Classic corn muffins get an update for fall. Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar make these Pumpkin Corn Muffins seasonally special and perfect for pairing with soup or chili.
Pumpkin Corn Muffins
If you’ve been following along, you might remember that I recently shared my recipe for Pumpkin Corn Chili. As promised, today I’m back with the perfect complement to that recipe: these Pumpkin Corn Muffins!
To be honest with you, I’ve never made cornbread or corn muffins before. However, I recently worked with Pillsbury and they sent me a few boxes of their new Corn Muffin Mix – my goodness, is it easy and delicious! I had these muffins mixed up and in the oven in about five minutes.
I also love that one box makes six muffins. It’s the perfect amount – especially if you’re just cooking for a small group of people. Need more? Just make two boxes.
For this recipe, I just followed the instructions on the box, but added in some pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar. That’s all. However simple it may seem, it really added a delicious seasonal flare and flavor to the muffins.
They are so yummy and paired perfectly with my Pumpkin Chili. You can find that recipe HERE.
I’m not sure you need a detailed walkthrough of this recipe, but let me tell you how I made them anyways.
How to make Pumpkin Corn Muffins:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, lightly spray muffin cups or line with paper baking cups.
In a bowl, combine muffin mix, milk, egg, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir until all ingredients are blended. (No mixer needed. A spoon works great!) Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
That’s it! Just bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 19 minutes or until golden brown.
I told you these Pumpkin Corn Muffins were easy.
While I typically am a fan of making things from scratch, I also enjoy the convenience of a box mix from time to time. (Truth be told, I love a boxed cake mix.)
You can make these muffins to serve with my Pumpkin Chili recipe or just whip them up to have with any fall or winter dinner. No matter how you enjoy them, I hope you give this Pumpkin Corn Muffin recipe a try.
Happy Baking!
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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Classic corn muffins get an update for fall. Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar make these Pumpkin Corn Muffins seasonally special and perfect for pairing with soup or chili.
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray muffin cups or line with paper baking cups.
Combine muffin mix, milk, egg, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are blended. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 19 minutes or until golden brown.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Classic corn muffins get an update for fall. Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar make these Pumpkin Corn Muffins seasonally special and perfect for pairing with soup or chili. Pumpkin Corn Muffins If you’ve been following along, you might remember that I recently shared my recipe for Pumpkin Corn Chili. As promised, today […]
The holiday season is upon us and I’ve been busy decking my halls. Today, I’m inviting you into my family room to share my magical and cozy fireplace Christmas decorations.
Magical and Cozy Fireplace Christmas Decorations:
I feel a little behind in my holiday decorating this year. Perhaps that’s because everyone seems to be starting a bit early. Who knows? Either way, I’m finally making some progress and I thought I would share a little peek at what I’m working on. As I mentioned above, I’m sharing my mantel and fireplace Christmas decorations in my family room.
I’m also joined today by my Seasons of Home blogger friends.We’ve all created a magical candlelight inspired space in our holiday homes and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with all of you. I’ve linked it to everyone at the end of this post. If you’re starting to decorate too and need a little magical candlelit inspiration, be sure to check out everyone’s posts.
As many of you requested, I’ve been trying to share some behind-the-scenes Christmas decorating progress on my Instagram account (You can follow me HERE if you want a look at my process too.), so this mantel might look familiar.
However, I’m finally calling it complete and I’m excited to share it with all of you! If you’re looking for product sources, I will try and link throughout this post, but to make it easy, I’ve linked everything I’ve used here at the end of the blog post.
Without further waiting, let’s get into it!
Ideas for Fireplace Christmas Decorations:
If you’ve been following me the past couple of years, you’ll know that I’ve been doing a red-inspired theme for my family room. I thought about switching it up this year, but I really love how the red works in here so I went for it again. Even though I stick with the same color scheme each year, I do try to switch up the decor.
This year I didn’t have a specific theme in mind. However, when one of my favorite artists, Lindsay Letters, launched her 2020 Holiday Collection, inspiration struck! I was immediately drawn to this pair of art prints that she had available. They feature a quote from one of my favorite Christmas songs. Printed in red, I knew they would be such a stunning start for my fireplace Christmas decorations.
Hanging these on the brick was a little tricky. At the moment, they are hung with these Command Picture Hanging Strips. Each one has five of the large strips. I’m not fully confident that they will hold, but I’m hoping for the best. (I originally had them hung with just three of the large strips and one fell during the night.)
Sidenote: If you’re just hanging these on the wall, they come with the most genius and easy-to-hang system – I love it! Lindsay really thought of everything.
With my artwork in place, I began to add the rest of my decor. As you might know, I’m a big fan of Balsam Hill. I LOVE their trees and the rest of their holiday decor. When I saw this Red Berry Frosted Fraser Fir Garland, I knew it would be perfect for my mantel.
To make it even more magical, I added a string of these White Cherry Light String. Unfortunately you can’t see it in these images, but the lights can be set to a twinkle mode – absolutely beautiful. (I’ll share a video on my Instagram feed if you want to check them out.)
Because I can’t leave well enough alone, I decided to amp up the garland with this Candy Cane Stripe Ribbon and a few of these Felt and Wood Vintage Beaded Garland. I’m using the same ribbon and garland on the tree that will be in this room, so I think it will tie everything together beautifully!
Originally I had just set this garland on top of the mantel like I did in previous years. However, after some consideration, I changed my mind and decided to swag it on the front so I could set a few things on the mantel.
You’ve probably seen these wood house silhouettes floating around blogland and Instagram. They are from the Target Dollar Spot. I debated getting them because I knew everyone else would have them, but they were such a great deal, were high quality for $5, and I loved the wood grain.
Behind several of the houses I used some of these Miracle Flame Votives. I love these things. (You might remember that I used them on my Thanksgiving Table.) They are great because they are rechargeable. From a distance (and especially behind the houses) they look like real candle flames. The “flame” is designed to move and flicker.
To finish things off, I hung some of these Nordic Christmas Stockings on either side of the fireplace. I adore the design and real stitching details on these. They are so high-quality.
And with my stockings hung by the chimney with care, I’d say my magical and cozy fireplace Christmas decorations are complete! Here’s a final look around.
Now that the mantel is decorated, I can focus my efforts on the rest of the room and finally, tackling my Christmas tree. I can’t wait to get things decorated so I can light a fire, turn on a Hallmark movie, pour a Christmas cocktail, and sit back and enjoy!
As always, I hope you enjoyed this peek inside my holiday home and are feeling inspired to tackle your own decor.
Looking for more Christmas decor ideas? These posts are for YOU:
The holiday season is upon us and I’ve been busy decking my halls. Today, I’m inviting you into my family room to share my magical and cozy fireplace Christmas decorations. Magical and Cozy Fireplace Christmas Decorations: I feel a little behind in my holiday decorating this year. Perhaps that’s because everyone seems to be starting […]
Warm up from the inside out this fall and winter with this delicious Pumpkin Chili recipe. I’ve taken classic chili and upgraded it for fall with pumpkin puree and seasonal spices. Served with Pumpkin Corn muffins, it’s a comforting meal you’ll enjoy again and again.
Pumpkin Chili:
Yes, today we’re making Pumpkin Chili. As you know, I love putting twists on classic recipes and this chili is just that. It’s a fun and delicious way to try something new while having the comfort of something you enjoy.
It’s also really easy to make. Chili is one of my favorites because essentially you just toss everything into a pot or slow cooker, let it hang out for an hour or more, and dinner is ready. Plus, if you make a large enough batch you’ll have dinner for a few days.
I decided to make and share this recipe as I recently worked with Pillsbury. They have a new corn muffin mix which is so good and really easy to make! In fact, I’ll be sharing that recipe with you too. It’s for Pumpkin Corn Muffins. They pair wonderfully with this chili and you can make them in under 5 minutes of hands-on time. I will have that recipe up on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned! (I’ll be sure to update this post with a link once it’s live.)
In the meantime, let’s whip up some Pumpkin Chili!
How to Make Pumpkin Chili:
In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onions and peppers and cook until the onion is tender: about 10 minutes.
Add in the seasonings along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, then cook for another 2-3 minutes to let all of those flavors blend together.
Next, add in the diced tomatoes, beans, pumpkin puree, sugar, and stock. Stir it all to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 60 minutes. The longer you let the chili cook, the better it is. Add additional salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
I think you’re going to really enjoy this recipe. It’s a fun take on chili. The added pumpkin puree and cinnamon make this recipe so warm and cozy.
Enjoy!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Warm up from the inside out this fall and winter with this delicious Pumpkin Chili recipe. I've taken classic chili and upgraded it for fall with pumpkin puree and seasonal spices. Served with Pumpkin Corn muffins, it's a comforting meal you'll enjoy again and again.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Warm up from the inside out this fall and winter with this delicious Pumpkin Chili recipe. I’ve taken classic chili and upgraded it for fall with pumpkin puree and seasonal spices. Served with Pumpkin Corn muffins, it’s a comforting meal you’ll enjoy again and again. Pumpkin Chili: Yes, today we’re making Pumpkin Chili. As you […]
It’s an exciting day! I’m thrilled to share my new living room cabinetry and updated fireplace and mantel.
Living Room Cabinetry Reveal
As I mentioned back in September when I shared the design plan for this renovation, I have been itching to update the cabinetry and mantel in my living room since the day I moved into this home two years ago. Well, that day has finally come and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
Before we get to the after, let’s start with the before. Here’s where I started:
Now, I realize this situation wasn’t terrible, but a couple things bothered me. Here’s a little recap of what I mentioned before:
The shelves in the bookcases are only 8 inches deep so they aren’t practical for book storage. (At least half of the books I own won’t fit on the shelves without hanging off the edge.)
I don’t love the mantel. I’m not a fan of the dentil molding, and like the bookcases, the mantel is narrow, making it hard to style.
Because I have two other wood-burning fireplaces in my home, I’d love to have gas-burning logs in the living room so I can have a fire with the flip of a switch and no sooty mess to clean up.
With the new cabinetry in my kitchen and entryway, the existing fireplace and bookcases in the living room feel dated. New cabinetry would elevate the entire room.
Okay, so now you’re all caught up on where I started. Let’s take a look at the after!
Ta-da! Isn’t it spectacular? I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. And yes, I realize that there is absolutely zero decor on the shelves. Sorry about that. I had wanted to decorate this all for fall, but then life happened and I just couldn’t get it together. However, the holiday season is upon us and you know I’ll be styling this entire space up for Christmas. It’s going to be magical!
I with with classic white for the cabinetry. It’s timeless and will be the perfect background for my seasonal decorating endeavors. The color is Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006. The finish is custom to the cabinet maker, but I’d say it’s between a satin and matte.
For this project I worked with Drury Cabinetry. This name might sound familiar as they are the ones that did my entryway cabinetry. They are AH-mazing! It was a joy to work with them. Their work is stunning (clearing) and I’m already thinking about what I can have them do next. If you are anywhere near Pittsburgh and need cabinetry, I highly recommend them. Let them know I sent you!
As you can see, all of the old cabinetry, mantel, and marble surround was removed to make room for this masterpiece. Everything was custom built and installed on site. I’ve tried to include lots of close-up photos so you can see all of the beautiful detail that went into this work. It’s exquisite.
I mentioned this before, but I should mention it again: the fireplace does not sit in the center of this wall so the cabinetry on the left is larger than the cabinetry on the right. This is just one of those weird things you have to make work. Besides, symmetry is overrated, right? To be honest, I love “odd” details likes this. It gives my home and this room character.
In addition to the new cabinetry, I also replaced the old marble with new Carrara marble. I was so excited to get this replaced as the previous hearth had a piece of quarter round trim that ran around the edge. It always bothered me. Now the marble has a nice finished edge.
