Spooktacular Halloween Snacks and Recipes #halloween #snacks #recipe #fall #dessert #appetizer #cocktail #drink #spooky

From cheese spiders to haunted pretzels and everything in between, this is my ultimate list of halloween snacks and recipes. Whether you want to trick or treat your guests to something delicious for Halloween, this list is ghoulishly good.

It’s unlikely anyone would ever accuse me of being Halloween obsessed, but I do enjoy the many creative opportunities that come with this fall holiday. One of the things I especially like is making Spooktacular Halloween Snacks to tantalize the eyes and palates of my friends and family.

Spooktacular Halloween Snacks and Recipes

In today’s post, I’ve rounded up Halloween snacks from Inspired by Charm that are a delight to prepare, serve, and eat or drink.

There are savory appetizers, sweet treats, refreshing libations, and some FREE Halloween goodies. Have fun experimenting and channeling your inner mad scientist like I did!

More Delicious Fall-Inspired Recipe Collections:

Let’s Start with Savory Halloween Snacks

Spooky Spider Cheeseball for Halloween #appetizer #recipe #halloween #snack #cheeseball #spooky

1. Spider Cheeseballs

Halloween fans of all ages will love these spiders made from goat cheese, cream cheese, onion, garlic, herbs, black sesame seeds, and pretzel sticks. They’re creepy, crawly, and delicious! Plus, they’re quick and easy to put together.

Everything Bagel Cheeseball Recipe - plus more delicious and easy dip recipes! #cheesesball #everythingbagel #fall #appetizer #cheese

2. Everything Bagel Cheeseball

Shaped into a pumpkin and rolled in Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, this flavorful cheeseball is a perfect Halloween snack. I prefer to serve mine with bagel chips (of course!), but pretzels, crackers, breadsticks, or crostini also work well.

Try this Cranberry Bacon & Walnut Cheeseball for a delicious and easy fall appetizer recipe. #fall #cheeseball #cranberry #bacon #appetizer #recipe

3. Cranberry, Bacon, and Walnut Cheeseball

Here’s another simple, beautiful, and tasty appetizer that’s just right for Halloween entertaining. Covered in chopped cranberries, parsley, and walnuts, this cheeseball will bring a bit of spooky chic to your party. To play up the macabre, I used a mini cleaver for garnish.

hand getting corn dip with Fritos.

4. Out-of-this-World Corn Dip

This is a classic IBC recipe that’s great for a get-together at Halloween or any time of the year. If you’ve never made this dip, now is the time to give it a try. You’ll understand why it’s gotten the name Corn Crack Dip.

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls #cheese #cheeseball #appetizer #recipe #halloween #fallrecipe #fallappetizer

5. Mini Pumpkin Cheeseballs

These Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls just might be the perfect appetizer for all of your fall and Halloween gatherings. Not only are they adorable, but they are quite delicious too!

Onto Sweet Halloween Treats!

Chocolate Skull Cake | #chocolate #skull #cake #halloween #dessert #recipe

6. Skull Cake

If there was ever a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the season, it’s this eerie skull-shaped chocolate cake. It’s covered with a white glaze and oozing ganache. I promise this spooktacular creation will wow your guests.

Spooky Halloween Pretzels on a plate.

7. Halloween Pretzels

These eerie Halloween Pretzels are a clever, tasty, and spooky snack that’s easy to make and perfect for your Halloween festivities. Chocolate-covered and yogurt-covered pretzels are filled with candy melts and topped with sprinkles to create a tasty snack that looks back at you. 

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

8. Sweet and Salt Fall Snack Mix

Sweet and salty come together in this delicious and easy-to-make fall snack mix. It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that is all treats with no tricks. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. 

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

9. Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Celebrate the season with this easy-to-make Creamy Pumpkin Dip. Made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and seasonal spices, this dip is creamy, fluffy, and full of fall pumpkin flavor. 

Chocolate Tombstone Snack Cakes - the perfect haunted Halloween dessert recipe. #halloween #cake #chocolate #snackcake #dessert #recipe

10. Chocolate Tombstone Snack Cakes

These attention-getting tombstone-shaped cakes are both delicious and a little spooky, making them an unBOOlievable Halloween snack. The center is filled with red marshmallow crème frosting. For added effect, you’ll also want to pipe frosting in some of the nooks and crannies of the tombstones.

Butterscotch Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars #cheerio #treatbars #pumpkin #pumpkinspice #fallbaking #fallcookie

11. Pumpkin Cheerio Treat Bars

If you’re looking for a Halloween snack that’s super easy and tasty, you can’t go wrong with these bars. Along with the usual ingredients for Cheerio treats, they contain butterscotch pieces and pumpkin pie spices. For a yummy finishing touch, generously drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Peanut ButtPeanut Butter Sprinkle Cookies #peanutbutter #sprinkle #chocolate #cookies #recipe #halloween #treat #snacker Sprinkle Cookies

12. Peanut Butter Sprinkle Cookies

This kid-friendly Halloween snack starts with a traditional peanut butter cookie that’s topped with a piece of dark chocolate. Once the chocolate melts and is spread, you just add seasonal sprinkles and mini-candies.

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on plates.

13. Halloween Gingerbread Cookies

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. 

Candy Corn Cream Wafer Cookies

14. Candy Corn Cream Wafers

These incredible sandwich cookies resemble candy corn. There’s a pale-yellow top layer, a darker yellow frosting in the middle, and an orange bottom layer. Yes, they taste as wonderful as they look.

S'mores Cookie Cups #smores #cookie #cookies #recipe #halloween #treat #snack

15. S’mores Cookie Cups

I made this hauntingly good sweet Halloween snack during one of my fall cookie weeks. Chocolate candy is sunk into a gooey marshmallow on top of a graham cracker cookie. It’s a bite-size s’more.

Cheers to Devilishly Good Halloween Drinks

Halloween Cocktails: 2 Ways #halloween #cocktail #recipe #drink
Halloween Cocktails: 2 Ways - Vampire's Kiss #cocktail #halloween #drink #martini #snack

16. Halloween Cocktails Two Ways

The first drink is a Vampire’s Kiss, which has a lemon martini base. Served in a glass rimmed with red gel frosting (including a couple of drips), it could easily be Count Dracula’s nightly cocktail.

The second libation is a Haunted Highball. It’s a white chocolate drink with a splash of hazelnut liqueur. I used a black dry-erase marker to draw eyes on the glass. Cute and oh-so-delicious!

Caramel Apple Cider Martini Recipe #fall #cocktail #martini #apple #caramel #applecider

17. Caramel Apple Martini

Easy and delicious, this Caramel Apple Martini is one of my favorite fall cocktails. The best part? You only need three ingredients to make it! I know this one isn’t Halloween-specific, but you could add a unique garnish to make it spooky.

Pumpkin Apple Ciders in glasses.

18. Pumpkin Apple Cider

What do you make when you’re craving pumpkin and apple cider? Well, this Pumpkin Apple Cider of course! Pumpkin, apple cider, and seasonal spices come together to create this warming and delicious fall beverage. Add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur and you’ve created a tasty fall libation!

Hot Apple Cider / Mulled Apple Cider

19. Hot Apple Cider

This delicious hot apple cider (also know as mulled apple cider) is an easy recipe that can be enjoyed by all. Made with apple cider and spiced to perfection, it’s the perfect drink for fall.

collage of four halloween cocktails in glasses.

More Halloween Cocktails

I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite Halloween cocktail recipes. You don’t want to miss it. You can find that post HERE.

Even More Halloween Tricks and Treats!

Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags #vintage #halloween #graphic #treat #treatbag #trickortreat #DIY

20. DIY Halloween Treat Bags

I love these vintage-inspired treat bags. They’re a fun and colorful way to share Halloween snacks or other age-appropriate treats, such as gift cards, money, lottery tickets, and small bottles of liquor (adults only). You can later upcycle the bags for storing small seasonal items. The post tells you how to get the free printable.

Free Halloween Recipe Card Printable download #halloween #recipecard #printable

21. Halloween Recipe Card Printables

If you’re looking for a special way to share any of these Halloween snack recipes, I also have FREE Halloween printable recipe cards. They are a perfectly ghoulish place to jot down your favorite treats and dishes for All Hallow’s Eve.

That’s a wrap on Halloween Snack Recipes!

I hope my compilation of Spooktackular Halloween Snacks (and FREE printables) helps you in planning and preparing for the holiday. Enjoy!

Happy Haunting!

LOVE THESE RECIPES AND WANT MORE?

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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.

From cheese spiders to haunted pretzels and everything in between, this is my ultimate list of halloween snacks and recipes. Whether you want to trick or treat your guests to something delicious for Halloween, this list is ghoulishly good. It’s unlikely anyone would ever accuse me of being Halloween obsessed, but I do enjoy the […]




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collage of Halloween Home Decor Ideas for Spooky Season

Eerie, gothic themes come alive in October. These Halloween home decor ideas will help you embrace your darker side while maintaining your love of style.

collage of Halloween Home Decor Ideas for Spooky Season

Are you feeling stuck and low on creativity? Do you love spooky DIY and Hallowen crafts but running out of inspiration?

This post is just what you need.

These Halloween home decor ideas are perfect for any space. Whether you want something mysterious and brooding or more whimsical and creative, these ideas are all over the Halloween spectrum.

FAQs about Halloween decor

Below are some questions people often ask about putting together stunning Halloween decor. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments and I’ll get back to you.

Where can I find affordable Halloween decor?

The best place to find affordable Halloween decor is at your local thrift shop. You can often find some amazing treasures! Upcycle things and turn them into your own favorite centerpieces.

How do I choose my Halloween theme?

The best way to choose your Halloween theme is to start with your favorite thing about Halloween. Do you like creepy things? Haunted houses? Skeletons? Pumpkins?

Then, choose a color scheme. Black and white is often the easiest to use. Add an accent color – like red – for a little pop!

Honestly, black, white, and silver are timeless Halloween colors. Colors follow trends each year. Sometimes different shades of green and blue will also appear in decoration themes. If you want to lean heavily on pumpkins in your decorating plan, you can’t go wrong with a classic orange!

Cute & spooky Halloween home decor

Scroll through the ideas in this list and pick out the ones that strike your fancy. You’ll find tutorials for your entryway, porch, mantel, and even some cute garlands to hang wherever your home needs a bit of flair.

Use this list to decorate your home for Halloween parties or to get your home into the Halloween spirit.

1. Boo-tiful Halloween mantel decor

If you have a mantel in your living room, then use my ghostly theme as your inspiration. It’s filled with ghosts, candles, and a lovely but simple piece of wall art.

This design is cohesive and looks elegant without being too cheesy.

ghost decor along a fireplace mantle

2. Witchy Halloween entryway decor

Don’t neglect your entryway as you decorate for Halloween. Adding a little witchy decor in these little spots is a simple way to spread the designs around your home.

The best thing about these small touches is how they seamlessly fit into the space! It looks like a witch actually lives in this home. From the black shoes to the broom and pointy hat, it’s just natural enough not to stand out too much.

witchy halloween home decor ideas

3. DIY jack-o-lantern garland

Maybe you aren’t as into the spookiness of Halloween, but you still want to decorate your home with something for the holiday. Jack-o-lanterns are cute and not at all scary.

This paper garland is the perfect thing to place on your mantel or to hang up in a child’s room. It’s playful without being too dark.

jack-o-lantern halloween home decor garland

4. Hocus Pocus Broom Company free printable

Changing the wall decor is one of the easiest ways to decorate for each new holiday, especially if you don’t have a mantel.

This free Halloween printable is a fun little way to bring some witchy themes to your walls. Set out some straw brooms with it to really make it pop.

Hocus Pocus Broom Company free printable for Halloween

5. Vintage-inspired Halloween treat bags

You can use these lovely Halloween treat bags to hand out to trick-or-treaters or set them on your table as a centerpiece.

They also make thoughtful hostess gifts. There are so many ways to use them—they are a must!

Vintage-Inspired Halloween Treat Bags

6. Spooky skeleton Halloween mantel

Skeletons are another perfect Halloween theme to use in your living room area. Design your mantel with an undead theme of different bones and skeletons.

This idea brings in some darker themes without making it so scary that it will freak out children.

skeleton arms with hands making a heart shape for spooky halloween home decor ideas

7. Halloween flower arrangement

I love making Halloween decorations that are more subtle. This Halloween flower arrangement is so understated that you have to look at it for a while before you see it – the skeleton hands!

skeleton hands as part of a floral arrangement centerpiece

8. Outdoor Halloween decorations

As you decorate the inside of your home, don’t forget about your porch and yard. You don’t have to go overboard and use tons of flashy lights. In fact, less is more.

These outdoor Halloween decorations are simple and beautiful at the same time.

silhouette of a witch and cat and assorted pumpkins in a front yard

9. Spooky chic Halloween table decorations

Impress your guests with a chic Halloween table setting. Every single detail is thoughtfully curated and works together perfectly.

From the centerpieces to the dishes, this is a table that is party-ready!

Halloween home decor ideas for your dinner table

10. Haunted Halloween decor

Are you a fan of haunted houses? Add a bit of inspiration from them into your house. These haunted house decorations will keep your home looking stylish and spooky all at the same time.

a black candelabra centerpiece

11. Wicked and eclectic Halloween table setting

Do you want a table setting that really gets comments? This one is for you! The large eyeballs, the black pumpkins, and even the dark red flowers all create an eerie vibe.

It’s the perfect table setting for Halloween parties that get people talking.

eyeball Halloween decor on a spiderweb covered table

12. Haunted Halloween table decor ideas

Bring in some spiders and even more black candles and create some stylish-but-creepy decor for Halloween. This is just creepy enough to be fun but not so over-the-top that it will really freak out your guests.

There are a lot of different details in these ideas. Find your favorites and use them on your own table settings.

gold pumpkin spider halloween home decor ideas

13. DIY Halloween paint can decor

Hey crafters, this one is for you! Paint a paint can and use it to hold an old wine bottle. It’s the perfect thing to use on a wine cart, side table, or bar. Use my idea for a saying, or create your own.

It’s a really easy and cheap way to create unique Halloween decor.

cute personalized halloween paint can craft

14. DIY tag banner

Short on time? Then make this simple banner. It’s bold enough to really make a huge statement, but it only takes minutes to put it together.

Host a craft night and make this craft together with friends or family. It’s such a wonderful fall banner for mantels or even a home office.

happy fall banner in Halloween colors

15. Black, white & blue Halloween mantel

At first, this mantel looks like it’s full of crows and spiders. Look closer, and you’ll see a bold black, white and blue theme that draws attention.

Read through the guide to pull out your favorite pieces and use them in your Halloween decorations.

black white and blue themed Halloween home decor mantel ideas

16. Succulent pumpkin planter

Since fall is the time when most plants go into “wintering” mode, the best way to incorporate greenery into your house is to use succulents. Fill a pumpkin with all your favorite plants and decorate it with a few plastic spiders.

This is a simple DIY Halloween craft you can use as a centerpiece or a DIY gift.

pumpkin and spider centerpiece for fall

17. Halloween Kitchen Decor Ideas

Gather some halloween decor inspiration for your kitchen! I’m inviting you into my butler’s pantry to share some spooky chic Halloween kitchen decor. I used ghost tealight holders and pumpkins to create a ghoulishly good display. 

18. DIY Acorn Acorn Squash

Turn an acorn squash into an extra large acorn. This is such a fun and easy project. I suppose it’s now halloween specific, but still a unique decor idea. Once you’re done with the decor, you can cook and eat the squash.

DIY Acorn Acorn Squash

19. Halloween Recipe Cards (Free Printable)

I love these Halloween recipe cards. You can print some out (for free) and have them available to share recipes all spooky season long.

I have two designs available as a free download. You can find those HERE and HERE.

Free Halloween Recipe Card Printable download #halloween #recipecard #printable

20. Spooktacular Halloween Snacks

I love when your menu doubles as decor. Thinks like my pumpkin shaped cheeseball, a chocolate skull cake, and even edible spiders make for a ghoulish good display that you can eat! You can find all of these ideas and more HERE.

Spooktacular Halloween Snacks and Recipes #halloween #snacks #recipe #fall #dessert #appetizer #cocktail #drink #spooky

21. DIY Feather Wreath

This DIY Feather Wreath would make a chic Halloween decoration. Feathers and other natural elements add style, pattern, and color to a rustic wreath. If you’re looking for a new and unique wreath to decorate your home for the spooky season, this is it! 

DIY Feather Wreath for Fall

That’s a wrap on Halloween decor ideas

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed browsing these Halloween decor ideas. They are unique, fun, and really easy. Anyone can have a stylish room this Halloween – you just need a little inspiration.

Love these ideas 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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Eerie, gothic themes come alive in October. These Halloween home decor ideas will help you embrace your darker side while maintaining your love of style. Are you feeling stuck and low on creativity? Do you love spooky DIY and Hallowen crafts but running out of inspiration? This post is just what you need. These Halloween […]




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tomato basil soup in a bowl.

You’re going to love this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and is loaded with rich, silky flavor. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes! This recipe also pairs perfectly with my ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.

Tomato Basil Soup in bowls with grilled cheese.

My Favorite Tomato Basil Soup:

I don’t know about you, but as the weather gets cooler I start craving comfort food recipes. One of my favorites is this creamy tomato basil soup. I will admit that I’m generally not a big soup fan, however, there are a few I love and this is one of them. 

I’ve been eating this tomato basil soup since I was a kid and couldn’t be more excited to share it with you today. 

tomato basil soup in a bowl.

I suppose that tomato soup might seem like an odd choice for fall, but this is the time of year when I’m craving soup. On cooler days I want something that will warm me from the inside out. This recipe does just that. 

It’s also worth mentioning that this recipe serves a crowd. In fact, the original recipe was double this amount; I cut it in half. This recipe is easy to adjust. You can divide it in half again if needed. 

Tomato Basil Soup in bowls with grilled cheese.

Why I Love This Soup:

This is one of my favorites for several reasons…

  • First and foremost, it’s the flavor. This soup is loaded with tomato flavor that is enhanced by fresh basil. It’s wonderfully creamy and rich too. 
  • Secondly, it’s quick and easy to make. Other than the basil, there is zero chopping required as you are simply adding things to a pot. You can have this soup ready in under 30 minutes. 
  • Finally, it’s an excuse to make grilled cheese sandwiches!! Talk about comfort food. My favorite grilled cheese is this ultimate grilled cheese sandwich (get the recipe HERE), but you can use any recipe that you like best. 
dipping Ultimate Grilled Cheese into tomato basil soup.

