Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Wednesday
Nov / 16 / 2016
Comments 30

Within the past three years, I’ve decorated eight different Christmas trees. That’s a lot of trees, a ton of ornaments, and plenty of glitter. Right now, I’m in the process of putting together my trees for this year. I actually have to come up with 5 or 6 ideas because a special opportunity will require me to completely redecorate my home for Christmas after Christmas. (This has me both excited and stressed.)

At any rate, I thought it would be fun to take a look at Christmases Past as a way to offer Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas. If you’re looking for even MORE Christmas tree ideas, I wrote another post with 20+ Ideas for Beautiful and Festive Christmas Tree Decorations. You can find that HERE. I have been styling trees for a local gift shop since I was in high school, so I have plenty of ideas.

Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas:

First, let’s look at trees of a different color. Gone are the days of only having green trees. Nowadays, trees come in almost any color you could want. While I don’t get overly crazy, I have made a few unique choices.

This silver tree was one I styled for a brand in the summer so it never actually saw Christmas day. Nonetheless, I think it turned out pretty cute. The theme for this tree came from a collection of ornaments that featured sweet treats like cakes and ice cream.

If you’re thinking about styling a new tree, I find that having a color scheme or theme can be helpful. You’ll notice one or the other in all of my trees.

Another non-traditional colored tree that I styled was this gold tinsel one. When I saw this tree, it instantly gave me a vintage-Christmas feel. With that as inspiration, I decked it out with vintage ornaments I bought on eBay. Most of those ornaments are made from styrofoam balls, sequins, and pins. (I even made a fun little video for this tree. Check it out here.)

I also tucked in vintage light-up tree toppers around the tree for added color and light. This tree was featured last year in Romantic Homes Magazine.

My final tree-of-a-different-color was my navy blue one from 2014. People still tell me that this is their favorite IBC tree. (It’s definitely a favorite of mine, too.)

Here, I chose to stick with glass balls in a gradient effect. I started with dark blue at the bottom and worked my way to the top, ending with light green. Copper ornaments throughout tied it all together. If you’re ever hunting for great glass ornaments at a good price check HomeGoods. It’s one of my go-to sources every year for really beautiful ornaments.

I think a gradient effect is an especially fun way to decorate a tree. Last year, I did the same thing in my office. I started with red and worked my way up to light pink. That time I used copper and white to tie everything together.

Another popular non-traditional tree color is white. I’ve seen so many white trees popping up over the past couple years, but to be honest, I’m not mad about it.

Last year, my Adele-inspired Christmas tree was white and worked beautifully in my dining room. I struggled with that tree at first, but in the end, I couldn’t have been happier with it.

I am going to miss it this year. It popped against my dark gray walls.

I was also super excited to have this image featured in the current issue (December 2016) of HGTV Magazine. You’ll have to flip through the issue to see if you can find the photo.

Now, if you want to stick with a traditional green tree, but still mix things up a bit, I suggest looking for a flocked one. Within the past couple years, the demand for flocked trees has been incredible. I had my first flocked tree a couple years ago. I picked it up at Walmart in a moment of desperation. The quality wasn’t the best, but it did have the look I was after.

It’s no wonder that flocked trees have become popular. That snowy effect is magical.

And for all of you traditional tree lovers, have no fear, I created a few trees for you, too.

I called this tree, “Into the Woods.” It was inspired by a country cabin set among the trees. I still love that black and red check ribbon.

This tree continues to live on at my mom’s house. I’ve been recreating this exact tree for her for the past two years and will set it up again this year. However, I suspect she’ll soon be wanting something different, so I’m betting it’s the last year.

Last, but certainly not least, is my rainbow tree.

This is probably one of my most well-known trees. Here, I used all glass ornaments to create a gradient rainbow from top to bottom. Most of the ornaments are thrifted, but a few new ones are tucked in here and there. By my count, there are more than 300 glass balls on this tree. Pretty amazing, right?

However, given that most of these ornaments were purchased at HomeGoods and thrift shops, it’s an economical way to decorate a tree for big impact.

And that’s it. Three years and eight trees have yielded a fun and unique collection of holiday cheer. Don’t you agree? I hope you’ve enjoyed and been inspired by my creations.

Want More Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas?

If you’re still looking for my Christmas Tree Decorating ideas, you’re in luck! I have another post with 20+ Ideas for Beautiful and Festive Christmas Tree Decorations. You can find that HERE.

If you have ever recreated one of these looks (or plan to do so this year), please share it with me. Instagram is best. Tag me @inspiredbycharm and use the #myIBC so I can easily find it. I would absolutely love to see your tree.

In a few days, I’ll be back with some of my best tips for decorating a tree. Please stay tuned.

THIS POST HAS 30 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Best Christmas Songs: Classic Christmas Playlist

Holidays

Tuesday
Nov / 15 / 2016
Comments 6

This is my list of some of the Best Christmas Songs. A classic Christmas playlist that will put anyone and everyone in the holiday spirt.

It’s official. This past weekend I began listening to a few of the best Christmas songs with this classic Christmas playlist. And, #SorryNotSorry. Last week was a rough one for many reasons, so enjoying the weekend with holiday tunes and a bottle of wine was just what I needed. I actually started designing my Christmas decor as well. I set up two trees (sans ornaments) and came up with a plan. And of course, when you’re putting up your tree, Christmas music must be playing in the background. Right?