I also made the decision to switch this fireplace from wood-burning to gas. Since I have a wood-burning fireplace in my family room just across the entryway, I thought it would be nice to have the convenience, cleanliness, and low-maintenance of a gas burning fireplace in this room. I can turn it on and off with the touch of a button. Plus, it looks pretty realistic too. I’ll be putting together a post all about this conversion, so stay tuned for that.
I do have one question for you! I don’t love the tan brick inside the fireplace. I was thinking about painting it black. Thoughts?
I did order a screen to keep my kitties out, so maybe the screen will hide the brick. It just sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
The beautiful picture lights are from Husdon Valley Light. They are their 18″ Ridgewood in Distressed Bronze. It’s wonderful to have these light here as the lighting in this room so limited. I only have one other lamp so it always feels super dark. (Which reminds me I should get another lamp or two.)
I did slightly change the hardware I originally selected. You can find the knobs I selected for the drawers HERE and the pulls HERE. (The pulls are the same pulls I used in my kitchen remodel. I LOVE them.)
I am just so insanely pleased with the results. This is everything I wanted and then some. I’m so happy to finally be able to share it with you. Let’s take a look at a few more pictures.
And that’s a wrap on another Bayberry House renovation! Now I’m off to another project because my Christmas decor is calling me and these shelves are just begging to be styled. I can’t wait to show you how they look all dressed up.
Until then……..!
It’s an exciting day! I’m thrilled to share my new living room cabinetry and updated fireplace and mantel. Living Room Cabinetry Reveal As I mentioned back in September when I shared the design plan for this renovation, I have been itching to update the cabinetry and mantel in my living room since the day I […]
A special thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own.
I’ve been a cat owner for 16+ years. Today I’m talking about senior pets (specifically, cats) and what you can do to make sure they are living their best lives.
As you might know, this year I’ve partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to provide tips and ideas for keeping our pets healthy, happy, and safe. In case you missed my previous posts, I’ve shared information on pet adoption as well as how to create an emergency kit for your pet.
Today I wanted to talk about senior pets, give you ideas for keeping your cats’ minds sharp and bodies active, and post a few cute photos of my kitties. (I know that many of you enjoy the photos and antics of my two fur babies.)
Signs of Aging in Cats:
Often we pet parents don’t view our pet as “old,” but by the age of 7 years, a pet is technically considered a senior. This is when you may start to notice signs of aging. You can read more about that here, but some of these signs are:
Sleeping all the time or not at all
Confusion
Weight loss or weight gain
Behavioral changes
Matted or oily fur
Both of my cats are considered seniors. Jax is 14, and Frankie will be 8 in December. So far, besides sleeping a lot, neither seems to be showing signs of age. However, I’m always on the lookout for changes in their behavior and what I can do to keep them healthy and happy.
Ideas to Keep Your Cat’s Mind Sharp And Body Active:
Nutrition:
Hill’s provides a variety of nutritious options designed for senior pets. The special food contains a powerful combination of antioxidants, fish oil, and other essential nutrients that work to fight changes in behavior, lessen mobility issues, and improve dull coats. – Plus, it tastes amazing! (I don’t have any personal experience with it, but my cats sure do gobble it up. Ha!)
I have lots of cat toys that Jax and Frankie are always playing with. Some of their favorites:
Da Bird – They love this classic toy. I also enjoy that I get to play directly with them.
Laser Pointer – This is a fun one, too. It gets them running and even jumping up the walls.
Cat Nip Filled Toys – I often find both of my cats playing with these types of toys on their own.
A Companion:
Jax and Frankie play with each other constantly. They scamper up and down the stairs, race around in circles downstairs, and run back and forth in the hall upstairs.
This is one of the many reasons I love having two cats. Although Jax is Frankie’s senior by seven years, he’s able to keep up with Frankie as if they were the same age.
Other things you can do for your senior cats:
Make sure they have a warm place to sleep that’s free from drafts.
Provide easy access (without lots of climbing and stairs) to food, water, and the litter box.
Assist them with grooming by brushing them.
Give them lots of love and attention.
Whether you are a new cat owner or have a senior cat yourself, I hope you found this information helpful.
Did I miss anything? What tips do you have for keeping your feline friend happy and healthy?
A special thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for sponsoring this post. All opinions and ideas are my own. I’ve been a cat owner for 16+ years. Today I’m talking about senior pets (specifically, cats) and what you can do to make sure they are living their best lives. As you might know, this year […]
Looking for a new side dish for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just fall in general? You’re going to love this Roasted Honeynut Squash. It’s sweet, full of fall flavor, and so simple to make.
Roasted Honeynut Squash:
You probably don’t know this, but squash (of any kind) might be my favorite side dish. My favorites include spaghetti, butternut, and zucchini. This year, a cute little squash called honeynut caught my eye when I was out shopping for pumpkins, so I decided to give it a try. The results were easy and delicious and I couldn’t be more excited to share this Roasted Honeynut Squash recipe with you.
I’m equally as excited to share this post because I’ve once again teamed up with my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends. We are all sharing a side dish that would make a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving / Friendsgiving table. So, if you’re looking to try something new this year, be sure to click through all of the yummy side dish links at the end of this post. I’m certain you’ll find something to enjoy.
Now back to my recipe, but before I start, I bet you’re wondering what honeynut squash is?
What is Honeynut Squash?
Honeynut squash is a cross between butternut (one of my favorites) and buttercup squash. It’s about half the size of butternut squash, it’s sweeter, and has a nuttier flavor.
One thing that’s unique about honeynut squash is that you can eat the skin. This is the same with delicata squash. (If you remember, last fall I shared a recipe for Delicata Squash Rings. They are so good!) While you can eat the skin, I personally wasn’t a fan, so I just ate the flesh. However, you may love the skin, so I recommend giving it a try.
This is my first time cooking with it, so I decided to keep it simple and roast it with some butter, sugar, and spices. You can’t go wrong with that. Here’s how I did it.
How to Make Roasted Honeynut Squash:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F.
Arrange the squash on an oven-safe skillet, baking dish, or sheet pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread the butter over top and inside of each squash half. (You can get a full ingredient list and recipe instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. (You can add more or less of these ingredients based on your personal preferences.)
Roast until fork-tender in the center: about 40-45 minutes. (Time may vary depending on the size of your squash.) About 5 minutes before you remove the squash from the oven, sprinkle it with your chopped pecans. Walnuts would be lovely too, or you can enjoy the honeynut squash without any nuts.
Before serving, drizzle with maple syrup. About 1 tablespoon per squash should be enough, though I personally prefer a bit more. As always, you want to use pure maple syrup. My favorite is Finding Home Farms.
And that’s it. It really is that simple. Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to cook them because it’s so simple. Just prep them, season them, and toss them in the oven.
I like serving these as they are. A half of a squash is the perfect serving size for one person.
If you’re a squash fan like me or are just looking to try something new, I definitely recommend you give this Roasted Honeynut Squash recipe a try.
Happy Cooking!
And before you head off, check out these other delicious Thanksgiving sides from my fabulous and talented blogger friends. Enjoy!
Looking for a new side dish for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just fall in general? You're going to love this Roasted Honeynut Squash. It's sweet, full of fall flavor, and so simple to make.
Arrange the squash on an oven-safe skillet, baking dish, or sheet pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to spread the butter over top and inside of each squash halve.
Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. (You can add more or less of these ingredients based on your personal preferences.)
Roast until fork-tender in the center: about 40-45 minutes. (Time may vary depending on the size of your squash.) About 5 minutes before you remove the squash from the oven, sprinkle with your chopped pecan.
Before serving, drizzle with maple syrup. About 1 tablespoon per squash should be enough, though I personally prefer a bit more.
Notes
If the top of your squash is browning too quickly, cover with foil for about half of the cooking time.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Looking for a new side dish for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just fall in general? You’re going to love this Roasted Honeynut Squash. It’s sweet, full of fall flavor, and so simple to make. Roasted Honeynut Squash: You probably don’t know this, but squash (of any kind) might be my favorite side dish. My favorites include […]
Thanksgiving is on its way. That’s why I inviting you into my dining room to share my cozy and inviting Thanksgiving table decor. I hope my space gives you inspiration and ideas to style your own holiday table.
And be sure to stay tuned to the end of this post. I’m giving away a $300 credit to Balsam Hill to help one of you add a little seasonal style to your home.
Cozy and Inviting Thanksgiving Table Decor
While I typically don’t host Thanksgiving, I do know a thing or two about styling a table. I’m excited to show you my setup and share a few tips and tricks along the way. I’ve also included a full source list for everything in this room at the end of the post. Looking for a source? Check there first.
Now let’s get going!
Thanksgiving Table Décor: Select a Centerpiece
Whenever I’m styling a table (or anything for that matter) I like to start with a color scheme in mind. For this particular table, I started with the colors in the Briarwood Cottage Garland (currently out of stock) as my jumping off point. I love the mix of greens, neutrals, and browns with that pop of bright, rusty orange.
While I’m typically not a big fan of faux florals, I could easily make an exception for this beauty. It’s beautifully made and the colors are just so yummy!
Speaking of decorating with garlands, adding one down the center of your table is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a big statement with minimal effort. I love how this looks. There’s no need to spend big bucks on fresh flowers to line your table. This works great for Christmas as well; you can use an evergreen or pine garland for a more festive look.
Thanksgiving Table Décor: Place Settings
With the garland in place, I added in my place settings. Here I’m using this beautiful vintage set I found at a local antique store. I found this set back in February and I’ve been in love with it ever since. (Remember when I used the same set for my Garden-Inspired Spring Tablescape?) I think the gold accent is perfect for Thanksgiving. It adds warmth with a little sparkle.
In keeping with the gold theme, I added in some gold flatware and some vintage gold-rimmed glasses. My flatware is from West Elm though I don’t believe they sell the same style these days. This set is similar.
To tie the colors from my garland into my place setting, I found a beautiful plaid napkin from my personal collection. Then, as a finishing touch for my place setting, I added one of the mini pumpkins from the Tabletop Heirloom Pumpkin Collection.
And I would be remiss not to give a little shout-out to my Salted Caramel Apple Pie. I styled it on this table and it fit in beautifully. I have to say this is THE BEST apple pie I’ve ever eaten. I typically don’t make grand statements like that, but for this pie I’m making an exception.
Thanksgiving Table Décor: Beyond the Table
With my table set, I wanted to add a little coordinating decor to the sideboard that sits just behind my table. You’ll notice more of the Tabletop Heirloom Pumpkins along with some of the Rustic Heirloom Pumpkins. I love how realistic these look and that I can use them year after year.
Once again, I wanted to make that rusty orange color in the garland stand out, so I cut a few branches from a tree in my yard that had some similar tones. I just added them to a pitcher of water for a quick, easy, and free, fall arrangement.
If you’re not lucky enough to have the perfect color leaves in your backyard, I highly recommend these preserved fall leaf branches. I used them in my fall dining room décor. They still look as fresh and vibrant as the day I put them up.
With all of that in place, my table needed one final, but very important, finishing touch: candles.
Thanksgiving Table Décor: Add Candles
The glow of a flame is a must for any gathering. It adds warmth, light, and movement. For this table, I decided to use the Miracle Flame Wax Pillar Candles. This is my first experience using a faux flame candle and I must say, I really love the look and ease of using them.
Yes, nothing beats the glow and warmth of a real candle, but it’s so nice not having to worry about hot wax or the chance of setting something on fire. And to be honest, from a distance you wouldn’t even know these weren’t real. It’s even hard to tell in some of these photos.
As you can see, scattered down the table and across my sideboard these candles add the perfect amount of magic and welcoming glow.
And with that, I would say my table is ready! Cozy and Inviting Thanksgiving table complete. What do you think?
Now let’s talk about the giveaway.
Balsam Hill Giveaway!
This holiday season Balsam Hill asked me to be one of their brand ambassadors. I was so honored as I’m such a big fan of their products – especially their Christmas trees and décor. I always like to pass along my good fortune to you whenever I can so I asked if I could host a giveaway for my amazing audience and they said, “Yes!”