Before we get into the details of this soup recipe, I also wanted to mention that today I’m back with my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. We are all sharing our favorite soups and stews. If you’re looking for more cold-weather soups to try, be sure to check out all the yummy recipes I’ve linked at the end of this post. I’m certain you’ll find a couple of new recipes to enjoy. 

With all of that out of the way, I think it’s time to make some creamy tomato basil soup!  Let’s get to it. 

tomato basil soup in a bowl.

Ingredients: 

I love this tomato basil soup recipe because the ingredient list is pretty minimal, while still resulting in a really flavorful soup. Let me walk you through the list. 

  • tomato juice – You’ll want tomato juice that’s made with only tomatoes, not something like V8 which is made with additional vegetables. 
  • crushed tomatoes – I find the San Marzano crushed tomatoes to have the best flavor. They are readily available in several brands. 
  • heavy cream – This will add body and creaminess to the soup. If you want to save on calories, you can use light cream. Just know that the soup just won’t be as silky and rich. 
  • chopped basil – Fresh basil is a must. It adds a wonderful fresh flavor to this soup. Also, it enhances the tomatoes.
  • sugar – When I’m making this soup, I add about 1 cup of sugar. (I like my tomato-based dishes on the sweeter side.) I recommend starting with 1/2 cup sugar and adding more as needed. You may even be able to get away with less if you prefer your soup a bit more acidic. 
  • salt and pepper – These are a must for flavor. Adjust to your liking. You can even add a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. 
  • croutons – I think the best way to serve tomato soup is with a grilled cheese sandwich. You can find my Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe HERE. If you just want the soup, I recommend garnishing it with some homemade croutons. You can find my easy homemade crouton recipe HERE

And that’s it! Let’s get into the recipe! 

tomato basil soup in bowls with grilled cheese.

Recipe Instructions: 

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the tomato juice, crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
tomato basil soup in a pot.
  1. Add in the chopped basil and heavy cream. Stir to combine. 
  2. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 
  3. Cook for about five more minutes to heat through. 
  4. Serve hot and garnish with homemade croutons. 

The soup is on! 

tomato basil soup with grilled cheese.

Your creamy tomato basil soup is ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to Serve:

I know that I mentioned this above, but I wanted to share my two favorite ways of serving this tomato basil soup.

1. Alongside my ultimate grilled cheese sandwich! Even though both of these are standout recipes on their own, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a combination you’re going to be craving again and again. Get my ultimate grilled cheese recipe HERE.

dipping Ultimate Grilled Cheese into tomato basil soup.

2. Topped with homemade croutons. If you’re not super hungry or not in the mood for grilled cheese, I totally understand. If that’s the case, I recommend topping your soup with some homemade croutons. I recently shared my go-to crouton recipe HERE. They are also a wonderful complement to this soup recipe. 

Any extra soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or frozen in a freezer-friendly container. 

tomato basil soup in a bowl.

Enjoy! 

And that’s a wrap on this creamy tomato basil soup recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try and that you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Happy cooking! 

Tastes of the Season Soups and Stews:

Want more? You got it! Check out these delicious fall-inspired recipes from my blogger friends below. Curious about some of our other recipe collaborations?

Seasons of Home Soups and Stews

Minestrone Soup by Ella Claire & Co. | White Chicken Chili by Freutcake | Split Pea & Pumpkin Soup by French Country Cottage

Seasons of Home Soups and Stews

Turkey Chili with Pumpkin Cornbread by Zevy Joy | Tomato Basil Soup by Inspired by Charm | Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup by Handmade Farmhouse

Want more? You can find all of my Tastes of the Season recipes HERE

Tomato Basil Soup in bowls with grilled cheese.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Tomato Basil Soup

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: basil, soup, tomato soup
Servings: 24
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 25 mins
You’re going to love this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and is loaded with rich, silky flavor. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes! This recipe also pairs perfectly with my ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

  • 3 quarts 96 ounces total tomato juice
  • 3 cans - 28 ounces each crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sugar*
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 quart heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped basil
  • homemade croutons to garnish

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the tomato juice, crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add in the chopped basil and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about five more minutes to heat through.
  • Serve hot and garnish with homemade croutons.

Notes

*When I’m making this soup, I add about 1 cup of sugar. I like my tomato-based dishes on the sweeter side. I recommend starting with 1/2 cup sugar and adding more as needed. 
 
I find the San Marzano crushed tomatoes to be the best. I recommend using them in this recipe. 
 
You can find my recipe for homemade croutons HERE
 
You can find my recipe for ultimate grilled cheese HERE

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 407mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1151IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 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!

You’re going to love this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and is loaded with rich, silky flavor. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes! This recipe also pairs perfectly with my ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. My Favorite Tomato Basil Soup: I don’t know about […]




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stack of Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

Let’s take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by making it The Ultimate Grilled Cheese. I’m sharing my secret blend of ingredients to create an epic sandwich worthy of its name. 

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on a plate.

Let’s Make the Best Grilled Cheese:

I was brainstorming recipe ideas with my mom recently. I like to get outside input as to what might be good to share. One of the first things she suggested was this Ultimate Grilled Cheese. When she made it, she always paired it with the best tomato basil soup. You’ll want to grab that recipe HERE.

And yes, I added some of my homemade croutons to my soup as well because why not. Ha!

dipping Ultimate Grilled Cheese into tomato basil soup.
stack of Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

As soon as she mentioned the ultimate grilled cheese, I immediately went, “YES!” Honestly, it has been years since I’ve had this grilled cheese or tomato soup and I knew now would be the perfect time to share them since the weather is starting to get a little cooler. In my opinion, they are the perfect comfort food! 

Looking for more cheesy recipes? Try these:

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on a plate.

So, you might ask, “What makes it the ULTIMATE grilled cheese?

Well, it’s not just cheese and bread. It’s a combination of ingredients that add flavor, creaminess, cheesiness, and body to this sandwich. We’ll get into this more below. 

There are also a few tricks to making a really good grilled cheese.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese close up.

Some Frequently Ask Questions: 

Before I get into the recipe, here are some frequently asked questions when folks are making grilled cheese. 

What’s the secret to a good grilled cheese sandwich?

There are a few things I’d like you to consider when making a grilled cheese sandwich. 

  1. Start with fresh, soft bread. I head straight to the bakery, grab a fresh loaf and slice it myself. 
  2. Use quality cheese and cheese you love. Below, I’ll share the cheese I like for this ultimate grilled cheese, but feel free to substitute using one of your favorites. If you can, freshly shred your cheese. 
  3. Set your pan heat to medium-ish. Having your pan at the right temperature is really important especially if you’re making a thicker sandwich like this one. You want it to be warm enough so that it browns but not so hot that the bread burns before the cheese is melted.

Speaking of cheese… 

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on a plate.

What kind of cheese is best for grilled cheese? 

Whatever cheese you like! Seriously. If you’re not sure what cheese(s) you like, I generally reach for a cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for that beautiful stretch. Monterey jack and gruyère are great options too. 

ultimate grilled cheese sandwich on plate.

What can I put in a grilled cheese? 

Truth be told, I’m a purist and like my grilled cheese without extra items. However, If you’re looking for other things to add to your grilled cheese sandwich, I’ve listed some to consider. I think any of these additions would be delicious in a standard grilled cheese or this ultimate grilled cheese recipe. 

  • sliced or sun-dried tomato
  • caramelized onions
  • olives or olive tapenade
  • grilled vegetables
  • sauteed mushrooms
  • sliced apples
  • ham or other deli meats
  • bacon
  • pickles

Now that I’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions, let’s get into the details of this ultimate grilled cheese recipe. 

Ultimate Grilled Cheese cut on a plate.

What goes into the ultimate grilled cheese?

To get things started, here’s what you’ll need to put this sandwich together. I assume these ingredients are pretty self-explanatory. Essentially, the purpose of everything that is being added here is to create ultimate flavor and creaminess. In other words, the additional ingredients take the sandwich up a notch compared to just cheese and bread.

Ingredients:

  • cream cheese 
  • mayonnaise
  • shredded cheddar
  • shredded mozzarella
  • garlic powder 
  • seasoned salt
  • thick sliced Italian bread
  • butter 
stack of Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

How to Make:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. In a medium bowl add the cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon to evenly combine. 
Ultimate Grilled Cheese cheese mixture.
making Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.
  1. Divide the mixture evenly onto six pieces of thickly sliced Italian bread. 
  2. Top with the second piece of bread. 
  3. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.
buttered Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.
  1. In a lidded skillet over medium heat, toast the sandwiches for four to five minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted. 
  2. Use the lid for half or more of the cooking time to thoroughly melt the cheese. 
cooking Ultimate Grilled Cheese.
  1. Slice in half and serve immediately.

And that’s it.

You’re ready to enjoy your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. I highly recommend serving it with a big bowl of my creamy tomato basil soup for the best combination. I know you’re going to love it.

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on a plate.

Let’s Eat!

Please give this recipe a try. Pair it with the soup. All things consider, I think you’re going to be obsessed! 

dipping Ultimate Grilled Cheese into tomato basil soup.


It makes a great lunch for a group of friends or a wonderful dinner for your family. You can make the soup AND this ultimate grilled cheese in under 30 minutes. It’s that easy.

Enjoy and happy grilling!

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on plate with tomato soup.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled cheese, sandwich, tomato soup
Servings: 6
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Let’s take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by making it The Ultimate Grilled Cheese. I’m sharing my secret blend of ingredients to create an epic sandwich worthy of its name.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cream cheese - softened
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 2/3 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 12 slices Italian bread - thick sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl add the cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon to evenly combine.
  • Divide the mixture evenly onto six pieces of thick-sliced Italian bread. Top with the second piece of bread. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.
  • In a lidded skillet over medium heat, toast the sandwiches for four to five minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted. Use the lid for half or more of the cooking time to thoroughly melt the cheese.
  • Slice in half and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 658kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 17gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 803mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 696IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 248mgIron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Let’s take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by making it The Ultimate Grilled Cheese. I’m sharing my secret blend of ingredients to create an epic sandwich worthy of its name.  Let’s Make the Best Grilled Cheese: I was brainstorming recipe ideas with my mom recently. I like to get outside input […]




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lighting DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

Let’s dress up ordinary, everyday taper candles with colorful shapes. I’m showing you how simple it is to make these DIY decorative taper candles. You can design them to match any color scheme, holiday, or celebration. These candles are a unique and personal way to dress up any space or table. 

lit taper candles on a table.

Taper Candles: Boring to Bold

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about color and pattern. I’ve been feeling a need to add more of both to my home decor. I’ve also had the idea of making these DIY decorative taper candles lingering in my mind for quite some time. With both of these thoughts twirling in my brain, I was able to create some really unique, pretty, and colorful taper candles (that I’m quite honestly obsessed with). 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

Side note: In this post, I’m back with my Season of Home blogger friends for even more fall candlelight decorating inspiration.  Each of us is sharing how we use candles and their beautiful glow to create magic during the fall season. You really don’t want to miss any of these posts. This is one of my favorite posts that we do. I will link to the bloggers at the end of this post. 

These decorative taper candles might look familiar to you if you’ve been following my blog closely. I recently used them in my outdoor fall tablescape that I shared several weeks ago.

diy decorative taper candles for fall.
Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

When I was making these candles I had no intention of using them for the tablescape. In fact, I made these candles back in August when I hadn’t even decided on a plan for the table setting. It was quite serendipitous that my table incorporated many colors thus allowing these candles to be a perfect fit.

Want more fall DIY projects? Try these:

 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

Why I Love These DIY Taper Candles: 

Here are a few reasons why I love these candles and the things you need to make them. 

  1. While these candles work perfectly on my table, I’ve also used them throughout my home. They add such beautiful color and pattern … just what I was hoping for. 
  2. You can custom design them to suit YOUR tastes. Don’t like the leaf shapes, use circles. Want something more graphic, make stripes. Don’t like my color scheme, switch it up. 
  3. Give them as a gift. Wouldn’t these make a lovely gift? Tie them up in pairs of two with a piece of twine or string. Done!  
  4. Use this idea during a craft night with your friends. This project is so simple; anyone can do it. Get a group of friends together, whip up a delicious cocktail, and have fun crafting. 

Lots of good reasons, right? 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

Okay. Now, let’s get into the supply list and the instructions on how to assemble them. Ready? Let’s go. 

Supply List: 

You only need three things to craft these decorative taper candles. I’m going to walk you through the list. I’ve also shared links to the specific products I used to bring this project to life. 

supplies for DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

beeswax candles – You want to start with beeswax candles. Experience has taught me that this is very important to the project. I tried some candles that were not beeswax and I found that the sheets did not stick to them well. I used THESE candles. (They come in white HERE.) 

beeswax sheets – I bought mine HERE and HERE. I got two different sets, so I was able to have all of the color options, but one set would be plenty. 

various cookie cutters – Many of these I already had on hand from various other projects (most were from my cinnamon and sugar pie crust cookies). Some of the cookie cutters were a bit large, but they still worked. Pro tip: The smaller the cookie cutter, the better. If you’re ordering online, pay attention to the measurements. You can find the ones I used HERE and HERE. Again, you don’t need all of the sets, one is fine. 

How To Assemble: 

Below, I will walk you through the assembly process step-by-step. (Don’t worry; it’s easy.) I’ve also provided a printable supply list and instruction card at the end of this post. 

  1. Begin by selecting which colors of beeswax sheets you’d like to use. You can take inspiration from the season, a specific celebration, a sports team, a holiday, etc. 
  2. Then, use the cookie cutters to cut shapes from your beeswax sheets. I recommend doing this on a surface you don’t care much about because the process will leave some wax residue on your surface. Alternatively, you could work on a piece of parchment paper. 
cutting out beeswax sheets.
  1. Once all your shapes are cut out, pick up one piece and decide where you want to place it onto your taper candle. Set it in place. Then use your fingers to press the shape onto the candle. (I like the checked texture of the beeswax sheets so I focus more on pressing the edges down in order to save that texture.) Continue to press onto the candle until the shape feels well attached. As I mentioned above, I recommend using beeswax candles for the best adherence.
making decorative taper candles.
  1. Continue working around your candle with more shapes repeating the process until the candle is as full as you’d like it to be. 

Voila! You’re done. You can repeat the entire process with as many candles as you’d like. 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

All that’s left to do is …

Light and enjoy the results! 

And that’s it! Pretty simple, right? I told you! And, can you imagine the possibilities? Virtually endless. 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.
lighting taper candles on a table.

I couldn’t believe how easy this project was to complete. I’d say you could have a set of 12 candles finished in under an hour. (Maybe even quicker.) 

I hope you liked this project and are excited to give it a try. Thank you so much for joining me again today. 

DIY Decorative Taper Candles.

Before you click away… 

Seasons of Home Magical Fall by Candlelight:

… be sure to visit my Season of Home blogger friends and see how they used candlelight to add a little coziness and magic to their spaces. 

Seasons of Home Fall Candlelight
Seasons of Home Fall Candlelight

Free Printable Fall Candle Wraps by Ella Claire & Co. | DIY Inexpensive Fairy Light Lanterns by Handmade Farmhouse | Fall Picnic by Candlelight by Azure Farm

Autumn Candlelight Table by French Country Cottage | Magical Fall Candlelight by Zevy Joy | DIY Decorative Taper Candles by Inspired by Charm

Seasons of Home Fall Candlelight

Happy Crafting! 

Enjoy this project 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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

blown out candles on outdoor fall table.

DIY Decorative Taper Candles

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Handmade Gift, Home Decor Craft
Keyword: craft, diy, taper candles
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Let’s dress up ordinary, everyday taper candles with colorful shapes. I’m showing you how simple it is to make these DIY decorative taper candles. You can design them to match any color scheme, holiday, or celebration. These candles are a unique and personal way to dress up any space or table.

Ingredients

  • beeswax candles
  • beeswax sheets
  • various cookie cutters

Instructions

  • Begin by selecting which colors of beeswax sheets you’d like to use. You can take inspiration from the season, a specific celebration, a sports team, a holiday, etc.
  • Then use the cookie cutters to cut shapes from your beeswax sheets. I recommend doing this on a surface you don’t care much about because the process will leave some wax residue on your surface. Alternatively, you could work on a piece of parchment paper.
  • Once all your shapes are cut out, pick up one piece and find where you want to place it onto your taper candle. Set it in place. Then use your fingers to press the shape onto the candle. (I like the checked texture of the beeswax sheets, so I focus more on pressing the edges down in order to save that texture.) Continue to press onto the candle until the shape feels well attached. As I mentioned above, I recommend using beeswax candles for the best adherence.
  • Continue working around your candle with more shapes repeating the process until the candle is as full as you’d like it to be.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Let’s dress up ordinary, everyday taper candles with colorful shapes. I’m showing you how simple it is to make these DIY decorative taper candles. You can design them to match any color scheme, holiday, or celebration. These candles are a unique and personal way to dress up any space or table.  Taper Candles: Boring to […]




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Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

These spiced Applesauce Cupcakes make a delicious and easy treat for fall or any season for that matter. Moist and flavorful cake made with applesauce and spices is topped with the most luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting. You’re in for a treat! 

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

Decadent Cupcakes for Fall

I love yummy cakes for fall. Between cakes and cupcakes, I’ve shared several that were inspired by the autumn season. In this post, I’m adding another to the list with these Applesauce Cupcakes.

Because they are apple-based and spiced with traditional fall spices, I’d say these are best served in the fall and winter. However, I encourage you to be a rule breaker and make them any time you’d like. 

Applesauce Cupcake on a plate.
Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

The cake base of these applesauce cupcakes is moist and flavorful thanks to the applesauce and spices. I decided to take these over the top and really indulge by topping them with my new favorite frosting: brown butter cream cheese frosting. Friend, it’s a match made in heaven. SO GOOD! (You can find that recipe HERE.) 

To add a little color and flair I garnished each of these cupcakes with an apple slice. It’s simple but so effective! 

Love apple? Here are a few more tasty apple desserts:

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

I also had some of these adorable pumpkin picks that I found at HomeGoods last year, so I thought I would tuck those in as well. It instantly took these cupcakes from a fall dessert to a Halloween dessert. I like to give you options. Go fall or go Halloween. The choice is yours. 

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter for halloween.
Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter for halloween.

Either way, let’s make some applesauce cupcakes! 

Ingredients: 

I love that the ingredient list for this recipe is quite basic. I assume you’ll have most of these things in your kitchen already. Let’s run through the list to double-check.

