosophy a step further, make-ahead as much as possible.

While reading through my cookbooks in search of a tasty chicken recipe I pulled one of my ‘go to’ JL cookbooks, “Stop and Smell the Rosemary” by the Junior League of Houston, printed in 1996. I can’t begin to list all of the great meals we’ve had using this book, it’s never let me down. I found a recipe called Champagne Chicken and gave it a try. It was delicious and so easy, so I thought I would pass it along.

[Note: You will have to copy and paste this onto a page for keeping; photo via FotoSearch, royalty free]

In addition I have included 6 table settings that inspire me to set the table for spring, with a nod in at least one of the images to recognize St. Patrick’s Day.

Champagne chicken ~ serves 4

[Adapted from Stop and Smell the Rosemary]

1 ½ cups champagne (or sparkling white wine)

18 sprigs fresh thyme, minced

5 tablespoons fresh lime juice

6 cloves of garlic, chopped

3 large sprigs of fresh rosemary, minced

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Combine champagne, thyme, lime juice, garlic, and rosemary in a medium baking dish. Add chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375°. Remove chicken from marinade and place in small roasting pan. Roast chicken 20 to 30 minutes. Spoon pan drippings over chicken and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

I get the chicken ready for the oven early in the day, refrigerate until 1 hour before baking.

I served this with roasted baby Yukon potatoes *not baked potatoes smothered in sour cream that you see in the image above 🙂 and fresh Blue Lake green beans. Here is the Roasted Baby Yukon Potato recipe:

ROASTED POTATOES

1 1/2 pounds small yukon gold potatoes (or new potatoes)

2 tablespoons butter

1 large shallot, minced

1 large clove of garlic, minced

salt and papper

Pierce potatoes in several places with a fork. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook potatoes until almost tender, shaking skillet occasionally, about 25 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, reduce heat to medium low. Cook until potatoes are tender and brown, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Hermes of Paris

Unknown

Garden, Home and Party

Daniel Desantis Interiors

French Essence

House Beautiful

I hope you’re having a wonderful spring and that you will drop me a line and share your favorite ‘entertaining’ recipes. I love to hear from you!

I’m visiting:

No Minimalist Here

Ivy and Elephant’s: What’s it Wednesday

{Home and Party} Are you tired of turkey yet?

29 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

easy recipe, Pork Tenderloin

I hope today finds you fully recovered from Thanksgiving festivities and calories! I do enjoy a good turkey sandwich and the trimmings once, even twice after the holiday. But then I hit the wall and crave something flavorful, easy (since I’m still tired from all the cooking) and full filling. This recipe originates from Country Living magazine and has been a hit with family and friends each time I prepare it. It’s also easy enough for me to prepare it for just Lyn and myself on a cool, late fall evening.

Enjoy!

image via

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze

Ingredients

2 1-pound pork tenderloins, rimmed
6 shallots, quartered
½ cup golden raisins
3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (5-6 sprigs)
Pinch of ground cloves
¾ cup apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 McIntosh apples, peeled and chopped

Directions

Rinse pork, pat dry, and place in zip top heavy-duty plastic bag, or shallow dish.

Stir together shallots and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour over pork, cover or seal and chill at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.

Preheat oven to 375°. Remove pork from marinade, reserving marinade. Sprinkle pork evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Cook in hot oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium high heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove pork, and add butter to skillet, stirring until melted. Add apples and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in reserved marinade. Bring to a boil, and boil 2 minutes, stirring often. Return pork to skillet.

Bake at 375° for 20 to 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 155°, basting occasionally. Remove pork from skillet; tent with aluminum foil, and let stand 5 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°. Stir remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper into apple cider glaze in skillet. Slice pork and serve immediately with glaze and apples.

Serves: 6-8 servings

The race is on to begin my Christmas shopping. The tree and decorations are up and I hope to enjoy a few days of sipping cocoa by the fire enjoying the Christmas tree. Take time to stop and smell the peppermint and evergreens!