Let’s get into the details:
I’m giving away a $300 Balsam Hill credit to one lucky IBC reader!
To enter to win, input your email address in the box below to join the Inspired by Charm Mailing List* That’s it! Bonus entries are available for follows / shares on social media.
GOOD LUCK!!!
This giveaway has ended. Congrats to Hannah K! You’re the winner! I’ve sent an email to the address you provide. Please reply to coordinate your prize. Thanks to all that entered!
This giveaway is open to readers in the United States. You must be 18 or older to win. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The winner will be randomly selected and contacted by email.
*Your email address is used solely for the Inspired by Charm Mailing List. Your email address will never be sold or used in any other way. I send 2-3 emails per week. Want to enter the giveaway but not join the mailing list? No problem. Once the giveaway ends, click “unsubscribe” at the bottom of any email to be removed from the list.
I hope you’re feeling inspired and a bit more equipped to tackle any holiday decorating project. I hope you found my space, along with the tips and tricks that I shared, to be helpful as you create your own intimate and cozy Thanksgiving celebration.
Thanksgiving is on its way. That’s why I inviting you into my dining room to share my cozy and inviting Thanksgiving table decor. I hope my space gives you inspiration and ideas to style your own holiday table. And be sure to stay tuned to the end of this post. I’m giving away a $300 […]
I am putting three of my favorite ingredients together to create one incredible apple pie. The combination of salted caramel, Honeycrisp apples, and a flaky homemade crust are winners in this Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie.
Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie
Yes my friends, we’re baking up a pie today! Several weeks ago I had the lovely opportunity to visit Williamsburg, VA. It was a nice little getaway and so much fun to explore an area I hadn’t been to since I was a child. I actually wrote a post for their blog. It’s not live yet, but I’ll be sure to link it here when it is.
The point to that story is that my trip to Virginia inspired this delicious apple pie recipe. I used a new-to-me vintage pie plate I found when antiquing in the area, I topped the pie with salted caramel from a local ice cream parlor, and served it all with the same delicious coffee that I had in Williamsburg.
The result (and I don’t say this lightly) is the best apple pie I’ve ever tasted – hands down! Why? Well a few reasons:
Turns out, Honeycrisp apples in a pie are amazing. I typically use Granny Smith, even though I don’t really like them beyond baking. Why not use an apple I love all on it’s own? The Honeycrisp apples baked up really nicely and the flavor is so good.
I love a crumb-topped pie. It’s like a crisp and a pie all in one and who wouldn’t love that?
The salted caramel. From now on I think every apple pie needs to be made with caramel. Once you try this, you won’t want your apple pie any other way.
I assume you’re wondering how to make this decadent dessert; let me walk you through the steps.
How to Make Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie:
Begin by preparing IBC’s Go-To Pie Crust or your favorite recipe. Lately I’ve been making this crust by hand using a pasty blender rather than my food processor. I think it works just as nicely without having to clean the food processer. (You’ll only need a half of this recipe. However, if you make the whole thing you can whip up some of these Cinnamon Sugar Pie Crust Cookies too.)
Once your dough is made and has had a chance to chill in the refrigerator for a bit, set your oven to 375 degrees F. Add a baking sheet to the lower oven rack to catch any drips.
Roll out your chilled pie crust, and use it to line a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Set aside.
Side note: If you’re looking for this beautiful ruffled pie dish (it’s one of my favorite), you can find it here. I don’t think this exact color is for sale, but there are several beautiful options.
Then, in a large bowl mix the apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. (I’ve shared a full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
Next, mix the crumb topping. Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour. Then add in the brown sugar, oats, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine. (Be sure to reserve the pecans for a later step.)
Now you’re ready to assemble. Add the apple mixture to the prepared pie dough. Then top with the crumb topping (without the pecans). You may need to cover the top of your pie (or the exposed crust) with a piece of foil if it starts to brown too quickly. Bake for 60 minutes; then add the chopped pecans over the pie and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pie from the oven. After allowing it to chill for about 20-30 minutes, evenly top the entire pie with the salted caramel sauce.
I recommend allowing the pie to cool to let the filling set. However, you’re welcome to cut and serve whenever you’d like.
I completely understand that it will be a challenge to wait. There’s nothing more tempting then a warm pie sitting on the counter.
Also, and I mentioned this in the recipe card below, you could totally top this with ice cream and some more salted caramel sauce, but I thought it was perfect as is and didn’t need any additions. But I will leave that up to you.
No matter how you serve it, I hope you enjoy this Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie as much as I do. It’s officially my favorite. Maybe it will be your favorite as well!
Happy baking!
Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie Recipe:
Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple pie, caramel, honeycrisp apples, pie, salted caramel
I've put three of my favorite ingredients together to create one incredible apple pie. The combination of salted caramel, Honeycrisp apples, and a flaky homemade crust are winners in this Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie.
Begin by preparing IBC's Go-To Pie Crust or your favorite recipe. Chill for at least 20-30 minutes before rolling.
Set your oven to 375 degrees F. Add a baking sheet to the lower oven rack to catch any drips.
Roll out your chilled pie crust and use it to line a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Set aside.
Then, in a large bowl mix the apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Next, mix the crumb topping. Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour. Then add in the brown sugar, oats, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
Now you're ready to assemble. Add the apple mixture to the prepared pie dough. Then top with the crumb topping (without the pecans). You may need to cover the top of your pie (or the exposed crust) with a piece of foil if it starts to brown too quickly. Bake for 60 minutes and then add the chopped pecans over the pie and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the pie from the oven. Allow it to chill for about 20-30 minutes. Then evenly top the entire pie with the salted caramel sauce.
I recommend allowing the pie to cool to let the filling set. However, you're welcome to cut and serve whenever you'd like. Serve a la mode with vanilla ice cream and additional salted caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.
Video
Notes
IBC's Go-To Pie Crust recipe (you can find the recipe HERE) creates dough for the top and bottom of a pie. You will only need a bottom for this recipe. You can either cut the recipe in half or make a full recipe and save the other half for another pie or make these pie crust cookies!If you're looking for salted caramel sauce, I recommend these three: Stonewall Kitchen, Coop's Micro Creamery, Traders Joe's.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Recipe adapted from Ree Drummond
I am putting three of my favorite ingredients together to create one incredible apple pie. The combination of salted caramel, Honeycrisp apples, and a flaky homemade crust are winners in this Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie. Salted Caramel Honeycrisp Apple Pie Yes my friends, we’re baking up a pie today! Several weeks ago I had […]
Learn how to make a DIY Jack-O’-Lantern Garland to decorate your home for Halloween. Download the free SVG to quickly cut the pattern using a paper cutting machine.
Jack-O’-Lantern Garland:
Yes, friends, we are crafting today. Crafting is good for the soul, plus the result can lead to beautiful seasonal home decor like this fun Jack-O’-Lantern Garland. Using my Brother ScanNCut paper cutting machine, I was able to whip up this garland in under 30 minutes I love projects like this. Big impact, little time!
You can use this Jack-O’-Lantern Garland to adorn a mantel, door, or headboard. The garland would also be perfect for Halloween party decor!
I’m going to show you how to make this festive garland and share the SVG file as a free download so you can craft the garland using your cutting machine. (Although I love the Brother ScanNCut, this file should work with any cutting machine you may have.)
Sidenote: Brother just released an all-new machine, the ScanNCut SDX85. It’s a more affordable option if you’re looking to get a machine. I have this machine as well as the SDX125.
Let’s get started on this project!
How to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Garland:
For this project you will need:
SVG File (Download details are below.)
Paper cutting machine
Craft paper in your choice of color
Tape (or glue)
Twine (or string)
Start by downloading the SVG file. Transfer the file to your cutting machine. (This procedure will vary for different machine brands and models.)
Jack-O’-Lantern SVG Download:
You can access the download in the IBC Printable Library, which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get access to this library by SUBSCRIBING HERE. Once you’ve subscribed, you will immediately receive an email that contains a link to this download.
If you’re already on the IBC Mailing List, you can find the password to access the library at the bottom of any email from Inspired by Charm.
Next, load the craft paper onto the cutting mat, insert the mat into the machine, and cut out the design.
Remove the excess paper from the cutting mat and then remove the jack-o’-lanterns.
Next, attach the twine to the back of the paper jack-o’-lanterns using tape or glue.
As you can see, I made jack-o’-lanterns from two different orange papers. I alternated the colors when attaching the jack-o’-lanterns.
(In my pictures, you can also probably tell that I used washi tape. This wasn’t as strong as I would have liked for this particular application. For a thicker twine, I would recommend hot glue or a stronger tape (maybe Scotch Magic Tape or another brand of cellophane tape).
And with that, the DIY Jack-O’-Lantern Garland was complete. I’d say it’s pretty spooktacular, wouldn’t you?
One of the many things I love about crafting is that there’s always room for artistic interpretation. Feel free to try different colors and types of paper to suit your style and decor. You can even attach the jack-o’-lanterns to a different type of string or use string lights instead of twine.
Make the final product work for you and your space. Get creative and enjoy the process!
Looking for more Halloween DIY Projects? Try these:
I hope you like this fun and easy DIY Jack-O’-Lantern Garland project. Give it a try and be sure to share your results with all of us on Instagram by tagging @inspiredbycharm.
Happy Crafting!
Want More from Inspired by Charm?
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
Learn how to make a DIY Jack-O’-Lantern Garland to decorate your home for Halloween. Download the free SVG to quickly cut the pattern using a paper cutting machine. Jack-O’-Lantern Garland: Yes, friends, we are crafting today. Crafting is good for the soul, plus the result can lead to beautiful seasonal home decor like this fun […]
This Baked Caramelized Onion Dip is an essential appetizer recipe for cold weather and/or holiday entertaining. Whether you’re watching the big game or celebrating with family and friends, this dip will be a winner every time!
Baked Caramelized Onion Dip
You know how much I love a good dip recipe. I suspect that half of my recipe collection on Inspired by Charm is different dip recipes! (You can find a collection of my favorite dip recipes HERE.) So when my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends and I decided to whip up some fall appetizer recipes, I knew immediately that I wanted to add my Baked Caramelized Onion Dip into the mix. (Before I forget, remember to check out all of the delicious fall appetizer recipes I’ve shared at the end of this post. They all look so tasty!)
I love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s really easy to make. Yes, it does take some time to caramelize those onions, but it’s a very simple process. After that, it’s just mixing things up and tossing the mixture into the oven.
Second, the flavors are so rich and creamy without being too much. It’s one of those dips you just can’t stop eating.
Third, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting Friendsgiving, having friends over to play cards, or watching your favorite weeknight TV show. This dip not only goes with everything, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy.
With all that being said, let me tell you how to make it.
How to Make Baked Caramelized Onion Dip:
In a large non-stick skillet (or cast iron pan) melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about five minutes stirring as necessary. Then add in the thyme, sugar, and half of the salt. (I’ve shared all the ingredient amounts and full instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
Stir to combine and cook until the onions are soft and golden brown. This will take about 20 minutes. Yes, it’s a long time, but it’s so worth it. Remove the onions from the heat; add in the balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine. Set aside to cool slightly.
We’re almost ready to bake, so now is the time to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, gruyere cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, half-and-half, garlic, black pepper, and remaining salt. After the onions have cooled slightly, stir them into the cheese mixture to combine.
Spray a medium cooking dish with cooking spray, then fill it with your cheese and onion mixture. I’ve used this round baking dish, but any medium sized oven-safe dish will be fine.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Once it comes out of the oven, serve it hot with sliced, toasted baguettes. They pair perfectly together!
And with that, your Baked Caramelized Onion Dip is complete and ready to be served.
As I’m sure you can imagine, this recipe is bursting with flavor. All of those cheeses paired with those rich caramelized onions … what’s not to love? I think this dip might become your new entertaining go-to!