  • unsalted butter
  • sugar
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • all-purpose flour 
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • ground cinnamon
  • apple pie spice
  • applesauce (I used cinnamon applesauce.)
  • apple slices (with lemon juice)
  • brown butter cream cheese frosting 
Applesauce Cupcakes on a plates.

How to Make These Cupcakes:

I’ll walk you through the steps here, but for your convenience, I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees F. 
  2. In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar. 
  3. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. 
  4. Beat in the vanilla. 
  5. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. 
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet alternating with the applesauce. 
  7. Mix until just combined. 
applesauce cupcake batter.
  1. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. 
  2. Fill each cup two-thirds full. 
making applesauce cupcakes.
  1. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 
  2. Allow to cool.
  3. Frost with brown butter cream cheese frosting. 
piping frosting onto cupcakes.
  1. Garnish with an apple slice.

Voila! Your applesauce cupcakes are ready to be served! 

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter for halloween.
Applesauce Cupcake on a plate.

I think they turned out so beautifully. Simple, flavorful, and ideal for the season. 

And how sweet are they with the cute little jack-o-lantern picks? LOVE! 

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter for halloween.

Now, a few notes before you start baking. 

Recipe Notes

If you don’t have apple pie spice, don’t panic. You can just use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Alternatively, you could even use pumpkin pie spice. (If you didn’t know, there’s no ‘pumpkin flavor’ in pumpkin pie spice.)

For this recipe, I’ve used my brown butter cream cheese frosting. I didn’t include the recipe for that in this post. You can find that frosting recipe HERE. I highly recommend this combination, but feel free to use whatever frosting you like best.

My applesauce cupcakes are garnished with sliced apples. I recommend splashing your apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Dry them off on a paper towel and insert them into your cupcakes just before serving.

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

Bake, Serve, and Enjoy!

That’s a wrap on these applesauce cupcakes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And wait until you try that brown butter cream cheese frosting. It’s pure bliss!
Happy Fall Baking!

Applesauce Cupcakes on a platter.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Applesauce Cupcake on a plate for halloween.

Applesauce Cupcakes

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cake, applesauce, brown butter, cream cheese frosting, cupcakes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
These spiced Applesauce Cupcakes make a delicious and easy treat for fall or any season for that matter. Moist and flavorful cake made with applesauce and spices is topped with the most luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting. You’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl (or bowl of a stand mixer) cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet alternating with the applesauce. Mix until just combined.
  • Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each cup two-thirds full. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool, then frost with brown butter cream cheese frosting. Use a piping bag and a large closed star tip. Garnish with an apple slice.

Notes

If you don’t have apple pie spice, don’t panic. You can just use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Alternatively, you could even use pumpkin pie spice.
For this recipe, I’ve used my brown butter cream cheese frosting. I didn’t include the recipe for that in this post. You can find that frosting recipe HERE. I highly recommend this combination, but feel free to use whatever frosting you like best.
I garnished my applesauce cupcakes with sliced apples. I recommend splashing your apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Dry them off on a paper towel and insert them into your cupcakes just before serving.
You can find the large closed star piping tip I used for this recipe HERE.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 338mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 203IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

These spiced Applesauce Cupcakes make a delicious and easy treat for fall or any season for that matter. Moist and flavorful cake made with applesauce and spices is topped with the most luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting. You’re in for a treat!  Decadent Cupcakes for Fall I love yummy cakes for fall. Between cakes […]




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collage of three halloween cocktails in glasses.

Spooky season is complete now that you have the best Halloween cocktail recipes to serve at your next fall party!

collage of four halloween cocktails in glasses.

The perfect cocktail sets the mood for any party you host. For Halloween parties, you need something with a festive color, design, flair, and flavor! These spooktacular cocktail recipes are all that and more.

You’ll find everything on the fall and Halloween spectrum here. From harvest-celebrating apple cocktails to delicious pumpkin drinks, all of these cocktails will fit in no matter what.

Easy Halloween cocktails

Bellinis, ciders, vodka drinks, and mules – even basic mixologists can serve and prepare these seasonal Halloween cocktail recipes. Most of the drinks on this list only have a few ingredients.

All of them are the perfect things to serve (and drink) in the fall and autumn months.

1. Hot Apple Cider

When you make this drink, it will fill your home with cozy holiday aromas. Mulled apple cider is spiced to perfection. Just follow the recipe, and you’ll have a perfect mug of cider every single time.

This recipe includes how to make it with or without alcohol.

glass mug that says Forever Fall in vinyl lettering filled with hot cider

2. Pumpkin Apple Cider

When you can’t decide between apple pie and pumpkin pie, make this tasty drink. Pumpkin apple cider is delicately spiked with either bourbon or apple liqueur for a tasty fall libation.

Stirring it with a cinnamon stick is the perfect way to enjoy it.

Pumpkin Apple Ciders in glasses.

3. Spooky Halloween Cocktails

Serve both Vampire’s Kiss and Haunted Highball at your next Halloween party. Both spooky cocktails are vodka based, but each has distinctly different looks and tastes.

Vampire’s Kiss is zesty and sweet, with orange liqueur, sugar, and lemon juice. The red dye around the rim looks like blood – a wonderfully eerie design for your party.

The haunted highball is quite different. The rich vanilla vodka, sweet white chocolate liqueur, white cream de cacao, and half and half make this a delightful dessert drink. The little ghost’s eyes and mouth are a must-add!

two halloween cocktail recipes - vampire's kiss and haunted highball

4. Caramel Apple Martini

Serve a caramel apple martini any time of year, but especially around apple harvest time in the fall. You’ll love the cinnamon sugar around the rim and the fact that this smooth cocktail only has three ingredients.

It’s the perfect thing to drink after spending time picking apples or at the pumpkin patch.

up close shot of an apple slice floating in a caramel apple martini

5. Frozen Old Fashioned Slush

This colorful adult slush drink has a bourbon base and a bunch of other ingredients that catapult the frozen old fashioned to stardom. You’ll want to make this every holiday.

The frozen orange juice concentrate, bitters, and cherry juice will remind you of your favorite Old Fashioned drink.

frozen old fashioned cocktail recipes for halloween

6. Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

Another way to reimagine the old fashioned is to add some apple cider and maple syrup. One taste and you’ll be making cider and maple old fashioned cocktails for your friends next.

This cocktail is perfect for anyone that thinks typical old fashioned drinks are too strong.

cider and maple old fashioned served over ice

7. Peach Raspberry Bellini

These lovely fall drinks are ideal for a fall brunch. The deep orange and red colors mimic the foliage that’s turning colors outside. Plus, a peach raspberry bellini has the fruitiest and sweetest flavors too.

Raspberry Peach Bellinis in glasses on table

8. Apple Pie Sangria

Diced red and white apples float in the copper mugs along with whole cinnamon sticks. You can tell just by looking at them that the apple pie sangria will have a sweet and spicy flavor. What you can’t see is the hidden kick it has from the wine and vodka.

copper mug full of apple pie sangria with chunks of apples floating on top

9. Pumpkin Spice White Russians

Another way to bring a fall twist to a classic drink is to stir together a pumpkin spice white Russian. It has all the same White Russian flavors you love – vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and half and half – but with some added pumpkin spice and a cinnamon stick to fancify it.

pumpkin spice white Russian halloween cocktails with lit candle in the background

10. Apple Cider Manhattan

Apple cider and bourbon both have rich, spicy flavors. It just makes sense to mix them together to create a fall cocktail. Apple cider Manhattans are elegant and fun to sip slowly at an elegant cocktail party.

fall flavored Manhattan served with a cherry on a cocktail skewer

11. Caramel Pear Cider

If you don’t normally enjoy pear flavors, let the caramel pear cider help you fall in love with it. It is delicately sweet with a ribbon of buttery caramel flavors that are entwined with notes of crisp apples.

Serve it hot with a cinnamon stick, and enjoy it on cold days.

halloween cocktail recipes for caramel pear cider

12. Pumpkin Old Fashioned

This fall drink is made with real pumpkin puree – not just the spice. You can taste the sweetness from the pumpkin as it mixes with the bold bourbon. Use black walnut bitters in the pumpkin old fashioned for some nutty undertones that enhance the citrus flavors.

pumpkin spin on an old fashioned drink served with a cinnamon stick

13. Apple Cider Sidecar

Mixing real apple cider with cognac gives you the ultimate fall libation. An apple cider sidecar is a festive fall cocktail that only has four simple ingredients.

Serve it in a showy cocktail glass, and it’s ready to serve.

apple cider sidecar halloween cocktail recipes in gold rim glass

14. Harvest Apple Mule

Do you enjoy Moscow mules? Then you will probably love this harvest apple mule. It tastes like an apple cider Moscow mule.

Even though Moscow Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs, you’ll want to show off the gorgeous ombre effect of this fall cocktail.

apple flavored mule in a clear glass

What to serve with Halloween cocktails

These 14 Halloween cocktails are the best fall drinks you’ll ever find. They all have the perfect balance of fall flavors mixed with familiar drinks.

As you plan your Halloween or fall party, put a few of these drinks on the menu, along with some creative and whimsical Halloween appetizers or snacks.

Make some cute Halloween pretzels – they take almost no effort and look almost too cute to eat. Halloween gingerbread cookies are just as adorable, but they take a bit more effort.

Spider cheeseballs are savory and work double as a table centerpiece.

For even more Halloween snack ideas, check out this Halloween food guide. It has everything you need in one place.

That’s a wrap on Halloween cocktails!

There you have it – the tastiest, most show-stopping spooktacular Halloween cocktails you will ever find! Whether you love apples or pumpkins more, there is something just for you on this list. Cheers!

Spooky season is complete now that you have the best Halloween cocktail recipes to serve at your next fall party! The perfect cocktail sets the mood for any party you host. For Halloween parties, you need something with a festive color, design, flair, and flavor! These spooktacular cocktail recipes are all that and more. You’ll […]




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kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

I’m inviting you into my butler’s pantry to share some spooky chic Halloween kitchen decor. I used ghost tealight holders and pumpkins to create a ghoulishly good display. 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

Step Into my Boo-tiful Pantry

Ready for some Halloween kitchen decor ideas? Good! You’ve come to the right place. I have a new display to share along with an assortment of other haunting ideas. 

So, I have this little collection of ghost tealight holders that I’ve been gathering over the past few years. (They are handmade and sold by Mollie Jenkins Pottery. She sells them once a year (usually in early August). You might remember that last year I created a Halloween mantel using them. (You can check that out HERE if you missed it.) 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

I love putting the ghost tealight holders on display every year and since I did a different mantel display in my family room this year (which you can see HERE), I was brainstorming where and how to use them.

Inspiration struck when I was in my kitchen one day and thought they would look perfect when spread out on the shelves in my pantry. I immediately got to work and created what I’m sharing with you today. I couldn’t be happier with the results. 

Want more details on my pantry? (Paint colors, decor, etc.) Check out my kitchen remodel post HERE. Curious how I decorate this space for Christmas? Check out this post HERE.

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.
kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.
kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.
kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

Pretty cool, right? I’m loving it. 

How do I decorate my kitchen for Halloween?

As I mentioned above, last week I showed you one of my fall mantel displays. In that post, I shared five principles of decorating.

Since these ideas can be applied to anything you’re decorating, I thought I’d walk you through them again here but with a focus on Halloween kitchen decor. Sound good? 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

1. Start With a Theme and/or an Inspiration Piece: 

It’s pretty obvious what my theme and inspiration are for this space: Halloween and my ghost tea light holders. I spread the ghosts out on the shelves in a sporadic, but thoughtful way. It took a couple of tweaks, but I think it looks pretty good! 

It was easy for me to figure out a color scheme.  While this wasn’t really necessary, it guided me as I picked out some pumpkins and a few other accessories to complete the look. 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

2. Shop Your Home First:

My goal for this Halloween kitchen decor was to use what I already had on hand. That’s exactly what I did. Other than purchasing a handful of small pumpkins and gourds, I spent nothing to put this together. If you get creative and use things in a different way, you’d be surprised at all the things you can do with your existing decor. 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

3. Add Seasonal Elements: 

My pantry shelves are pretty well stocked, so I didn’t need to add much. However, a few carefully placed pumpkins and gourds added to the seasonality of this display.

I also tucked in a brown transferware plate and a few copper pieces for a little added autumnal interest. 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

4. Make it Glow: 

This was easy. I just added tealight candles to my tea light holders. Done! Also, several weeks ago I picked up this double taper candle sconce that I hung right outside my pantry. It brought everything together.  

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.
kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

5. Add something Unexpected, Personal, and/or Quirky

As a final finishing touch, I tucked a few cast iron spiders around my display. They just added that extra touch of spookiness. There are lots of existing unique and personal elements in this space too. I have lots of vintage serveware and antique kitchen accessories that look fabulous no matter what the season. 

See how easy that was? Five steps to a beautifully styled space!

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

Side note: A New Door!

This is a bit random, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I got a new exterior door in my family room. You can see it here:

new door in living room.
kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

I had been wanting to replace the existing door for quite some time. I was having some windows and a door replaced in my basement studio so I just added this one in as well. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it looks. It added a ton more light to this room which then bleeds into the kitchen. This door matches the french doors that I added to my dining room during my kitchen renovation. 

Okay, let’s get back on track. Want more Halloween kitchen decor inspiration? You’ve got it! 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

More Halloween Kitchen Decor Ideas:

Even though I think this might be the first time I decorated my kitchen for Halloween, I do have a few other kitchen-related Halloween decor ideas that will add tricks and treats to your home. 

Style Your Table

I love a good Halloween-inspired tablescape. I’ve done a few here on the blog. You can set something like this up on your dining room table or even on your kitchen island/peninsula. Here are a few of my past tables for a little inspiration:

Vintage-Inspired Halloween Decorations / Tablescape

Bake Up a Deliciously Dead Treat

Putting a creepy dessert on display in your kitchen might be all you need. Check out my chocolate skull cake and tombstone snack cakes for some inspiration. (You can find a full list of my favorite Halloween snack recipes HERE.) 

Create a Creepy Appetizer

A few years ago I whipped up these spider cheese balls. They are still one of my favorites. Not only are they delicious, but they add the perfect amount of frightening flair. If you want something a bit chicer, check out my mini pumpkin cheese balls or everything bagel cheese ball

Spider Cheeseballs for Halloween Recipe

Style a Pumpkin Planter Centerpiece

This pumpkin planter centerpiece was a project I did in my old house. While that was quite a few years ago, I still love how it looks today. It’s an easy project with beautiful results. 

If you want more of a floral arrangement, I can help you with that too. Check out this post HERE

Display Hocus Pocus Inspired Art (FREE printable)

Last but not least, if you want to keep things really simple, I have a free printable that I know you’re going to love. It’s of a ‘Hocus Pocus Broom Co.’ chalkboard drawing I did.

It’s available as a free download. All you need to do is print, frame, and hang it. It doesn’t get any easier than that. You can find that HERE

Hocus Pocus Broom Co Halloween Free Printable #halloween #printable #hocuspocus #free #decor #witches

Happy Haunting! 

And that’s all the Halloween kitchen decor inspiration I have for you today. I hope I’ve given you some ideas to try in your own space. 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

Remember to just have fun with it. Halloween is one of those holidays where you can go crazy and silly with your decor. You might as well take advantage of it! 

Happy decorating! 

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

Enjoy this decorating idea 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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

kitchen butlers pantry decorated for halloween.

I’m inviting you into my butler’s pantry to share some spooky chic Halloween kitchen decor. I used ghost tealight holders and pumpkins to create a ghoulishly good display.  Step Into my Boo-tiful Pantry Ready for some Halloween kitchen decor ideas? Good! You’ve come to the right place. I have a new display to share along […]




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The BEST Lemon Drop Martini

This lemon drop martini provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It’s a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and the flavor is something everyone will love. 

Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.

Classic Lemon Drop Martini

Bust out some lemons because I’m going to teach you how to make a lemon drop martini. Over the years I’ve shared dozens of cocktail recipes here on Inspired by Charm. Recently, I’ve been trying to mix up some of the classic recipes for you. (There is a post dedicated to those HERE if you’re interested.) I think it’s helpful to have an idea of how to make the classics, as then you can let your creativity flow and turn them into something truly unique. 

I am a big fan of the lemon drop martini and often order it when I’m out for dinner or drinks. Why? 

  • I find the flavor to be light and refreshing. 
  • It’s an easy drinking martini. 
  • It is smooth but still bright and fresh. 

How bad can that be?

Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.
Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.

Even better, it’s an easy cocktail to make at home. You only need a few ingredients and you can shake a couple of these up in no time. 

Also, if your hosting a party and don’t want to be stuck making these all night, just whip up a big batch of the mix and allow your guests to shake one up whenever their glass is empty. 

looking for more classic cocktail recipes? Try these:

Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.

Want to give this lemon drop martini recipe a try? Here’s what you’ll need!

Ingredients:

You’ll need just a few really good ingredients for this recipe. I always recommend that when you’re making a recipe with only a few ingredients, you should use the highest quality you can find for optimum results. 

  • Vodka: Grey Goose or Tito’s is my go-to, but use what you love. 
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Please skip the little bottle of store-bought lemon juice. (You’ll thank me.) Fresh makes all the difference. 
  • Cointreau: Grand Marnier works here too. It adds great depth of flavor with an additional citrus element. 
  • Simple Syrup: A little sweetness softens the tartness of the fresh lemon. 
  • Superfine Sugar: Mixed with fresh lemon zest, this is the perfect tart meets sweet garnish for this libation. 
  • Lemon Zest and Twist: Since you’re juicing fresh lemons you might as well use the whole fruit. Before you juice, zest some of the lemon and use the rest to make lemon twists to garnish. 

Put into a nutshell, you simply need vodka, Cointreau, sugar, and lemons. That’s only four ingredients. Pretty easy, right? 

Oh and if you love these martini glasses (I do too!) you can find them HERE.

Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.
Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.
Lemon Drop Martini recipe #lemondrop #lemon #martini #cocktail #recipe #vodka #signaturecocktail

How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Mix together the sugar and lemon zest until well combined. 
  2. Rim a martini glass with the sugar and lemon zest mixture. Set aside.
rimming martini glass with lemon sugar.
  1. Add the vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 
  2. Shake vigorously. 
  3. Strain into a prepared martini glass. 
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist. 
Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.

Serve, sip, and enjoy! 
That’s it, my friend! It’s really that simple to whip up a lemon drop martini. I know you’re going to love the results.

Cheers! 

And that’s another classic cocktail to add to my collection. I know you’re going to love this one. It makes a brilliant signature martini recipe you can serve any time of the year. Make it your own with a different garnish, unique martini glasses, and/or some other fun element. 

