Hostess Gift Ideas Holiday Edition

Hostess gift ideas for your gift in hand consideration at this ’tis the season  of holiday soiree and dinner party time of year give good to you from me ideas.

retro holiday party

Gifts of holiday hospitality expresses thoughtful appreciation to the hostess (or host).

Entertaining what special token of thank you for including me/us appreciation to gift the merry hostess or host is a scroll away with this Hostess Gift Ideas holiday edition.

hostess gift ideas

There’s flowers, and then there’s flowers.

holiday-bouquet-Kroger

Fresh flowers, although beautiful, shine in the holiday hostess gift ideas spotlight for roughly three to five days.

On the other hand, the Dennis Rosette LED Table Lamp by JONATHAN Y on shines 365 days in the hostess gift ideas- home decor spotlight.

Dennis Rosette 24" LED Table Lamp

Dennis Rosette 24″ LED Table Lamp

River roads and bayous in de Louisiane theme present a touch of Louisiana lagniappe.

River Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana CuisineRiver Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana Cuisine

The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook - by Courtney Dial Whitmore (Hardcover)

The Southern Entertainer’s Cookbook – by Courtney Dial Whitmore (Hardcover)

Hostess gift ideas that work of a central theme such as one that features items native to your corner of the world is a fun and unique way to emphasize the home for the holidays spirit.

Stalk Gold Tray

Stalk Gold Platter

In other words, build upon whatever state the gift recipient hails from or gets a kick out of.

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Decor 1

Metallic Gold Traditional Polystone Alligator Sculpture

 French finial fabulous with a lovely price point.

scroll-finials

Distressed Cement Finials

French Bulldog garden statue makes a chic transition to French Bulldog home decor accent.

Delamore Outdoor French Bulldog Garden Statue

Delamore Outdoor French Bulldog Garden Statue

hostess-this-and-that

SAPONIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FIORENTINO 42.3oz 6pk Handmade Florentine Soaps

SAPONIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FIORENTINO  6pk Handmade Florentine Soaps

9-Piece Scented Candle Set

9-Piece Scented Candle Set

Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Wreath

Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Wreath

Wreath  hits the holiday high notes of year round indoor or outdoor color, pattern and texture style.

velvet-ribbon-olive

Pop the holiday color with a yard or two of fabulous velvet ribbon for chic finishing touch.

Napkin-Ring-Collection-Classic-Design-Napkin-Ring-Set-of-4

The gift of gold is in style all year long.

gold napkin ringsSaro Lifestyle Classic Design Napkin Ring ~ Set of 4

around-the-house

front door hand drawn custom house portrait

Hand Drawn Original House Sketch

Pickup in store framed art prints make a nice gift at any time of year.

Cynthia's Hope Framed Art Print

Cynthia’s Hope Framed Art Print

Abstract Lines I Linen Framed Art Print

Abstract Lines I Linen Framed Art Print

Hand Carved Brass Business Card Holder

Hand Carved Brass Business Card Holder 

Denik Lined 3pk Composition Notebooks Saddle Stitched Softcover Science

Denik Lined 3pk Composition Notebooks Saddle Stitched Softcover Science

Rug Mouse Pad

Rug Mouse Pad

holiday-outdoor-bar

Cheers to the holiday hostess and host and the art of the bar.

8in Metal Cocktail Shaker With Bling Top8in Metal Cocktail Shaker With Bling Top

2-Piece Highball Glass Set

2-Piece Highball Glass Set

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

Over the last few Christmases I’ve gifted this decanter and it never fails to make a lovely presentation.

Dublin-Triangle-Decanter (1)

Dublin Triangle Decanter

Classic tunes stand the test of time and rocks the holiday soiree.

fleetwood-mac-rumours

Fleetwood Mac Rumours

Holiday gatherings with friends and gifts that express love, thanks and appreciation enhance the spirit of the season.

Spending holiday times with good friends is always in season.

Love your style!

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs

Culinary contemplation over how I could up my holiday side dish game brought me to a delicious conclusion.