This Baked Caramelized Onion Dip is an essential appetizer recipe for cold weather and/or holiday entertaining. Whether you're watching the big game or celebrating with family and friends, this dip will be a winner every time!
In a large non-stick skillet (or cast iron pan) melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about five minutes stirring as necessary. Then add in the thyme, sugar, and half of the salt.
Stir to combine and cook until the onions are soft and golden brown. This will take about 20 minutes. Remove the onions from the heat; add in the balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine. Set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, gruyere cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, half-and-half, garlic, black pepper, and remaining salt. After the onions have cooled slightly, stir them into the cheese mixture to combine.
Spray a medium cooking dish with cooking spray and then fill it with your cheese and onion mixture.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Baked Caramelized Onion Dip is an essential appetizer recipe for cold weather and/or holiday entertaining. Whether you’re watching the big game or celebrating with family and friends, this dip will be a winner every time! Baked Caramelized Onion Dip You know how much I love a good dip recipe. I suspect that half of […]
Bring on the pumpkins and mums. I’m giving you a tour of my simple, yet colorful fall front porch decor. With a few simple additions and bold touches, it’s easy to add a little curb appeal to your home for the autumn season.
It has been a while since I’ve shared my front porch decor with you. Why? Well, to be honest, the front porch isn’t the favorite part of my home. It’s a bit rough around the edges, rather small, and a little dated. But then again, don’t we all have spaces in our home or things about our home that we want to change or improve upon? Even so, we can and should celebrate and decorate these spaces, too.
Well, when my Seasons of Home blogger friends and I decided that we should share our fall porch decor, I chose to do what I could with what I have and turn my not-so-favorite-space into one that I would love and be proud to share.
With all of that being said, if you’re looking for some fall porch decor inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Once you are finished here, I’ve linked up seven of my talented blogger friends below! You’re definitely going to want to see how they’ve created a welcoming outdoor space for the season.
Without keeping you waiting any longer, here’s a tour of my little fall front porch decor!
My Fall Front Porch Decor
As you might have guessed, pumpkins and mums were the inspiration for my decor. However, I did add a few other touches to make it my own. It’s classic with a twist.
One thing I was really excited to find was this large birdhouse with a steeply peaked roof. I suppose that a birdhouse isn’t really “fall,” but I just loved it and that’s all that matters! To tie it in with my decor, I painted the roof a burgundy color (it was previously green) and added a small grapevine wreath to the front.
I also swapped out my doormat for this one I found at Target. I love the “Happy Fall Y’all” saying and the bold pop of orange color. I layered it on top of this black and white buffalo check rug. I don’t know about you, but I’m really into the layered doormat look. It’s so inviting.
I also opted to add a new wreath to my front door. This is the Country Fields Wreath from Balsam Hill. I specifically chose this one because of it’s bright and bold colors. A lot of wreaths tend to blend in with my black door. This one stands out beautifully. It’s even visible from the road.
I also used this wreath as my color palette when I was selecting my mums and pumpkins.
Speaking of mums, I always like to tuck them into some sort of basket, urn, or planter. For my front porch decor I used a few different vessels. The burgundy mums are in some bushel baskets I picked up at the flea market, the large orange mum is in a large crock I found at an antique store, and the small orange mum is in a taller bushel-style basket I found at an antique store. Hiding those black or green plastic pots that most mums come in makes such a big difference – wouldn’t you agree?
With my mums in place, I scattered around a bunch of pumpkins, tied some cornstalks to my porch posts, and added a coordinating throw to my bench. Color, comfort, unique touches, pumpkins and mums: the recipe to a welcoming and cozy porch. I’d say this space is complete!
All in all, I think my front porch decor came together beautifully. While there are still bigger changes I want to make to this porch over time, adding some beautiful, colorful, and seasonal decor in the meantime is definitely helping me love this space a whole lot more.
I hope my porch decorating has inspired and motivated you. Whether your front porch decor needs a little love or another space in your home needs some sprucing up until that larger renovation can happen, you can make any space look beautiful with a few simple touches.
Looking for more of my 2020 fall decor? Look here:
Bring on the pumpkins and mums. I’m giving you a tour of my simple, yet colorful fall front porch decor. With a few simple additions and bold touches, it’s easy to add a little curb appeal to your home for the autumn season. It has been a while since I’ve shared my front porch decor […]
It’s time for a little fall baking! I’ve rounded up 20+ of my favorite Fall Cookie Recipes that I’ve created over the the past 8 years! There’s some delicious for everyone. Let’s get baking!
20+ of the Best Fall Cookie Recipes
Fall and cookie baking go hand-in-hand at my house. For more than six years, I hosted a Fall Cookie Week (FCW) each October here on Inspired by Charm. You can find information and ideas for the years below:
For those that have been following since the beginning, do you miss Fall Cookie Week? I haven’t done it since 2018. Should it return in 2021? Let me know in the comments below.
Today’s post highlights 20+ of the Best Fall Cookie Recipes from IBC’s many FCWs. There are all types of cookies. Some will appeal to experienced bakers, while others will meet the needs of beginners. And since it’s autumn, we have cookies made with pumpkin, peanut butter, apple cider, maple, caramel, butterscotch, and more sweet things. Enjoy!
And if you like this cookie recipe collection, I have one for my favorite Christmas cookies too! You can find that HERE.
If you enjoy the bold taste of espresso paired with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin spice, you’re going to love this fall cookie recipe. The frosting is truly icing on the cake…er, cookie. Yum!
Technically these aren’t a “cookie”, but in my book a bar is cookie, so we’re going with it. These are a quick and easy fall recipe loaded with seasonal flavor. What’s not to love?
Yes, these are cookies masquerading as cinnamon rolls. To make them, you roll out pumpkin-infused cookie dough and spread it with cinnamon and sugar. After the dough is rolled up, sliced, baked, and cooled, the cinnamon-roll-shaped cookies are dunked in a sweet glaze.
These pumpkin sugar cookies celebrate the tastes, textures, and colors of the season. I enjoy them any chance I get, but their softness makes them ideal for dipping in coffee, tea, or milk.
These cookies look like classic Black and Whites, but one bite will tell you otherwise. The addition of pumpkin and seasonal spices announces autumn at its finest. A word of warning: In the future, you may find the traditional version a bit boring.
Made on clothespins, these Pumpkin Spice Cream Horns (also know as Lady Locks) are a flaky sweet treat filled with a pumpkin spice cream that tastes just like pumpkin pie. This recipe makes the perfect fall dessert!
I love the combination of PB and chocolate anytime of the year but maybe even more so when the weather turns cool. In this fall cookie recipe, peanut butter dough is wrapped around brownie dough. Every bite will comfort your soul.
You can never have too many chocolate and peanut butter fall cookie recipes. In this case, the PB goodness is pilled on top of a brownie cookie that’s covered with melted chocolate.
Are there days when you just can’t get enough PB? To make this fall cookie recipe, you wrap PB cookie dough around balls of PB and confectioners’ sugar. Each bite is pure bliss.
Hiding inside these fall cookies is a miniature peanut butter cup. The outside looks like a regular PB cookie decked out with chocolate icing in a crisscross design.
Have leftover Halloween candy? Looking to try a new cookie recipe? Then you’re going to love these Peanut Butter Candy Bar Cookies. I mean, what’s not to love about a mini candy bar pressed into a soft peanut butter cookie?
Fall wouldn’t be fall without apples. This classic drop cookie is loaded with applesauce, cinnamon, and cloves and then smothered with apple cider frosting. You can sprinkle some of the cookies with chopped pecans for added texture and taste.
Make your gingersnaps party-ready with a drizzle of apple cider glaze. This glaze is a wonderful counterpoint to the ginger and an interesting visual twist on this fall cookie staple.
These Spiced Apple Cake Cookies are actually made using two cake mixes. One is caramel apple cake mix, the other is spice cake mix. They are easy to make and full of seasonal autumn flavors.
Do you like to make things besides waffles in a waffle iron? I “baked” this fall cookie recipe in a mini waffle press. The cookie’s unique shape is what initially grabs people’s attention, but it’s the yumminess that has them coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Crunchy golden coconut, sea salt, and melted caramel work together wonderfully in this fall cookie recipe. If you’ve never experienced the combination, you must give it a try. It’s like a little flavor party for your mouth.
Have you ever had a treat that practically screams fall? These seasonal snickerdoodles have apple butter in the dough and caramel baked inside. Biting into one of these unassuming cookies is a sweet and tasty autumnal surprise!
As you’ve probably figured out by now, IBC is the site to visit should you be looking for caramelly goodness. In this particular fall cookie recipe, shortbread is the base. It’s topped with melted caramel, a drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate, and sea salt. They are so good!
I have been a fan of butterscotch since I was a kid. This delightfully soft cookie is loaded with butterscotch chips and dipped in white chocolate. You’ll be looking for excuses to bake it.
The pecans in this tasty cookie give a crunch that sets off the brown sugar flavor and smooth-as-silk frosting. I’m betting you’ll become a pecan lover in case you aren’t already one.
Shaped like squirrels and acorns, these Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies are a fun and delicious way to celebrate fall. They are loaded with the flavor of ginger and other fall spices.
These special snickerdoodles will warm you up from the inside out. Dip them in a delectable spiced chai for a double dose or serve them with another popular autumn beverage.
This fall cookie recipe captures the look of candy corn, a perennial favorite this time of year. Use the traditional hues or mix and match colors to complement your seasonal or party décor. Fun fact: this recipe was inspired by my favorite Christmas cookie recipe. I just have them a new look!
In the shapes of bats, witches, and ghosts, these cut-out gingerbread Halloween cookies are both a spooky and whimsical dessert idea to celebrate Halloween.
That’s a wrap on Fall Cookie Recipes!
I hope you enjoyed this peek at 20+ of The Best Fall Cookie Recipes from Inspired by Charm. Which fabulous fall cookies will you make?
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
It’s time for a little fall baking! I’ve rounded up 20+ of my favorite Fall Cookie Recipes that I’ve created over the the past 8 years! There’s some delicious for everyone. Let’s get baking! 20+ of the Best Fall Cookie Recipes Fall and cookie baking go hand-in-hand at my house. For more than six years, […]
Inspired by vintage Halloween graphics, I’ve added spooky (but fun) Halloween decorations to my dining room to create a welcoming tablescape and hauntingly boo-tiful holiday decor.
I don’t know about you, but I think decorating for Halloween can be so much fun. This autumn holiday is a great excuse to bypass the “rules of design” and create something unique, whimsical, or even a bit ghostly. And that’s exactly what I did in my dining room.
As you know, I have a thing for vintage and often use antique finds to inspire my decor. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been collecting a handful of Halloween decorations that have an old-fashioned look.
This year, I was so excited to see that one of my favorite companies, My Mind’s Eye, has launched an amazing Vintage Halloween Party Collection. My Mind’s Eye is one of my go-to sources for party supplies and paper goods. They do everything so well, and I especially love their Christmas collections. Recently, they were kind enough to send me a sampling of their Vintage Halloween Collection and that inspired the decor on this table and in the rest of my dining room.
With their goodies as the jumping-off point, I brought in my collection of vintage-inspired Halloween decorations plus a few everyday items to create this fun, whimsical, and spooktacular display. Let me show you around.
As you can see, there’s is a lot going on here, so I will break things down for you…
Those paper fans in orange, black, and white might be my favorites, and I hung them from the chandelier. They definitely feel retro, and this prominent spot shows off the patterns on them. The colors are on point, too. Most of the decor items I had fit in this orange, black, and white color palette so that’s what I went with.
On the table, I used a piece of black cheesecloth as a tablecloth/runner. (You can find this fabric at many Halloween stores or in the Halloween section of Target or Walmart.) It’s inexpensive, and I’ve used it (or something similar) for several of my Halloween tables.