Enjoy!  

Lemon Drop Martini in martini glass.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.

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Lemon Drop Martini

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon, lemon drop, martini
Servings: 1
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
This lemon drop martini provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It’s a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and the flavor is something everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • .5 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • .5 ounce simple syrup
  • superfine sugar + zest from a lemon
  • lemon twist

Instructions

  • On a small plate, mix together the sugar and lemon zest until well combined.
  • Run a lemon wedge along the edge of a martini glass to moisten. Dip into the sugar and lemon zest mixture and evenly coat the edge of the glass. Set aside.
  • Add the vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into a prepared martini glass.
  • Garnish with lemon twist.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
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 lemon drop martini provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It’s a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and the flavor is something everyone will love.  Classic Lemon Drop Martini Bust out some lemons because I’m going to teach you how to make a lemon drop martini. Over the years I’ve shared dozens […]




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The Best Pumpkin Recipes

‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. Below I’m sharing my favorite and the BEST pumpkin recipes for cookies, cocktails, cakes, donuts, pies, and more. There is something for everyone here.

the best pumpkin recipes pin

My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

It’s no secret that I love my pumpkin treats. Over the past 10 years here on Inspired by Charm, I’ve posted dozens of the BEST pumpkin recipes.

Before you ask, it’s impossible to choose an absolute favorite. That’s why I’ve pulled together this collection of the best pumpkin recipes for you to try. I recommend each and every one!

Here Are More Delicious Fall-Inspired Recipe Collections:

Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

FAQs about Pumpkin Recipes

Before we get into the recipes, I’m going to address some common questions I’ve received over the years of sharing these recipes. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

What makes a pumpkin recipe delicious?

Have you ever tried plain pumpkin puree? Whether it’s homemade or out of a can, it’s…not especially tasty. To me, what makes the best pumpkin recipes so wonderful is what you add to the pumpkin. Most notably, the spices.

My typical spices for any pumpkin recipe are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. There are others, such as cardamom, allspice, and peppercorn, but those first four are basically non-negotiable.

While most of the recipes in this collection are sweet, pumpkin is also a great addition to savory items. Pumpkin with sage, for example, is a wonderful combination. There’s a restaurant in my area that makes pumpkin ravioli with a sage butter sauce that is pure heaven.

Since it’s the spices that give pumpkin recipes the classic seasonal fall flavor we’ve all come to know and love, you can take many of your favorite recipes and give them a pumpkin upgrade.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

How do you make pure pumpkin taste good?

This depends on how you want it to taste. Are you in the mood for something sweet? Or maybe you want a savory recipe.

The best way to make pure pumpkin taste good is to make one of my 25 recipes shared in this post. You can make pumpkin mousse, French toast, or even use it in mac and cheese.

What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin?

When it comes to eating healthy pumpkin recipes, calories matter. Pumpkin is already really high in essential nutrients and vitamins. For the healthiest recipes, make anything that doesn’t use a lot of sugar. Try my pumpkin drinks or any of the savory recipes.

How long does pumpkin puree last?

Fresh pumpkin puree will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about one week. The same rule applies to the canned pumpkin puree that you opened.

The Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Traditional Pumpkin Recipes

Now let’s talk all things pumpkin! Here are the best pumpkin recipes on IBC!

1. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These are one of my go-to fall breakfast treats. While these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls require a little advanced planning, the results are more than worth it. Pumpkin perfection!

close up of pumpkin cinnamon rolls

2. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Speaking of cinnamon rolls, these pumpkin cinnamon roll cookies are another popular treat around here! I took inspiration from a cinnamon roll cookie recipe and added pumpkin and spices for spectacular fall flavor. It’s impossible to eat just one.

cinnamon roll inspired cookies with a fall twist

3. Pumpkin Old Fashioned

You can add pumpkin puree to cocktails, too. Here I shook up a classic old fashioned with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and a few other goodies. It’s a libation befitting the season.

close up of classic old fashioned cocktail with pumpkin puree mixed in

4. Pumpkin Spice Cream Horns

Cream Horns (also known as Lady Locks) are a beloved cookie in my family. For autumn, I took our classic recipe and tweaked the filling to add pumpkin and spices.

cream horn pastries on a cooling rack

5. Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Another classic I gave a pumpkin makeover to is French toast. I prepare this pumpkin French toast casserole recipe the night before, so there’s hardly any work in the morning!

pumpkin inspired French toast recipes

6. Pumpkin Tiramisu

In case you didn’t know…I am mad about desserts, and that includes tiramisu. Again, I took inspiration from the traditional recipe and added pumpkin and spices to whip up this seasonal version.

pumpkin tiramisu in a small clear glass sprinkled with chocolate flakes

Pumpkin Beverage Recipes

7. Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Made with real pumpkin, white chocolate, milk, and all your favorite fall spices, this pumpkin-inspired hot chocolate is a hands-down winner!

clear mug of white hot chocolate with fall spices on top

8. Frozen Pumpkin Pie Martini

Yes, you can even use pumpkin in cocktails! For fall, I’m saying go big or go home with this frozen pumpkin pie martini. It tastes like dessert in a drink. Trust me, this one is delicious.

close up of a fall inspired martini with graham cracker crust rim

9. Pumpkin Spice White Russians

The classic white Russian cocktail gets a fall twist with the help of pumpkin spice. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, these pumpkin spice white Russians are a delicious, creamy, and seasonal libation.

white Russian cocktail with cinnamon stick garnish

Classic Pumpkin Recipes

We’ve covered pumpkin-inspired variations of standard recipes. Now, let’s talk about classic pumpkin recipes. Most of these have long been go-to’s for me. If you also like the classics, these pumpkin recipes are for you, too.

10. Pumpkin Pie Bars

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 made with an oat crust and brown sugar pecan topping. These are a must-try!

classic pumpkin recipes - pumpkin pie bars on a platter

11. Really Good Pumpkin Bread

Everyone needs a really good pumpkin bread recipe in their back pocket. This is my go-to pumpkin bread. It’s moist and full of the pumpkin and spices many of us seem to crave when cooler weather finally rolls in.

loaf of pumpkin bread topped with icing and chopped pecans

12. Soft Pumpkin Cookies (Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies)

These pumpkin cookies are hands down my favorite pumpkin cookie – they are soft and covered with fluffy cream cheese frosting. S-o-o-o good!

I love them so much that I even created a pumpkin spice latte version with an espresso frosting!

cream cheese frosting and cinnamon atop pumpkin cookies

13. Pumpkin Bars

When I think of pumpkin desserts, pumpkin bars are one of the things that immediately come to mind. This is a recipe I make again and again because it’s a crowd-pleaser.

close up of simple iced pumpkin bars for pumpkin recipes

14. Pumpkin Cake with Crumb Topping

This pumpkin cake with crumb topping is a newer recipe here on Inspired by Charm. It’s a deliciously moist cake with a crunchy topping. It’s great for breakfast or a late afternoon treat.

slice of moist pumpkin cake on a plate

15. Pumpkin Slab Pie

This is my take on classic pumpkin pie. It contains the same ingredients but is made in a sheet pan instead of a pie dish. The polka dot-inspired topping gives it a modern touch.

pumpkin slab pie made on a sheet pan for more modern pumpkin recipes

16. Pumpkin Muffins with Maple Glaze

There are lots of pumpkin muffin recipes out there, but what I especially like about this one is that it’s simple. For your efforts, you get a delectable pumpkin cake covered in a sweet maple glaze.

maple glazed fall inspired muffins on a cake stand

17. Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Any respectable list of pumpkin recipes needs to include a pumpkin donut, right? These donuts are baked because why mess with frying when it’s not necessary for out-of-this-world flavor?

cinnamon sugar coated pumpkin donuts recipes

Unique Pumpkin Recipes

Now that we’ve covered classic pumpkin recipes, plus how to turn your favorite recipes into pumpkin recipes, it’s time to get creative with our pumpkin endeavors. These are a few of my favorite unique pumpkin recipes.

18. Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread

Let’s start this section off with a bang. This pumpkin recipe comprises layers of freshly made bread separated by brown sugar, pumpkin, and cinnamon. You cannot go wrong!

pumpkin bread pulled apart into pieces

19. Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

I’m not sure if this pumpkin recipe is unique, but it certainly is delicious. Because it’s so easy to make, baked pumpkin oatmeal has become a fall staple at Bayberry House, especially when I have overnight guests.

20. Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

This pumpkin pie ice cream was developed for those days in the fall when it feels like summer outside. In addition to its rich pumpkin flavor, this ice cream has pie crust flakes mixed into it. Love that crunch!

bowl of classic pie flavored ice cream with crust flakes on top

21. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Frosting

In my opinion, whoopie pies are highly underrated, and this pumpkin version is no exception. These remind me of cupcakes, except they have a better distribution of frosting. Who doesn’t want frosting in every bite?!

spiced whoopie pie dessert with cream cheese filling

22. Glazed Pumpkin Donut Muffins

I realize we’ve covered donuts and muffins already, but this is what you get when you marry the two. When you can’t decide whether you want a donut or a muffin, these glazed pumpkin donut muffins are the answer.

combining two pumpkin recipes to make a donut muffin

23. Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding

If you’re looking for a tasty pumpkin-inspired dessert recipe, this Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding, made with cinnamon raisin bagels, is a winner. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for an amazing fall treat.

Pecan Pumpkin Bread Pudding #fallbaking #dessert #recipe #breadpudding #pumpkin #pumpkinspice #fall

24. Cranberry Pumpkin Bars

Tart cranberries and a brown butter cream cheese frosting make these Cranberry Pumpkin Bars an epic fall dessert. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly fall, you’re going to love this seasonal treat. 

Cranberry Pumpkin Bars on platter.

25. Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Celebrate the season with this easy-to-make Creamy Pumpkin Dip. Made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and seasonal spices, this dip is creamy, fluffy, and full of fall pumpkin flavor. 

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

26. Pumpkin Snack Cake

This Pumpkin Snack Cake is a delicious and moist fall dessert that’s loaded with pumpkin flavor, sprinkled with chocolate toffee bites, and finished with a sweet cream cheese drizzle. If you need a quick, easy, and flavorful fall dessert treat, this recipe is for you! 

pumpkin snack cake on plate.

27. Aunt Maggie’s Pumpkin Roll

When I think of quintessential fall desserts, a Pumpkin Roll always comes to mind. This is 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?

The Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe

28. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Classic pumpkin quick bread is taken to the next level with a creamy and tangy cream cheese swirl right through the center. This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl will quickly become your new and preferred fall sweet treat.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl #fallbaking #pumpkinspice #pumpkinbread #pumpkin #quickbread #creamcheese #dessert #recipe #fall

29. Pumpkin Pasties / Hand Pies

Whether you call them Pumpkin Pasties or Pumpkin Hand Pies, these English-inspired sweet treats make a delightful fall dessert. With a delicious pumpkin pie filling, cinnamon crust, and a sweet, spiced glaze there’s plenty to love about this autumn dessert.

Pumpkin Pasties on a plate.

Savory Pumpkin Recipes

The final pumpkin recipes in this collection are savory ones.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the recipe for the pumpkin ravioli with sage butter sauce mentioned above (yet!), but I do have two savory pumpkin recipes I think you’ll enjoy.

30. Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini

This Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini is an easy and tasty fall dinner idea you can whip up with little time or effort. Store-bought tortellini is coated in a cheesy and creamy pumpkin sauce that will have you going back for seconds. 

Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini serve on plates and in a pan.

31. Sausage Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

I love a dish with a wow factor. These cranberry and sausage stuffed mini pumpkins taste great, and they will totally impress your guests.

32. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Last but certainly not least is my pumpkin mac and cheese with bacon. It’s the perfect side (or a full meal) for fall. So many favorites in one dish!

a dutch oven full of garnished mac and cheese

That’s a Wrap on the BEST Pumpkin Recipes!

I hope you love all of these recipes as much as I do. As you can see, I wasn’t kidding when I said there’s a pumpkin recipe for everyone.

What’s your favorite pumpkin-inspired recipe? Is there something I need to taste-test or make?

LOVE THESE RECIPES 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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Cranberry Pumpkin Bar Recipe on a platter.

‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. Below I’m sharing my favorite and the BEST pumpkin recipes for cookies, cocktails, cakes, donuts, pies, and more. There is something for everyone here. My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes It’s no secret that I love my pumpkin treats. Over the past 10 years here on Inspired by Charm, I’ve […]




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fox painting above fall mantel.

Inspired by a reproduction artwork of a fox, my fall mantel decor is styled with seasonal colors, vintage finds, cozy candlelight, and a few well-placed pumpkins. I’m sharing the look with you as well as my thought process for putting it all together. 

fox inspired fall mantel decor above sofa.

Let’s Decorate a Fall Mantel: 

We are doing some fall decorating today! Autumn really snuck up on me this year, so I feel a little behind on adding seasonal touches to my home. I’m not going all out this year, but I did want to make a few changes here and there. In this post, I’m inviting you back into my family room to share my foxy fall mantel decor. 

I thought it might be helpful to not only show you my fall mantel decor but to also share some tips for how I go about decorating something like this and the “why” behind the decisions I make. I’ll also walk you through all of the elements I used in order to give you ideas for your own home.

Sound good? Let’s get to it. 

Want to seem more fall mantel decor ideas? Try these:

fall mantel decor with fox painting and candles.

How do I decorate my mantel in the fall?

Before we get into the exact items I used for my foxy fall mantel decor, I’ll break down the process I used for decorating my mantel for the autumn season.

1. Start With a Theme and/or an Inspiration Piece: 

Every year I try to do something different with this mantel. I seem to go back and forth between fall and Halloween. Since I went spooky last year, I decided to stick with a more traditional fall decor this year. Once I knew that I set off hunting for inspiration. I went to one of my favorite artists, Lindsay Letters, to see if she might have something new for fall. In less than 30 seconds I found my inspiration. This ‘Foxy on the Run’ vintage art reproduction was perfection! 

fox painting above a mantel.

2. Shop Your Home First: 

With my main focal point found, I shopped my home for anything that could fit with it. The fox made me think of vintage elements and touches of nature, so that’s where I started. (Below, I’ll get more into the details of the items I used.) Try lots of things. You have nothing to lose. Experiment with your items in different ways and arrangements.

close up of fall mantel decor.

3. Add Seasonal Elements: 

With a few key pieces in place, start to sprinkle in some seasonal elements. For fall think about things like wood, bark, dried flowers, apples, pumpkins, etc. 

fox inspired fall mantel decor above sofa.

4. Make it Glow: 

In the fall and winter months, candles are a MUST for me in all of my decorating. A candle instantly makes things feel warm and cozy. The flickering flame also adds movement and life to your mantel. 

candle on fall mantel decor.

5. Add something Unexpected, Personal, and/or Quirky:

Above all else, you’ll want your decor to represent you and what you love. So, be sure to add something different that only you would do. And don’t overthink it either. Keep it simple and fun. Here I added in a vintage gold party horn I just picked up at an antique store. It has nothing to do with anything else here other than it fits in with my colors and vintage vibe. It’s a conversation piece. I also found a vintage matchbox holder which is both unexpected and functional. 

fox inspired fall mantel decor above sofa.

Additional Fall Mantel Decor Tips:

Here are a few other things you can consider when decorating a fall mantel or any space in general. 

  • Mix Up Textures: If your display feels flat, try adding some different textures. Things like rattan and wicker are great for fall. You can even be thinking about the sheen of an object here too. Maybe you need something glass for sparkle or something leather for softness.
  • Add in an Unexpected Pop of Color: I didn’t really do that in this display, but sometimes an accent of unexpected color can make things pop. 
fall mantel decor ideas.
  • Incorporate a Botanical or Natural Element: Almost every styling moment can benefit from plants, flowers, or other natural elements. Before I tucked in the leaves here, my fall mantel decor seemed a little blah. The leaves brought it to life. 
  • Repetition with Variety: I heard about this concept in a recent art class I took. The teacher was applying it to setting up a still life to paint.  I thought the concept was perfectly applicable to decorating your home as well. When you style a vignette, it helps to repeat elements (colors, objects, textures, etc.) but with a little variety mixed in. For example, I used books throughout but they are different in color, thickness, etc. I used pumpkins but they are of different shapes and colors. The color orange was repeated throughout all the elements, but I used it in a variety of tones. Does this make sense?

Okay. I think we’re ready to dive into these ideas a little deeper, here’s what I came up with for this fall mantel.

Simple Fall Decor Ideas:

Foxy on the Run Artwork: 

I talked about this above, but since it was the inspiration for my fall mantel decor I thought it was worth mentioning again. I was thrilled to find this piece. It captured the exact esthetic and feel I wanted for this room. In fact, I may even leave this up all year long as I love it that much. Again, this is from the always fabulous and uber-talented Linsday Letters. You know I’m a big fan of her art and have/had many of her pieces in my home. 

You can shop for this piece HERE. The size I purchased was 40×18. I got it with the gallery walnut frame. I not only used this for the overall vintage and natural feel, but I used it to pull the orange, cream, and brown colors into the rest of my decor as well. 

fox painting above mantel on brick wall.

Wrought Iron Taper Candle Sconces: 

I actually bought these in the spring and never hung them. (Unfortunately, they are no longer sold.)  They sat on my mantel for months. Part of the issue was I didn’t know how to attach a heavy (and sometimes flammable item) to brick. 

My new fox artwork gave me the motivation to figure it out. I ended up finding these masonry nails that worked perfectly in the mortar between the bricks. They gave me a secure hold and I got my sconces hung. I knew that I wanted to give my mantel a glow of candlelight and this was a wonderful way to do it. 

Vintage Books: 

I’ve been picking up vintage books at thrift and antique stores when I’m out and about. They are great for adding height, texture, and color.  I have a good collection of different colors, so I grabbed everything that matched my color palette and used them here. 

I ended up facing some of the books with the spine forward and some of them with the pages forward. The spines gave me color and the pages gave me a pop of light color that match the fox artwork. 

fall mantel decor accessories.

Dried Leaves: 

I have been using these preserved leaves for years. I love these because they are real leaves that have been preserved, not plastic reproductions. I think it gives a much nicer look.

I found a set I loved on Etsy a few years back, but they are no longer sold. However, you can find some HERE and HERE. I’ve also seen them at places like HomeGoods and TJMaxx. 