Best Christmas Songs:

When I went looking for music, I realized I had no Christmas music playlists. Since I only began my Tuesday Tunes series this year, I had to start from scratch. In compiling a playlist, I also realized that one would not be enough. I ended up making five. I know that sounds excessive, but it will make sense when it all comes together.

Over the next few weeks as we head toward Christmas, I’ll be sharing more of the five playlists here on IBC. In other words, if you like holiday music, you’re in for a treat! I’m also thinking about giving away a collection of my favorite holiday albums as part of this year’s 12 Days of Christmas. Whatever happens, there’s a lot of excitement to look forward to.

I’m fully aware that some of you aren’t quite ready for Christmas music. That’s okay. I get it. But, for those who want to start celebrating now, let’s do this!

To kick off this Tuesday Tunes holiday mini-series, I thought this classic Christmas playlist of some the best Christmas songs was in order.

These are songs some of the best Christmas songs from decades ago, such as Elvis singing Blue Christmas, Brenda Lee with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and The Beach Boys harmonizing on Little Saint Nick. As much as I enjoy contemporary sounds, there’s just something about these classics. They seem to have a magical way of stirring up that Christmas spirit in your heart.

More of the Best Christmas Song:

Best Christmas Songs: Classic Christmas Playlist:

You can listen to this Classic Christmas Playlist by using the playlist above or listen directly on Spotify by clicking here.

Subscribe to my Spotify profile for sneak listens to my upcoming holiday tracks as well as all of my non-holiday related jams.

What are some of your favorite Christmas oldies? I’d love to know. Leave them in the comments below.

THIS POST HAS 6 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

DIY Football Pizza Tailgate Party

Entertaining

Friday
Nov / 11 / 2016
Comments 10

This post is sponsored by DIGIORNO pizza. As always, all opinions are my own.

It seems that there’s an important football game on every day of the week during the fall and winter. What better way to celebrate then spending time with friends and family over food (especially pizza). No matter what the celebration, I always think it’s fun to have a few decorations and details that add to the festivities. So today, I’m inviting you to my DIY Football Pizza Party.

Not only are we going to dive into DIGIORNO pizza’s piping hot and crispy crust pizzas, but I’m going to give you four creative ideas to DIY your way to a festive football game-watching experience. Each of these ideas can be whipped up in under 20 or so minutes, which happens to be just about how long it takes to bake a DIGIORNO Original RISING CRUST pizza.

Since we have a lot to cover, let’s get right to it!

First, we’re going to make lettered football-themed napkins.

Lettered Football Napkins

For this project, your will need:
Lettered printable (It’s free! Download it here.)
Green cotton napkins
Fabric transfer sheets
Scissors

Begin by downloading the free printable. Then, print it on the fabric transfer sheets. Cut them into strips to fit your napkins.

Next, follow the directions on your particular fabric transfer sheet to transfer the design to each napkin. (This typically involves ironing your transfer sheet onto the fabric for about 2 minutes. Allow the sheet to cool, and then peel off the paper backing.)

It’s that simple. Your football-themed napkins are ready for the party!

Since these are iron-on transfers, you’re not just transferring the text you printed, but the whole strip. I used that to my advantage by cutting out a uniform strip and making it part of my design.

Also, while I’ve provided you with a free download of some common football terms, feel free to create your own with your favorite words, teams, or players.

With the napkins complete, we need something to serve the pizza. Let’s craft some custom football-themed pizza servers.

Football Pizza Servers

For this project, you will need:
Wood handled pizza server
Washi tape
Paint
Paint brush

Begin by taping off the metal part of the pizza server with washi tape. Then paint the wood handle a solid color. I chose green, white, and brown for my servers. Apply a second coat.

Once the paint is dry, it’s time for a design. On my server with the brown handle, I added laces like those on a football. On the white handled one, I made black stripes to mimic a referee’s shirt. On the green one, I put smaller stripes so that it resembled a football field.

Depending on your skill level, you can freehand the designs or use more washi tape to section off areas you’d like to paint.

Once the paint is dry, remove any washi tape, and your football-themed pizza servers are ready for duty.

I picked these plain servers up for a steal. I think they were only a couple dollars a piece. Adding a little paint is an easy way to jazz them up for a party.

My personal favorite is the football one!

Moving on to our third DIY project: After all the work, I think it’s time for a drink. Because you know how much I like garnishing things, let’s whip up some gold helmet drink stirrers.

Helmet Drink Stirrers

For this project, you will need:
Mini football helmets
Gold spray paint
E-6000 glue
Plastic drink stirrers

Begin by spray painting your mini helmets gold. (I recommend gold, but you can use any color you wish.)

Once they are painted (inside and out) and have completely dried, apply glue to the inside of the helmets and attach a drink stirrer to each. Allow the stirrers to dry for several hours before using them.

How cool are these!?

I promise your football-watching friends will get a kick of out them and congratulate you on your creativity.

Our fourth DIY project is a football and yard line-inspired garland.

Football Yard Line Garland

For this project, you will need:
Football and yard line printable (It’s free! Download it here.)
Scissors
Twine
Mini clothes pins

Begin by downloading the free printables. Print them out and use a scissors to cut out the footballs and yard line pendants.

Then, using the mini clothespins, attach them to your twine.

Touchdown! It’s that simple.

Hang the garland near your TV or use it to decorate your table.

Now to take your DIY Football Pizza Party over the top, use a roll of 12-inch craft paper for a table runner. Measure it to fit your table; then with a felt-tip marker, draw on x’s, o’s, and arrows as seen in a coach’s playbook.