I created my place setting with the dinner plate from my white dinnerware set. I then added a checked napkin and matte black flatware. It’s simple but beautifully coordinated.
I always like using something unique in my place settings, and in this case, I went with my DIY Halloween Treat Bags. A couple of weeks ago, I showed you how to make them and shared the vintage graphics as a FREE download. You can find all of the details HERE.
I love that guests can take these bags with them as a little memento of the evening.
For beverages, I set out vintage glassware with a white and gold vine pattern. I thought the glasses went nicely with the table and theme.
Down the center of the table, I strung black, orange, and white crepe paper, mini pumpkins, faux Halloween books, and a few vintage-inspired paper mâché lanterns.
These lanterns are replicas of ones from the 40s and 50s. I found the smaller ones (cat, skull, and pumpkin) at a local shop last year and was lucky enough to find the larger ghost on a recent visit to Virginia. Yes, these lanterns are weird and creepy, but I think that’s why I love them.
Every Halloween table needs dripping candles, so I added several of those as well. (If you’re creating a similar look, avoid a fire hazard by making sure that the flames of your candles are far away from the hanging fans.)
If you’ve been following along on IBC recently, the candles might look familiar. A couple of weeks ago I used them to style my Autumn Al Fresco outdoor fall table. (Check that out HERE if you missed it.) I love versatile pieces like these because they can easily go from elegant and chic to spooky and creepy!
I also added decorative and functional items to the console behind my table. For a pop of color and touch of nature, I cut a tree branch from my backyard that has leaves in a coordinating hue.
From there, I brought in a few more glasses from my set and a tray of colorful and tasty Halloween candy. The paper cups are from My Mind’s Eye as well. They are ideal for serving candies, or they could be used to dress up cupcakes!
For another decorative touch, I added more candles, pumpkins, and a few spooky potion bottles I purchased at Target.
To finish things off, I attached this adorable banner from My Mind’s Eye across the front of the console. The cats, ghouls, and pumpkins tie everything together in a fun way.
I’d say my dining room and table are now fit for any witch, ghost, or goblin.
Want more halloween table decorating ideas? Try these:
And as I said at the beginning of this post, this tablescape was a joy to create. I hope you enjoyed this closer look and are thinking about how you might add vintage-inspired decor to your home this Halloween. Want to see this dining room dressed fall? I share that too. Read all about it in this post HERE.
Again, be sure to visit My Mind’s Eye. This post was not sponsored by them. I just love their work and was delighted that they sent a few of their Halloween products for me to style.
Happy Haunting!
Inspired by vintage Halloween graphics, I’ve added spooky (but fun) Halloween decorations to my dining room to create a welcoming tablescape and hauntingly boo-tiful holiday decor. Vintage-Inspired Halloween Decorations / Tablescape I don’t know about you, but I think decorating for Halloween can be so much fun. This autumn holiday is a great excuse to […]
Add a little spooky chic to your Halloween with this Hocus Pocus Broom Co. printable. Available in two sizes (5×7-inches and 8×10-inches), this FREE download is a hauntingly fun way to dress up your home this time of year.
Hocus Pocus Broom Co. Free Printable
In some ways, this printable has been eight years in the making. And for that reason, I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you today.
Yes, as promised in my recent Fall Family Room Tour post, I created a printable of my Hocus Pocus Broom Co. chalkboard drawing.
Before we get to the printable, here’s a bit of its backstory. (Feel free to scroll down if you’re already familiar with how this design came about.)
Back in 2012, I owned a Bed & Breakfast. Inside the B&B, I had a small gift shop with a big wall I’d painted with chalkboard paint. Every season I drew a new design on the wall. One fall, I created and chalked this Hocus Pocus Broom Co. image. Since then it’s been among the most popular images on Inspired by Charm.
This year, as I planned what to hang above the mantel in my family room, I stumbled upon a chalkboard I’d purchased a year or so prior, That’s when I decided to bring the Hocus Pocus Broom Co. back to life! (You can see more of how it looks above my family room fireplace here. I shared a full tour of the space.)
With the image redrawn, I was able to get a crisp photo that was suitable for turning into a print, and that printable is what I’m sharing with you today.
Before you download the FREE printable (Details are below.), here are a few suggestions for printing.
Printing Recommendations:
You can use your own home printer to print out this design. If you do, I recommend a heavy paper such as card stock. Also, be sure to set your printer to the highest quality possible.
It might just be my printer, but I didn’t love the quality of what I printed. So I decided to use an online printing company called Mpix. I chose them because they offered a giclee print with a deep matte photographic finish.
Click the link HERE to be directed to the product I used. After uploading your image, under “Paper,” select “Deep Matte Photographic.”
I also found them to be super affordable. A 5×7-inch print was only $2.26 and the 8×10-inch was $5.09.
And with that, you’re ready to download! Just follow the instructions below:
Hocus Pocus Broom Co. Chalkboard Art Download:
You can access the download in the IBC Printable Library, which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get access to this library bySUBSCRIBING HERE. Once you’ve subscribed, you will immediately receive an email that contains a link and password to access this download.
If you’re already on the IBC Mailing List, you can find the password to access the Printable Library at the bottom of any email from Inspired by Charm.
Now, before you download the Hocus Pocus Broom Co. print, I have one small favor to ask: I would love to see what you do with the print! Please share your creation on Instagram and tag me @inspiredbycharm. I’m always delighted to see how my designs, recipes, and ideas help you to create your happy place.
LOOKING FOR MORE HALLOWEEN DIY PROJECTS? TRY THESE:
I hope this Hocus Pocus Broom Co. printable adds some bewitching holiday magic to your Halloween celebration.
It’s a joy and an honor to be able to share this free download with you. I am forever grateful for your encouragement and support. IBC readers are the best!
Add a little spooky chic to your Halloween with this Hocus Pocus Broom Co. printable. Available in two sizes (5×7-inches and 8×10-inches), this FREE download is a hauntingly fun way to dress up your home this time of year. Hocus Pocus Broom Co. Free Printable In some ways, this printable has been eight years in […]
When I think of quintessential fall desserts, a Pumpkin Roll always comes to mind. Today I’m sharing my Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll recipe. It’s a delicious pumpkin cake wrapped around a sweet cream cheese frosting. What’s not to love?
Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll:
This Pumpkin Roll is another one of those recipes I can’t believe I haven’t shared before now. Like many people, I’ve been eating pumpkin roll for as long as I can remember. Among many other tasty desserts, this was a staple at my Great Aunt Maggie’s house. I could never get enough.
Before we go any further, I want to quickly mention that today I’m being joined by my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. If you’re also a huge fan of pumpkin, be sure to check out our delicious collection of pumpkin-inspired recipes at the end of this post. You can bet that every recipe is delish. I’ve already added several to my fall baking list.
Now, back to this pumpkin roll. I got this recipe from my Great Aunt Maggie, but after a little online research, I learned that this recipe is pretty much the same as every other pumpkin roll recipe out there. I did change it a bit more by adding extra spices. I think anything pumpkin deserves a certain array of spices so I needed to sprinkle those in. They give it more of that fall flavor I love.
Even though I’ve been eating pumpkin roll for years, this was the first time I’d made it. I was surprised by how easy it is. I think I need to make it again.
The only thing that’s a little tricky about this recipe is rolling up the cake once it comes out of the oven. It might seem strange or intimidating to roll up a warm cake, but don’t worry, you can do it. It also gets easier with practice. I was lucky since I’ve made a few Yule logs in the past. (Check out my Pink Velvet and White Birch Yule log.) I hope my photos and instructions in the printable recipe card below will make rolling up the cake pretty straightforward.
You need to give this recipe a try even if you’ve never made a pumpkin roll before. This roll is classic, delicious, and full of fall flavor. Plus, it will impress your family and friends.
And, as you can see, it’s gorgeous! I had so much fun styling this in my kitchen. Not only does it look pretty, but I’d say it also looks good with my seasonal decor. What do you think?
So how do you make a Pumpkin Roll? Let me walk you through the recipe.
How to Make Pumpkin Roll:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan (13 x 18-inches) with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray. Set aside. I used small binder clips to hold the parchment paper down, but this is not necessary. (You can even leave the clips on the pan while baking.)
In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and pumpkin puree. Beat with an electric mixer to combine. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes). (The full ingredient list and recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.)
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth and level with a spatula. Bake for 13-14 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool for about ten minutes. Then turn it out onto a tea towel sprinkled lightly with confectioners’ sugar. Remove the parchment paper. Then sprinkle the cake lightly with confectioners’ sugar Gently roll the cake inside the towel. Place the rolled cake in the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely. This will take about an hour. (If you’re wondering, the sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar keeps the cake from sticking to the towel.)
In the meantime, prepare the filling by beating together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is cooled, unroll it and spread it with an even layer of cream cheese filling. Then, roll the cake up (this time without the tea towel). Place the roll onto a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, sprinkle the roll with confectioners’ sugar. Then, with a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 slices.
Tada! Your pumpkin roll is complete. See, I told you it wasn’t that hard. For me, the most difficult part is waiting for it to cool and set-up so I can cut a piece. YUM!
Enjoy this Pumpkin Bread? You’ll love these pumpkin-inspired treats:
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and are feeling inspired to make my Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll. And if you’re craving more pumpkin (I am!), be sure to visit my blogger friends below. Don’t their recipes look wonderful? I’m confident you’ll find more pumpkin goodness to love.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
When I think of quintessential fall desserts, a Pumpkin Roll always comes to mind. Today I'm sharing my Aunt Maggie's Pumpkin Roll recipe. It's a delicious pumpkin cake wrapped around a sweet cream cheese frosting. What's not to love?
Line a half sheet pan (13 x 18-inches) with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and pumpkin puree. Beat with an electric mixer to combine. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Smooth and level with a spatula. Bake for 13-14 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool for about ten minutes. Then turn it out onto a tea towel sprinkled lightly with confectioners' sugar. Remove the parchment paper. Then sprinkle the cake lightly with confectioners' sugar. Gently roll the cake inside the towel. Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely. This will take about an hour.
In the meantime, prepare the filling by beating together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners' sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, and spread it with an even layer of cream cheese filling. Then, roll the cake up (this time without the tea towel). Place the roll onto a platter, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, sprinkle the roll with confectioners' sugar. Then, with a sharp knife, cut the roll into 12 slices. Any leftovers should be refrigerated.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
When I think of quintessential fall desserts, a Pumpkin Roll always comes to mind. Today I’m sharing my Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll recipe. It’s a delicious pumpkin cake wrapped around a sweet cream cheese frosting. What’s not to love? Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll: This Pumpkin Roll is another one of those recipes I can’t believe […]
Today we’re dining al fresco. I dressed up my deck and did a bit of baking for the intimate fall candlelit gathering. And guess what? You’re invited. (Virtually, that is.) Welcome to the party!
I’m so excited about today’s post. As you probably know, my Season of Home blogger friends and I like to get together this time of year to share ideas for fall and holiday decorating. This go-round we’re trying something new and styling around the concept of “Magical Fall by Candlelight.” I love this idea because the glow of candles can make for such beautiful and inspiring photography. It’s a tad trickier to capture but so worth the effort.
I chose an “Autumn Al Fresco” theme and styled my deck for an intimate fall gathering set aglow by candlelight. I envisioned the scene of a late-night dessert with a few close friends or family members. I can’t wait to show you around.
If you’re looking for more inspiration and magical photography, be sure to visit the rest of the bloggers who are participating in this series. They all have something beautiful to share. Each is linked below with a teaser image.
Now that I’ve taken care of the preliminaries, let’s celebrate!
Autumn Al Fresco: A Fall Candlelit Gathering
For this table, I challenged myself to shop my house and yard. I pulled whatever I had that fit my design and brought everything together to create this enchanting scene on my back deck. (If you want to see more of my deck, I shared a full tour of it here.)