Vintage Match Holder and Matches: 

I recently found this adorable brass matchbox holder while antiquing. At another store, I picked up this floral patterned matchbox. Together, the two act as a beautiful and unique decorative element. I love that they are functional too! There’s no need to look for matches or a lighter when I’m ready to light my candles. 

vintage brass matchbox holder.

Wicker-Wrapped Bottles: 

I have a small collection of these wicker-wrapped bottles and demijohns. I usually have them in my dining room, but I decided to switch things up and add them here. I love the color and texture they add to my fall mantel decor. 

Pumpkins/Gourds: 

I picked up a few dozen of my favorite mini pumpkins at a local farm stand. While I love the classic orange pumpkins, the color can be a little aggressive with the rest of my decor. That’s why I opted for these more subdued oranges and whites. Small pumpkins like these are ideal for a narrow mantel. 

close up of pumpkins on fall mantel.

Rattan Pumpkin: 

I picked up a couple of these at Joann. I can’t seem to find them online now, but you may be able to grab one in-store. They are a classic style/design that will stand the test of time. Again, these add great natural color and texture. 

And that’s it! My Fox Fall Mantel is complete and ready to be enjoyed all season long. Now I just need some cooler temperatures to roll in so I can light a fire in my fireplace to really set the mood! 

close up of fall mantel decorations.

Now Get Decorating:

Phew! That was a lot. Ha!

I hope you found it more helpful than overwhelming. My goal was to share my fall mantel decor and walk you through my design process so you would feel comfortable and confident to tackle your own. 

fall mantel decor ideas.
fall mantel decor with fox painting and candles.

As always, thank you for joining me back in my home. It’s always a pleasure to have you here. 

Happy Fall Decorating! 

Enjoy this decorating idea and want more?

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fox inspired fall mantel decor above sofa.

Inspired by a reproduction artwork of a fox, my fall mantel decor is styled with seasonal colors, vintage finds, cozy candlelight, and a few well-placed pumpkins. I’m sharing the look with you as well as my thought process for putting it all together.  Let’s Decorate a Fall Mantel:  We are doing some fall decorating today! […]




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Tasty and Cozy Fall Appetizer Recipes

Pumpkin, pecans, apple, and cranberry—yup, all your favorite fall flavors are all here! These easy fall appetizers are as delicious as they are fun to look at and show off.

Tasty and Cozy Fall Appetizer Recipes

Let’s be honest. Fall parties have all the best decor and food. As the leaves turn colors and the air gets cold, the soft, oversized sweaters come out, and the parties go indoors. It’s one of my favorite seasons for a good reason.

Whenever I host parties in the fall, I try to provide plenty of things for people to talk about…including the appetizers. Be forewarned: all the appetizers on this list are so beautiful that everyone will ask you how you made them!

The best secret of all? These apps are all super easy to make! You can prepare them without breaking a sweat, giving you more time to set up fall decor and pick out your outfit.

Tools you may need to make fall appetizers

The exact tools you will want to reach for will vary depending on the recipe you are making. But these are the go-to staples I recommend every aspiring baker or chef keep on hand.

After all, you never know when you need to whip up a batch of fancy appetizers.

  • Serving tray or platters – I love white platters as they allow the food to stand out. In particular, I’m a fan of the Curato platters and the Cambridge platters for their clean lines!
  • Serving bowls – I always get compliments on this bowl.
  • Cutting boards – they are functional, but also are perfect for serving food. I tend to reach for vintage cutting boards because I love the added patina.
  • Cake stand – if you thought cake stands were just for cake, think again! Stands like this marble and wood one are great for adding visual interest and different heights to your appetizer table.

The best fall appetizers

Okay, now on to my favorite fall appetizer recipes! Each of these has been served at parties I’ve hosted here at Bayberry House and have been absolute smash hits. Your guests will love them too!

1. Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

In a rainbow of fall colors, these individually-sized pumpkin-shaped cheese balls beg for guests to pick them up. The colors come from a variety of different spices on each one. Some are coated in nacho cheese Doritos, others in black sesame seeds.

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls on platter.

2. Pumpkin-Shaped Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

While I love the cute mini size, your cheeseball doesn’t have to be small. Make a larger pumpkin-shaped cheeseball, and it’ll become the centerpiece of your appetizer table.

This cheeseball is made with a combination of cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Then, it is covered in salty and nutty everything bagel seasoning. Everyone will love it!

Everything Bagel Cheeseball on plate.

3. Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix

This parmesan snack mix is a lot of fun to make because there are a variety of different ways to customize it. Add pretzels, nuts, or your favorite snack crackers – it’s all up to you. Plus, everyone loves ranch!

Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix in bowl.

4. Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups

These turkey bacon cranberry roll-ups work for fall or winter parties. The sweet and tart cranberries contrast beautifully with the mild cream cheese and salty bacon.

Turkey Bacon Cranberry Roll-Ups on plate.

5. Baked Caramelized Onion Dip

Just looking at all that melted cheese will make your guests drool! This cheesy onion dip is the perfect savory appetizer to place on the table among all the sweet fare you set out. Everyone will be crowded around the dip, especially if you surround it with slices of toasty baguette.

Baked Caramelized Onion Dip in pan.

6. Baked Delicata Rings

How about something healthy-ish? These baked delicata rings have an herb-crusted breading and are served with a zesty dipping sauce. They taste like onion rings but are made from delicata squash.

hand dipping Baked Delicata Rings into Creamy Herb Dip.

7. Cranberry Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

You can thank the iconic holiday song lyrics “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” if you can’t help but think of Christmas when you see chestnuts. But why not bring the chestnuts out early? These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are so addicting.

When you wrap them in bacon and smother them in a sweet and spicy chili cranberry sauce, there is nothing like them.

Cranberry Bacon Wrapped WCranberry Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnutsater Chestnuts on platter.

8. Cheddar Bacon Cheeseball

Fall is apple harvest season, so serving up cheeseballs that look like apples makes sense. These adorable cheeseballs are filled with bacon and cheddar cheese. Then, each one is coated in different spices for fun color.

They are one of the easiest appetizers you can make and get the most compliments.

Cheddar Bacon Cheeseball shaped like apples.

9. Beer Cheese Dip With Bacon

Dips are one of the simplest fall appetizers you can make for parties. This beer dip reminds me of Oktoberfest, so it’s the perfect thing to serve at an autumn bash.

When you top it with bacon and green onions, you elevate it to the status of a loaded potato. This dip will disappear in no time.

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon in bowl with pretzel bites.

10. Cinnamon Pecans and Walnuts

Candied nuts are a staple at any party, no matter the season. But, the cinnamon flavors on these pecans and walnuts are what make them perfect for fall parties. This homemade version is so much tastier than any variety you’ll buy in the store.

Cinnamon Pecans and Walnuts in bowl.

11. Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

Caramel apples are another iconic fall dessert. This deconstructed caramel apple dip is a really easy way to eat this dessert without making a mess. The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, so it’s a perfect last-minute appetizer idea too.

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread on plate.

12. Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball

The bright and bold flavors of this Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball Recipe are sure to delight your guests. Plus, the pumpkin shape is so cute! It’s the perfect autumn appetizer!

Sun-Dried Tomato Cheeseball

13. Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, watching the big game, or just having friends/family over to hang, you’re going to love these Buffalo and Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Buffalo Meatballs

14. Jalapeño Popper Dip

A classic appetizer but in dip form, this Jalapeño Popper Dip is creamy, spicy, and has a bit of crunch thanks to a parmesan panko topping. This is an appetizer dip you’re going to look for any excuse to make. 

alapeño Popper Dip in dish with hand scooping dip.

FAQs about easy fall appetizers

Below are some questions people often ask about making the best cozy fall appetizers. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What are the most popular fall flavors?

You can always count on pumpkin and apples to be the most popular fall flavors every year. Cinnamon and cranberries are also really popular during the season. Any type of pork is popular, too – mostly ham and bacon.

How many appetizers should I make?

How many appetizers you need to make depends on how many guests you expect. I always overdo it and make way more appetizers than anyone could possibly eat. But, it’s always better to make too much food than to run out.

If you are making single-serving apps or finger foods, try to plan for at least two pieces per person.

How do you make appetizers single-serving for guests?

A lot of appetizer recipes (like dips) are served in one container. This could be problematic for anyone that needs to control the spread of germs, or just prefers to have individual portions ready to go.

In those cases, place the dip in 2-ounce cups and set them out on individual plates with a set amount of crackers or toasted baguette slices on each plate.

That’s a wrap on fall appetizers!

And that’s it… for now. I hope you set aside time to do some fall entertaining this season. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite fall appetizer is or which one of my cozy fall appetizers you’d most like to try.

Pumpkin, pecans, apple, and cranberry—yup, all your favorite fall flavors are all here! These easy fall appetizers are as delicious as they are fun to look at and show off. Let’s be honest. Fall parties have all the best decor and food. As the leaves turn colors and the air gets cold, the soft, oversized […]




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Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.

It wouldn’t be fall without apple pie. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and sweet way to celebrate the season. With a homemade pie crust, fresh apple filling, and salted caramel that you can hold in your hand, what’s not to love?

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.

As Sweet as Pie

I think I share a new pie recipe here on Inspired by Charm every fall. This year we’re making these Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies. I thought we’d mix it up and try something different and I’m so glad that I did. I couldn’t love these pies more. 

Not only are they delicious, but they look adorable too. I used THIS hand pie maker to shape and cut the pie dough. It was a bit fussy (I’ve explained more below), but it ended up working out. 

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket and on plates.
Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies on plates with hand above.

I also used my homemade pie crust recipe which you can find HERE. I find it pretty quick and easy to make my own crust and it’s much better than the store-bought. However, there’s no shame in using store-bought as it will work great too. 

I want to mention this wonderful vintage picnic basket pie carrier that I got while I was out thrifting. Isn’t it perfect for these apple hand pies? I decided to style them in it and I think they look so cute. You’re all ready for a fall picnic, outdoor party, tailgate, or even movie night on the couch. I love taking a few extra easy steps to make things look special. 

Want more apple recipes for fall? Try these:

hand holding Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pie.

Ready to give these salted caramel apple hand pies a try? Let’s get into the kitchen, put on our aprons, and get to work. 

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl stir together the apple, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. 
apple pie filling in bowl.
  1. If using homemade dough, roll out your dough to a 1/8-inch thickness.
  2. Use a mini pie maker to cut out your pie dough. 
cutting out pie crust into a circle.
  1. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of one round.
  2. Add a bit of the chopped caramel candies on top of the filling. Sprinkle with sea salt. 
making Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in mold.
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg mixture over the edges of the dough.
  2. Add another circle of dough to the top. Crimp the ends together with the pocket pie maker or use a fork. 
  3. Transfer the pies to your prepared baking pans.
Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies on baking sheet.
  1. Brush the top of the pies with the remaining egg mixture. 
  2. Sprinkle with sanding sugar.
  3. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. 
  4. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. 

That’s it! Your pies are complete and ready to be enjoyed. 

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.
Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket and on plates.

Recipe Notes and Variations:

There are a few things I wanted to mention to help you along with this salted caramel apple hand pies recipe.

  • I used the larger square caramels for this recipe. You could also use these little caramel bits. I think they still sell them. It would be easier to just throw a few of these into your pies rather than unwrapping and cutting the larger caramels. 
  • I wrote the directions incorporating the mini pie mold that I used. However, the cutting process can easily be done with a 4-inch round cutter. Follow the same steps, just use a fork to crimp the ends together. 
Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.
  • I found using one of these hand pie makers to be a little fidgety. It didn’t always seal the two pie layers today. In the end, everything worked out (as you can see). I only had two pies that leaked. So, if you decide to use it, just be aware it requires some patience. 
  • You can find my homemade pie crust recipe HERE
hand holding Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pie.

Happy Pie Baking!

You’re definitely going to want to add these salted caramel apple hand pies to your fall baking list. They’re tasty, so cute, and perfect for the autumn season. 

Enjoy them? I’d love to know! Be sure to stop back and leave a message and a five-star rating in the comment section below. 

Happy Fall Y’all! 

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.
Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies in picnic basket.

Salted Caramel-Apple Hand Pies

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple pie, fall baking, hand pie, salted caramel
Servings: 12
Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 1 hr
It wouldn’t be fall without apple pie. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and sweet way to celebrate the season. With a homemade pie crust, fresh apple filling, and salted caramel that you can hold in your hand, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

  • 2 granny smith apples - cored, peeled, and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 packages store bought pie crusts - or make homemade (my recipe is linked below.)
  • 8 soft caramels* - roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt
  • 1 large egg
  • sanding sugar

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl stir together the apple, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
  • Use a pocket pie maker to cut out your pie dough. (Alternatively, you can use a 4-inch circle cookie cutter to cut out the dough**.)
  • Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of one round.
  • Add a bit of the chopped caramel candies on top of the filling. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg mixture over the edges of the dough.
  • Add another circle of dough to the top. Crimp the ends together with the pocket pie maker or by using a fork.
  • Transfer the pies to your prepared baking pans.
  • Brush the top of the pies with the remaining egg mixture. If you’re not using the lattice cut side of the cutter, cut a couple of small slits into the top of each pie. Sprinkle with sanding sugar.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the pies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Notes

*I used the larger square caramels for this recipe. You could also use the little caramel bits. I think they still sell them. It would be easier to just throw a few of these into your pies rather than unwrapping and cutting the larger caramels.
**I wrote the directions incorporating the hand pie cutter that I used. However, the cutting process can easily be done with a 4-inch round cutter. Follow the same steps, just use a fork to crimp the ends together.
I found the mold that I used to be a little fidgety. (You can find it HERE.) It didn’t always seal the two pie layers today. In the end, everything worked out (as you can see). I only had two pies that leaked. So, if you decide to use the hand pie maker, just be aware it requires some patience.
You can find my homemade pie crust recipe HERE. You would need to double it for this recipe. 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 254mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 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!

It wouldn’t be fall without apple pie. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies are a delicious and sweet way to celebrate the season. With a homemade pie crust, fresh apple filling, and salted caramel that you can hold in your hand, what’s not to love? As Sweet as Pie I think I share a new […]




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Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas - Unique, Colorful, and Traditional Christmas Trees #christmas #christmastree #tree #decor #decorating #holiday #christmasdecor #treedecorations

If you’ve been reading IBC for a while, you’ll know I’m crazy about Christmas. Inspired by some of my previous holiday decorating adventures, I thought I’d highlight some beautiful Christmas tree decorations today!

This post is filled with years worth of Christmas tree decorating ideas. Some of my all-time favorite memories are showcased below!

christmas tree decorating ideas pinterest image

I hope you find this post helpful if you’re looking to update your tree decor or are planning a completely new look. After blogging for almost nine years, I have plenty of Christmas tree decorations to share.

Would you believe I’ve decorated almost 20 different trees since I started my blog? (I said I was Christmas crazy!) Although I can’t show you every tree, the following Christmas tree decorations are among my favorites.

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Be sure to check out the list below.

The ultimate Christmas idea and recipe resource list

(Also, you can click on any image or link in green for more information about all of these trees.)

Must-have Christmas tree decorations

As you’ll see below, I’m a big fan of changing my decor yearly, and that includes my Christmas trees. However, there are certainly some staples I recommend for every tree:

  • Lights – whether you opt for a fux tree or a real one, lights are my number-one must have on a tree. I prefer a warm white strand, but choose whatever speaks to you.
  • Ornaments – this is the fun part! There are so many colors, shapes, and varieties out there. I tend to do a mix of vintage and new ornaments and usually choose a theme to stick to. You’ll see some great examples below!
  • Garland – this is one decorating tool I feel is seriously underrated. There are so many fun garlands out there! It’s an inexpensive way to make your tree pop.
  • Ribbon – I’m a huge fan of ribbon on a Christmas tree. So much so that I wrote an entire tutorial on how to add ribbon to your Christmas tree.
  • Tree skirt – don’t skip this step! Skirts add texture and coziness to your space.
  • Presents – yes, gifts totally count as Christmas tree decorations! They can create quite the visual impact, and it’s good motivation to get your holiday shopping done early. 😉 I have an entire post filled with creative ideas for Christmas wrapping to get you started.

Finally, I do believe in taking time to plan out your Christmas decor for your home (including your tree). If you want a great step-by-step tutorial with lots of ideas and practicals, check out this post on how I plan my Christmas decor.

Snowy Pinecone Christmas Tree
Snowy Pinecone Christmas Tree (See more HERE.)

FAQs about Christmas tree decorating ideas

Now that you know some of my favorite Christmas tree decorating ideas, here are some questions people often ask about decorating their own trees. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

How do you decorate a simple Christmas tree?

The best way to keep a Christmas tree simple is just to use some ribbon and a few ornaments of the same color. You can even keep it really minimal by only adding ribbon to the tree and letting the dark green colors stand out, like in the image below.

I always recommend you either purchase a pre-lit tree or add lights to your tree, however. The best part of a Christmas tree is seeing it glow at night!

How do you add ribbon to a Christmas tree?

As you can see from basically every tree above, I love adding ribbon to my Christmas trees. I get asked about how to do this every year, so I put together a blog post and video sharing how to add a ribbon to a Christmas tree.

how to add ribbon to a Christmas tree pin

How do you decorate a modern Christmas tree?

The idea behind modern decor themes is simplicity. Use neutral colors to decorate a modern Christmas tree. Stick with cream, silver, and soft red.

Should your Christmas tree match your room?

Your Christmas tree does not have to match the colors in your room, but it really enhances your space’s coziness if everything is tied together with a similar theme.

When I decorate my Christmas tree, I either pull from colors in the room, or I use colors from the tree around my room to create a cohesive look. Here’s an entire post on how to plan your Christmas decor for your home.

Where should you not put a Christmas tree?

Do not place a Christmas tree near heat sources – like fireplaces or a space heater, as that creates a fire hazard. You should also avoid placing the tree in a place that obstructs the view of guests from each other.

The best places for a Christmas tree are in a corner or in front of a large picture window. However, you can always get creative and try out new spaces!

Blue, Green, and White Living Room Christmas Tree
Blue, Green, and White Christmas Tree (See more HERE.)

Beautiful Christmas tree decorating ideas

Let’s jump into my favorite Christmas tree ideas. I know the common saying tells us that “less is more”, but in the case of Christmas trees, I happen to lean the other way. 😉

Each of these trees is filled with plenty of character. You’ll also notice that every tree has a theme—this helps me narrow down my Christmas tree decorations and keeps everything looking nice and pretty rather than chaotic and cluttered.