Isn’t this a super simple way to add an interesting and fun detail to the best pizza party ever?

Now that the DIY portions of this party is complete, let’s have some pizza. I’m serving up DIGIORNO Original RISING CRUST Supreme, DIGIORNO Original RISING CRUST Pepperoni, and DIGIORNO Original RISING CRUST Three Meat pizzas. (Check out more of their delicious flavor combinations here.) DIGIORNO pizzas help you rise to the occasion because it comes piping hot and crispy, straight from your oven in minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time focused on the fun. Perfect!

Whether you’re the world’s most dedicated football fan or you’re just there for the pizza, I hope you picked up a creative idea or two for your very own DIY Football Pizza Party. Every day is game day. Go team!

For more delicious pizza varieties, head to DIGIORNO.com! Visit DIGIORNO Pizza on Pinterest for more entertaining inspiration. Follow DIGIORNO Pizza on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter too!

THIS POST HAS 10 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Tuesday Tunes / 15 – Celebrate Friendsgiving!

Life

Tuesday
Nov / 8 / 2016
Comments 3

Happy Friendsgiving!

Earlier today I shared a post with lots of tips for hosting a Friendsgiving celebration. As I set up the shoot last weekend, I had tunes playing in the background. Mostly, they were folksy acoustic jams that perfectly complemented the festivities. As I read through my post this morning, I kept thinking something was missing. I quickly realized it was the music!

As most of you know, music is an important part of my life. (One of the reasons for my Tuesday Tunes series!) To put together this Celebrate Friendsgiving! playlist, I compiled the tracks I was listening to over the weekend along with a few new favorites.

It’s a fun folksy mix of happy tunes that will make the ideal soundtrack for enjoying time with your friends. You’ll notice your foot tapping, but you’ll still be able to carry on a conversation. Yes!

And don’t worry, if you’re not hosting or attending Friendsgiving, this playlist will work just as well for Thanksgiving or even a chill afternoon or evening at home by yourself.

You can use the playlist above or listen directly on Spotify by clicking here.

If you’re enjoying my music selections, please subscribe to my profile for access to all of my favorite tracks, plus sneak listens to my upcoming Tuesday Tunes playlist.

I hope you have a happy, gratitude-filled holiday with your loved ones.

THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Tips for Celebrating Friendsgiving

Entertaining

Tuesday
Nov / 8 / 2016
Comments 13

This post is sponsored by 1-800-Flowers.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

During the holiday season, I love to gather with friends and family and celebrate with good food, cocktails, and conversation. That’s why today, I’m sharing my Tips for Celebrating Friendsgiving.

My friends over at 1-800-Flowers.com are also joining the festivities. They were kind enough to provide me with beautiful flower arrangements to help get my Friendsgiving party started. Did you know that they offer a huge variety of gorgeous blooms for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and the rest of the holiday season? Be sure to check out their entire selection here. (Also, pay attention to the end of this post for details on how you can enter to win an arrangement for your Friendsgiving celebration.)

In addition to all of that awesomeness, I’m super excited to be joining the Blogger Stylin’ Home Tour: Thanksgiving Table Edition. If you’re coming to IBC from your visit to A Designer at Home, welcome! Corinna’s bohemian-inspired tablescape is so fun! If you’d like to start at the beginning, click over to the The White Buffalo Styling Co., the host of the Blogger Stylin’ Home Tours (BHST).

As a stop on this BSHT, I’ll be showing you my own Friendsgiving tablescape and sharing tips and tricks for creating your own celebration.

In my opinion, the premise behind Friendsgiving is to have a relaxed and enjoyable meal with friends whose company you treasure. While Thanksgiving can often be a stressful day (especially if you’re the host), Friendsgiving should be fun and stress free. Let me walk you through some of my tips to help you achieve that.

As some of you probably know, I always recommend picking your color palette first when planning any event. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made when you entertain, and having a color scheme limits some of those choices immediately. It can even help with your food and beverage decisions. In choosing my colors, I pulled inspiration from the 1-800-Flowers.com Garden of Grandeur ™ for Fall arrangement. With pops of red, orange, green, and purple, it’s perfect for the season and my space.

For Friendsgiving, I recommend hosting a potluck. As the host, you cook the main course (in my case, roasted chicken), and ask each guest to bring a favorite dish of the season. Not only does this cut down on the work and expense for the host, but it also makes everyone feel a part of the celebration.

(Did you notice that I roasted my chicken upside down? In my defense, this was only the third whole bird I’ve ever cooked. I should just stick with appetizers and desserts, right?)

Another thing I love to do for any party is to create a signature cocktail. While it’s a good idea to also have several standard beverage options available, a signature cocktail gives your guests a chance to try something different. Plus, you can match the drink to the theme of your celebration.

For this celebration, I decided to make Apple Pie Moonshine. (Tomorrow I’ll be posting the recipe here on IBC.) I thought this drink would be just the thing for a group of friends since it’s typically served in shot glasses.

Offering a toast with friends can be an excellent opportunity to say the things we’re thankful for and to celebrate another year of friendship.

I also recommend that you start thinking now about some of the things you’ll need to host Friendsgiving instead of waiting to the night before your guests arrive. Check to make sure you have enough entertaining supplies, test your recipes (so you’re not roasting your chicken upside down on the big day), and stock up on ingredients. If you’re ordering flowers, place the order now so that it will arrive a day or two before your celebration. This will give your beautiful blooms a chance to open, and you’ll have less to worry about the day of the event.

