Black Friday Cyber Monday Dealsapalooza Show and Tell

Black Friday Cyber Monday dealsapalooza had my head spinning and my carts full.

Christmas-list-by-tree

Photography by Alsu Vershinina

Searching and sourcing targeted items on the gifts for the holidays list kept me engaged for several days leading up to the big sale days.

No sooner had I carved the bird than the Cyber Monday sales were live and beckoning to me to get in on the savings.

Spending a good deal (ha!) of time shopping online proved fruitful, but it also was the culprit in me kinda- sorta losing all track of time.

With all this show and tell of Black Friday Cyber Monday finds I believe a tasty treat to kick off the holidays is in order.

holiday-treat-in-a-cupPhotography by Anuja Tilj 

In the pursuit of steals and deals, did I find all the items I had in mind at super fantastic prices?

No.

jumbo Christmas light bulbs

Photography by Caleb Woods 

What I did discover was that out there in retail land is several items I didn’t know I wanted to gift, but upon seeing them a jumbo Christmas light bulb brilliantly went off in my head.

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Hershey’s Kiss Candy Dishes continue to make my list for a whole host of reasons. Iconic candy inspires this lovely dish of course, but I give them as a trinket dish.

Besides, you know it’s Christmas season when this iconic sweet season commercial plays.

black Friday cyber Monday

Working with a theme tends to lead me in the right direction.

Magnolia-swag-over-fireplace

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Laurey W. Glenn

Magnolias on the mantel, magnolias under the tree.

Magnolia-Beautiful-flower

2024 Mintgreen Large Hardcover Monthly-Weekly Planner Magnolias2024 Mintgreen Large Hardcover Monthly-Weekly Planner Magnolias

Beautiful Magnolia Eau de Parfum Spray

Beautiful Magnolia Eau de Parfum Spray

Flieschmanns-vodka-Christmas-open-house-ad (1)

Holiday festivities call for gussied up sparkle and pop.

Christmas-jewelry-ideas-2023

Bijoux Bar Crystal Simulated Pearl Heart Drop Earrings
1/10 CT. T.W. Mined White Diamond 14K Gold Over Silver Bolo Bracelet

Home for the Holidays.

Concordville Zinc Chateau

Concordville Zinc Chateau

Everything old is new again.

vintage-vinyl-albums

Crosley Cruiser Premier Vinyl Record Player with Speakers and Wireless Bluetooth – Audio Turntables

Hemingway-Boxed-Set-Paperback (1)

Hemingway Boxed Set Paperback

Classic read Christmas present perfect.

Little Women and Other Novels (Collectible Editions) by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women and Other Novels (Collectible Editions) by Louisa May Alcott

‘Tis the season, and with it goes the hunt for thoughtful treasures and trinkets to gift in the spirit of thrill and surprise.

What Black Friday Cyber Monday deals and steals did you find?

Darleen-signature-love

Holiday Treasures and Tastes

My holiday treasures and tastes snapshot asks the question, if you love this time of year like so many of us do, why wait until after Thanksgiving to holiday it up?

Decorating one season at a time traditions, like rules, are made to be broken in favor of a richer experience.

holiday-treasures-and-tastes

Mix, mingle, layer, and jingle the best of the Thanksgiving into Christmas holiday season with treasures and tastes of the ho ho home for the holidays kind.

the-treasures

Christmas-accents-for-home

Well deck the halls- I just heard the Hershey’s Kisses commercial with the bells ringing ♫We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

kisses-commercial-let-the-holidays-begin

It’s official- the holidays are here!

9 Inch Scalloped Pie Pan

Pumpkin-Coconut-whipped-topping-fluff-pie

Folks, this recipe for Pumpkin Coconut Fluff Pie is easy to make and impressive to serve.

the-tastes

Pumpkin Coconut Fluff Pie

Ingredients

1 9″ graham cracker crust

1  8 oz container whipped topping

1  3.5 oz box vanilla instant pudding & pie filling

1  15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin

½ cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add pure pumpkin, vanilla pudding mix, coconut, ground cloves, ground nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice.  Using a wooden spoon, stir ingredients until combined.

cloves-coconut-nutmeg

Next, add vanilla and whipped topping. Fold until incorporated.

Spread the pumpkin fluff mixture into the graham cracker crust; cover with plastic wrap.

pumpkin-fluff

Chill covered pie for at least 4 hours to set.

Pumpkin-Coconut-Fluff-Holiday-Pie

Before serving dust the top of the pie with additional pumpkin pie spice.

pumpkin-coconut-fluff-pie

Things are beginning to get busy as it does at the holidays.

Temperatures have dropped to baby, it’s cold outside numbers, family is on the holiday road heading home, and my kitchen cabinets and countertops runneth over with holiday dinner fixings to which I am most grateful.

saying-grace

Enjoy the process and the holiday treasures and tastes, dear friends.

Darleen-signature-love

Celebration Countdown to 4th of July Party Ideas

The countdown to a three day celebration of summer, fun, and freedom 4th of July party ideas is on.

flags-at-home

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the calendar year for gifting us a three-day weekend for holiday fun in the summer sun.