1. Cozy lodge-inspired tree

This was the 2019 tree in my family room. I was after a cozy lodge-inspired look, and I feel I was able to achieve it in this classically-hued tree.

decorated Christmas tree with red and white theme

A few things that inspired this tree were the red knit sweater-themed ribbon, the mini ski ornaments, and some amusing hot cocoa mug ornaments.

red and white tree decor with fair isle patterned ribbon

Lately, I’ve really been into red for Christmas, which I suppose may sound a little predictable or boring. However, it really gives me the best holiday feeling, so I’ve been running with it in my family room. There’s a reason this shade is a classic!

2. Get inspired by Adele

When I’m thinking about new Christmas tree decorating ideas, inspiration can come from anywhere. Back in 2015, the return of Adele prompted the colors I chose for the Christmas tree in my dining room.

green, teal and blue styled Christmas tree

I fell in love with a green and gold dress she wore in one of her performances, and that dress inspired the tree.

close up of ornaments on decorated Christmas tree

Of course, those colors took on a direction of their own as I layered the flocked white tree with Christmas decorations like ornaments and gold glittering snowflakes, but I must give credit to Adele and her beautiful dress.

3. Vintage-inspired tree

Shopping local thrift stores has always been one of my favorite ways to find unique Christmas tree decorations. Not only are the values great, but you get to capture a piece of holidays gone by.

In addition to local spots, I also check out eBay and Etsy for festive finds. I actually wrote an entire post about vintage Christmas decor and where to find it!

shiny artificial tree with vintage ornament finds

In fact, one year, I was able to snag a collection of vintage pin and sequin ornaments from eBay that inspired an entire tree.

close up of vintage styled Christmas tree

Last year, I used those same ornaments on a more traditional green tree I set up at my grandma’s house. She hadn’t decorated a tree in years, so I was able to do something special for her.

4. Gingerbread-inspired tree 

Inspired by my newfound love for baking and decorating gingerbread, I’ve styled a gingerbread-inspired Christmas tree in my dining room.

gingerbread Christmas tree decorating ideas for small lit tree

I love the look. I even include actual gingerbread cookie ornaments! To me, there is something so classic and cozy about the look of gingerbread. Plus, it adds a nice aroma too!

close up of gingerbread themed ornaments

It was such a fun tree to design and decorate. The tree itself was a bit more sparse than my typical one, but all the extra room between branches allowed for plenty of space for my Christmas tree decor, which is always a plus.

small Christmas tree with gingerbread cookie ornaments

5. Festive flocked tree

If you’ve never tried a flocked Christmas tree, I can’t recommend it enough. While I love a traditional green tree, there’s something that feels a bit more magical and winter-like about a flocked one.

flocked tree with unique ornament finds

Take a look at the two flocked trees I decorated last year – the one pictured above was in my living room.

I love how all the ornaments and Christmas tree decor pop against that snowy white background.

6. Another fabulous flocked tree

This flocked tree was in the office of my old home. I was inspired by the colors in a beautiful plaid ribbon I found at HomeGoods. Like I said…inspiration is everywhere!

Christmas tree decorating ideas using lots of colors

I even decorated this one twice. The second version made the cover of Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas Magazine!

Christmas ideas with Inspired by Charm tree featured on cover

How’s that for proof of the beauty of flocked trees?

7. Nostalgic Christmas tree

For this Christmas tree, I took inspiration from Christmases past. Glass vintage Santa ornaments sparked this tree wrapped in red.

Christmas tree decorated with classic nostalgic red and white ornaments and trimming

I loaded up this tree with my favorite Christmas-themed decor including ornaments, candy canes, stockings, beaded string, and (faux) candles. It was magical!

You can read more about how I put it together and see more pictures here.

decorated tree against painted paneled walls

8. A blue-green and white Christmas

Not feeling the classic red and green combo this year? Why not give your Christmas tree decor a slightly modern twist! Inspired by shades of blue, green, teal, and white, this decorated Christmas tree is one of my all-time favorite trees.

a tree decorated with a blue green color scheme

I decorated this one in 2020—a year when we could all use a bit of extra cheer! I layered it with ornaments in shades of blue and green. See more of this tree (and my living room) in this post.

white, blue and green Christmas tree decorating ideas

I also filled this tree with all my glass pinecone ornaments to tie in with some of the large pinecones on my mantel. I completed the look with a white felt ball garland.

white living room with beautiful Christmas tree and matching garland along the mantel

9. Rustic Modern Christmas Tree Decorations

I lived in an apartment for a year as I transitioned from my previous home to my current home. This was one of the two trees I set up in that space. There is still so much about this tree that I love. It feels classic and fresh all at the same time. I love the combination of blue, red, and gold.

classically decorated Balsam Hill with blue red and gold accents

This was also my first time using a Balsam Hill tree, and I haven’t purchased any other brand since then.

rustic decor on a Christmas tree

10. Apartment Christmas tree decorating idea

While putting this post together, I realized I never wrote a dedicated post for my main apartment Christmas tree. (I need to do that.) However, it was included as part of my Apartment Holiday Home Tour.

white gold and green flocked tree

I’m not sure I had a specific theme in mind for this tree. With blues, aquas, grays, and greens in my apartment living room, I designed the tree to fit within that color scheme.

close up of gold bulb on flocked Christmas tree

The result was a cozy and icy look. And, it was simple to put together! I just started with a flocked tree and added ornaments that fit the theme and color scheme.

Colorful Christmas tree decorating ideas:

Speaking of color…if you are a fellow fan of colors, you’ll love these Christmas tree decor ideas.

This just shows you don’t always have to have a theme for your Christmas tree decor. You can simply be inspired by colors you love like in the trees below.

11. A trip to Emerald City

This was inspired by a pair of green velvet chairs I purchased for my living room. For this Christmas tree decorating idea, I decided to go all green with touches of silver and gold.

emerald inspired Christmas tree with silver star on top

The ribbon I found on Amazon really brought it all together. In recent years, this has been one of my favorite trees. It’s fresh and clean without feeling sterile.

close up of emerald green decorated Christmas tree

It also sparked the attention of Better Homes & Gardens and consequently appeared in their 2019 December Issue as well as their 2019 Christmas Ideas Magazine.

12. Navy and green Christmas tree

This tree is an excellent example of how you don’t need to start from scratch every year. With a few subtle changes, I was able to take my Emerald City-inspired tree and turn it into this navy and green beauty.

flocked tree with green and navy bulbs and gold bead garland

As you can see, I swapped out the ribbon and added in a bunch of navy and blue ornaments. It’s incredible how just a few little changes can really change the look of a tree without much effort or expense.

navy Christmas tree decorating ideas

13. A navy blue Christmas tree

In recent years, I’ve added a new tool to my Christmas tree decor arsenal: ornament garlands. As you can probably guess, it’s a garland made of ornaments.

While you can use these nifty garnishes on your mantle or around your front door, I opted to use it instead on my Christmas tree and loved the results.

Here, you can see where I used a copper ball garland on this navy blue Christmas tree.

gradient ornament design on an artificial tree

I have a couple of different ones and have made great use of them in my trees. If you see one at the store, I highly recommend you grab a few!

What’s great about these ball garlands is that you can use them almost anywhere for instant impact. Last year, I decided to weave the rainbow garland into a pine garland on my staircase banister.

colorful garland along stair banister

The results speak for themselves.

copper bulb garland on a blue foil tree

14. Flocked and colorful

Here’s another tree featuring an ornament garland. I added a rainbow garland to one of my flocked trees, an inexpensive flocked tree I purchased from Walmart. I dressed it up with my colorful Christmas ornament garland, then filled it with mushroom ornaments and red Christmas balls.

flocked tree from Walmart with colorful ornament garland

With a pretty patterned tree skirt underneath, I love how this cozy (and colorful!) tree turned out.

15. Candy confection

This pink and silver tree is one I styled for a brand, and it’s so fun. (Interesting fact, I set this up and styled it during the middle of summer!) 

bright and fun pink decorated Christmas tree

The theme for this tree came from a collection of ornaments that featured sweet treats like cakes and ice cream.

gingerbread house ornament hanging from a branch

There’s a lot to love about this tree, but my favorite part might be the pom pom garland!

16. Woodland glam Christmas tree

I had a unique opportunity in 2019 to add a tree to my entryway. As part of a kitchen remodel completed earlier in the year, I removed a closet in this area and wasn’t planning on replacing it until 2020. Since there was ample open space, I added a tree.

woodland themed tree with pinecone and animal ornaments

This tree is anything but traditional, including its inspiration: a pheasant! I opted for what I call a “woodland glam” tree.

gold and teal themed woodland Christmas tree decorating ideas

I pulled colors from the pheasant ornament and added more animals to the tree, including deer, owls, and squirrels. Additionally, I incorporated lots of gold, silver, and sparkle for the glam element. It was the perfect thing to see when you walked in the door!

17. Bring in chic metallics

While I’m usually a fan of color for Christmas, I went with blacks and metallics for my Christmas tree one year, and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out.

fuzzy owl topper on a Christmas tree

The look was super chic and felt quite upscale. However, I kept it interesting with quirky, unique touches such as an owl tree topper and gold sequin unicorn ornaments.

close up of silver and gold ornaments

18. Another woodland-inspired tree

Sometimes a theme can be your best friend when looking for new Christmas tree decorating ideas. Take, for example, this woodland-inspired tree I decorated a few years back.

red and black checked ribbon on a rustic Christmas tree

The woodland cabin theme made finding ornaments and other decorations for this tree much easier. I even added things like lanterns, faux squirrels, and snowy pinecones.

red lantern as an ornament

You don’t need to use just “ornaments” designed for a tree. Get creative with the things you include.

Unique Christmas tree decorating ideas:

In the mood to find a bit more of a unique vibe this holiday season? Here are some of my all-time favorite out-of-the-box Christmas tree decorating ideas.

19. Red, white, and mushroom tree

Classic with a bit of quirkiness, this red, white, and mushroom tree quickly became my favorite tree.

heavily decorated red and white Christmas tree

I used white and red ornaments along with some of my favorite mushroom ornaments to create a fun and festive look! I like this because the mushrooms are subtle. At first, it looks just like a typical red and white tree, but the more you look at it, the more fun you find!

red and white bulbs and mushroom ornaments

If you want to see more of this cheerful tree, you can check out this post HERE.

Christmas tree decorating ideas - use mushroom ornaments along with beaded garland, red and white ornaments, and ribbon to create a beautiful look.

20. Similar but Different

This next tree might look very familiar to the one above. This is the rest I designed the following year. I really loved the red and white tree so I wanted to do something similar, but still keep it different. This is what I came up with.

Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

I call this my Red and Cozy Christmas Tree. This tree brings in more rustic and cozy elements. It’s a bit less modern. It’s amazing how a few simple changes can give a whole new look.

You can see more of this tree HERE.

Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas #christmastree #christmas #holiday #tree #cozy #treedecorations #decorations

21. Keep it quirky

When it comes to trimming my tree, I often shy away from anything formal or overly fancy. One year I set up a mini real tree in my entryway and covered it with ornaments of cats in Santa hats.

quirky Christmas tree decorating ideas

If you look closely at my trees, you’ll find things like unicorns, more cats, mushrooms, and lots of other quirky things.

gold unicorn sequin ornament

I think it’s all about having fun and using ornaments that make you smile.

ornament with santa taking a selfie

22. Go rainbow gradient

No list of Christmas tree decorations would be complete without a mention of my gradient rainbow Christmas tree.

rainbow gradient Christmas tree design

This may go down in history as one of my most memorable trees. It is undoubtedly one of the most pinned images on Pinterest. It’s easy to see why.

gold green and blue bulbs on a tree

To be honest, this tree was among the easiest to put together. Over 600 round glass ornaments in a rainbow pattern cover this tree. Some are new, and some are vintage. Together they look spectacular.

new and vintage ornaments on a green tree

23. Little Treasures Christmas Tree

 My Little Treasures Christmas Tree was a smaller tree set up ion my dining room. It’s decorated with handmade ornaments, dried blood orange slices, and finished off with velvet ribbon.

Little Treasures Christmas Tree #christmas #holiday #decor #christmastree #decorations #ideas #driedoranges #vintage

As you can see I even used vintage crates at the base of the tree instead of the traditional tree skirt. I love the combination of colors. It’s unexpected but still works beautifully!

24. Handmade Holiday Christmas Tree

Inspired by handmade ornaments, colorful lights, and hand-strung popcorn garland, my handmade holiday Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season with personality and fun! 

christmas tree with colored lights in living room.
decorated foyer with christmas tree in the background.

With a focus on a handmade holiday for this tree I sharpened my scissors and heated up my glue gun to craft something meaningful and special for this tree (and my second tree AND…. the rest of my holiday decor too). 

As you can see I also opted for those big vintage-inspired colored lights! So fun! Take a closer look the tree and it’s handmade details HERE.

That’s a wrap on my Christmas tree decorating ideas!

And there you have my list of beautiful Christmas tree decorating ideas. I hope a few of these ideas inspire you as you set out to decorate your own tree. I will be sure to update this list as I create and decorate new trees.

Happy Trimming!

Christmas tree decorating ideas pin

If you’ve been reading IBC for a while, you’ll know I’m crazy about Christmas. Inspired by some of my previous holiday decorating adventures, I thought I’d highlight some beautiful Christmas tree decorations today! This post is filled with years worth of Christmas tree decorating ideas. Some of my all-time favorite memories are showcased below! I […]




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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie | Inspired by Charm #ayearofpie

This cinnamon roll apple pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It has all the goodness of an apple pie, but it’s elevated with a unique take on the classic version. Made with a cinnamon roll-inspired crust, it looks as delicious as it tastes!

close up of a baking dish filled with apple pie with a cinnamon roll crust

Cinnamon roll apple pie

I’ve been so excited to make this apple pie ever since I saw the idea for its unique crust on Pinterest. And don’t worry…for those of you who don’t want to make pie crust, this recipe calls for a store-bought one.

Let me introduce you to this cinnamon roll apple pie!

Ingredients

All of these ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store.

Pie Crust

  • Refrigerated Pie Crust: Any brand of pie crust will work, as long as you can roll it out. You can also make your own. (Get my go-to pie crust recipe HERE.)
  • Unsalted Butter: If you use salted butter, just don’t add any extra salt to the recipe.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar: Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon are must-haves! Buy plenty of both of them, because you’ll use them in the other parts of this pie too.

Apple pie filling

  • Apples: Use a tart apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Flour: Any kind of all-purpose flour will work.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar: Granulated sugar and cinnamon together again for the filling.

Crumb topping

  • Unsalted Butter: Soften the butter to room temperature before you add it to the other ingredients.
  • Flour: Again, just use whichever all-purpose flour you prefer.
  • Light-Brown Sugar: Make sure it is light-brown because the pie is rich enough without adding dark brown sugar (which has more molasses than its lighter counterpart).
  • Sugar: White sugar will sweeten it a bit more. I recommend using coarse sugar.

Icing

  • Powdered Sugar: Always use powdered sugar for icing.
  • Vanilla Extract: You can use almond extract if you don’t have vanilla.
  • Cinnamon: You’ll only need a pinch of cinnamon for the icing.
  • Milk: Any kind of milk will work, even almond milk.
cinnamon roll apple pie pinterest image

How to make a cinnamon roll apple pie

There are four parts to this pie recipe – the cinnamon roll pie crust, the iconic apple pie filling, the crumb topping, and the icing.

Make the cinnamon roll pie crust

This crust is special because not only does it taste amazing but it gives a dose of eye candy too. It looks like mini-cinnamon rolls lining the pie pan!

To create this look (and add extra cinnamon-sugar flavor), sprinkle an unrolled refrigerated pie crust with cinnamon and sugar. Then you simply roll it up and slice it into what looks like mini-cinnamon rolls.

rolling pie crust up into cinnamon rolls
diy cinnamon roll circles

Next, press the little rolls into a classic pie pan. (You can use any type of pie pan here, but the clear glass will show off the beautiful design of the crust, so that’s what I recommend.) Pretty neat, right?

Mix the apple pie filling

I used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the filling, two of my favorites. Apples tend to become more sweet when baked, so I recommend using a more tart variety instead of a sweeter one.

granny smith and honeycrisp apples coated in spices

Add crumb topping

Finally, the whole pie gets covered in this fantastic crumb topping made from flour and sugar.

crumb topping for cinnamon roll apple pie

It will seem like a lot when you’re putting it on, but just keep piling it high. As they bake, apple pies tend to flatten, so the higher, the better.

fresh baked apple pie with cinnamon roll crust

Top with icing

Slide the pie in the oven and bake it for an hour. For a final “cinnamon roll” touch, a swirl of cinnamon icing goes over the top. Pure perfection, friends!

Naturally, I served up mine with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can use store bought, or if you are feeling fancy, try my recipe for 2 ingredient no-churn ice cream.

cinnamon drizzled apple pie topped with ice cream


I forgot to take a picture while taste-testing this pie (I got distracted by the deliciousness), but I can attest that seeing the cinnamon swirls in the crust as you dig in is pure bliss. It’s also one of those unexpected things that makes this dish really memorable.

Frequently asked questions about cinnamon roll apple pies

Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make a cinnamon roll apple pie. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments and I’ll get back to you.

Can you make this with canned cinnamon rolls?

Technically, you could save yourself a lot of time and roll out canned cinnamon rolls and use them as the pie crust. My only hesitation is that since they are made to be fluffy cinnamon rolls, they will give the apple pie a different texture.

I haven’t tried this but if you do, you’ll need to slice the dough extra thin, which i think could be quite challenging. But, if you give it a try, please let me know in the comments how it turns out!

What can I use instead of cinnamon for apple pie?

Just sprinkle some apple pie spice in the filling if you don’t have cinnamon. It’s the perfect mixture of a variety of spices.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, this is a freezer-friendly pie! Just wrap it up nice and tight in aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

baked cinnamon roll-inspired apple pie

That’s a wrap on cinnamon roll apple pie!

While the unique crust on this delicious apple pie takes a few extra minutes, it’s so worth it. I think it also would be fun to try with a pumpkin or pecan pie. The possibilities are endless here, and sure to be delicious.

Enjoy this pie? Check out these recipes:

a fork full of ice cream and apple pie

What do you think? Will you give this unique cinnamon roll apple pie a try?

Love this recipe and want more?

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Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cake, cake, dessert, streusel, apple pie, apple pie cinnamon roll, cinnamon roll, cinnamon roll crust, pie recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
This Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a unique take on a classic apple pie. Made with a cinnamon roll inspired crust it looks as delicious as it tastes!