How ’bout pairing the highly holiday requested Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with the OMG as in oh my goodness of puff pastry.

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs it is!

southern sweet potato puffs

Impressing the palates of those who gather together is a part of the holiday dinner and entertaining equation.

As someone who puts stock in the you eat with your eyes first approach to dining, the looks so good has to match up to the tastes so good.

Let’s begin with the recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole.

sweet-potatoes-pecans-flour-brown-sugar

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ cup milk

¼ cup Southern Comfort whiskey

1/3 cup butter, melted

For Topping:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.   Lightly spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.  Boil  sweet potatoes under tender.  Carefully remove from heat, drain, peel and mash sweet potatoes. 

sweet-potatoes-vanilla

In mixing bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, Southern Comfort, ground cloves and ground nutmeg. 

Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. 

stirring-sweet-potatoesIn a separate mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter.  

sweet-potato-toppings

Spoon over sweet potato mixture.  

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  

Southern-sweet-potato-casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs

Ingredients

southern sweet potato casserole for filling

1 box puff pastry sheets

1 egg

flour

Directions

Allow the casserole to cool before using as the filling for the puffs.

The reason I elect to fill the puff pastry with cooked sweet potato casserole is to work with a dryer filling.

Baking off the casserole absorbs the liquids into the baked casserole, and makes it easier to work with a firmer filling.

The next step in the making of Southern Sweet Potatoes Puffs brings puff pastry into the mix.

I used the defrost in the refrigerator overnight method of thawing the puff pastry sheets.

Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet and place on  lightly floured countertop or large baking sheet.  Roll puff pastry out using a lightly floured rolling pin.  Lightly dust pastry sheet with flour.

Using a knife, cut the pastry sheet into six (6) squares.

sweet-potato-puff-pastry

Spoon 1 tablespoon of the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole mixture in the center of each pastry square.

floured-puff-pastry

Pull corners of each square up over the filling and twist at top to seal.  Repeat with the remaining pastry sheet.

Place the pastry squares onto a large baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

sweet-potato-twist-puff-pastry

Beat 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water together in a small bowl with a fork.

Brush each puff with the egg mixture.

southern-sweet-potato-puffsBake for 20 minutes or until puffs are golden brown.

Note:  Southern Sweet Potato Puffs make an excellent small bite appetizer for the holiday cocktail hour.

enjoy

Vacation Observation and Summer Getaway Show and Tell

The traveling Places In The Home duo is home sweet home, and as much as I love a good getaway, there is no place like home.  Prior obligations and work schedules clipped our wings to a certain time extent, so our escape was of the closer to home statecation to North Louisiana variety. Making a vacation observation and sharing details of our summer getaway will be a two-parter with the first installment a celebration of the red, white and blue.

American-flag-display

Vacation Observation #1

Don’t believe everything you read or hear about a decline in patriotism and the celebration of the American flag.  Seeing is believing, and on our statecation getaway we treated ourselves to a self guided tour of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood.

American-flag-display-front-house

Architecturally magnificent on all fronts, the homes of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood happened to be decked out not only in detail, but in 4th of July-proud to be an American style and colors.  Here, let me show you.

southern-front-porch

I love the Southern comfort lives here ambiance and patriotic porch set for a red, white, and blue summer holiday.

ed-white-blue-front-porch

Fairfield-home vacation observation

Vacation Observation #2

North Louisiana mirrors the landscape of East Tennessee (another favorite vacation getaway destination).  Tree-lined streets of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood wind and weave through a semi-hilly fashioned parkway.  Mark this corner cottage in a dreamy creamy shade of yellow as a model of southern charm.

yellow-brick-cottage

Several squeals of glee pierced Dave’s eardrums, more than a few oohs and aahs perhaps became a few too many, and an insane amount of unabashed architectural envy dominated the evening’s conversation.

What can I say?