I added a pair of the In Love with Fall Bouquets™ to my side board and bar cart to wrap the room in flowers. The gold vases had me the minute I saw them. You know how much I love gold.

Speaking of flowers, if you have a few greens or blooms left after you’ve styled your arrangement, don’t toss them. Gather up small bud vases and fill them with the extras. These mini-arrangements are perfect for your bar cart, the bathroom vanity, or any corner of your home that needs a bit of brightening.

Strive for excellence when entertaining, but remember to keep things simple. While you may want to have the most elaborate Friendsgiving, often less is more. Limit your menu, decorations, and even your guest list. With fewer things to plan, buy, and cook, entertaining becomes much less of a fuss.

Also, Friendsgiving is a great opportunity to do something fun, but not overly fancy with your décor. In that spirit, I opted to use chalkboard paper as a table runner. It’s the ideal place to list your menu, and then, during the meal, you can encourage friends to write messages to one another. Tapping into your inner child at Friendsgiving is one way to keep things lighthearted.

Also, don’t forget some tunes for your celebration. Create your own playlist, or check out my Tuesday Tunes: Celebrate Friendsgiving playlist here.

Keep in mind that a dinner party with friends shouldn’t break the bank. When purchasing décor and supplies for your gathering, mix in reusable items that you’ll want to keep for years to come. Also bring in things that are truly special and unique. Personalization and DIY projects are two ways to do this.

Finally, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. A stressed out or nervous host isn’t fun to be around. I recommend sitting down and having a cocktail (or a shot of Apple Pie Moonshine!) 5-10 minutes before the event starts. This allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and it gives you a chance to relax before guests arrive. After all, that’s what the holiday season is really about. There’s no sense in entertaining if you can’t enjoy the party, too!

I hope these tips and ideas are helpful for celebrating Friendsgiving and putting together your own unique tablescape.

If you’re hosting Friendsgiving and want the chance to add a beautiful 1-800-Flowers.com arrangement to your table, check out this Instagram where I explain all the details on how you can enter to win. Good luck, and happy Friendsgiving!

If you’re continuing on with the BSHT, click here to head on over to Nesting with Grace’s Thanksgiving celebration! Brooke’s table is looking fabulous. I’m loving her placards!

For more information about 1-800-Flowers.com or to place an order, visit their website. You can also find them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

THIS POST HAS 13 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Fall Harvest Overnight Oats

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 7 / 2016
Comments 11

Apple, cranberries, and seasonal spices come together to make this delicious Fall Harvest Overnight Oats. It’s the perfect recipe for busy fall mornings.

With the change of seasons, comes the chance for new breakfast dishes. Earlier this year I shared my recipe for Overnight Oats. Now that fall’s here, I’ve revisited my classic overnight oats recipe to take advantage of the flavors of autumn. Let’s dig into a bowl of Fall Harvest Overnight Oats.

I’ve been a fan of overnight oats for years. However, when I was introduced to them back in 2005, we called them muesli. Eleven years later, overnight night oats have become a breakfast staple for many.

In the fall, as temperatures start to cool, I often want something warm in the morning for breakfast. But I do have days when I crave my go-to overnight oats. That’s why I got the idea to incorporate some of my favorite hearty flavors: maple syrup, cranberries, apples, walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon to bring it all together.

How do you make Overnight Oats?

It’s really quite perfect. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this dish.

The best part about overnight oats is that you can use the ingredients and flavors you love. Don’t like walnuts? Try almonds. Not a fan of apple? How about pears? Mix it up until you find a combination worth waking up to.

Everything gets mixed up in a sealable container before you head off to bed. In the morning, it’s ready to serve straight from the refrigerator.

To make mine look a bit prettier (You know me.), I added extra apple slices, Greek yogurt, cranberries, and cinnamon. However, if you’re not looking to impress anyone or are tight on time, this step isn’t necessary. Just dive right in.

Looks pretty good, right? If you haven’t eaten overnight oats, I hope I’ve tempted you. Let us know if you give these Fall Harvest Overnight Oats a try.

What’s your go-to breakfast this time of year?

Fall Harvest Overnight Oats Recipe:

Fall Harvest Overnight Oats

Serves two

Here's what you will need:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 1/2 cups cashew milk (or almond milk)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup apple, thinly chopped
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons walnuts
Additional apple, cranberries, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon stick for garnish

To a container that has a lid, add the old-fashioned oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, cashew milk, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, dried cranberries, apple, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.

Divide the oat mixture into two bowls. Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and garnish with sliced apple, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.

THIS POST HAS 11 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

A Visit to Napa Valley

Travel

Thursday
Nov / 3 / 2016
Comments 13

Last week I traveled to San Francisco and Napa Valley for a blogger retreat. To my delight, fellow blogger, friend, and Fall-Cookie-Week-Partner, Julie Blanner had also been invited! Since it’s not every day that we get to travel across the country, Julie and I decided to extend the trip a couple days in order to explore Napa Valley.

Julie had been to Napa Valley before, but this was my first visit. Regardless, both of us were excited about visiting an area of the country that’s known for amazing wine and beautiful scenery. It had also been a couple years since we got to hang out in person, so that was the real joy of our time out there.

We decided to stay in downtown Napa at the The Westin Verasa Napa. Thanks to Westin’s generosity, we were able to get the media rate, which we both greatly appreciated. (Thanks Westin!)