Count that as 4th of July party ideas gold!

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Fine and Yankee Doodle Dandy for the 4th, a fresh flower haul from the farmer’s market truck mixed with clippings and cuttings from around the yard pops the colors of the season.

clippings-cuttings-plants

Hanging at home is what’s on our agenda.

It’s becoming the retreat we love more and more.

home-holiday

Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash

It’s been so flipping hot of late I haven’t been firing up the grill, stove or ovens very much.

Dave the Builder continues to inform me we have central air conditioning, but it does make a difference in the late afternoon when you’re cooking-baking-grilling.

Light fare with an emphasis on easy, fresh, and cool suits the summer in all of us.

fresh-tomatoes-various-colors

Have you noticed how much a jar of Duke’s Mayo is going for these days?

Psst…. the digital coupon gods at Kroger are granting shoppers a coupon for Duke’s mayo this week, so let there be homemade potato salad on the 4th of July dinner table.

homemade-potato-salad-4th-july

Always on board for trying new recipes, I ran across this recipe for No-Mayo Potato Salad with Herbs from FoodieCrush.

Looks summer delicious!

Click here for link.

No-Mayo-Potato-Salad

Paper, plastic, ceramic, porcelain or melamine- there is no wrong way to go with 4th of July party ideas serveware.

red-white-blue-plates-summer

Royal Norfolk Red Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plates, 10.5-in.

I could source and suggest lovely beverage and bar glasses, but who are we kidding here?

4th-of-July-party-ideas

Gorgeous Disposable Paper Tableware – Set of 8

Red Solo cups is always the way to go-cup, or as we say in Louisiana, geaux-cup.

Stack those American party cups high and proceed to 4th of July party.

fresh-blue-raspberries-market

You can red, white, blue and true to the traditional color palette in various ways.

Grab your blue and white this and that and let a bowl of red raspberries or fresh garden tomatoes represent the red.

white-oval-platter-blue-napkins

Stoneware Serving Platter

Remember this; simple makes the best party guest.

Planning.

Preparing.

Serving.

Invite the rule of KISS to the party and Keep It Summer Simple.

keep-it-summer-simple

Sun tea is about as summer delicious and summer simple as it gets.

Mason-original-glass-beverage-dispenserOriginal Mason 2 Gallon Triangle Beverage Dispenser

Fill glass container with cold water.  Add desired amount of sugar and stir.

Place 8 tea bags per gallon in container.  If using the above 2 gallon dispenser, use 16 tea bags.

Set dispenser-jar-jug out in the sun for approximately 3 hours.

Easy peasy, folks.

strawberry-lemonade-summer-flavors-ice-cream

Our local weather forecaster gave the viewing audience his 5 out of 5 scoops review of Blue Bell’s newest summer flavor, strawberry lemonade.

sparklers-in-hand-at-night

Photo by Ethan Hoover on Unsplash

Beau and Ollie very much appreciate a celebration that pops in style, not in sound.

Social media memes floating the scrolls this time of year remind us fireworks tend to frighten our animal friends.

One particular meme suggest making a difference instead of a noise by purchasing two bags of pet food for a local shelter.

Who says everything on social media is rubbish?

patriotic-dog-pillow

Happy 4th of July, friends!

Let freedom ring in all your stylish 4th of July party ideas glory.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

Deck The Halls Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Happy Holidays, readers and friends!  On that note, may I present the annual Places In The Home Deck the Halls Holiday Gift Guide 2021.

holiday-gift-guide-2021

Taking all things house that make a home into consideration and mixing in gifts for her and for him, this year’s gift guide is a balance of personal style finds and home decor accents and accessories for the decorista minded all I want for Christmas list.

Christmas-flowers-in-vase-Hannah-Hudson-Photography

Martha Stewart – Hannah Hudson Photography

Color plays a vital role in our taste preferences, and traditional holiday color choices play beautiful with fabulous new to the palette tones and hues thrown in for good and splendid measure.

Sounds beautiful to me!

Christmas-color-palette-traditional (1)

Wrap up a home for the holidays and beyond treasure in traditional holiday colors, add a splash of focal brilliance, neatly top and trim in velvet ribbon and bows, and prepare to delight and impress.

holiday-Christmas-velvet-ribbon

Let’s holiday gift guide 2021, shall we?

Frosted-crystal-bead-chandelier

Vintage Chandelier Light Fixture Farmhouse Crystal Ceiling Light – Rustic

I have the same philosophy about statement chandeliers that I do about wearing makeup- stand out for all the right reasons.

Be noticeable, but not garish.

19th Century French Carved and Painted Buffet with Carved Roses

19th Century French Carved and Painted Buffet with Carved Roses

amelie wall mirror in gold

Amelie Wall Mirror in Gold

garland-draped-sideboard

Freshly decked out for the holidays in green and gold.

gold-sitting-reindeer-Christmas-decoration

My attraction to center door knob placement is traced back to the front doors of the apartment in the beloved television series Family Affair.