Architecture is my thing.

vintage-street-light

Towering pines and oaks shade the yards and boulevards.  Vintage street lights evoke nostalgia of days gone by.

tree-lined-streets

Beauty, charm, and tradition lie in the details.

architectural-windows

Curb appeal is a powerful calling card.

front-entryway

Impressive entry doors greet the eye and welcome step away from the ordinary style.

decorative-exterior-door

Vacation Observation #3

Architectural juxtaposition promotes a dramatic effect and a desirable address.

modern-architectural-detailsVacation Observation #4

An afternoon drive through a historic neighborhood between shopping destinations and dinner reservations inspired, confirmed and renewed. It’s not a day at the beach or one spent in the desert or the mountains, but it’s one of our favorite things to do at home or on vacation.  The food, the landscape, the architecture, the terrain, the dialect-you can learn so much from your travels.  Inspiration is everywhere.

American-flag-displayed-in-tree

Old Glory is once again displayed from the oak tree in the front yard of Places In The Home.  The tree is cosmetically worse for wear since the tornado, but is still the optimum spot for the flag to be displayed. Patriotism with flying colors is alive and well at Places In The Home. Happy 4th of July to all of you.  Celebrate in style and let freedom ring!

love your style

Places In The Home: In The Spirit of The Twelve Days of Christmas

In the spirit of The Twelve Days of Christmas, true Christmas traditions and because twelve is the exact number of photos that turned out to be share worthy, I present to you the Places In The Home Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

vintage inspired aluminum Christmas wreaths and shiny and bright ornaments kinda sorta just like the aluminum Christmas tree, color wheel and Shiny Brite ornaments my maternal grandmother had.  It’s all in the accents and accessories details.

shiny-and-bright-ornaments

On the second day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

the patience prayed for and the grace granted to find the beauty in everything and everyone.

twelve days of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

an old world Santa figurine ornament in shades of yellow, cream, brown and glitter gold that cost next to nothing, and one I would not take a million dollars for.  Well.

old-world-santa-figurine-1

On the fourth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

a Christmas centerpiece rich in throwback tradition and vibrant colors compliments of nature’s beauty and the neighbor’s grown with love grove.

fruit-arrangement

On the fifth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

the aromatic trio of one orange, one bay leaf and a generous sprinkling of ground cloves soon set to simmer and scent.

boiling-oranges

On the sixth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

a craving for a family must make and bake at the holidays family tradition, Mama Two sugar cookies.  The story of how her name came to be is almost as iconic as her family famous Christmas cookie recipe.

sugar-cookies-dough

The name I assigned to my great-grandmother was born out of a childlike understanding.  Our holiday destination point was set for the great state of Texas to spread holiday cheer and to introduce my great-grandparents to the newest addition to the family (me).  My mother and grandmother took advantage of the over the bayous and through the piney woods, to great-grandmother’s house we go travel time to coach me into calling my great-grandmother “mama”- the term of endearment she had always gone by.

me

The story goes my mother tried her best at introductions and association in terms she assumed best suited for a toddlers scope of understanding.

This is mama (pointing to herself).

This is mamaw (pointing to her mother).

And this is mama, too (pointing to her grandmother, my great-grandmother).

Okay, I’ve got it.

This is mama.

This is mamaw.

And that is mama two.

There’s only one mama, silly.

Alas, the intended became the literal, and a lovely Christmas story to boot.

butter-sugar-fudge

On the seventh, eighth and ninth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

melted butter, sugar and spice

coco-coconut-cake

fresh coconut, fresh apples and fresh Louisiana pecans.

apple-pecan-walnut-cake1

On the tenth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

the sending to and receiving from neighbors, friends and family Christmas cards of season’s greetings.

christmas-cards

On the eleventh day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

twelve days of Christmas color, texture and pattern.

color-texture-pattern

On the twelfth day of Christmas my idea of true Christmas traditions sent to me

friends who are the jewels of life.

gold-tassel

Merry Christmas, friends!

Love your style!

 

Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

Holiday hostess gift ideas abound as we find ourselves deep in the holiday party and get together season.