For the color palette, I stayed with oranges and related hues, such as rust, brown, and red. I even have a pale shade of pink in the flower bouquet.
My classic white dinnerware works perfectly on any table so I set it out with wood-handled flatware and frayed-edge napkins that fit my color scheme.
Next, I added pumpkins and a big flower bouquet that’s a mash-up of extra oak leaves from my dining room decor along with several floral arrangements I had around the house. (Who knew those preserved oak leaves would be so versatile?)
Earlier in the day, I made a pumpkin roll, which I decided to incorporate in the tablescape. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon. Stay tuned!) This delicious and quintessentially fall recipe seemed ideal for a small candlelit gathering
A drink was also in order so I served an apple cider cocktail in these gorgeous glasses. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon as well. It’s super easy. You’re going to love it!)
And can we talk about those glasses? I think every table benefits from stunning stemware. The sparkle and shape of these particular glasses elevate the look and mood of the gathering, yet they are so affordable!
My candlesticks are from Target. (You might remember I used them in another tablescape this past Christmas.) Target always seems to have a trio of these candlesticks in stock. You can find the current collection here.
I buy the candles in bulk from Amazon. You can get those here. The candles are supposed to be dripless, however, the wind had other plans, and I didn’t mind. I think the drips are pretty.
With all of those elements in place against the setting sun, my table was complete.
I am so pleased with this tablescape. It looks fancy, but it came together with basic items and seasonal things I had on hand. It’s amazing how candlelight, sparkling glassware, delicious treats, and gifts from Mother Nature can make a table pop.
I hope that my process and photos inspire you to set up your own Autumn Al Fresco Fall Candlelit Gathering. In the meantime, you’re always welcome at mine!
Looking for more fall table setting inspiration? Check out these:
Thank you for joining me today. And again, if you want more beautiful seasonal ideas, check out the talented bloggers below. You won’t be disappointed.
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
Today we’re dining al fresco. I dressed up my deck and did a bit of baking for the intimate fall candlelit gathering. And guess what? You’re invited. (Virtually, that is.) Welcome to the party! I’m so excited about today’s post. As you probably know, my Season of Home blogger friends and I like to get […]
Today I’m showing you how to make these adorable Halloween Treat Bags inspired by vintage Halloween graphics and cards, This All Hallows Eve you can fill the bags with treats for all the ghosts and goblins in your life.
Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags:
The holidays seem to bring out the crafter in me. To start things off, I made a couple of wreaths out of finds from my yard. Then I (re)created a fun chalkboard drawing for my family room. Next, I crafted a Jack-O’-Lantern garland. (Jack-O’-Lantern Garland coming soon!) My latest project: Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags.
The idea for these Halloween treat bags came about during a recent antiquing adventure. In one of the shops, I saw vintage paper treat bags with a cute Halloween graphic on them. They reminded me of the DIY Christmas Cookie Bags I made a couple of years ago. That’s when I decided to put the two ideas together to create these Halloween Treat Bags!
For the graphics, I wanted something vintage. As usual, I found amazing vintage art at The Graphics Fairy. She has the best selection of vintage clip art, graphics, and illustrations.
However, my love for these Halloween graphics is different. While they are cute and have an old-timey feel, they are also quirky and maybe a bit creepy, which is perfect for Halloween.
Here’s a look at the eight I chose:
Aren’t they fun?
Anywho, that’s enough about how and why I wanted to create these Halloween Treat Bags. Let me walk you through the quick and easy steps for putting them together!
How to Make Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags:
*If you use a different type or brand of fabric transfer sheets, please follow the directions on the package.
**There are a variety of bags that you can buy. You will find the ones I used HERE. They are constructed from a thicker material, so they’re a bit more expensive. For a more affordable option, I recommend THESE.
Begin by downloading the printable file:
Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags Download:
You can access the download in the IBC Printable Library, which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get access to this library bySUBSCRIBING HERE. Once you’ve subscribed, you will immediately receive an email that contains a link and password to access this download.
If you’re already on the IBC Mailing List, you can find the password to access the Printable Library at the bottom of any email from Inspired by Charm.
Next Steps:
With your PDF download successfully saved to your computer, load the printable fabric transfer sheets into your printer.
Adjust the printer settings to the highest quaintly and then print.
(You’ll notice that the printable looks backward or mirrored. This is okay. Since you’ll be ironing these transfers with the printed side down, you want the image of the graphic mirrored so it will read correctly when the paper backing is removed.)
Once printed, cut out each graphic as neatly as possible.
Next, make sure your iron is empty of water. Turn off the steam and then set the iron on high heat (cotton setting).
Iron the bag to remove any wrinkles. Then place the graphic on the bag so that the printed side of the graphic faces down. I positioned the graphic a bit closer to the bottom of the bag rather than in the center of it to allow for the gathering at the top when the bag is cinched shut.
Using the iron, apply heat to the transfer for 45-60 seconds. Apply medium pressure and be sure to move the iron around to avoid scorching the bag.
Repeat this heat transfer process with all of the bags and graphics. Let each bag sit until it’s cool (2-3 minutes) before gently peeling off the paper backing.
The Halloween Treat Bags are now complete and ready to be filled with candy or treats!
I am majorly pleased with how these turned out! They are even better than I envisioned.
I do love these particular cotton bags. As I mentioned above, they are a tad more expensive, but in my book, they are worth it. Of course, if you are making a lot of treat bags, a more affordable option may be preferable.
I filled my Halloween Treat Bags with candy, but you might tuck in other treats: gift cards, money, lottery tickets, small bottles of liquor (for adults), or even baked goods. And if you go with the sturdy bag, you could probably reuse it for seasonal storage or as a change purse.
There are plenty of options for gifts or personal use.
Looking for more Halloween DIY Projects? Try these:
I hope you enjoyed this project. Did it stir up a little seasonal creativity in you?
Happy crafting!
Want More from Inspired by Charm?
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
Today I’m showing you how to make these adorable Halloween Treat Bags inspired by vintage Halloween graphics and cards, This All Hallows Eve you can fill the bags with treats for all the ghosts and goblins in your life. Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags: The holidays seem to bring out the crafter in me. To start […]
I’m thrilled to invite you back into my dining room for an autumn tour. I’ve done a bit of fall decorating that I want to share in hopes that it will possibly inspire you to add a seasonal touch to your space.
Fall Decorating in My Dining Room:
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared my dining room with you, so I thought we’d do that today. As the weather has gotten cooler and the leaves have started to change colors, I have been inspired to transition my dining room decor to something a bit more appropriate for the season. With just a few simple edits, this space is ready for fall.
In case you’re curious about sources for items in my dining room, I’ve shared a full resource list at the end of this post. There are a lot of vintage items in this space, but I’ve linked everything I could. I hope that helps!
I also wanted to mention that if you’re looking for even more fall inspiration, I’ve started a new email series where I’m sharing my secrets and tips for creating a picture-perfect fall. There are decorating ideas, my favorite recipes, a shopping list, and much more. And the best part … it’s FREE! You can sign-up HERE.
Now let’s get on with the tour!
Dining Room Fall Decorating:
Last time we toured this space, I showed you my new vintage sideboard. It was an unusual find, and it’s been a beautiful addition to my dining room. I’m especially loving the extra storage space it provides.
Since then, I’ve added a rug to this room. I’d been hunting for the right rug and finally stumbled upon this beauty. It’s soft and cozy, the colors are beautiful, and it has a vintage look. As you might notice in the photos, it always has an interesting color shift. Depending on how the fibers lay, the colors will be more or less intense. What a neat feature. I’m enjoying it and highly recommend it.
Besides adding the rug, I simply switched up the decorations for the season.
On the table is a new runner. I topped it with a cutting board and large platter and filled things in with napkins, a vase, and a pitcher of flowers. Fall flowers are among my favorites so they are a must in my seasonal decorating.
Over on the sideboard, I added a punch of color with a big arrangement of fall leaves. I found these gorgeous leaves on Etsy. They are real leaves that have been preserved to retain their shape and color. I love that they are real. I’ve been told that they should last from one year to the next.
Around the leaves are candles, green glass jars, ceramic pumpkins, and an antique demijohn because every space needs a touch of vintage. The art prints are from Laurel-Dawn Latshaw. I love her work!
As much as I love traditional fall colors (orange, red, yellow), I like using unexpected colors, too. The dark greens and deep teals work well in the space and coordinate with my new rug.
On the opposite side of the room are shelves above my kitchen peninsula. I gave them some seasonal love as well.
For a while now, I’ve been collecting vintage crocks, so I displayed some of my favorites there. Tucked in with them are green pumpkins, feathers, more of those preserved leaves, and my original Miss Mustard Seed artwork. These shelves are now looking pretty cute.
You need to check out this trio of fall candles. I ordered all three scents and highly recommend them. I love each of the scents, but my fave is probably the Spiced Pumpkin Chai (No surprise there!).
Opposite that, I have a narrow oak wood cabinet where I store many of my white serving pieces.
They are nothing fancy but when grouped like this, they look special. To make the collection sing for the season, I added a few small orange pumpkins. Super easy and inexpensive!
And with that, my dining room is ready for this new season. I wanted things to be simple and fresh yet festive. Did I meet my objective?
By the way, I am considering adding curtains to this room. What do you think?
It’s been over a year since this space got a makeover as part of my kitchen renovation, and it still feels as if something is missing. Eventually, I would like to add molding and wallpaper to this room, but in the meantime, I think curtains would be a lovely and cozy addition. Now I just need to find the right pair!
Stay tuned for more fall decorating. I’m going to be showing you around my kitchen next. I had so much fun adding seasonal touches to my kitchen last year that I’m going to do it again this year. I may even whip up a new fall treat or two to share with you. Decorating and baking? It’s a dream come true!
Oh, and just in case you missed it, I posted about my fall family room earlier this week. You can find that HERE. It has lots more decorating ideas for fall.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time!
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
I’m thrilled to invite you back into my dining room for an autumn tour. I’ve done a bit of fall decorating that I want to share in hopes that it will possibly inspire you to add a seasonal touch to your space. Fall Decorating in My Dining Room: It’s been a minute since I’ve shared […]
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this lovely and delicious Apple Cider Manhattan! This fall cocktail recipe is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, apple cider, and maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of seasonal flavors.
Apple Cider Manhattan
Shaking up new cocktail recipes is among my favorite things to do. I’m always excited to add a new drink to my repertoire. My latest libation is this Apple Cider Manhattan!
(Just in case you’re wanting more fall cocktail recipes, I created a post dedicated to my best autumn libations. You can find that HERE.)
If you’ve been reading IBC this past week, you probably remember me teasing you with this cocktail recipe when I shared how I decorated my family room for fall! (You can see that space here if you missed it.) Well, I do my best to keep my promises, so today I’m back with the recipe.
I got the idea for this drink after sharing my Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. I’m a huge fan of anything made with apple cider, bourbon, and maple syrup. It’s such a tasty combination!
This recipe is similar to my Cider and Maple Old Fashioned, but a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned have a few important differences. Let me explain.
What’s the Difference Between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), bitters, and sugar. Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is served on ice in a rocks glass.
A Manhattan is made with rye whiskey but uses sweet vermouth instead of sugar. It’s served in a coupe glass.
As I just mentioned, Manhattans are typically made with rye whiskey, so if you want authentic, opt for that. If you don’t have rye whiskey on hand, however, don’t stress. Bourbon will work equally well.
Now that you know the differences, let’s make an Apple Cider Manhattan!
How To Make An Apple Cider Manhattan:
Begin by gathering the ingredients. You will need:
Rye whiskey (or bourbon)
Sweet vermouth
Apple cider
Maple syrup
Orange bitters
Luxardo cherry
Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, apple cider, maple syrup, and two dashes of orange bitters. (I’ve included detailed ingredient amounts and recipe instructions in the printable recipe card below.)
Shake vigorously.