6-ft.-Tall-Double-Sided-Fancy-Door-Panel-Canvas-Room-Divider

6ft. Tall Double Sided Fancy Door Panel Canvas Room Divider

Jenna 31 in. Dark Red Stacked Ball Table Lamp with Off-White Shade (Set of 2)

Jenna 31 in. Dark Red Stacked Ball Table Lamp with Off-White Shade (Set of 2)

2021 Christmas with Southern Living Inspired Ideas for Holiday Cooking & Decorating

2021 Christmas with Southern Living Inspired Ideas for Holiday Cooking & Decorating

Hershey’s Kiss= the holidays.

Candy Dish, Red Hershey's Kiss Box

Candy Dish, Red Hershey’s Kiss Box

williams-sonoma-peppermint-bark-sampler

Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark Sampler

Stunning!

Carrie Underwood - My Gift (Target Exclusive, Vinyl)

Carrie Underwood – My Gift (Target Exclusive, Vinyl)

Holiday for Her:

Christmas-gifts-red

Nathalie Lete Charmante Dinner Plate
Godinger Red Salt & Pepper Shakers
Pinecone Cut Decanter
Plaid Smoking Loafers
Michael Kors Watch
Santa Socks
Faux Fur Pom Pom Hat
BEARPAW® Suede Sheepskin Pom Pom Boot
Voluspa Japonica Goji Tarocco Orange Large Embossed Glass Candle
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Lipstick Balm

Holiday for Him:

holiday-gift-guide-2021-for-him

Kikkerland Tabletop Bowling Table Game
Designworks Ink On the Rocks Glass
Cotton Truck and Tree Sweater
Mens Quilted Puffer Jacket
Deer Stags® Plaid Nordic Clog
Duke Cannon Supply Co. Frothy the Beer Man Gift Set – 3pk
Andes Creme de Menthe & Peppermint Crunch Thins Gift Box
Dopp Kit
Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker Waterproof

Crosley-Faux Leather Cruiser Deluxe Ostrich Bluetooth Record Player

Crosley Faux Leather Cruiser Deluxe Ostrich Bluetooth Record Player

Safari Shaped Foil Puzzle

Jonathan Adler Safari Shaped Foil Puzzle

Antique Gold Hare Table Lamp With Green Velvet Shade

Nakisha Velvet Square Bean Bag Ottoman by Christopher Knight Home

Nakisha Velvet Square Bean Bag Ottoman by Christopher Knight Home

Our Canadian snowbird has flown home (well, to Texas) for the winter and beyond which means new digs to furnish.

Let's Play Boxed Notecards

Let’s Play Boxed Notecards

Sourcing items to share with you all often benefits members of the family as is the case with this Cherokee Strawberry Blush Stonewash Printed Cotton Accent Rug.

Cherokee Strawberry Blush 4 ft. x 6 ft. Stonewash Printed Cotton Accent Rug by French Connection

Cherokee Strawberry Blush Stonewash Printed Cotton Accent Rug

Affordability aligns with need, color, pattern and texture, and in the cart it goes.

Most-Wonderful-Time-by-PI-Holiday-Collection---Decorative-Throw-Pillow (1)

Most Wonderful Time by PI Holiday Collection – Decorative Throw Pillow

What would the Places In The Home Holiday Gift Guide 2021 be without that touch of pink.

lass,-Resin-LED-Sweet-Dreams-Globe.

10″ Glass, Resin LED Sweet Dreams Globe

Pink Faux Fur Poncho

Burcu Kokmazyurek Summer Botanical Garden VIIIB Rectangular Cutting BoardBurcu Kokmazyurek Botanical Garden VIIIB Rectangular Cutting Board

Inspiration is everywhere,  and I love the Pinterest show and tell.

Pinterest-Christmas-holiday-gift-guide-2021

Gifts For The Deck The Halls Decorista is a holiday gift guide 2021 visual showcase for holiday gift ideas for the Deck the Halls Decorista.

Animal Instincts Black And White Mate Poster Print by Jace Grey

Animal Instincts Black And White Mate Poster Print by Jace Grey

FYI:

According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, holiday shoppers are planning to spend $977.73 on holiday gifts and non-gift purchases with an emphasis on gifts for family and friends and food or décor purchases.

What say you?

Leopard-Print Glitter Clutch

Leopard-Print Glitter Clutch

Click here to head over to the complete Pinterest Gifts For The Deck The Halls Decorista board where you can check out my fabulous and festive finds of the season and resource information.

You can also shop the sidebar full of holidays into winter season selections.

Merry shopping!

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Fetching Friday: December Wonderland

Today’s Fetching Friday finds us in the holiday spirit scrolling in a December Wonderland.

fetching-definiton

The twelfth month of the calendar year ushers in season’s greetings, snow dusted scenes, and visions of seasonal beauty dancing in a December wonderland.

snow-falling-December

Sleigh Bells and Jolly Tumblr

rachel parcell front doors

Rachel Parcell – Pinterest

Christmas-tree-French-toast

French Toast Christmas Tree

holiday-foyer-tree-garland-banister-Paul-Massey (1)

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

December wonderland

“Kindness is like snow.
It beautifies everything it covers.”