The hotel is centrally located, making it a great starting and ending point for excursions into wine country. We also appreciated the complimentary afternoon wine tasting and tapas. I mean, who wouldn’t.

Despite a few rainy days (which didn’t bother either of us), Julie and I had a wonderful time in Napa. If you enjoy good wine and stunning views, I can’t recommend it enough. However, being that it was my first time there, I was surprised by a few things. Let me explain.

First off, if you’re looking to taste at any winery in Napa, you will typically need to make an appointment. This means that you must call ahead and get a reservation. We had no issues getting same-day or next-day reservations. However, if you have any must-visit-wineries, it’s smart to call ahead. Also, keep in mind that most open at 10 AM and close at 4 PM. I’d say you can probably visit 4 or 5 per day without feeling rushed.

Second, most of the wineries we visited in Napa charged a tasting fee. And I’m not talking $5. The fees ranged from $25 to $75. Coming from PA, that was a bit of sticker shot for me since most wine tastings in my part of the country are free or only cost a couple bucks.

With that being said, the price is well worth it. Not only are you tasting wines that cost from $35 to $300 per bottle, you’re also paying for the experience. In most instances, you are given your own table and a personal guide to walk you through the flight of wines. I actually found it to be a nice change from having to force down as many tastings as you can surrounded by people trying to do the same.

Another thing to note is that many wineries will waive the fee if you purchase wine. We often asked how many bottles or how much money we needed to spend to get the waiver. Some wineries will also print that information on their menu if you’re uncomfortable asking.

Also, while you are tasting, don’t be afraid to ask to try other wines that are on the menu, but not part of the tasting. In most cases, the winery will have a bottle open and be happy to offer a sample. The vintners want you to enjoy their wines, and given that everyone likes something different, they want you to find what pleases your palate.

I also recommend checking out a few wineries that aren’t necessarily mainstream. Julie and I stumbled on Madrigal Family Winery at the end of our first day. Because they weren’t crowded, the host, Alejandro, offered us a walking tour through the winery and vineyard. While it’s fun to visit wineries whose names you know, I love getting off the beaten path and trying something new. Yes, it’s riskier, but I find that’s often where the magic happens.

Of the wineries we visited, I have to give a shout out to a few of my favorites. They include Madrigal Family Wines, Frog’s Leap, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, and Larkmead. (I found the property at Larkmead to be especially beautiful!)

All in all, we had a fabulous experience in Napa, and I’m looking to a return trip very soon.

If you’d like more tips for visiting Napa Valley wineries, check out Julie’s recap of our experience here.

Have you been to Napa? What are your favorite wineries or suggestions for tastings?

THIS POST HAS 13 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Styling Your Thanksgiving Table (Thanksgiving Decorations)

Entertaining

Wednesday
Nov / 2 / 2016
Comments 12

Here are some festive and creative decorations for your Thanksgiving table.

As I mentioned last week, I’m going to start talking about the holidays now in hopes of getting ideas out there so you can implement the ones you like with less stress. So today I thought I would share some creative Thanksgiving table decorations if you wanted to add a simple festive touch to your Thanksgiving table. It really doesn’t take much to make it feel special and festive. Let’s get to it!

Thanksgiving Table Decorations:

Look to Nature

With Mother Nature putting on a colorful show, let’s start there for inspiration.

Something as simple as a few leaves and acorns can dress up a plate for the season. The bold colors of autumn leaves will make your table pop; plus they are free.

Apples can also be used. I had great success with them on my table during my Fall Home Tour. What made them extra special was that the stems and leaves were still attached. I was lucky enough to pick these from my own yard, but you can visit a local orchard or even glue a stem and leaves on a store-bought apple.

Craft a Personalized Tag

I recently made these fun and unique DIY Tag Banners as fall décor. Once I was finished with them for fall and Halloween, I realized they would make great tags for my table.

Each tag is simply adorned with a large foil alphabet sticker and tied to a rolled up napkin with twine. If you use letters that correspond to the initial of the first name of each of your guests, the tags can do double duty as place cards.

DIY a Cork Placemat

Speaking of DIY, if you’re looking to get more hands-on with your table décor, try whipping up these over-sized cork leaves. They can serve as placemats, a table runner, or even a trivet for hot foods.

However you use them, this simple DIY project is guaranteed to give chic seasonal style to your table. Get the full tutorial for these as well as free leaf templates here.

Stamp a Graphic Napkin

As I shared in a post a few weeks ago here on Design Happy, you can personalize your napkins using rubber stamps and ink. Learn how to make them here.

Whether you spell out the names of your guests, add a holiday greeting, or simply use a seasonal graphic such as leaves or pumpkins, this is a fun and easy way to bring a completely original touch to each place setting.

More Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas:

Make a Mini Rosemary Wreath

If you still have rosemary in your garden, why not create a mini wreath. All you need is floral wire, twine, and a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Simply tie the rosemary to the floral wire using a small piece of twine. Then, wrap the floral wire around the rosemary and shape it into a circle. Snip off any excess floral wire and tie the twine into a bow. With that, your mini wreath is complete.

These wreaths are beautiful, and so fragrant.

Add a Pop of Color with Wheat

If you prefer a more modern look for your table, try dressing up stalks of wheat with colorful embroidery floss.

You can find the full tutorial for how to create these.

Clustered in a vase, they make a colorful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Or you can lay one or two on top of a plate for a simple embellishment.

Eye-catching, right? I think this idea might be my favorite.