Let’s Holiday Hostess Gifts Ideas!

greenery-wrapped-gifts

Better Homes and Gardens

Dinner Diaries

antique-sugar-set

dinner-diaries-hostess-giftR.S. Germany (19th Century) Porcelain and Hand Painted Sugar and Creamer   ~  Rogers & Hamilton Raphael Sugar Spoon ~  Antique Mercury Glass Pillar Holder ~  Dinner Diaries  ~  Metallic Rimmed Marbleized Appetizer Plates  ~ Ceramic Pineapple 

Elegant is a state of mind, and even the most casual of casual gatherings can be a stunningly elegant affair when a place is set for personal style at the head of the table.

green-wrapped-giftBetter Homes and Gardens

Holiday hostess gift ideas

Cocktails at Christmas

cocktails-for-christmas

Plantation Pride Red Gift Box  ~ Leopard Print Ice Bucket ~ Godinger Serenade Peanut Dish  ~ Cocktail Utensils Set ~  Caspari Wild Christmas Guest Towels

It’s beginning to look a lot like cocktails, and it’s always chic o’clock with these Cocktails at Christmas holiday hostess gift ideas.

ornament_giftDesign Sponge

Poker Night

casino-night-host-gift

Bicycle Playing Cards ~ Chocolate Gold CoinsGodinger Roulette 2 Piece Cheese Tray Set  ~  Assorted Snacks

Don’t forget the host!

Hit the jackpot with a game night themed gift for the host.

rosemary-crock

Seasons Greetings

“Seasons” Greetings!

I love the scent and the idea of a rosemary Christmas tree.

I would always use one at the antique shop during the holidays for the visual and aroma effect.

One of my best clients looked forward to holiday open house and what I called the annual Hopefully Classic Rosemary Rub.

What’s the Hopefully Classic Rosemary Rub you ask?

Gently rub the rosemary leaves with both hands for holiday good luck and health, and the fragrance from the tree stays with you- a holiday bonus.

A Christmas tree shaped rosemary tree is festive function at its aromatic best.

blue-wrapped-gifts-carolyn-roehmCarolyne Roehm

Bon Appétit

bulldogScot Meacham Wood

Delamore Outdoor French Bulldog Garden Statue

Whimsical works deliciously well in the kitchen, especially at the holidays.

black-and-gold-wrapped-giftsBetter Homes and Gardens

Tinsel and Teatime 

hostess-tea-giftTwinings Earl Grey Tea ~ Oro Porcelain Teapot ~ Stoneware Teacup ~ Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Home Candle ~ Ginkgo Gold Foil Notecards

In these hustling and bustling holiday times, taking a teatime out to relax with a cup of tea, author a handwritten note of greetings or thanks to a friend or client, or to enjoy the scent of a favorite candle in a session of aroma therapy is holiday highly suggested.

The key to a great hostess gift is one that reflects a sense of style and ‘with you in mind’ thoughtfulness.

Love your style!

Home Sweet Holiday Home: Our Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Home Sweet Holiday Home is all about our favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes.

Delicious anticipation over our favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes builds all year long, and inquiring minds and holiday appetites drive family and friends home to break bread and give thanks for these favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes.

home-sweet-home-holidays-blog-1

Our holiday dinner menu is influenced by traditional, new traditional, and regional Thanksgiving side dish recipes.

Family is well represented through the memorable dishes found on our Southern family dinner table.

antique-silver-salt-pepper-shakers

Here’s two of our favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes full of Louisiana flavor for the season.

inseason564-2

Creole Baked Oyster Dressing

Ingredients

2 (16-ounce) containers shucked oysters, drained, liquor reserved

6 tablespoons butter

1½ cups chopped onion

⅓ cup chopped green onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

2 garlic cloves, minced

12 ounces day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1½ teaspoons Creole seasoning

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.   Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Coarsely chop any large oysters.  Set aside.