Ingredients

Crust:
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust - (or homemade crust)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - melted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
Pie:
  • 7 – 8 cups apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (I used Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Crumb topping:
Icing:

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Unroll your crust on a lightly floured surface. Then, brush the crust with melted butter and evenly sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll the crust up tightly and slice into 1/2-inch rounds.
  • Press these rounds, cut side down, into a clear glass 9-inch pie plate. Press until flat, covering the entire pan. Make sure there are no spaces between the rolls.
  • In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Then, pour the apples into the crust. It will mound up and almost seem to be overflowing. This is good.
  • Then, in a medium bowl, combine the butter, flour, and brown sugar with your fingers or a pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble over the heaped apples. Finally, sprinkle the whole pie with the sugar.
  • Bake the pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly (about 50 – 60 minutes). (My oven tends to brown things easily, so I very lightly covered the top of my pie with tin foil for most of the baking process.) Once baked, remove form the oven and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
  • When the pie is cool, you can prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk. If your mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Transfer the icing to a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. Then, pipe the icing in a swirl (to resemble a cinnamon roll) on top of the crumble.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 567kcalCarbohydrates: 100gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 336mgFiber: 7gSugar: 67gVitamin A: 528IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 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 cinnamon roll apple pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It has all the goodness of an apple pie, but it’s elevated with a unique take on the classic version. Made with a cinnamon roll-inspired crust, it looks as delicious as it tastes! Cinnamon roll apple pie I’ve been so excited to make […]




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witch shaped Gingerbread Halloween Cookie.

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. 

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on a platter.

Bats and witches and ghosts, oh my!  

A couple of years ago I discovered a hidden love for baking and decorating cut-out cookies. I’ve done trees, mushrooms, and mittens, and now I’m adding these gingerbread Halloween cookies to the list. 

I stumbled upon this vintage witch cookie cutter and was inspired to try some cut-out cookies for a holiday other than Christmas. I’m so glad that I did because I couldn’t be more pleased with the way they turned out. 

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on a tea towel.

I decided to keep the cookies pretty simple. I only used three colors and didn’t do any fancy patterns or designs.  And to be honest, these might be my favorite of the ones I’ve done. Simple can be beautiful. 

I also used some coarse sugar on these Halloween cookies to add a different texture and a little sparkle to the top. I really love how they came out. I’ll definitely be trying this technique again. 

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on a plater and table.

I’m also excited because today I’m back with my Tastes of the Season blogger friends. We’ve teamed up to share our favorite Halloween treats. In our years of sharing together, we’ve never done Halloween, so this is pretty cool! Be sure to check out the delicious collection of recipes at the end of this post. You’re in for a treat … or a trick! 

Onto the recipe! 

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on plates.

Important Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies:

You might be wondering what makes a gingerbread cookie a gingerbread cookie. There are a few key ingredients that create the magic. 

  • Molasses – This adds that quintessential flavor and color that you know and love from gingerbread. Molasses is a key ingredient. 
  • Spices – My recipe calls for cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These add a ton of flavor and warm spice which makes gingerbread a favorite for the fall and winter seasons. 
  • Brown Sugar – I like brown sugar here because it adds to the depth of flavor and richness in these cookies. 
Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on a cooling rack.
ghost Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on plate.

Where are the cookie cutters from?

I mentioned this above, but the witch cookie cutter is vintage and it’s what inspired this whole idea. I found it at a local antique store and knew immediately that I needed to make these gingerbread Halloween cookies. 

The ghost and the bat are from a set which you can find HERE.

Okay, time to make and bake! 

Gingerbread Halloween Cookies on a platter.
hand holding witch Gingerbread Halloween Cookies.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies:

I’ll walk you through the basic steps here. I’ve provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. You’ll find everything you need there. 

  1. Make and chill the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar for three to four minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight or for at least four hours.
gingerbread cookies on cookie sheet.
  1. Cut out the cookies. Divide the chilled dough in two. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough so it is about one-fourth to one-half inch thick. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place the shapes about one inch apart on a cookie sheet.  Place the baking sheet of cookies into the freezer for about five minutes. 
baked gingerbread cookies on cooling rack.
  1. Bake the cookies. Remove the cookies from the freezer and bake for 9-11 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool for 30-60 seconds on the cookie sheet. Then, transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.
gingerbread cookie on cooling rack.
  1. Decorate the cookies. Prepare the royal icing, then transfer the icing to a piping bag or piping bottle. Pipe on the icing. I do one color at a time, let it sit, and proceed with the next. Add the coarse sugar and sprinkles immediately after applying the icing to ensure that they stick to it.  

You’re Ready to Get Baking! 

I think that about covers these gingerbread Halloween cookies. I’m certain that all the little (and big) ghouls and goblins in your life are going to LOVE them! 

halloween gingerbread cookies on cooling rack and plate.

As always, if you do make these cookies, let me know. Share them on Instagram and be sure to tag me @inspiredbycharm. I always love to see your IBC recipes. 

Happy Halloween! 

bat halloween gingerbread cookie on plate.

Tastes of the Season Halloween Recipes: 

Ready for more spooky goodness? Be sure to visit my blogger friends below. Don’t their recipes look wonderful? They’re perfect for the Halloween holiday! I’m confident you’ll find more deliciousness to try.

Seasons of Home Halloween Recipes

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies by Ella Claire & Co. | Harry Potter Inspired Cocktail by Freutcake | Jack-O’-Lantern Chocolate Covered Apple Slices by Zevy Joy

Seasons of Home Halloween Recipes

Easy Halloween Brownies 3 Ways by Handmade Farmhouse | Halloween Gingerbread Cookies by Inspired by Charm | Easy Halloween Charcuterie Board by French Country Cottage

ghost halloween gingerbread cookie in hand.

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Gingerbread Halloween Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookie, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, halloween
Servings: 38
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 11 mins
Decorating Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 31 mins
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.

Ingredients

Royal Icing:
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water - (to start, plus 4-6 more)
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • brown and black gel food coloring
Decoration:
  • black coarse sugar
  • coarse sugar
  • brown chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar for three to four minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Divide the chilled dough in two. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough so it is about one-fourth to one-half inch thick. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place the shapes about one inch apart on a cookie sheet. Place the baking sheet of cookies into the freezer for about five minutes.
  • Remove the cookies from the freezer and bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges of the cookies barely start to brown. Cool for 30-60 seconds on the cookie sheet. Then, transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. Add the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder to the bowl of a stand mixer. (You can also use a hand mixer.) Whisk to combine.
  • With the mixer on low, add one tablespoon of warm water at a time. Once all six tablespoons have been added, add in the corn syrup.
  • Continue to mix on low-medium speed adding more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency. The ideal consistency is something that is a bit thicker than corn syrup.*
  • Divide the icing into three separate bowls. Add food coloring to each of the bowls (except for one) to achieve the desired color. I used black and brown.
  • Transfer the icing to a piping bag or piping bottle. (I’ve linked the bottles I used in the notes section below.**)
  • Then, pipe on the icing. I do one color at a time, let it sit, and proceed with the next. Add the coarse sugar and sprinkles immediately after applying the icing to ensure that they stick to it.
  • Allow the icing to completely harden. Then, pack and store these cookies in an airtight container separating each layer with wax/parchment paper.

Notes

*Making “proper” royal icing takes time and practice. You need to get a feel for it to know the consistency you need. During my first adventure with royal icing, it took me 30 minutes to figure it out and I still needed to adjust things. Have patience and take your time.
**You can find the icing bottles I used HERE.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 0.005mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

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.  Bats and witches and ghosts, oh my!   A couple of years ago I discovered a hidden love for baking and decorating cut-out cookies. I’ve done trees, mushrooms, and mittens, and […]




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Must-Make Fall Cocktail Recipes #fall #cocktails #fallcocktail #recipe #cranberry #apple #applecider #pumpkin #recipes

From caramel apple martinis to mulled wine, I’ve rounded up more than 20 fall cocktail recipes that you will want to make as soon as possible (if you haven’t already done so)! These are some of my favorite autumn-inspired cocktails that I want to sip on all season. Cheers to fall y’all!

FAQs about Fall Cocktail Recipes

Before we get into my favorite fall cocktail recipes, here are some questions people often ask about making cocktails at home. If you have another question that isn’t answered here, please leave it in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

What favorite drink is fall known for?

Even after many years of staying on top, anything with pumpkin spice is still one of the most popular types of fall drinks you can make.

With the over-popularity of pumpkins, apple-based drinks are becoming even more popular each year. If you want to offer your guests something different, make an apple cider drink.

What are the five basic cocktails?

The most basic cocktails of all include the old-fashioned martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whiskey highball, and flip.

Once you learn how to make these five drinks, you can make almost anything else (and create different varieties of them).

What are fall flavors?

The most popular fall flavors include anything that is harvested at the end of summertime. This includes pumpkin or squash, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cranberries.

What do you serve at a fall dinner party?

When you are planning a fall dinner party, make some of your favorite fall foods! The star of the show will be a homemade loaf of pumpkin bread. It has a show-stopping glaze that adds sweetness to the earthy bread.

My roasted Brussels sprouts and apples recipe is both savory and sweet and is a healthy side dish that looks and tastes appetizing.

Another colorful and crowd-pleasing fall side dish is a fall pasta salad. The colorful pasta is combined with sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and red onion. It’s all covered in a tangy poppy seed dressing.

Let’s take a sip of these Fall Cocktail Recipes

As regular readers of Inspired by Charm know, I enjoy creating libations with a seasonal twist. These 20+ must-make fall cocktail recipes are among my best concoctions. I’m confident you’ll enjoy each one of them!

1. Caramel Apple Martini

This fall cocktail is like a liquid dessert. And it only takes three ingredients: apple cider, caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. I also rim the glass with caramel sauce.

caramel apple inspired fall cocktail recipes

2. Caramel Pear Cider

Don’t be fooled by this unpretentious-looking fall drink. The combination of apple cider, pear cider, and caramel syrup is out-of-this-world! To add a bit of drama, I serve it with a cinnamon stick and thin, fresh-cut whole pear slice.

apple and pear cider drink

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Double Wall Glass Mugs

3. Pumpkin Spice White Russians

Classic White Russian cocktails get a fall twist with the help of pumpkin spice. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, these Pumpkin Spice White Russians are a delicious, creamy, and seasonal libation.

pumpkin spiced white Russian drink in a short glass

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Natala Faceted Rocks Glass

4. Cider Mulled Wine

This seasonal libation is not to be missed. It combines mulled wine and mulled cider. Need I say more!? I’m certain you’re going to enjoy it as much as I do.

mulled cider in a mug that says forever fall

5. Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria

Fall is an ideal time for sangria. (For that matter, any season is. Find all of my seasonal sangria recipes HERE.) This version has the bold colors and flavors of autumn, and it’s easy to make a big batch if you’re expecting guests!

a glass of sangria with chunks of fruit and cinnamon sticks floating inside

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Edge Wine Glass

6. Apple Pie Moonshine

As its name suggests, this fall cocktail packs a punch. I warn folks about this and suggest serving it in small doses. I found some tiny mason jar-shaped glasses that were the perfect size, but standard shot glasses will work equally well.

apple pie moonshine in a mason jar for fall cocktail recipes

7. Caramel Apple Pie Martini

This is another autumn take on the martini that you’re going to love. It’s like drinking a slice of fresh-baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. The glass is even rimmed with graham cracker crumbs.

fall cocktail recipes: apple pie martini with graham cracker crumb rim

8. Apple Cider Sangria

You can’t miss the opportunity to make this fall cocktail! It’s a mix of apple pie vodka and apple cider. Seasonal spices and cut-up apples, pears, and grapes enhance the flavor and visual appeal.

apple cider cocktail for fall

9. Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Yes, you can have your pumpkin and drink it, too. This classic cocktail has been tweaked with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. All of that is mixed with bourbon, so the taste is amazing!

a pumpkin flavored cocktail

10. Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy

If you’re craving something warm on a chilly autumn evening, may I suggest this yummy toddy? This fall cocktail gets a flavor upgrade inspired by apple pie. Traditional with a twist!

hot toddy with an apple twist for fall cocktail recipes

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Copper Moscow Mule Mug

11. Salted Caramel White Russian

I’ve always enjoyed a White Russian (it’s like a vanilla milkshake with vodka), and this one is incredible. Two of the reasons are the salted caramel coffee liqueur and salted caramel vodka.

salted caramel white Russian fall cocktail recipes

12. Frozen Pumpkin Pie Martini

This is an ideal dessert drink when you need to chill out on a fall night. You will love the fusion of a pumpkin milkshake and a pumpkin pie martini. I topped mine with a dollop of whipped cream.

frozen pumpkin martini with a dollop of whipped cream on top

13. Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

The tart-meets-sweet of this cocktail gives it a unique flavor sensation for the season. Folks who follow IBC know that I have become a bourbon aficionado in recent years. In case you haven’t yet been converted, I have a feeling this drink will favorably influence your preferences.

maple bourbon cranberry cocktail with a sprig of rosemary for garnish

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Tour Double Old-Fashioned Glass

More Tasty Fall Cocktail Recipes:

14. Mulled Wine

Who doesn’t enjoy a cup or two of mulled wine? This easy and delicious recipe can take you from fall right into the holiday season. I always recommend mulling the type of wine you like to drink and varying your choice to suit the occasion.

best fall cocktail recipes - mulled wine in a slow cooker

15. Chai Spiced White Russians

In this take on a White Russian, I used vodka infused with chai tea, plus coffee-flavored liqueur, half-and-half, and cinnamon. The finishing touch is a cinnamon stick and star anise. It’s autumn in a glass!

creamy Chai spiced white Russian drink

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Tour Double Old-Fashioned Glass

16. Apple Pie Sangria

This fall cocktail has all the flavors you expect in traditional apple pie filling. The lovely apple pie spices come from a homemade simple syrup. The syrup is super easy to make, and I’ve included a link to it with this sangria recipe.

how to make apple pie sangria

17. Slow Cooker Sangria

You know a slow cooker is great for soups, stews, dips, and slow-cooking meats, but you might not have thought about using it for sangria. In this recipe, you heat red wine, brandy, simple syrup, cranberries, orange slices, cranberries, and spices. Your house is going to smell heavenly!

fall cocktail sangria recipes made in the crockpot

18. Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail

Pears work beautifully in fall cocktails. This delightful concoction combines gin, pear juice, pear liqueur, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters. For garnish, there’s a pear slice and thyme sprig.

spiced pear gin cocktail with thyme garnish

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Tour Double Old-Fashioned Glass

19. Spiced Pear Moscow Mule

You can’t go wrong with a mule this time of year. This version gets its unique taste from homemade spiced pear simple syrup, a splash of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. When you make one, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

spiced pear moscow mule in copper mugs

20. Harvest Apple Mule

Here’s another mule you’re going to enjoy. In a nutshell, it’s a Moscow mule plus apple cider. Sometimes simple is best.

harvest apple mule garnished with cinnamon sticks

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Marta Double Old-Fashioned Glasses (My favorite glasses for wine, cocktails, and more!)

21. Cranberry Old Fashioned

This fall cocktail is as pleasant to look at as it is to sip. I was inspired to create it several years ago following a Thanksgiving Boot Camp I attended in NYC. This drink would be an amazing signature cocktail for any fall event.

cranberry fall cocktail recipes - cranberry old fashioned

22. Cider and Maple Old Fashioned

I took a classic old-fashioned and added seasonal flavor with apple cider and pure maple syrup to create this sensational Cider and Maple Old Fashioned. I know you’re going to love this combination as much as I do.

fall cocktail recipes for apple cider old fashioned drink with maple syrup

23. Hot Apple Cider

Welcome cooler weather with a warm cup of the flavors of fall with this delicious and classic hot apple cider. Bourbon is the crowning touch for me, but you could use brandy, spiced rum, or tequila.

You’ll need mulling spices for this recipe. You can find my recipe for Homemade Mulling Spices HERE!

hot apple cider with bourbon, and homemade mulling spices

24. Apple Cider Sidecar

I love the name, look, and taste of this fall cocktail. And with its combination of apple cider, cognac, and orange liqueur, it’s perfect for celebrating the bounty of the season. I garnished mine with lemon peel.

apple cider sidecar drink with lemon garnish

LIKE IT? BUY IT!: Pyrce Gold Coupe Glass

25. Pomegranate Rum Punch

If you’re looking for a delicious punch recipe that you can serve from fall into the holidays, look no further than this Pomegranate Rum Punch. This easy-to-make punch is refreshing, sparkling, and tart with a touch of citrus. 

Pomegranate Rum Punch in glasses and pitcher.

That’s a Wrap on Fall Cocktail Recipes!

How many of these IBC fall cocktails have you already tried? Which ones are now on your “must-make” list? Please let us know in the comments.

More Delicious Fall-Inspired Collections:

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From caramel apple martinis to mulled wine, I’ve rounded up more than 20 fall cocktail recipes that you will want to make as soon as possible (if you haven’t already done so)! These are some of my favorite autumn-inspired cocktails that I want to sip on all season. Cheers to fall y’all! FAQs about Fall […]




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DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

I’m teaching you how to make these beautiful DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings. This is an easy project that creates stunning results. If you’re looking to dress up a tablescape in a pretty and handcrafted way, this tutorial is for you. 

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

Flower Napkin Rings You Can Make:

I have been so excited to share this DIY dried flower napkin ring tutorial with you. I made these several weeks ago but wanted to share my outdoor fall tablescape first. That post went live a few days ago, so now (as promised) I’m back to teach you how to make these dried flower napkin rings. 

fall outdoor table setting with vintage tablecloth.
DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on decorated table.

I got this idea from a magazine a few years ago. (I want to say it was BHG, but I’m not quite sure.) With a bunch of flowers blooming in my yard, I knew that this project would be an easy and beautiful way to add color and life to my fall tablescape. I think it worked! 

Want to see more of my outdoor fall tablescape? You can find that post HERE

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Ring in plate.

Why I Love this Project:

I love this craft idea for a few reasons. 

  1. It’s Simple. You only need three things (flowers, wire, and glue). Plus you can whip up a set of six napkin rings in under 30 minutes. 
  2. It adds a handmade touch. When you’re styling something, I think a handmade touch makes all the difference. 
  3. It provides a pop of color. I wanted to add a sense of joy and life to my fall table; color was one of the ways I planned to do that. As you can see, these napkin rings really pop! 
DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

Ready to give these dried flower napkin rings a try? Great! Now I’m going to walk you through the supplies you’ll need and the steps you should follow. 

Supplies Needed:

As I mentioned above, you only need a few things to assemble this wreath. I’ve gone ahead and linked everything I could for you below. 

supplies for DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings.