—Kahlil Gibran

Christmas-Barn

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

amaryllis-berries-Sybil-Sylvester

Southern Home Magazine

winter-fire-pit-outdoors-snow (1)

it's-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-wallpaper

Wallpaper Cave

Yes, Virginia, it is the most wonderful time of the year in a December wonderland.

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Getting Stuff Holiday Ready

Getting stuff holiday ready to greet the occasion with bells on has many of us giddy with delight and on a sentimental journey.

vintage-Thanksgiving-turkey-card

Dave the Builder asked me why I was up so early this morning, to which I replied, “company’s coming, Dave, and I’ve got to get the getting stuff holiday ready show on the road.”

Rob-Laura-Petrie

Me TV

I take from traditions of the past the very best and memorable points of eat, drink, decorate, table setting, and celebration interest and holiday from there.

apple-crisp-handwritten-recipe-card

Yesterdish

getting stuff holiday ready

Turkey Thaw Countdown Guide:

Turkey Size                                    How Long to Thaw in Fridge

25 lbs                                                                   6 Days, 6 Hours

20 lbs                                                                   5 Days

16 lbs                                                                    4 Days

10 lbs                                                                    2 Days, 12 Hours

There’s no time like the present to commit the Thanksgiving dinner holiday checklist to memory.

Those of us currently experiencing brain fog, writing it down is the way to go.

Grab a notepad or open the notes app on your device and write down or type out the information you know you’ll need to refer to during this countdown to Thanksgiving.

Recipe ingredients.

Cooking times.

Serving timeline projections.

Who can’t have what ingredient (food allergies).

Things will steadily become more hectic, and our brains tend to shut down when overloaded.

Note to self: write it down.

getting stuff holiday ready

Get in the holiday spirit with a holiday spirit.

Welcome family and friends in with a refreshing beverage seasoned, spiced, and appropriately spiked with the flavors of the season.

Uncle Herbert, can I get you a cup of rum punch?

Thanksgiving-rum-punch-photo-Alison-Gootee-styling-Suzonne-Stirling-Southern-Living

Southern Living- Photography by Alison Gootee- Styling by Suzonne Stirling

Thanksgiving Punch with Rum

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey

12 whole cloves

4 cinnamon sticks

8 cups apple cider, divided

4 cups cranberry juice, chilled

3 cups (24 oz.) spiced rum

2 (12-oz.) bottles ginger beer, chilled

sliced green apples, oranges, or lemons, for garnish

rosemary sprig, for garnish

Directions

Combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of the cider in a small saucepan over medium.  Cook, stirring often, until honey is dissolved and mixture is fragrant with spices, about 7 minutes.

Remove from heat; cool and steep 15 minutes.  Discard cloves and cinnamon sticks.

Combine spiced cider mixture, cranberry juice, spiced rum, ginger beer, and remaining 6 cups apple cider in a large punch bowl.

Garnish with sliced citrus and apples.  Serve over ice.

-Southern Living

jadite-gold-serving-pieces

Martha Stewart Highbrook Jadeite Glass Loop Cake Stand in Mint

Green and gold gorgeous for Thanksgiving, beautiful for Christmas, and festive for Mardi Gras.

getting stuff holiday ready

My mother has always said it’s the package that sells the product, and this is where presentation comes in.

Okay, I’m repeating myself, but it’s worth revisiting.

Bring on the ooh la la factor by placing cake stands and serving pieces inside fresh or faux greenery wreaths both Thanksgiving and Christmas pretty and set about the table or countertop at various height levels.

Take advantage of this time to style the dining table to your liking.  Place, stack, and set out the items you can now.

Cover serving bowls, utensils, and cake stands with a clean dish towel, label with a sticky note what dish goes in what bowl, and. mark this part of the process off the list.

Thanksgiving-invitation-2019

getting stuff holiday ready

Let those kitchen countertops pull serving table duty.  I work with a salads and sides to the left, desserts and drinks to the right, keep it moving on down the line plan.

Space is one hot commodity in the Thanksgiving kitchen and dining room.  Going with a dessert table frees up space.

pecan-pie-ice-cream-pie

Pecan Pie-Ice Cream Pie

A little birdie tells me you can cook the bird, ham, duck or roast the day before.

Slice the meat, cover with broth, place in plastic storage bags, and refrigerate.

Warm the meat and broth on low in a slow cooker on the big day.

Frank-Sinatra-carving-turkey

getting stuff holiday ready

One pound bag of carrots when cooked will offer up 4 to 5 servings.

12 ounce package of fresh cranberries  = 2 ¼ cups cranberry sauce.
Cook cranberries in orange juice and add 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest for a cranberry orange sauce.

16 ounce can of cranberry sauce = 6 servings.

Figure ½ cup of gravy per person.

6 cups of green beans makes 6 to 8 servings

A 5lb. bag of potatoes whips up 10 to 12 servings of mashed potatoes.

Music sets the mood and the mix.