In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Remove 2 tablespoons butter and reserve.  Add onions, celery, and bell pepper; cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.  Add sage, parsley, thyme, and garlic; cook 1 minute. In a large bowl, combine onion mixture, bread, bread crumbs, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir until combined.  Add oysters and 1 cup of reserved oyster liquor; stir gently.  Spoon into prepared pan.  Drizzle with reserved 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Bake, lightly covered, 15 minutes. Uncover and bake until bread is lightly browned and oysters are curled around the edges, about 25 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Louisiana Cookin’

asparagus-with-crawfish-hollandaise

Asparagus with Crawfish Hollandaise

Ingredients

2 pounds green asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon canola oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ cup butter, melted

½ (16-ounce) package crawfish tails

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and add asparagus.  Top with canola oil, salt, and pepper, and brush evenly with basting brush. Bake until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add water to a large saucepan, and bring to a simmer. In a stainless steel bowl, add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne.  Hold bowl over simmering water making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water, and whisk vigorously until volume of egg mixture doubles.  Slowly whisk in melted butter until sauce is thick and combined.  Remove from heat, and stir in crawfish.  Serve immediately over asparagus.

Louisiana Cookin’

sweet-potato-casserole-1

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ cup milk

½ cup melted butter

Topping:

½ cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup melted butter

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Combine first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top.  Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.  Serves 6 to 8.

Southern Food

tees-corn-pudding

Tee’s Corn Pudding

Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1 package (8-½ ounces) corn bread/muffin mix

½ cup 2% milk

1 can (15-¼ ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°.   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in sour cream.  Gradually add muffin mix alternately with milk.  Fold in corn.

Pour into a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes or until set and lightly browned.  Makes 8 servings.

Southern Living

favorite thanksgiving side dish recipes

Click on the links below for full recipe

Juniper-Marinated Mushrooms and Onions

Lemony Green Beans

Mashed Sweet Potato with Melted Leeks

Simply Scalloped Potatoes

buttermilk-cornbreadLook at that crispy edge perfection- the hallmark of Southern buttermilk cornbread.

Good cornbread is the base ingredient of great dressing.

I’ve enjoyed bread dressing, oyster dressing, and sausage dressing.

All are quite delicious in their own right, but our traditional holiday turkey dinner is not complete without Southern buttermilk cornbread dressing.

Here is my recipe for the cornbread:

Buttermilk Cornbread

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons oil

2 cups buttermilk self -rising white corn meal mix

1 cup self-rising flour

½ Tablespoon baking powder

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup milk

Directions

Set oven to 425 degrees. Preheat oven while preparing cornbread mix. Mix corn meal and flour into mixing bowl. Stir in milk and eggs and mix well. Batter should be a medium thick consistency. Thin by adding additional milk until desired consistency is reached.

Grease baking pan or oven safe skillet(preferably a black cast iron skillet) with 3 Tablespoons cooking oil. Bottom of pan or skillet should be coated well but not swimming in oil.  Place pan in oven to heat oil.  Once oil is heated, remove pan from oven.

Pour batter into greased pan. Return pan or skillet to oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Buttermilk Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

crumbled cornbread

¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning, optional

*We are in a sage free zone here at Places In The Home.  If you want to add this seasoning/herb to the recipe, I suggest ¼ teaspoon sage.

1 medium bunch green onions, chopped

1 cup celery, finely chopped

3 eggs, beaten

4-6 cups chicken(canned is fine) or turkey broth, or more as preferred

Directions

One skillet of crumbled cornbread will make approximately 6 servings.  For dressing, crumble cooled cornbread by hand to a fine consistency with no lumps.  Place crumbled cornbread in large mixing bowl. Add poultry seasoning, green onions, celery, beaten eggs and broth (½ cup at the time).

Mix well.

You want the consistency of your dressing to be soupy.  Pour into lightly greased roasting pan or deep casserole dish.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour until top is lightly browned and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

slow-cooker-recipes-Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving recipes perfect for the slow-cooker from Taste of Home.

Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Onions

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast

Apple Betty with Almond Cream

 

enjoy

Thanksgiving Ideas That Take Home Sweet Home to Home Stylish Home

Stylish Thanksgiving ideas for gathering, decorating, entertaining, setting and feasting abound.