I hope you found one or two or maybe more of these Thanksgiving table decorations ideas useful or inspiriting for dressing up your own table this Thanksgiving. What traditional or creative ways do you deck out your place settings for the holidays?

THIS POST HAS 12 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

DIY No-Sew Passport Cover

DIY

Friday
Oct / 28 / 2016
Comments 9

This post is sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling with my passport, I’m constantly worried I’ll lose it. It’s such a thin, little book that I never quite know where to put it. I needed something to make it more substantial and easier to spot, and protect it at the same time. My solution: a DIY No-Sew Passport Cover.

This cover is simple to make, and it looks chic.

Now I can’t wait to take it with me when my mom and I go on our next Carnival Cruise. We have one scheduled for 2017, and we couldn’t be more excited. I booked us on the new Carnival Vista. (Have you seen the new ship? It looks amazing!)

Since I wasn’t in the mood to drag out my sewing machine for this project, I headed to the store to figure out a way to DIY a passport cover without sewing.

Can you tell what I used?

It’s a mend and repair denim patch kit!

These kits are available in a variety of denim colors, and they include a couple patches that are the right size for a passport cover. With their adhesive backing, the two patches can be ironed together. The colorful felt in between them creates a cozy and safe pocket for a passport.

Inspired by the DIY Felt Cable Organizers I made a couple months ago, I decided to add a snap to ensure the passport stayed inside.

Plus, now I have a little matching set of travel accessories.

In 10 minutes or so, you can whip up one of these passport covers too. Let me walk you through the steps.

Here’s what you will need:
Mend and repair denim patch kit
12 x 9″ piece of felt
Snap kit
Felt tip marker
Scissors
Hole punch
Iron
Hammer
Passport (as a guide)

For this project, make sure you find a mend and repair denim patch kit that includes two large patches backed with iron-on adhesive.

Using one patch as a pattern, trace the shape onto a piece of felt with a felt tip marker. Since you need two of the felt shape, first fold the large piece of felt in half. (This will allow you to cut out both of the shapes at one time.)

Next, using your passport as a guide, make three marks on the bottom and sides to show where the passport will sit in your pouch. These marks are necessary so you don’t trim off too much when cutting out the felt.

Now you’re ready to cut the felt. The top should be trimmed in line with the pattern you traced. For the sides and the bottom, you’ll want to cut in about a quarter-inch from the line.

As you can see below, doing this allows the adhesive on the sides and bottom of the patches to seal the pouch together. The top will stay open because the felt prevents it from sealing.

Next, you’re ready to iron. Stack the patches so that the two sides with the adhesive are together with the felt in between.

With your iron on the cotton setting (Do not use steam.), iron each area of the cover for 30-45 seconds. Do this on both sides. Pay special attention to the edges to make sure they are bonded.

By ironing, you will seal the edges as well as adhere the denim patches to the felt to create a felt pocket.

Next, using a pair of scissors, trim off any overhanging felt or uneven places along the edges of the denim patches.

Finally, attach the snaps. Use a hole punch to create a hole in the same spot on both layers of the material in the center about 1/2-inch down from the top. (I recommend inserting your passport into the pouch to find the best spot so your passport will fit when the snaps are closed.

When the holes have been made, you’re ready to attach the snaps. (Make sure your kit includes the tools required to attach the snaps.) Follow the instructions on your particular snap kit. This process is simple; just be sure to attach the snaps the correct way so that they will connect when closing your passport cover.

And with that, your DIY No-Sew Passport Cover is complete!

This cover is so cute and practical. Given the variety of colors of denim patches, felt, and snaps that are available today, you can come up with a combination to match your travel gear.

Plus, there’s room in the cover to tuck in other things such as cash, credit cards, or even your Carnival Sign and Sail card. (You will use this card for identification and to make purchases on the ship.) When you go on a Carnival cruise, it’s essential that you carry your passport and Sign and Sail Card with you when you exit the ship at any port of call. Having these items in one place is a great way to stay organized.

I decided to keep my DIY No-Sew Passport Cover plain on the front, but feel free to add accessories and embellishments. You could even dust off that BeDazzler in your closet. Have fun and make the cover your own.

I hope you enjoyed this DIY. Happy traveling!

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind. Head on over.

THIS POST HAS 9 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Ultimate Halloween Playlist (Tuesday Tunes)

Life

Tuesday
Oct / 25 / 2016
Comments 1

This Ultimate Halloween Playlist is the perfect collection of tunes for any halloween party!

Yes, Fright Night is less than a week away! To get all of us in the mood for tricks and treats, I thought a Tuesday Tunes playlist featuring quintessential spooky tracks and haunted favorites was in order.

Ultimate Halloween Playlist:

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, putting together your costume, or running errands to prepare for this ghoulish holiday, this Ultimate Halloween Playlist will certainly set the stage for a bewitching good time.

It’s been a few years since I attended a Halloween party, but I’ll be celebrating this coming weekend with my family. I’ve been having a lot of fun working on my costume. It’s in the style of steampunk. (In case you’re not familiar with steampunk, it’s a science-fiction/fantasy genre and design aesthetic inspired by the industrial steam-powered machinery of the Victorian era.) I’ve got myself a top hat, goggles, vest, leather accessories, piping, gears, etc. My costume combines purchased and homemade items. I’m pretty pumped about it.

Anywho, no matter how you celebrate this holiday, I hope this playlist serves you well. If you need a few last-minute Halloween décor ideas, check out the IBC archives here.

