Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

{Fall Tablescape Ideas}

There's nothing like the change in season to put you in the mood for redecorating.  With all of the fun fall events that are upon us, it's imperative that you have a welcoming yet stylish table for your guests to enjoy.  Fall is a great time to make use of nature's rustic charm and wonderful decor assets.  Use pine cones, leaves, apples or acorns to bring autumn to your table without breaking the bank.  And if you turn it into a fun game, you can use the kids as your free labor for gathering decor items from the yard.  (Did I say that???)

Here are a few things I found while perusing the net that I loved for my fall table.  So many options...how will I ever decide?


{branches!  who'da thunk it?? and spraypainted metallic pumpkins add a modern flare}
photo credit: ivillage


{the simplicity with a pop of nature...very chic!}
photo credit: ivillage


{a unique color palette made seasonable with the tiny pumpkins}
photo credit: ivillage


{hurricane candles with pieces of nature...smart and budget friendly}
photo credit: ivillage


{the white makes it modern, the brown makes it rustic, the green just pops}
photo credit: the happier homemaker


                             {bright leaves on branches...very unexpected}
                                   photo credit: the heart of the sea home


                                {intimate table setting for two...classy and romantic}
                                                  photo credit: a holiday haven
 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

{Squash Cupcakes}


{omg i feel like i could just dip my finger right into that cream cheese icing! }                                          

Though this is a recipe for Summer Squash Cupcakes, squash makes me think of pumpkins, which make me think of fall, which makes me think of Thanksgiving.  And this recipe sounds like it'd be perfect for your Thanksgiving festivities or for a sweet treat that won't make you feel completely guilty.

This recipe, from Garden Betty is simple, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.  And if you're a gardner, you may be able to stroll out to your garden and grab the perfect squash for this recipe.

Sweet Summer Squash Cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:
Dry ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Wet ingredients
2 eggs
1/3 cup olive oil
1 3/4 cups grated summer squash

Cream cheese frosting
4 tablespoons butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

Method:
1.     Preheat oven to 350°F.

2.     In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and set aside.

3.     In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and olive oil together. Add the grated summer squash and mix well.

4.     Add the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until the batter is evenly mixed.

5.     Using a spoon, divide the batter evenly among a lined muffin pan. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

6.     Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese using a pastry blender, electric mixer, or good ol’ fashioned fork.

7.     Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Take the cupcakes out of the pan and arrange on a wire rack to let them cool down.

8.     Add the powdered sugar and mix it all together until the consistency is smooth and even.

9.     Spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes using a small spatula.

For illustrations that accompany this recipe, visit Garden Betty's Blog.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

{Adorable Apple Cider}

I can't say I'm a humungous fan of apple cider.  But I surely would have six servings just to be able to drink it out of something as adorable as this!  A mug made out of an apple!  HOW ADORABLE!!!  Use this low-cal recipe from Better Homes and Gardens at your upcoming fall fiesta.


Ingredients
·       8 cups apple cider or apple juice
·       1/4 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
·       6 sticks of cinnamon
·       1 teaspoon whole allspice
·       1 teaspoon whole cloves
·       small apple slices
 
Directions
1. In a saucepan combine cider and brown sugar. For spice bag, tie cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in double layer of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Add the spice bag to the cider mixture.

2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the spice bag; discard. Serve cider in mugs with small apple slices, if desired. Makes 8 (about 8-ounce) servings.

Monday, October 24, 2011

{Pumpkin Planter}

Sticking with the pumpkin theme...how precious is this pumpkin planter??  Want to try a different pumpkin decorating idea, this idea found on the Better Decorating Bible blog is perfect!  Find how-to instructions here --> Pumpkin Planter

{Pumpkin Pickin'}

Niecey and her pumpkins
Nothing says Autumn like a trip to the pumpkin patch.  This weekend, niecey and I went to Middleton Cedar Hill Farm in Waldorf, Maryland.  It was a beautiful fall day and we had a blast!  They had animals to feed and pet, a hay ride, corn mazes and a pumpkin patch.  I almost think I had more fun than niecey did.  Oh well...how often do I get to let my inner child come screaming out?

I think she was striking a pose

Feeding the cows
He reminds me of when I used to want a potbelly pig. 
I don't know why my parents couldn't get with that!
I'm pretty sure she thinks her auntie is crazy
 
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