Manhattans are typically served in coupe glasses, so that’s what I’m using. Mine are these gorgeous silver-rimmed ones. (I also have them in gold, and I love those, too… maybe more.)
Once the ingredients are well shaken, strain the cocktail into a glass.
I like to garnish this cocktail with a Luxardo maraschino cherry. Luxardo maraschino cherries are AMAZING. They are a bit pricey, but a jar of them will last a long time. (If you’re looking for them online, I buy this two-pack.)
I skewered the cherry onto a cocktail pick. (Yes, it would have been ideal to have silver ones, but I only had gold so I made it work. I’m fine with mixed metals.)
And voila! This Apple Cider Manhattan is complete and ready to be enjoyed!
The flavor combination is yummy and quintessentially fall. And can we also talk about how pretty this drink is? The color of the cocktail shines through in the elegant glassware. Though, to be fair, I think anything would look beautiful in those glasses. And if you like this little scene above, be sure to check out this post HERE. I’m gave a full tour of my family room decorated for fall!
Cheers, friends!
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this lovely and delicious Apple Cider Manhattan! This fall cocktail recipe is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, apple cider, and maple syrup. It's the perfect balance of seasonal flavors.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this lovely and delicious Apple Cider Manhattan! This fall cocktail recipe is made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, apple cider, and maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of seasonal flavors. Apple Cider Manhattan Shaking up new cocktail recipes is among my favorite things to do. I’m always excited to add […]
Today we’re going into my family room to take a look at colorful and cozy fall decor ideas. Vintage finds, flickering candles, unique art, and comfy pillows set the mood for the new season.
Cozy Fall Decor Ideas:
Over the past week or so I’ve been bringing touches of fall to my home. Last weekend I replaced the dying summer plants on my porches with mums and pumpkins. This week I made a few seasonal tweaks indoors. Because I always love showing you around my home, I thought today we’d look at cozy fall decor ideas for your family room.
It’s an especially exciting day since I’m again being joined by the Seasons of Home Bloggers. If you’re looking for more fall decorating ideas, I’ve linked to all of my participating blogger friends at the end of this post. Everyone is sharing a tour of rooms bedecked for fall. Be sure to take a few minutes to check out the magic that this talented group has created.
In my home, there are two main living areas: the more formal living room (which you can see here) and my family room. This latter space has a TV, and it’s where I tend to spend most of my free time. When decorating this room. I want it to feel cozy, welcoming, and relaxed.
With that in mind, let me show you around and share fall decor ideas that you can use in your space this season.
Family Room Cozy Fall Decor Ideas:
In case you’re curious about where you can buy something in this room, I’ve included a resource section at the end of this post. It has links to products I’ve used in this space.
One of the first things I did to update my family room for fall was to swap out the pillows. This year I used a rust orange and blue. I’ve been in love with that rust color lately, and the blue coordinates with my nearby powder room. Changing pillows and throws is one of the quickest ways to refresh a room for a new season.
I also swapped out smaller elements throughout the room.
Sidenote: I also wanted to mention that if you’re looking for even more fall inspiration, I’ve started a new email series where I’m sharing my secrets and tips for creating a picture-perfect fall. There are decorating ideas, my favorite recipes, a shopping list, and much more. And the best part … it’s FREE! You can sign-up HERE.
Candles are a must for fall. They create a beautiful warmth and glow in a room, plus they are fairly inexpensive.
I also recently found this vintage Whitman’s chocolate tin. It’s resting on top of a stack of books on my coffee table. I use it to hide my remote controllers when not in use.
Speaking of tins, do you remember this past Christmas when I filled my wall cabinet with Christmas ribbons? Well, it only took me about nine months, but I’ve finally filled it with a new collection: vintage tins! I’ve been having so much fun collecting them, and I think the display is coming together nicely.
Another thing you might notice is the large and empty wood easel. This was a flea market find, and I’m obsessed with it. I scored it for $75. (I had been looking for months, and the cheapest easel I could find was $300!) I do admit that the easel seems a bit odd sitting out void of any art, but I also kind of like it here. It an interesting architectural element so I’ve decided this is where it’s going to stay until I find a new home for it. Even though I’ve made several failed attempts to get back into my art habit, eventually I hope to put the easel to use.
On the opposite side of the room, I added a bit of fall flair to my bar cart with a bunch of “bunny tails.” This is a dried flower in that beautiful rust color I’m loving right now. I found my flowers at HomeGoods, but I’ve linked others below.
Here, you can get a closer look at my paint-by-numbers gallery wall. I still love this addition to my family room. I wrote a post all about it here if you want more details.
Over on the mantel is possibly my favorite part of the room.
When I was cleaning out my basement, I ran across this chalkboard I picked up at HomeGoods at least two years ago. At that moment, inspiration hit, and I knew I needed to recreate my chalkboard art from eight years ago so that’s exactly what I did.
I realize it’s quirky (and maybe a bit childish), but it makes me happy. For me, it’s a fun and unique addition to the room, and a reminder of pre-COVID times.
Free Download of this Art:
I’m also THRILLED that I was able to turn this chalkboard drawing into a FREE printable. Woot! Woot! You can find all the details on how to download and print this Hocus Pocus Broom Co. chalk print HERE!
To decorate around the chalkboard, I added vintage books, colorful dried gourds, ceramic pumpkins, a vintage tray, more candles, and a vase with a branch of leaves I cut from my yard.
Using clippings from the yard is one of the best fall decor ideas. Mother Nature is putting on a color show that you might as well bring inside. Plus, it’s free!
Once I had this space decorated, I thought I’d celebrate with a drink so I whipped up Apple Cider Manhattans. Boy, are they delicious. You can find the recipe HERE. You can also find some of my other favorite fall cocktail recipes HERE.
Every space needs a coordinating cocktail recipe, right? Ha!
And that’s my family room for fall. I think it turned out wonderfully seasonal. It’s ready for me to snuggle in with a good book or more likely, my latest must-watch TV show. And, when the weather cools a bit more, you know I’ll be lighting a fire in that fireplace. It’s one of my favorite things.
Here’s one final look at the space.
I hope you enjoyed this peek inside my home and gathered a few cozy fall decor ideas for your family room.
As I mentioned above, if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out the talented bloggers below. Sources for this room are listed just below.
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
Today we’re going into my family room to take a look at colorful and cozy fall decor ideas. Vintage finds, flickering candles, unique art, and comfy pillows set the mood for the new season. Cozy Fall Decor Ideas: Over the past week or so I’ve been bringing touches of fall to my home. Last weekend […]
If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie, you’re going to love these Pumpkin Pie Bars. In a nutshell, they’re pumpkin pie in bar form. They are also made with an oat crust and brown sugar pecan topping. Yummy!
Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Like lots of folks, I’m a huge fan of this so-called “Pumpkin-Flavored-Everything Season.” I have yet to meet a pumpkin-based dessert I didn’t like. And even though I already have LOADS of pumpkin recipes here on Inspired by Charm (You can find my favorites here.), every year I feel compelled to add more to that delicious list.
That’s why I whipped up these Pumpkin Bar Bars today and am so excited to share them with you.
As I mentioned above, these Pumpkin Pie Bars are like pumpkin pie in bar form. Making them is pretty much like baking pumpkin pie, except these bars are made in a 9 x 13-inch pan and have a unique crust and topping which enhances their deliciousness. I also include generous amounts of seasonal spice to bring that cozy and comforting fall pumpkin spice flavor to life.
Another reason I’m crazy about these Pumpkin Pie Bars is that they serve a crowd. When cut into bars, this recipe can serve up to 24 people. That gives you more bang for your buck (and time) than a traditional pumpkin pie.
As you can see, these bars are a winner in every way.
Enough teasing, let me tell you how to make them so you can whip up a batch yourself!
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Then grease a 9 x 13-inch cake pan with baking spray and set aside.
Before I continue I wanted to note that in my photos you’ll see that I lined my pan with parchment paper. This is not necessary, and I don’t recommend it. I thought I’d be able to lift the bars out of the pan with the parchment, but that’s not the case with this recipe. So, skip the parchment and just spray your pan with baking spray. Do as I say not as I did.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt. (Ingredient amounts and full instructions are listed in the printable recipe card below.) Mix until crumbly. For this process, I started with a wooden spoon and then used clean hands to make sure everything was well-mixed.
Using your hands, press this mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan. This gets par-baked for 18 minutes.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. This creates a lot of pumpkin pie filling so be sure to use a large bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Pour this filling over the par-baked crust; then return it to the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until set.
In the meantime, in a small bowl prepare the topping by combining the pecans, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the topping over the pumpkin filling and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This topping is so yummy and has the perfect texture and crunch.
Allow the Pumpkin Pie Bars to cool before serving. Cut into 24 bars. Leftover bars can be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these Pumpkin Bars? You’ll love these pumpkin-inspired treats:
As with many of my recipes, these bars come together easily. If you’re a novice baker, you’ll have no trouble. And trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe:
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fall baking, pumpkin, pumpkin bars, pumpkin pie
If you're a fan of pumpkin pie, you're going to love these Pumpkin Pie Bars. In a nutshell, they're pumpkin pie in bar form. They are also made with an oat crust and brown sugar pecan topping. Yummy!
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch cake pan with baking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan and bake for 18 minutes.
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add the pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Pour this filling over the par-baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the filling is set.
In the meantime, in a small bowl prepare the topping by combining the pecans, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the topping over the pumpkin filling and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Allow the Pumpkin Pie Bars to cool before serving. Cut into 24 bars. Leftover bars can be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie, you’re going to love these Pumpkin Pie Bars. In a nutshell, they’re pumpkin pie in bar form. They are also made with an oat crust and brown sugar pecan topping. Yummy! Pumpkin Pie Bars: Like lots of folks, I’m a huge fan of this so-called “Pumpkin-Flavored-Everything Season.” I […]
Soup’s on! This creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup is a tasty and hearty soup that you can whip up in under an hour for a comforting meal or flavorful appetizer.
Tuscan White Bean Soup:
Soup isn’t high on my list of culinary faves. That’s shocking, I know! Even so, I can always get down with a creamy soup, which is why I’m loving this Tuscan White Bean Soup. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s filling and comforting. It’s great paired with a salad for a weeknight dinner, although it could easily be a meal on its own. It could also be served as an appetizer for a small get-together.
Among the special things about this Tuscan White Bean Soup special are its flavorful garnishes:
Crispy prosciutto;
Fried sage; and
Sage-infused olive oil.
And while all of that sounds super fancy, and maybe it is, you won’t believe how quick and easy these garnishes are to make. They come together in under 5 minutes, and you’ll be feeling like a pro-chef after you make them.
As you can see, the garnishes give the top of the soup a bit of color and flair. They also add wonderful flavor and crunch. Yum!
Have I convinced you to make this soup? I hope so. Let me walk you through the recipe.
Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir as needed. Add the large can of cannellini beans, chicken stock, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Using a hand blender, puree the soup.
As you can see, I’m using KitchenAid’s new cordless hand blender. Cordless? YES! And it’s a dream. KitchenAid also has a hand mixer and food chopper as part of their cordless collection, and I’m crazy about all three of them. They come in 8 beautiful colors, too. This one is blue velvet. I wrote all about them in another blog post. You can read more about them HERE if you’re looking for a kitchen appliance upgrade.
And if you don’t have a hand blender, do not fear. You can blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. Just use caution because the soup is hot.
Once blended, stir in the small can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm until it’s time to serve.
Now we are ready to make those tasty garnishes. Start by cooking the prosciutto in a large skillet over medium heat until brown and crispy. Cool and then crumble into pieces.
Add the olive oil to a small saucepan. With the temperature set to medium-high, fry the sage leaves (about 6 at a time) for about 15 seconds per side. Transfer the leaves to a paper towel. Reserve the sage oil.