Ultiamte Halloween Playlist / Halloween Music:

You can use the playlist above to add a little eerie to the air or listen directly on Spotify by clicking here.

Be sure to subscribe to my profile for access to all of my favorite tunes along with sneak listens of forthcoming Tuesday Tunes.

Looking for more Halloween inspiration? Start here:

I really hope you enjoy this Ultimate Halloween Playlist! I’m certain these sounds add just the right creepy tone to your All Hallows’ Eve.

THIS POST HAS 1 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Tips for Getting a Head Start on the Holiday Season

Life

Monday
Oct / 24 / 2016
Comments 14

Okay, you might be thinking: “It’s October, and he’s already starting to talk about the holiday season.” In an ideal world, I wouldn’t bring up Christmas until after Thanksgiving. However, if I waited until then, many of the ideas, recipes, and DIYs I want to share would come too late and be rather useless.

With November on our heels, you can expect to start seeing a sprinkling of Christmas-related posts on IBC. If you don’t celebrate the holiday or have any interest in holiday talk until after Thanksgiving, please just keep scrolling. I don’t want to upset anyone by focusing on the holidays, but I do think we should be kind of used to the early start at this point. My holiday philosophy: Do what makes you happy, and be kind to others.

With all that being said, let’s get into this.

If you’re anything like me, come mid-December, holiday panic sets in. There are cookies to be made, gifts to be purchased, Christmas cards to be addressed, and lights to be strung. At one point, it seemed that you had all the time in the world to get ready, but then you blink and become a stressed-out mess because there are a million things to do and only days to do them. Well, that’s how it is for me. Maybe I’m just terrible at time management. (Maybe? Ha! I’m pretty terrible at time management.)

For the past couple years, I’ve haven’t fully enjoyed the holidays because I’ve been crazy busy baking, shopping, and decorating. This year, I want to change that by starting early. My goal is not to do more, but to spread out the tasks so that when the week of Christmas rolls around, I can relax in my pjs and stare at my Christmas lights while scarfing down cookies, watching Christmas movies, and spending lots of time with people I love.

Want to join me? These are my tips for getting a head start on the holidays.

Bake in Advance

Did you know that a lot of Christmas cookies and baked goods can be made ahead, frozen, and then defrosted when the holidays arrive? It’s true! So why not start now? Figure out which of your cookies are a pain to make, knock them out in November, and freeze them for later.

Yes, baking cookies is one of the things I especially enjoy doing during the Christmas season. However, I always reach a point (usually around the fifth recipe) when it’s no longer a joy. Baking a batch each week leading up to the holidays stretches out the pleasure and keeps it from becoming a burden.

Not sure what to bake? Check out all of IBC’s cookie recipes here.

Also, start shopping now for recipe ingredients and entertaining staples that won’t go bad over the next couple months: flour, sugar, alcohol, crackers, chips, etc. Imagine not having to run to the liquor store on Christmas Eve because you’re out of ingredients for White Russians.

Start those Holiday Cards

Sending holiday cards is a must for me and something I truly enjoy. But staying up until 2 AM on December 20 to get them out before Christmas isn’t so much fun. So why not start now while you binge watch your new favorite show on Netflix?

Even if you start by reorganizing your address book, writing out the envelopes, or placing your card order (Yep, most online card companies have their holiday line out already.), you can be two steps ahead and cut down on that last-minute frustration.

Begin Shopping

Going to a mall (or any store for that matter) during the month of December is probably one of my least favorite things. And that’s coming from someone who loves to shop. Over the past couple years, it seems that more and more people are rude and grumpy during the holidays, so being surrounded by hundreds of them while shopping just isn’t fun for me.

Start your gift buying now before the madness begins. I have a couple folks on my list who get the same thing each year, so I’ve already placed those orders. If you need little things, such as stocking stuffers, gift cards, or a gift for the mail carrier, start picking up those items now to eliminate a bit of the stress later.

Done shopping and need some creative wrapping ideas? Check out mine here.

Declutter

This is a big one. During the holidays, excess “stuff” seems to accumulate so now is the time to make room for it. Start by clearing off a couple closet shelves and emptying a drawer for overnight visitors. If you can, look through your seasonal decor and donate items you won’t be using. Go through your closet and get rid of any clothes that are damaged or don’t quite fit anymore. You can even clear the fridge and your cabinets of items that have expired.

Trust me, having all this newly discovered free space will help when lots of holiday “stuff” starts to pile up. Plus, you can prevent those Clark Griswold mishaps.

And that’s it, friends. It seems simple, but when the chaos starts, it’s easy to forget. I’m on a mission to be a happier, less-stressed person this holiday season so I can truly enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Won’t you join me?

What tips or tricks do you have for getting a jump on holiday preparations? Let us know in the comments below.

THIS POST HAS 14 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Recipes

Friday
Oct / 21 / 2016
Comments 12

Create a seasonal side dish that wows in both flavor and appearance with these Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins.

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins:

Did you know you can use mini pumpkins for cooking? Well you can, and they make the most adorable fall side dish ever. What do you think?

This post is sponsored by Mars SEEDS OF CHANGE® and Target.

This idea popped into my head after my friends over at SEEDS OF CHANGE® approached me about creating a seasonal recipe using their super tasty and Ready-to-Heat Rice. With plenty of mini pumpkins already on hand, I thought about what delicious combination of flavors to stuff inside them. Sausage, sweet onion, mushrooms, pecans, cranberries, kale, Parmigiano-Reggiano, seasonal spices, and of course, rice came together for a flavor combination that’s quintessentially fall.