Home sweet home easily becomes home stylish home when thoughtful touches reflect your personal decorating style and grace your holiday home.

home-sweet-home-holidays-blog-1

Serving pieces in neutral colors paired with traditional and new traditional serveware sets an elegant holiday dinner table

dining-room-apartment-decorating-ideas-white-dining-room-51f77a079ac35fe56bcf5fc7-w1000_h1000Domino

Versatility is the perfect complement to both harvest and Christmas themed tablescapes.  

My number one Thanksgiving ideas suggestion is to invest in pieces that stand the test of time and trend.  

marble-round-platter-c

Williams-Sonoma

Leopard love?

Blue and white porcelain accessories?

Purple pine cone place card holders?

Bring a sense of personal style to the holiday table.

thanksgiving-table-9House Beautiful

Simplify at least one or two holiday entertaining steps by opting for buffet-style dining and self-serve beverage stations.

4-small-space-entertaining-tricks-taupe-dining-room-51f77a019ac35fe56bcf5fc3-w1000_h1000

Domino

thanksgiving-bar

Lighting sets the tone and the mood, and a well placed table lamp(s) achieves the goal of impressive and relaxing entertaining.

pineapple

Apply the rule of KISS- keep it seasonal simple.

Fill a vase, jar or serving bowl with fresh produce.

walnuts-candles

Set out candles surrounded by pine cones, walnuts and seasonally chic cuttings.

natural-elements-for-decorating

Create a natural centerpiece focal point using acorns, antlers, pumpkins, and moss.

Thanksgiving Ideas

Set a colorful place at the holiday table with help from nature’s beauty.

I picked these full fall colors on parade maple leaves up in the bank parking lot this morning.

Thanksgiving ideas inspiration is everywhere!

Love your style!

A Delicious Mocktail For New Year’s Eve 2015

The Places In The Home New Year’s Eve celebration pales in comparison to the rowdy and lively parties in Times Square or on the Vegas Strip, and that’s just the way we like it.  Give me a few appetizers,

cheese-strawsEmeril’s Easy Cheese Straws

everything-twistsEverything Twists

creamed-spinach-dipCreamed Spinach Dip

Brown-Sugar-Poppyseed-Hot-Ham-Cheese-Party-Rolls-Buns-Roll-Ups-01Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

chocolate-dipped-mandarinsSalted, Chocolate-Dipped Mandarin Slices

a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration themed tunes playlist,

and a delicious mocktail such as the Peach Sunrise Fizz.  Throw in the bangs, pops and sparkles of the neighborhood fireworks show and I’m good.  Party animals we are not, but we do give New Year’s Eve a run for its money 50+ style.

mocktail

Jumex peach nectar is a staple in the Places In The Home pantry.  I use this stuff in everything from cakes to marinades to my New Year’s Eve 2015 mocktail.  A quick survey of ingredients on hand brings forth this delicious mocktail with a zippy zing for proper party measure.

sugar-in-the-raw

Sugar in the Raw is another must have on hand holiday helper.  Did you happen to see my Facebook post featuring my Christmas Fresh Apple Nut cake iced to perfection and topped with Louisiana pecans and a generous sprinkling of Sugar in the Raw?  Take a look here.  Open a couple of packets of these chunky brown sugar crystals and pour into a saucer.

sugar-rim-glass

To zing the taste and the pretty factor up a notch or two, add the zest of one lemon to the sugar.  Squeeze the juice of the lemon into a small bowl.

fresh-lemon-juice

Dip the rim of the glass into the lemon juice.

cocktail-glasses

Fill the glass with ice.  Pour the glass ¾ full with the peach nectar.  Add a generous splash of lemon-lime soda and a generous pour of grenadine (pomegranate juice, sugar and water) or cherry juice.

grenadine

Give the Peach Sunrise Fizz mocktail a quick stir and garnish with fresh lemon twist.

peach-sunrise-fizz

Dave the Builder and I will be raising a glass to you as we toast the arrival of 2016. Here’s to New Year 2016- a fabulous year for us all abounding with peace, joy, love, health and great style!  Thank you for your support and loyal readership. Cheers!

Love your style!