{GHP} Preparing for Thanksgiving…Fall installment #4

22 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Food

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Table Settings, Thanksgiving

Whether you’re here (U.S.A) …

~or~

abroad…

Thanksgiving Day is looming and since we have the good fortune to be celebrating with our future in-laws (for more on this story) in our home, I’m in full turkey day countdown.

I really do enjoy this time of year. Much like those that love the warmer months of summer and seem to get a boost of energy during “their” favorite season, I have to say, I feel my best in these fall months. I’m always motivated to clean the yard, clean out my closet and drawers and do a deep cleaning on the house in anticipation of the holidays.

Getting the opportunity to cook Thanksgiving dinner in our home is a treat. I enjoy entertaining and love the planning process as much as the food prep details. Our table will be set for 8 and I’ve got the centerpiece already in place…

{Note: I will probably not use Redfern, our pheasant, due to his size; don’t want him to accidentally end up with gravy on his tail so he’ll be moved to the side buffet and I’ll feature a low spread of fall leaves and pumpkins down the center of the table}

…so it was just a matter of determining the dishes and linens and menu. I have the table set-up figured out, now I just need to finalize the menu. {Ahem, I’m working on it!}

Meanwhile, I thought I’d post a few pictures of inspiration in case you’re still working on the details of your final menu and table setting.

via Small Stump + Studio Choo

I love Small Stump’s unique floral design style. They always feature fresh arrangements using A-typical flowers. They’re in Northern California, wish they were closer to Irvine.

unknown

If you have the good fortune of great weather, maybe you would want to take the meal outdoors. I’m thankful for nature and this setting would drive that home.

via Stone Gable

Yvonne, of Stone Gable set this table for a high tea…the blue and white in contrast to the orange is staggeringly beautiful to me. I love her creativity with this table setting.

via Flair by Joe Nye, order here

I’m not sure I’d think to put red and orange together for the fall, but when you think about it Mother Nature does it each and every October/November, and she knows what she’s doing.

via Ralph Lauren

The neutral palate of the Ralph Lauren table is appealing. His hammered bowl fits the occasion.

via Toby West via Veranda

This table setting is a long time favorite…but then I’m all about the barley twist candlesticks, horn handled mugs and brown and white transferware!

Something like this would be a fun way to greet guests as they approach the front door, but you could also use an urn with a pumpkin on the table, like this…

~or~

Above 2 images via Vignette Design

I hope you are all enjoying the season and that you aren’t stressing too much about the cooking, planning and cleaning involved if you’re hosting this event. There’s always dessert…

Happy November!

{GHP} Fall installment #3 and introducing my pheasant

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, Drink, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Flowers, Food, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

fall, Thanksgiving

So how are we doing? Is everyone happy with the season so far? We’ve survived Halloween and now it’s onward and upward to the best holiday of the year, turkey day, otherwise known as Thanksgiving. I am grateful every day for so much, but I’m especially thankful that there’s a specific day during the year when we can reflect on the people and things in our lives we feel fortunate to enjoy.

via the little book of secrets

via vignette designs

unknown

My friend Carla told me she put pumpkins in her bird bath this year. I’m going to try the same thing (copy cat? why yes, there are only so many original good ideas out there). 🙂

What I love about Thanksgiving is there are no presents to shop for, just ‘splurge on calories’ food. Even if you don’t love turkey (I know folks that feel that way), you have to admit, it’s a holiday that easily adapts to whatever “traditions” in menu selections you and yours decides to embrace. Branch out, try at least one new dish, maybe create a dish that is similar to the annual _________[fill in the blank] …it will make cooking so much more fun.

We’re fortunate enough to be hosting our future daughter-in-law, Sarah (Kevin’s fiancé {he’s the baby of the family}) and her very fun family. Kathy, her mom, Tristan, her brother and Charles, her grandfather are delightful, and we’re thrilled to be able to share Thanksgiving in our home, with soon to be family, for the first time in a few years.

via Ralph Lauren

The past few years have found us at a dear friend’s home and one year was spent in Arizona, which turned out to be my mother’s last Thanksgiving, so I’m so happy we made the trek.