Know your audience, and holiday company’s coming playlist from there with a mix of rock, pop, fall themed, kickin’ country, oldies, and vintage crooner tunes.

Don’t forget the holiday songs; it’s never too early for Christmas music.

Vintage turntable vinyl record player Christmas tree card digital download printable image

Vintage Turntable Vinyl Record Player Christmas Card on Etsy

getting stuff holiday ready

I continually find the loveliness of clear string lights placed in a clear vase visually irresistible and a super effective-good for all seasons-simple way to create a welcoming atmosphere.

string-lights-holiday (1)

My, how times flies when we’re having getting stuff holiday ready fun!

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Thanksgiving Holiday Dining Accents and Accessories

Over the last few months, I’ve been collecting a cornucopia of home for the Thanksgiving holiday dining accents and accessories befitting a simple yet elegant holiday open house.

Thanksgiving-wreath-on-front-door

Colonial Williamsburg

Debates questioning the glossing over of decorating for Thanksgiving in a rush to get the fa la la la lovely Christmas decorating party started and when exactly is too early to begin decking the halls is a hot topic of conversation this time of year.

News reports are giving new meaning to holiday rush with all the get it before you can’t get it turkey talk-bah humbug chatter, which may be the reason for the early decorating season push.

In a recent article of decorating interest, a group of psychologists weighed in on the subject in the affirmative stating decorating for Christmas early appears to make people happier.

Curious bee that I am, I conducted my own study by asking roughly thirteen (a decorator’s dozen) fellow decorating enthusiasts if decorating early for Christmas makes them happier.

Results proved what I thought the answer(s) would be with this select group.

Decorating for any holiday, occasion, event or reason makes us all happier.

oh-what-fun

Thanksgiving holiday dining accents and accessories, in terms of decorating, is an extension of fall and a preamble to Christmas.

Here’s an idea; incorporate all three onto the canvas through balance and blending.

artist-canvas

Dining accents and decorating ideas themes that easily make the leap from Thanksgiving to Christmas include:

Woodland splendor

Winter wonderland

Colors in rich and deep shades of green, red, gold, orange, purple and the forever favorite neutrals

Greenery wreaths

Spot mirrors

mirror-decorative-holidays-wreath

Statement throw pillows

Ceramic Home for the Holidays tabletop accents

Scents of the season candles

fall-Thanksgiving-Christmas-decor-accents

Jo-Ann ||  T.J. Maxx

Decorative accents that pull double holiday duty allow your holiday decorating dollars to stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas to Mardi Gras.

For example, consider the fact that holiday wreaths aren’t just for doors.

Use wreaths to accent your dining table and sideboard with an impressive touch of the holidays.

Lay a wreath on the tabletop and place a cake stand, soup tureen, and/or condiment holders in the center in à la candle ring fashion.

hello, gorgeous-post

cake-stands-holiday-faux-wreaths

Thanksgiving-pies

Crate & Barrel

home-sweet-home-holidays-collage-blog ‘Tis the time of year to let your personal style light shine delighting and dazzling the eye, and since the entire season only comes once a year and is short lived, I say seize the moment and decorate.

holiday-floral-arrangement-Photography- John-O’Hagan-Styling- Kim-Chiselko

The Cottage Journal – Photography by John O’Hagan- Styling by Kim Chiselko

Cornucopia-dinner-plates (1)

Plymouth Cornucopia Dinner Plates, Set of 4

Our gang has gathered together formal, casual round the kitchen table, al fresco on the patio, and at picnic tables in the piney woods.

table-holiday-fall-porch

Flower Magazine – Photography by Emily Followil

Regardless of how formal, informal, relaxed or rustic we go, the table is decorated in Thanksgiving holiday dining accents and accessories style.

place-cards1

Details and traditions remain central to the Home for the Holidays season.

kitchen-table setting

House & Garden – Photo by James McDonald

Thanksgiving-holiday-table-centerpiece

Southern Living – Photo by Helen Norman

Decorating can be an expensive endeavor for sure, but remember, lovely centerpiece or mantel displays don’t have to be super costly to put together.

olive-jar-fall-arrangement-photo-Mac-Jamieson-Styling-Melissa-Sturdivant-Smith

Victoria MagazinePhotography by Mac Jamieson
Styling by Melissa Sturdivant Smith

I keep my eye on the price and the ball by utilizing what nature supplies for free, reduced for quick sale finds, and decor goodies already in the decorating portfolio.

Thanksgiving-holiday-centerpiece-arrangement-ideas

Many harvest moons ago my family and my best friend’s family spent Thanksgiving week in a lodge at a local state park.

Our holiday lodge home away from home came complete with a huge fireplace and mantel ready for cozy gathering and Thanksgiving themed decorating.

road-in-the-woods

With coffee and hot chocolate in hand, we would walk the woods on Thanksgiving morning in pursuit of greenery cuttings, leaves, pine cones, berries and branches to use for decorating the fireplace mantel.

transferware-bowl-tureen-Thanksgiving

Decorative deer antlers and pillar candles from home found their way into my bag of decorating tricks to complete the holiday masterpiece.

outdoor-tablewares-Thanksgiving

Simple things often bring the most joy to an occasion, and our hunt and gather expedition became an anticipated, integral, and memorable part of our Thanksgiving in the woods tradition.

decorative-wheatDecorative preserved wheat bundles remind me of the season and the set of dining chairs I so wish I still owned.