Now stuff all of that goodness into a mini pumpkin, and what’s not to love?

While combining all of these flavors is bound to be delicious, this dish also wins on presentation. Who knew roasted mini pumpkins could look so tasty?

How to Make Stuffed Mini Pumpkins:

With a sharp knife, the tops of these mini pumpkins come off easily. I cut about 1/3 of the way down from the top.

Once you scoop out the seeds (which you can save for roasting), there’s plenty of room in these guys for stuffing. I decided to heap them with stuffing to get as much in there as I could.

The particular combination of flavors in this stuffing makes it especially good. With sweetness from the cranberries, crunch from the pecans, green color from the kale, and seasonal spices such as thyme and nutmeg, it’s the perfect savory complement to an autumn meal.

And don’t forget the pumpkin; you can eat that too. There’s not much in there, but it’s just enough to enjoy with the stuffing. Honestly, it’s almost a meal in itself.

Okay, enough pumpkin talk. Let me show you how to make them.

I can’t get over how adorable these stuffed mini pumpkins are. I’m in love.

I gave a few of them to my mom and grandma to enjoy for dinner, and they gave the pumpkins rave reviews. “Delicious! Very savory with the perfect seasonings.”

Happy cooking!

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkin Recipe:

Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pumpkin, rice, sausage, stuffed pumpkin

Servings:

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 4 mins

Total Time 24 mins

Pin It!

Create a seasonal side dish that wows in both flavor and appearance with these Sausage, Rice, and Cranberry Stuffed Mini Pumpkins.

Pin It!

Ingredients

8-10 mini pumpkins
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground pork sausage
3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1 cup roughly chopped crimini mushrooms
1/2 cup apple cider
1 cup chopped raw pecans
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup dried cranberries
1 package Seeds of Change Quinoa Brown and Red Rice - Brown and Red Rice
1 cup chopped kale leaves
1 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
Slice the tops off the mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. Rub the pumpkins and tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the pumpkins (with their tops on) on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkins are just tender.
Meanwhile, add a tablespoon of olive oil to a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook it well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drain off the grease and set the sausage aside.
In the same pan, add the onions and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add the apple cider to the pan. Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom with a wood spoon. Then add the pecans, nutmeg, and thyme. Cook until the liquid is slightly reduced (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Microwave the Seeds of Change Quinoa, Brown and Red Rice according to the package directions.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, onion, mushrooms, dried cranberries, rice, kale, and 3/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Transfer the pumpkin bottoms to a large cast-iron pan. Set the tops aside.
Stuff the pumpkins with the sausage, rice, and cranberry mixture. Heap the mixture on top of each pumpkin. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkins are soft and the stuffing is heated through.
Serve hot and place the pumpkin tops* back on the pumpkins.

Notes

*The tops can be warmed up on the same baking sheet by placing them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. They are mostly decorative.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 330kcal • Carbohydrates: 17g • Protein: 12g • Fat: 25g • Saturated Fat: 7g • Trans Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 39mg • Sodium: 453mg • Potassium: 342mg • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 11g • Vitamin A: 2770IU • Vitamin C: 12mg • Calcium: 154mg • Iron: 2mg

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 POST HAS 12 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

Recipes

Wednesday
Oct / 19 / 2016
Comments 9

A traditional Hot Toddy recipe gets a flavor upgrade inspired by classic apple pie. Seasoned with fresh apples and cinnamon, this Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy recipe is a tasty fall cocktail.

Apply Cinnamon Hot Toddy:

There’s nothing better than a warm beverage on a cool day. During the fall and winter, one of my new favorites is a delicious hot toddy recipe!

With cooler temperatures rolling in, I thought I’d amp up my warm beverage options and give a hot toddy a try.

Typically, I’m not a fan of bourbon or any kind of whiskey, although, between you and me, I wish I was. When I see people sipping a glass of bourbon on TV or in a movie, I think they look so sophisticated and commanding.

Anyway, I have tried a few drinks made with bourbon, and I do enjoy them a bit more than just drinking it straight up. So, inspired by my need for something warm and my desire to acquire a taste for bourbon, I created an Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy.

How to Make a Hot Toddy:

Mixed with cinnamon, maple syrup (Finding Home Farms, of course), and black tea, bourbon takes on a whole new life. And you know what, I love it!

In all honesty, this toddy is quite delicious and perfect for cooler weather. Plus, rumor has it that hot toddies are a great cure for a cold. Sick days just got a whole lot better.

What’s the best liquor for a Hot Toddy?

I prefer bourbon as my base hot toddy liquor. However, feel free to use what you love. Rum, brandy, or whiskey could all be excellent options. Use what you like best!

And for those of you who don’t imbibe, you can just substitute fresh apple cider for the bourbon. Yum!

Like this Hot Toddy Recipe? You love these Fall Cocktails:

Even if you’re not a big bourbon fan like me, I think you’ll like this hot toddy recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try.

Do you drink hot toddies? What’s your favorite thing to sip during the cold months?

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy Recipe:

Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple, cocktail, fall cocktail, hot toddy

Servings: cocktails

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Pin It!

A traditional Hot Toddy recipe gets a flavor upgrade inspired by classic apple pie. Seasoned with fresh apples and cinnamon this, Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy recipe is a tasty fall cocktail.

Pin It!