So, let’s get going on the planning, shall we? Oddly, as important as the menu is, and believe me, it is, I think of the table first. This year I’ll have my early Christmas gift from future DIL…“Redfern”, the pheasant, to decorate the room with. I have mentioned to anyone who’ll listen that I’ve always wanted a taxidermy pheasant. (I understand if you’re asking, why?!). Fortunately, my sweet DIL-t0-be surprised me with this in October, assuming (as only a thoughtful person would) that I would want to use him for the fall decorations. Note: he’ll be out year round, he just may move from one piece of furniture to another.

It took me a few days of walking past the dining room table and my new friend to not jump (we have all kinds of critters in our neighborhood and it made me think a giant bird had landed, uninvited, on our dining table!

Redfern, the pheasant

via Party Resource

I happened upon a Pottery Barn sale on their fall linens (the only silver lining to the stores rushing all of the holidays by starting to sell fall items in August, by September they want to usher in Christmas and you can often find some pretty hefty cuts in pricing for the items you want/need for Thanksgiving). I found the table runner in our local store and then a very nice sales person helped me by ordering the 8 napkins to match and having them delivered to my house. They came from Minnesota (I live in California).

I’ve always thought this (above) was a very nice way of using a place card that adds to the seasonal feel of the table. I really like pears, can you tell?

*Turkey plates were purchased years ago through a Ross-Simons catalog for a song.

I’ll use my white chargers and the PB table runner with Churchill’s Thanksgiving plates.

As far as the menu, it’s still in the works. I know I’ll prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes, I salt the turkey (as opposed to brining) and I’ll prepare stuffing. Kevin has volunteered to prepare a side dish and I’ve given some thought to a gingerbread trifle that my friend, Linda, introduced me to. Beyond that I’m still in the planning stages. I’ll keep you posted.

There’s a truly clever and delicious sounding recipe for a Deconstructed Pear Salad HERE:

Happy fall, I’d love to hear from you regarding some of your favorite sides for the Thanksgiving feast!

I’ve joined Sherry for her Open House at No Minimalist Here…stop by for a visit.

{GHP} Engagement Party pics

01 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Dessert, DIY (do it yourself), Drink, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family, Food, Outdoor living

≈ 10 Comments

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Engagement Party

My friends in Turtle Rock and blog land will know that we hosted an engagement party for *Kevin and Sarah (formerly Son #2 and his darling fiancé).

*I’ve decided to use first names in my posts. What are your thoughts on this? Am I crazy? (Please don’t answer that last question) I’ve noticed most bloggers that I read use pseudonyms for their family members and friends. I’m not sure I like the pseudonym for Lyn, my husband. I found “Hubby” too cute and decided I’d make the leap and use first names. I could have created other names for loved ones but decided against that in fear that I’d need a key to keep them all straight. So as of now, first names will be used unless I hear from people that they really would prefer to stay completely anonymous.

Anyway, I digress, here are some images I took of the party and while I didn’t get nearly as many pictures of the actual event as I’d hoped, it was a success and I’ve been told a good time was had by all.

By hosting this party in late October, decorations were easy for me. I love fall and everything about it. In Southern California the season is generally mild, weather-wise. I was hoping for sunny day-time temps in the high seventies and for nightfall to bring just a slight chill to the air…we were lucky. That is exactly how the day turned out.

Guests included dear friends and family, Kyle (Son #1) flew in from Austin and Sarah’s family and friends were in attendance along with long time friends of Kevin’s. It was so much fun celebrating the engagement with everyone.

{pumpkins in the birdbath, thank you for the idea, Carla}

Our home is small but we were able to utilize the yard. We moved furniture to create seating areas all around the back yard. One thing I failed to take a picture of (darn it) was a picture of some Ikea lanterns I hung at different levels out in the trees that border the back yard. Ikea had little battery operated strands of LCD lights that I bunched into each lantern. Because the LCD bulbs are so much brighter than regular twinkle lights, the little lanterns illuminated the outer reaches of the yard.

I had 3 of these larger lanterns and hung a couple of them on hooks near the ground with candles.