How’s that for a segue?

wheat-back-dining-chairs

Unfinished Wood Sheaf Back Dining Arm Chair
Unfinished Wood Sheaf Back Dining Side Chair (Set of 2)

One of my favorite places to shop for antiques was and is the quaint shops of South Louisiana.

Fabulous people, finds, food, and fun.

For this antiques dealer, shopping the charming shops was an morning into afternoon marathon with great finds at great prices- the prize at the end of the day.

I hit gold one buying excursion when I spotted four off white wheat back dining chairs with whisper soft pastel (yellow, pink, green, blue) spindles, splat, and top finials.

pastel-color-scheme

You may imagine the chairs looked like they belonged in a baby nursery, but the pastel colors were so muted, so chic that they just set the palette and presence into a super eye-catching dimension.

The James Upholstered Fabric Dining Chair by Christopher Knight Home is not exactly a wheat back dining chair, but truly lovely all the same.

Upholstered Fabric Dining Chair

James Upholstered Fabric Dining Chair by Christopher Knight Home

The chairs were brought into the shop and within the course of an afternoon sold to a fellow interior designer-decorator-antiques dealer for a client who she was working with who, let me see how to put this, was known for both her discriminating taste and difficult to please disposition.

Both designer and client were pleased in the end which delighted me, but in hindsight I wish I would have kept the set for the Places In The Home abode.

farmhouse-dining-room-holidays

Flower Magazine –  Photo by Jenn Verrier
Floral design and interiors by Rick Davis and Christopher Vazquez

pheasant-trio

Color, texture and pattern inspiration comes in all forms, forests, and feathers.

pheasant-feathers-1

The statement “buy the best and you only cry once” by Miles Redd aptly applies to statement pieces.

Why do I say this?

Because statement pieces usually come with a heavy dose of sticker shock.

Staying close to classic styles offsets the risk of the piece not standing up to time and trend.

This Pheasant Host Chair qualifies as such a piece with its classic construction and timeless upholstery pattern.

Beautiful tears, friends.

Pheasant-upholstered-wingback-host-chair

Pheasant Host Chair

green-kitchen-host-chairs-Veranda-photo-Stephen-Karlisch (1)

Veranda- Photo by Stephen Karlisch

The look is Southern chic.

tableware-display-Jenifer-Jordan

butternut-squash-soup-ingredients

Vintage Turkey Tureen with Lid and Ladle

Vintage Turkey Tureen with Lid and Ladle

Believe me, I’m all for simplifying menu matters at the holidays.

Marin White Ceramic Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Marin White Ceramic Pumpkin Serving Bowl

I won’t tell if you won’t tell the butternut squash soup in the pretty soup tureen served with fresh pear slices, a dash of ground nutmeg, and a swirl of heavy cream is straight out of a carton.

Homebody-door-welcome-mat-rug

Homebody Welcome Mat

Thanksgiving holiday dining accents and accessories thoughtfully chosen to accentuate your personal style and taste sets quite the lovely home for the holidays scene and table.

Darleen-signature-love

Talking All Things Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving turkey solutions, suggestions, and total turkey success is exactly what we’ve got going for today’s countdown to Thanksgiving post.

Talking All Things Thanksgiving Turkey

Three weeks goes by super quick, and things do tend to get awfully hectic at this time of year.

With that in mind, I thought I would post this info sooner rather than later to allow time to gather and plan for your gather together times.

roasted-turkey-vegetables

Better Homes & Gardens

How big of a bird will I actually need?

How do I properly defrost the thing?

What temperature is best to cook a turkey on?

How long do I cook the Thanksgiving turkey for?

Thanksgiving turkeyHerb, Lemon, and Garlic Turkey

Roast, bake or air fry?

To stuff, or not to stuff?

What’s the best seasonings of the turkey roasting-baking-frying season?

Let’s talk turkey.

Turkey-cuts-diagram (1)

How much turkey do you need?

how-much-turkey-to-you-need-chart

From the folks at Delish

Thawing the Frozen Thanksgiving Turkey

For Refrigerator Thawing:

Place turkey on a tray to eliminate leakage to other areas of refrigerator.

Thaw breast side up, in original unopened wrapper on a tray in the fridge (40 degrees F or below).

Allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4-5 lbs.

Suggested thawing time for a frozen turkey:

4 to 12 pound turkey:           1 to 3 days
12 to 16 pound turkey:         3 to 4 days
16 to 20 pound turkey:        4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pound turkey:        5 to 6 days

Cold Water Thawing:

Thaw breast side down, in original unopened wrapper.

Cover the turkey completely with cold water.  Change the water every 30 minutes.

Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per pound.

4 to 12 pound turkey:        2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pound turkey:      6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pound turkey:     8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pound turkey:     10 to 12 hours

The good people at Butterball offer cooking calculators and conversion charts for everything Thanksgiving turkey.