Ladle the Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls. Drizzle the top of the soup with the sage oil and then garnish with crispy prosciutto and sage leaves.
That’s it! This Tuscan White Bean Soup is so delicious. Non-soup lovers like me will enjoy it, too!
If you happen to have any leftover, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This is the perfect recipe to make for colder weather. I hope you and yours this tasty Tuscan White Bean Soup as delightful as I do.
Love this Recipe and Want More? Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Soup's on! This creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup is a tasty and hearty soup that you can whip up in under an hour for a comforting meal or flavorful appetizer.
Begin by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir as needed. Add the large can of cannellini beans, chicken stock, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Using a hand blender, puree the soup. (Pureeing can also be done in batches in a blender.)
Stir in the small can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.
To make the garnish:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the prosciutto until brown and crispy. Cool and then crumble into pieces.
Add the olive oil to a small saucepan. With the temperature set to medium-high, fry the sage leaves (about 6 leaves at a time) for about 15 seconds on each side. Transfer the leaves to a paper towel. Reserve the sage oil.
Serve the Tuscan White Bean Soup in bowls. Drizzle the top of the soup with the sage oil and then garnish with crispy prosciutto and sage leaves.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Soup’s on! This creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup is a tasty and hearty soup that you can whip up in under an hour for a comforting meal or flavorful appetizer. Tuscan White Bean Soup: Soup isn’t high on my list of culinary faves. That’s shocking, I know! Even so, I can always get down with […]
If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while, you know I share LOTS of fabulous foods for each season. To make the recipes easier for you to find, every so often I round up a bunch and post them together. Today’s collection is my Favorite Fall Foods.
My Favorite Fall Foods
This roundup has three categories of fall foods: sweet, savory, and drinks. Many of the recipes are things I make year after year. To name a few: the pumpkin baked oatmeal, apple strudel, everything bagel cheeseball, and caramel apple martini. No matter what you decide to make from this collection, I’m positive you’re going to enjoy my Favorite Fall Recipes.
There is something about the flavors of fall that is just so warm, and comforting to me. I hope these Favorite Fall Food recipes bring a bit of that same feeling to you and your guests!
Favorite Fall Foods: SWEET
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
This first sweet favorite of mine offers a warm and flavorful start to the day (after coffee, of course). You simply bake pumpkin and seasonal spices with rolled oats and milk. If your mornings are super busy, you can do everything the evening before and reheat the oatmeal in the morning.
Really Good Pumpkin Bread
The name says it all! This amazingly moist quick bread is covered with caramel glaze and crushed pecans and loaded with pumpkin and the spices many of us seem to crave when the weather turns cool.
Easy Pumpkin French Toast
Filled with the flavors of fall, this breakfast casserole is simple to put together. Refrigerate it overnight and bake it the next morning. I have a feeling it will become a fall favorite for you as well. I like to serve a generous square with cinnamon maple butter and pure maple syrup.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
What takes cinnamon rolls to the next level? You guessed it – pumpkin and the spices of the season. This is the perfect sweet to enjoy on a crisp fall day. Everyone will love the rich flavors and inviting colors.
Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread
Packed with pumpkin spices, this is a bread you’ll enjoy for brunch or breakfast or even dessert. The cinnamon glaze is an especially nice touch. I promise that you (and any lucky people with whom you share this fall favorite) will keep coming back for “just one more slice.”
Frosted Pumpkin Cookies
I created these soft pumpkin cookies during my second fall cookie week. They’re smothered with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with additional cinnamon. Calling them delicious is an understatement! (If you want to know more about my fall cookie weeks, click here. https://inspiredbycharm.com/salted-caramel-shortbread-cookies/)
Pumpkin Cake with Crumb Topping
If you’re a fellow cake lover, this one’s for you. Pumpkin and the spices we associate with it are also delightful in this cake that’s crowned with a super-easy-to-make, autumn-inspired crumb topping. (In case you’re looking for more pumpkin goodies, check out My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes HERE.
Homemade Apple Strudel
The last, (but not least,) of my favorite sweet fall foods in this roundup is this apple strudel. This recipe relies on store-bought puff pastry dough which you roll out, cut, and braid. I used a classic glaze and cooked Granny Smith apples for the filling. You can’t miss!
Favorite Fall Foods: SAVORY
Baked Delicata Rings
These gorgeous rings are impressive but not hard to pull off. The flavor secrets are the buttermilk mixture and savory Parmesan bread crumbs you dip them in before baking and the creamy homemade herb dip you serve them with. Delicata squash is sure to have a permanent place on your grocery list this fall.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples
As I’ve said before, if you like Brussels sprouts, you will thank me for this recipe. After roasting the Brussels sprouts and apple slices, you drizzle them with red-wine vinaigrette. The flavor is divine!
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon
This fall party food is the bomb! It’s loaded with essentials of the season: beer, cheese, and bacon. I make this dip in a slow cooker and offer it with pretzel bites or cubed bread.
Fall “Apple” Cheeseballs
If you’re looking for other “wow-worthy” cheeseballs for fall celebrations, you can stop searching. These apple-shaped cheeseballs are formed from a mixture of cream cheese and white cheddar. After you roll the cheeseball in paprika, ground pistachios, or finely chopped bacon and walnuts, you insert a small twig for the “apple stem.”
Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is another specialty on Inspired By Charm, and this delightful version combines multi-colored pasta with roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, red onion, and poppy seed dressing. My advice is to make plenty! (You can find more of My Best Pasta Salads HERE.)
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This “healthier” take on the hardy fall dish makes my heart and tummy happy. I like to make individual “pies” and finish them with a sprig of rosemary and sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Both are welcome counterpoints to the sweet potato topping and savory vegetable and meat filling.
Cider Mulled Wine
Mulled wine or mulled cider? No worries. You can have the best of both worlds with this fall fave from IBC. Mix up a batch on your stove or in a slow cooker so you can also enjoy the wonderful autumn aromas throughout your home.
Caramel Pear Cider
The caramel and pear flavors of this fall cocktail are beyond description. Like other mulled drinks, this cider is served warm. I like to garnish it with a cinnamon stick and pear slice. So elegant!
Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria
Sangria is a go-to at my house so I create different ones for every season and reason. This special fall version combines pomegranate seeds, chopped apple and pear, and orange slices with apple cider, pear brandy, and red wine. It looks like autumn in a glass.
Apple Pie Moonshine
I always warn folks that this stuff packs a punch because of the grain alcohol and vodka, but it sure is a fun way to warm up from the inside out on a cold autumn day.
Caramel Apple Martini This fall libation is beautiful to behold, and it only requires three ingredients: apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. For garnish, I use a thin slice of apple, or you could rim the glass with cinnamon and sugar. (There’s also a creamy version of this recipe which you can find HERE.)
Favorite Fall Foods: That’s a Wrap!
Wow! Now that was quite the collection! Don’t you think?
I hope you’re as excited about these favorite fall foods as I am. Happy mixing, cooking, and baking!
I’m so happy you are here! Are you looking for more ways to create your happy place? Be sure to join the IBC Mailing List so you never miss a thing. You can also find me on social media for daily updates.
If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for a while, you know I share LOTS of fabulous foods for each season. To make the recipes easier for you to find, every so often I round up a bunch and post them together. Today’s collection is my Favorite Fall Foods. My Favorite Fall Foods This roundup […]
I am beyond thrilled to be sharing my living room cabinetry design plan with you today. In a couple months, this space will look completely different thanks to larger bookcases, a new fireplace surround, and gas burning logs.
Friends, I am so excited about this living room cabinetry project. I have wanted to tackle the fireplace wall since I moving into Bayberry House two years ago. And finally, it’s happening!
As you may recall, a couple of weeks ago custom cabinetry was installed in my entryway. Well, when I booked that project with the cabinet maker, I also included my living room cabinetry design in the scope of work.
Why Am I Updating My Living Room Cabinetry?
Before I show you the plan, I thought I’d explain why I wanted to change the space. Here’s how it looks right now:
It’s not bad. With some intentional styling, that end of my living room manages to look fairly nice. However, the existing fireplace and bookcases bother me.
The shelves in the bookcases are only 8 inches deep so they aren’t practical for book storage. (At least half of the books I own won’t fit on the shelves without hanging off the edge.)
I don’t love the mantel. I’m not a fan of the dentil molding, and like the bookcase, the mantel is narrow, making it hard to style.
Because I have two other wood-burning fireplaces in my home, I’d love to have gas-burning logs in the living room so I can have a fire with the flip of a switch and no sooty mess to clean up.
With the new cabinetry in my kitchen and entryway, the existing fireplace and bookcases in the living room feel dated. New cabinetry will elevate the entire room.
I have a few other reasons for wanting an upgrade, but I’ve shared the main ones.
Now for the new design!
Living Room Cabinetry Design Plan:
And now, here’s a look at the design for my new living room cabinetry!
Eek! It’s going to be so good, right? I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled.
Just as I did with my entryway cabinets, I hired Drury Cabinetry for this project. They have been great to work with, and I highly recommend them if you’re near Pittsburgh and have any cabinetry needs.
New Living Room Cabinetry Explained:
Now, let’s talk about a few things.
First, the new open bookshelves will extend to the ceiling. They will be wider to accommodate more decor items as well as all of my books. Enclosed cabinets will replace the existing open shelves.
There will be beadboard behind the bookshelves. I love this detail as it’s a nod to my butler’s pantry and the beadboard in my entryway.
I’ve added a picture light at the top of each bookcase. The light is the Ridgewood in Distressed Bronze from Hudson Valley Lighting. The design plan shows brass, but I chose black/bronze instead. I already have brass pictures lights in my kitchen so I thought I’d try something different. The cabinet knobs and drawer pulls will also be black/bronze.
I’m getting Carrara marble for the fireplace surround and hearth. One thing that bugs me about the current hearth is that the marble is wrapped with white painted quarter round molding. The new marble will have a decorative cut edge to eliminate the need for the quarter round. Beyond that detail, the marble will look similar to what’s there now.
The fireplace is wood burning, and I never use it. Along with the cabinetry installation, I’m having the fireplace converted to gas. This will allow me to use this fireplace at the touch of a button without any mess. If this were my only fireplace, I would probably keep it wood-burning. But since I have two others, I’m okay with switching this one out.
I found a local installer who is so knowledgeable. I will be using RealFyre Premium Gas Logs. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share more about this process in a dedicated blog post.
The mantel will also be a bit wider to better accommodate decor, and there will be a decorative trim detail on the wall just above the mantel.
Because I know that someone will bring it up, I want to mention that the fireplace is not centered on the wall. Does that bug me? Yes and no.
I suspect that the fireplace wasn’t centered to allow for better furniture placement in the room. There is more space on the left side to permit traffic to pass through into the dining room. This is just an assumption. Who knows what the reason was.
The fireplace location reflects the history of the house. I also didn’t want the expense and mess of moving the entire fireplace and reworking the chimney and roof after centering the fireplace. I did think about a design in which the cabinets on the left are the same size as ones on the right. That design included a wood storage compartment immediately to the left of the fireplace. Since the cabinet space is already limited in the living room, I opted not to go that route.
I’m all about embracing the quirkiness of things, and this is one of those instances. Perfectly centered or not, this new cabinetry is going to be stunning.
Well, I think that’s it for today.
We still have to figure out an exact installation date for the cabinetry, but this project should be complete by the end of October. It’s going to take a bit longer than I hoped as there is a 4 week wait time for the marble installation after they measure. And they can only measure after the new cabinets are installed. Either way, I’ll be sure to show you how things look once everything is installed.
I hope you enjoy this look at the design plan for my new living room cabinetry. I’m looking forward to sharing the results with you!
I am beyond thrilled to be sharing my living room cabinetry design plan with you today. In a couple months, this space will look completely different thanks to larger bookcases, a new fireplace surround, and gas burning logs. Friends, I am so excited about this living room cabinetry project. I have wanted to tackle the […]