I made the burlap pillows with burlap from JoAnns Fabrics and some down pillow forms I had saved from old pillows. I used an acrylic paint and Martha Stewart stencil from Michaels. I gave the pillows to Sarah and Kevin for their patio after the party.

Meanwhile, the menu for the evening was as follows:

Teriyaki Flank Steak Skewers

Herb-Marinated Chicken Tender Skewers

Roquefort Tartlets

Tapenade & Crostini

Salami Bites

Skewered Italian Salad

Feta w/ Caramelized Onion

Mushroom Turnovers

Brandied Sausages

Humus & Pita Chips

Mixed Nuts ‡ Potato Chips ‡ Pretzels ‡ Cheese Platter

Chardonnay ‡ Cabernet ‡ Beer ‡ Soft Drinks ‡ Water ‡ Pink Margaritas

Dessert (cookies, See’s candy and blueberries, strawberries and raspberries)

{we offered some wonderful cheeses, thank you, Julie; it takes a village to throw a party!}

Deadly, but delicious Pink Margaritas (from Barefoot Contessa’s latest book, “How easy is that?”.

{The dessert table was a hit with everyone, thank you, Glenys}

Email me if you want any recipes or have any questions. Thanks for joining me at the party.

{GHP} Happy Halloween, a few days early

27 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Entertaining, Fall Entertaining and Decorations, Family

≈ 8 Comments

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Halloween

Don’t you just love this time of year. Our neighborhood has come full circle and instead of young teens trick-or-treating we have toddlers and grade school youngsters, dressed as princesses and fuzzy farm animals and scary monsters or super heroes.

{thank you, Kevin, for finding this image}

When our boys were young we would have our friends over for chili and beers and then the dad’s would take the kids trick or treating...thank you Lyn and Dave! It was always so much fun. Now we answer the door in turn so we can see the cute little costumed kids!

Don’t you love this Better Homes and Gardens image…wired pumpkins. Love the blue pumpkins!

source unknown

I keep thinking I will carve our address into a pumpkin…maybe it’s too late for this year’s Halloween, but for sure next year.

via Miss Mustard Seed

Isn’t it amazing how many varieties there are? Pumpkins used to be just the large, orange pumpkins we all found in the market. Then one year there were these tiny orange and white pumpkins, now there are such a plethora of colors and shapes to choose from. I visited my favorite nursery, Rogers Gardens, the other day and a lady had her cart filled with white pumpkins, white hydrangea and white viola…I could only imagine what a beautiful display she was planning.

via Miss Mustard Seed

I also really like this pumpkin, surrounded in bittersweet and the inked name “Ichabod” by Miss Mustard Seed. Very clever and appealing.

via Party Resources

My grandmother lived in Connecticut for nearly a decade and when we visited in the fall it always warmed my heart that literally everyone dressed their front porches and yards with seasonal items…whether it was pumpkins and corn husks or man-made scare crows, everyone seemed to embrace fall!

via Decor Pad

In my neighborhood there are a lot of liquid amber trees. That is our best source for fall foliage. The trees come in a variety of colors, orange, amber or burgundy, and when the leaves turn it is a vivid shock of color. The sycamore trees also give me the sense of season, sometimes their leaves drop and dry to perfection and I’ll gather them for table display. We don’t have bittersweet in our area but the local florists sell it {for a pretty hefty price} so maybe I’ll look into growing it. It may need some frost, in which case, I’ll be out of luck, much like peonies

via Martha Stewart

I’m not sure if flowers in a pumpkin still inspires me but I have to admit, Martha does a good job with flower selection and table settings. Orange calla lilies and orange ranuculas with roses, a timeless combination for wow factor, don’t you think?

via French Essence

This centerpiece is more my style these days. Granted, I would have to grow an apple tree to get full branches of fresh apples with leaves attached, but it is fresh and lovely.

I really like this idea (above) for a fall buffet. How cute…I think you’d want to fun tack the plate on top of the pumpkin to avoid flying appetizers but it sure makes a pretty picture.

source unknown