Here’s the link: Butterball Calculators and Conversions Chart

The Amazon Echo calls up Alexa the answer machine, now we’re cooking playlists, recipes, and the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line® .

Prep the bird and don’t forget to tie those bad boy turkey legs together with cooking twine.

kitchen-twine-string

Thawed turkey roasting times in a 325 °F regular oven:

6 to 10 pounds:      2 to 3 hours (unstuffed)       –     2¼-3½ hours (stuffed)

10 to 18 pounds:    3 to 3½ hours (unstuffed)   –     3¾-4½ hours (stuffed)

18 to 22 pounds:     3½-4 hours (unstuffed)    –      4½ – 5 hours (stuffed)

22-24 pounds:        4-4½ hours (unstuffed)     –     5-5½ hours (stuffed)

24-30 pounds:        4½-5 hours  (unstuffed)    –      5½-6½ hours (stuffed)

Thawed turkey roasting times in a 325 °F convection oven:

6 to 10 pounds:       1½-2 hours (unstuffed)       –    1¾-2½  hours (stuffed)

10 to 18 pounds:     2 to 2½ hours (unstuffed)   –    2½-3¼ hours (stuffed)

18 to 22 pounds:     2½-3 hours (unstuffed)      –      3¼ hours (stuffed)

22-24 pounds:        3-3½ hours (unstuffed)       –      3¾-4¼ hours (stuffed)

The turkey is done when the temperature with a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the breast and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

checking-turkey-internal-temperature

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Jason Donnelly

Taylor-Digital-Folding-Probe-Meat-Thermometer-with-Blue-Backlight-Display

Taylor Digital Folding Probe Meat Thermometer with Blue Backlight Display

Use a food thermometer to check the turkey in the thickest part of the breast.

If you stuff the Thanksgiving turkey, the center of the stuffing must reach 165 degrees F.

Roasting Meat Thermometer T731 Oven Safe Large 2.5-Inch Easy-Read Face

Cross contamination between turkey and stuffing is a concern, so just make sure both turkey and stuffing reach proper temperatures.

Let the turkey stand 15 minutes before carving.

cutting-carving-turkey-thighs

Foodiesfeed

Safe Turkey Prep, Thawing, Stuffing, Cooking, Clean Up Tips:

Always wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food.

Thaw turkeys in the refrigerator, never on the counter.

Don’t wash raw poultry before cooking.  It can spread germs to other areas.

Place stuffing in the turkey just before cooking.

Cook raw poultry thoroughly to at least an internal temperature of 165° F.

Wash your counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.

Don’t feed your pets raw food. 

graniteware-oval-roaster-black

Graniteware Oval Roaster

The black graniteware covered roaster speaks holidays to me, but I’m always open to a new trad roasting pan that gets the Thanksgiving turkey roasted to perfection.

Personal preference for white meat drives me to simply roast a boneless turkey breast.

Thanksgiving-platter (1)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place turkey breast, breast-side up, into the roasting pan.

Dry the skin of the turkey breast by patting with a paper towel.

Give the outer skin of the turkey a generous rub down with butter.

Season the turkey breast with seasonings and herbs of your choice (see suggestions further down in the post).

Rub the seasonings into the skin of the turkey breast.

Roast the turkey breast at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes per pound until thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 degrees F.

Nordic Ware Copper Roaster XL Large

Nordic Ware Copper Roaster XL Large

Cajun Classic 15 Oval Aluminum Roaster GL10050

Cajun Classic 15″ Oval Aluminum Roaster GL10050

Check out vintage shops and flea markets for good deals on vintage cookware.

vintage-cookware-antiques-shop

Cotton Port Antique Mall

Cooks 2-pc. Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Cooks 2-pc. Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Stainless Steel Roaster Pan Extra Large & Lightweight

Stainless Steel Roaster Pan Extra Large & Lightweight

Gibson Home Kenmar High Dome Oval Roaster Set

Gibson Home Kenmar High Dome Oval Roaster Set

Thyme & Table Carbon Steel Roasting Pan with Removable Rack, Black

Thyme & Table Carbon Steel Roasting Pan with Removable Rack, Black

All-Clad B1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster with Rack

Farberware 12″ x 16″ Nonstick Roaster with Rack

brining-bags-autumn-fruit-and-spice-turkey-brine-and-turke

Aroma® 18Qt. Roaster Oven with High-Dome Lid, Black (1)

Aroma® 18Qt. Roaster Oven with High-Dome Lid, Black

Copper Roasting Pan with Rack

Copper Roasting Pan with Rack

3-Piece 18 inch Jumbo Roasting Pan with Lid and Basting Rack, Stainless Steel

3-Piece 18 inch Jumbo Roasting Pan with Lid and Basting Rack, Stainless Steel

Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 6.5qt Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer with High Gloss Finish

Going the pressure cooker and air fryer route gives the holiday cook a holiday helping hand.

Turkey breast is the requested option of the Places In The Home crowd, and I usually go with a 3lb. bird breast.

Here’s my two-step how to air fry a Thanksgiving turkey:

Remove any netting from around the breast, lightly coat turkey breast with olive oil and season with preferred seasonings.

Kalorik MAXX Touch 16 Quart Air Fryer Oven

Kalorik MAXX Touch 16 Quart Air Fryer Oven

Select the air fryer or air crisp function and set fryer to 350 degrees.

The first round of “frying” is for 20 minutes.

Now comes step 2.

Using caution as not to burn yourself, turn the turkey breast and re-coat with olive oil and seasonings.

Set to air fryer or air crisp function at 350 degrees for an additional 30 minutes or until internal temperature of turkey breast reaches 165 degrees.

Allow turkey breast to rest in the place for 10-15 minutes.

Cooks 5-Qt. Programmable Latch and Travel Slow Cooker

Cooks 5-Qt. Programmable Latch and Travel Slow Cooker

For the slow-cooker cooks:

Seasoning the Bird:

I usually add a stalk of celery cut into three equal parts and ½ peeled and sliced onion or 2-3 cut green onions.

Add 1 ½-2 cups of chicken broth or white wine to roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during baking.

No turkey roasting-baking is complete without butter (Julia Child would be so proud).

Rub 4 Tablespoons (½ stick) butter over turkey breast meat under skin.  Next, add 4 tablespoons butter to the turkey cavity.  Finish up by rubbing a generous amount of butter over the outside of the turkey.

Sprinkle turkey with seasonings of your choice of seasonings such as salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, garlic, rosemary, or Creole seasoning.

turkey-seasonings

Thanksgiving-turkey-seasonings-herbs

Williams-Sonoma Turkey Seasoning Paste

Cover with roasting pan lid or a foil tent for first 1-1½ of roasting.

roast-turkey

dishwasher-safe-plastic-and-rubber-baster

Farberware Professional Dishwasher Safe 3-in-1 Plastic and Rubber Baster

Set of 2 Stainless Steel Turkey Lifters

Set of 2 Stainless Steel Turkey Lifters

Cuisinart 3-Piece Rose Gold Carving Set

Cuisinart 3-Piece Rose Gold Carving Set

how-much-to-serve-holidays

Based on a Thanksgiving dinner for six (6) people, this How Much to Serve guide is simply that; a guide give or take a helping or two.

Turkey:

1-1½ pounds sliced turkey per person (which means you will need to buy a 9 pound turkey).  Think leftovers!

Dressing/Stuffing:

1½ cup serving per person

Sides:

1-½ cup serving per person

Bottles of Wine:

2-3 bottles should be enough to sip and toast for dinner for 6.

Desserts:

Figure on one 9 inch pie being enough for a party of six.

One 5 inch, round, single layer cake.

plymouth-turkey-platter-1

Williams-Sonoma

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

oval-turkey-platter-Thanksgiving

 Oval Turkey Platter

BLACK+DECKER ComfortGrip 9 Inch Electric KnifeBLACK+DECKER  9 Inch Electric Knife

Arthur Court Thanksgiving Turkey Handed Carving Set - Forged Stainless Steel Carving Fork and Carving Knife

Arthur Court Thanksgiving Turkey Carving Fork and Carving Knife

sliced-carved-holiday-turkey-photo-Con-Poulos

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Con Poulos

Carving the Bird:

Place the bird on a carving board or reliable surface for carving, breast side up with the legs facing away from you.

Position the carving fork in the lower part of the breast to hold the turkey steady as you carve.

Find the hip joint connecting the thigh and the breast and begin slicing through.  Repeat on the opposite side.

Separate the drumstick from the thigh by cutting through the joint.

Let’s move on to the drumstick/ turkey leg.

Pull each leg to extend them away from the body and slice between the breast and the drumstick.

Move the leg backward to loosen it away from the socket, cut away from skin and remove.  Repeat on the opposite side.

Now we’re winging it!

Locate the joint connecting the wing to the body and slice on through.

Repeat on the opposite side.

For the breast, begin by slicing as close to the breastbone as possible.

Slice all the way down as to have one large piece and repeat on the opposite side.

Place breast on cutting surface and slice from smallest end to the largest.

Arrange and plate as you like.

Thyme & Table Stoneware Oval Serving Platter, Harvest (1)

Thyme & Table Stoneware Oval Serving Platter, Harvest

Woodland 12 in Turkey Platter

Woodland 12 in Turkey Platter

vintage-blue-white-large-platter

Cherished family recipes shine at the holidays, and this handwritten recipe platter (submit your recipe) will become a treasured slice of tradition.

Handwritten Recipe Personalized Platter

Handwritten Recipe Personalized Platter

November ushers in the holiday season, and the Thanksgiving Day meal sets the tone and the table for delicious times.

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2pc Stainless Steel Laquiole Pakkawood Carving Set Brown – French Home

Gathering around the holiday table gorgeously set and featuring a Thanksgiving turkey baked-roasted-grilled-air fried to absolute golden perfection is a culinary tradition to feast upon.

Darleen-signature-love

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