Dried Flowers: 

I was lucky enough to be able to harvest the flowers I needed for this project from my own backyard. I cut off the blooms about 3 weeks before I used them and just put them in a bowl to dry. This worked well for me. 

I’ve used the following flowers on my napkin rings:

That’s it! 

Now, I realize that everyone can’t go to their backyard and cut these blooms, so I’ve link some options for you above. Feel free to get creative with other dried flowers you love. I’ve added a few additional options below:

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

Vine Covered Wire: 

Next, you’ll need a ring to hold your napkin and to glue your flowers to. I found this vine covered wire to be the most natural-looking option. Once twisted together to form a ring, it almost looks like a real branch. Love that! (Shop for the wire HERE.)

Hot Glue: 

Hot glue works great for this project because it dries in just a few seconds and provides a secure hold. 

Now that you have what you need to craft these flower napkin rings, let’s get to it! 

Instructions: 

I’ll walk you through the process here. I’ve also provided a printable how-to instruction card at the end of this post.

  1. Begin by cutting a piece of wire about 12-14 inches long.
  2. Start creating a circle with the wire. You’ll want the diameter of the circle to be roughly two inches. (This doesn’t need to be perfect and you can adjust it to suit your napkins.)
making diy dried flower napkin rings.
  1. With the circle formed, continue wrapping the wire around the circle; twist in and out to create an organic wrapped look. (Reference the photo below.) 
making diy dried flower napkin rings.
  1. Secure the end of the wire between two pieces of wire on the ring. (You can also use hot glue to secure the end of the wire.) 
  2. Use hot glue to attach your dried flowers to the top of the ring. You can add as many or as few as you’d like. 
making diy dried flower napkin rings.
  1. Allow the glue to set and then your napkin ring is complete. 
  2. Repeat with more wire, glue, and flowers to create as many napkin rings as needed. 

Voila! 

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings.
DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings.

Voila! Aren’t they great? I love them!

Let’s set the table.

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

Time to Set the Table:

And that’s it, my friend! Your DIY dried flower napkin rings are complete and ready to dress up your table. 

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings on napkins on plates.

You can use these like you use any other napkin ring. For this table, I opted to roll up my napkins to fit perfectly inside the ring. Have fun with the napkins and rings and try different ways of using them to see what you like best. Every table setting is different. 

If you give this project a try, I would LOVE to see the results. Share them on Instagram and tag me at @inspiredbycharm. I can’t wait to see what you create. 

Happy Crafting! 

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings.

DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Skill: Handmade Gift, Home Decor Craft
Products: 6
Prep Time 5 minutes
Craft Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
I’m teaching you how to make these beautiful DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings. This is an easy project that creates stunning results. If you’re looking to dress up a tablescape in a pretty and handcrafted way, this tutorial is for you.

Materials

Instructions

  • Begin by cutting a piece of wire about 12-14 inches long.
  • Start creating a circle with the wire. You want the diameter of the circle to be roughly two inches. (This doesn’t need to be perfect and you can adjust it to suit your napkins.)
  • With the circle formed, continue wrapping the wire around the circle; twist in and out to create an organic wrapped look. (Reference the photo below.)
  • Secure the end of the wire between two pieces of wire on the ring. (You can also use hot glue to secure the end of the wire.)
  • Use hot glue to attach your dried flowers to the top of the ring. You can add as many or as few as you’d like.
  • Allow the glue to set and then your napkin ring is complete. Repeat with more wire, glue, and flowers to create as many napkin rings as needed.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

I’m teaching you how to make these beautiful DIY Dried Flower Napkin Rings. This is an easy project that creates stunning results. If you’re looking to dress up a tablescape in a pretty and handcrafted way, this tutorial is for you.  Flower Napkin Rings You Can Make: I have been so excited to share this […]




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Luxurious and fragrant, make DIY bath bombs for any mood or season. This homemade bath bomb recipe never fails, and it’s super-easy to change it up with different scents.

a miniature ceramic dish with homemade bath bombs piled inside

Bath bombs DIY

Who else loves relaxing in a steamy bath with some fizzy bath bombs? There’s nothing like setting the mood with a glass of wine, some candles, and your favorite book or music.

To make the experience even more special, toss one of these DIY bath bombs into the water. The fizzy bubbles, essential oils, and beneficial minerals are a treat for the senses.

Today, I’m going to show you how you can create your own custom bath bombs at home. If you’re anything like me, maybe having these on hand will encourage you to decompress a bit more frequently.

Bring some relaxation into your home and create a spa-like experience whenever you need it. I’ll show you how to make your own DIY bath bombs with this easy tutorial.

If you’re feeling intimidated by this process, don’t be. These are so simple to make and really easy to customize. Let me show you.

blue, purple and yellow DIY bath bombs in a bowl

Ingredients

First, gather all of your ingredients. I found everything online and linked things up below to make it easy for you. (This post contains affiliate links.)

  • Baking soda: This helps add the fizz. Make sure it’s baking soda, not baking powder.
  • Citric acid: It works with the baking soda (they neutralize each other) to create an incredible fizz.
  • Epsom salt: There are powerfully relaxing properties in Epsom salts.
  • Cornstarch: This helps all the ingredients stick together.
  • Coloring pigment: Just for fun, colo can give you a visual clue about the scents.
  • Almond oil: Incredibly beneficial for your skin, almond oil can help moisturize your entire body as you soak.
  • Essential oils: Each oil has different properties. Choose the oils that match your needs, whether it’s relaxation, improved focus, or renewed energy.
  • Bath bomb molds: Totally essential to give them the classic round shape!
homemade bath bombs

How to make DIY bath bombs

You will find a full ingredient list and detailed instructions for these homemade bath bombs in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

First, measure and whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

I used a coloring pigment for my DIY bath bombs. Since it’s a dry pigment, you’ll want to include that in this step. Add as little or as much as you’d like to achieve the color you prefer.

dumping ingredients into a mixing bowl
adding powdered pigment to DIY bath bombs ingredients
whisking mixture of dry ingredients

Next, in a small cup, mix together the wet ingredients. This is also where you’ll add the essential oils.

You can get essential oils almost anywhere these days. I recommend shopping for these in person so you can find a scent you like.

Also, pay attention to the benefit each oil offers. I made three different varieties. The purple bath bomb has an oil for stress relief, the blue prompts sleep, and the yellow promotes joy.

dropping essential oil into a cup

The next step is very important. You need to add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. You’ll want to do this very slowly, adding a few drops at a time while mixing.

The citric acid is what causes the bath bombs to fizz when it comes into contact with water. Adding the wet ingredients slowly minimizes this effect, allowing you to create the ball.

pouring wet ingredients into dry DIY bath bomb mixture
mixture of baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, Epson salt and essential oils

Once mixed, you’re ready to mold. I picked up these bath bomb molds to create a ball shape. However, you can use things like a cupcake pan or silicon mold to achieve different shapes and sizes.

metal bath bomb molds
adding mixture to molds

For this round mold, fill each half, packing it in slightly until it’s overflowing. Then, firmly press the halves together. Let the mold sit for one minute. Once set, tap the mold and pull it apart.

how to make DIY bath bombs
mixture formed into a round ball

You’ll want to let the bath bombs dry for at least 24 hours before you create your own mini spa in your tub.

It’s that easy!

homemade bath bomb recipe

Frequently asked questions about making DIY bath bombs

Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about DIY bath bomb recipes. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

How long do homemade bath bombs Last?

I’d say you’d want to use these DIY Bath bombs within about 6 months. I liked to keep mine stored in a moisture-free clear glass jar. You’ll need to be very careful to not get moisture or water on them, as that will start the fizzing process!

Is it cheaper to make or buy bath bombs?

This depends on who you are buying them from and what ingredients you use. If you use pure essential oils, it might be more expensive to make your own if you compare them to bombs with artificial fragrances.

The real reason to make your own bath bombs is to control the ingredients to make body-nourishing and safe bath products you can trust. Plus, it’s fun!

Can bath bombs grow mold?

Yes, bath bombs can grow mold if they are exposed to moisture. Wrap your unused bath bombs tightly in tinfoil or keep them in an airtight container, and they will last longer.

DIY Bath Bombs | inspiredbycharm.com

That’s a wrap on DIY bath bombs!

If you have yet to make or even experience a bath bomb, I definitely recommend giving it a try. I know some people get intimated by making homemade bath bombs, and they might take a little practice.

A few of them might fall apart at first, but once you nail it, you’ll see how fun they are to make!

DIY bath bombs make thoughtful gifts too. Add them to a homemade spa gift basket with a bottle of wine and a couple of candles for the ultimate treat. Give someone the gift of relaxation – they’ll love it!

If you like this DIY project, you may enjoy these too:

DIY bath bombs pinterest image

DIY Bath Bomb Recipe:

DIY Bath Bombs

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Servings: 4 bath bombs
Learn how to DIY Bath Bombs easy with this step-by-step tutorial. You’ll be enjoying a relaxing bath in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • coloring pigment - optional
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons almond oil - or melted coconut oil
  • 3/4 tablespoon water
  • 12-15 drops essential oil
  • Bath bomb molds

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Add as much or as little color pigment to achieve desired look. Whisk to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones very slowly. (This is very important; otherwise you will activate the citric acid which is used to create the fizzing affect.) Mix until combined, and the ingredients look like wet sand.
  • Fill each half of the mold, packing the mixture in slightly until it’s overflowing. Press the halves together firmly. Let the filled mold sit for one minute. Lightly tap the mold and gently pull it apart to remove the bath bomb. Let the bath bombs dry for 24 hours before enjoying in the tub.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Luxurious and fragrant, make DIY bath bombs for any mood or season. This homemade bath bomb recipe never fails, and it’s super-easy to change it up with different scents. Bath bombs DIY Who else loves relaxing in a steamy bath with some fizzy bath bombs? There’s nothing like setting the mood with a glass of […]




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Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

These flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect party or game-day snack. Loaded with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, these sliders are a winning recipe that is easy to make and that can serve a crowd. 

Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.
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Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sliders

If you’re like me, a fan of anything buffalo chicken, then you’re going to LOVE these buffalo chicken sliders. Why?

  1. They are super easy to make and they serve a crowd. You can whip these up in about 30 minutes and make 12 sliders. Love that. 
  2. The flavor is on point. As I mentioned above, the combination of chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, spices, and sweet rolls is just too good. 
  3. Buffalo chicken is an appetizer staple. While it certainly depends on the event you’re hosting, I think having a buffalo chicken-inspired recipe on your menu is important, especially if it’s a sporting event party. 
Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

What Goes with Buffalo Sliders? 

I can answer this question in two ways…

  1. Condiments: I recommend serving these with some sliced vegetables (celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc.) and a side of ranch dressing and/or blue cheese dressing. It’s such a great combo. 
  2. More (Game Day) Appetizers: When I think about this recipe, my mind goes to a sporting event, game day party, etc. (Though, this recipe works for any get-together.) If you’re looking for more game-day-inspired recipes, I’ve got you covered. You can find 20+ of my best game-winning recipes HERE

Enjoy buffalo chicken-based recipes? Try these:

Buffalo Chicken Sliders in pan.

How to make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasonings. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, ranch, cheese, and buffalo sauce.
making Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
  1. With a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half. (Do not separate the rolls.) 
  2. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish. 
  3. Evenly spread the chicken mixture onto the bottom rolls.
making Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
  1. Place the top buns on top. Brush the tops of the bun with the melted butter mixture.  
making Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for 5 minutes or until golden brown. 
  3. Slice between each roll. 
  4. Serve and enjoy.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

I told you it was easy, right?! 

Serve with a dish of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some sliced vegetables and you’re in business! 

These are best served right out of the oven, but I also enjoyed the leftovers the next day. (Feel free to warm them up or serve them cold.) 

Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Let’s walk through a few questions you may have about these buffalo chicken sliders. 

Which type of bun is best for these sliders?

King’s Hawaiian rolls are the best. Not only are they the perfect size, but I love the sweetness they add to this recipe.

What cheese is best for buffalo chicken sliders?

For the mix, I think shredded cheddar cheese works best. Being a blue cheese lover myself, you could sprinkle blue cheese on before adding the top buns for even more flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

How long do you put buffalo chicken sliders in the oven?

This recipe gets baked for 20-25 minutes.

Do I use shredded chicken for this slider recipe?

Yes, shredded chicken is best. If you’re looking to keep things easy, rotisserie chicken works great. Personally, I just used three large chicken breasts and roasted them in the oven.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

Time to Eat!

That’s a wrap on these delicious and easy buffalo chicken sliders. I hope you’re filling inspired to give them a try.

Enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Sliders on a plate.

LOVE THIS RECIPE AND WANT MORE?

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Buffalo Chicken Sliders

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizer, buffalo chicken, game day, sliders
Servings: 12
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
These flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect party or game-day snack. Loaded with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, these sliders are a winning recipe that is easy to make and that can serve a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, - shredded (or any chicken shredded)
  • 1 package King's Hawaiian rolls - (12 pack)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • ¼ cup butter - melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasonings
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasonings. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, ranch, cheese, and buffalo sauce.
  • With a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half. (Do not separate the rolls.) Place the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish. Evenly spread the chicken mixture onto the bottom rolls.
  • Place the top buns on top. Brush the tops of the buns with the melted butter mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Slice between each roll. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 1319mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 348IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 0.3mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

These flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect party or game-day snack. Loaded with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing, these sliders are a winning recipe that is easy to make and that can serve a crowd.  Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Sliders If you’re like me, a fan of anything buffalo chicken, then you’re going […]




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pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

Celebrate the season with this easy-to-make Creamy Pumpkin Dip. Made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and seasonal spices, this dip is creamy, fluffy, and full of fall pumpkin flavor. 

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

My New Favorite Pumpkin Dip

While I love everything I share here on Inspired by Charm, some recipes get me really excited. This Creamy Pumpkin Dip is one of them. I made this while my mom was visiting (and helping) and we both could NOT get enough. We ate some while we were working and then finished off the batch while watching TV later in the evening. 

This pumpkin dip is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy kissed with the perfect amount of pumpkin spice. 

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

How To Serve:

As you can see, I served it with a variety of things for dipping including sliced apples, cinnamon graham crackers, gingersnaps, etc. While they were all delicious, my favorite was the apple slices. The tart cool crispiness of the apples paired perfectly with the tangy, sweet dip. It’s a match made in heaven.

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

This creamy pumpkin dip is lovely to share as a little afternoon snack with friends, whip up for a Halloween/holiday party, or even serve as an after-dinner dessert.

Side note: I found this adorable mini cauldron HERE. (It seems to be out-of-stock at the moment but maybe they will get more.)

No matter when or why you make it, I know you’re going to enjoy it as much as my mom and I did. In fact, this may just become YOUR  new favorite pumpkin dip too.

Let’s whip up a batch! 

Want more sweet pumpkin treats? You’ll love these:

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

Ingredients:

You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up this creamy pumpkin dip. Let me walk you through the list. 

  • cream cheese – It seems as though every good dip recipe starts with cream cheese. Use softened (room temperature) cream cheese to avoid lumps. 
  • marshmallow fluff – This is basically liquid marshmallows. This gives the dip its sweetness and keeps it fluffy. 
  • pumpkin puree – You can’t have pumpkin dip without pumpkin puree. The canned variety works great. 
  • spices – I find that a lot of other pumpkin recipes don’t use enough spices. This is where all the flavor is. I’ve added all my favorites, but feel free to adjust. 
  • sliced apples and sweet cookies – You’ll need something to dip. I found the apples to be my personal favorite, but cinnamon graham crackers, gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, etc. are delicious too. 
pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.
pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

How to Prepare:

This is one of those recipes where you don’t need many instructions, but I’m going to share them regardless. I’ve also

 provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. In a large bowl add the cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and spices. 
  2. With a hand mixer, blend until combined and smooth. 
making creamy pumpkin dip.
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. 
making creamy pumpkin dip.
  1. Serve with sliced apples, gingersnaps, cinnamon graham crackers, and/or vanilla wafers.

That’s it! So simple!

Plus, you can store this dip refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days. Feel free to make it ahead so you can snack on it all week!

 pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.
pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

Take a Dip!

And with that, you’re ready to enjoy this creamy pumpkin dip. Like me, I have a feeling you’re going to be looking for any and every occasion to make this easy dessert dip!

If you give it a try and love it, please let me know by leaving a comment and a five-star review below.

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season!

pumpkin dip in bowl with apples and cookies.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizer, apples, fall dessert, pumpkin dip
Servings: 6
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Celebrate the season with this easy-to-make Creamy Pumpkin Dip. Made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and seasonal spices, this dip is creamy, fluffy, and full of fall pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese - softened
  • 7 oz jar marshmallow cream
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • sliced apples - gingersnaps, cinnamon graham crackers, vanilla wafers

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add the cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and spices. With a hand mixer, blend until combined and smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
  • Serve with sliced apples, ginger gingersnaps, cinnamon graham crackers, and/or vanilla wafers.

Notes

You can store this dip refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 121mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 5324IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
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 season with this easy-to-make Creamy Pumpkin Dip. Made with cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, pumpkin, and seasonal spices, this dip is creamy, fluffy, and full of fall pumpkin flavor.  My New Favorite Pumpkin Dip While I love everything I share here on Inspired by Charm, some recipes get me really excited. This Creamy Pumpkin […]




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Learn How to Make The Perfect Cosmo! You'll love this classic drink recipe! #cosmo #cocktail #martini #recipe

Of all the classic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan drink is my favorite. This recipe for The Perfect Cosmo drink is what I consider to be sheer perfection. With simple but quality ingredients and a tiny bit of know-how, you can shake up the perfect cosmo recipe too!

cosmopolitan in a long stem glass next to a shaker bottle

I’m so excited to share this cosmopolitan cocktail recipe with you! It’s one of my favorites. The colors are a playful shade of pink, perfect for all kinds of parties and celebrations.

I can see this as a flirty drink at brunch or a boozy cocktail for a bridal shower. It’s basically the perfect thing to shake up when you have something to celebrate!

pink cosmo drink with lime garnish

The Perfect Cosmo

I just love how simple it is to make this gorgeous drink! A cosmo is a classic drink that sounds and looks complicated but is actually not that at all!

The flavors combine in the perfect way. All the different citrus flavors enhance each other and bring out their unique notes. It’s a delicate dance of tart cranberries, sour limes, and sweet citrus vodka.

shaker bottle filled with cranberry, lime, and sweet citrus vodka

Ingredients

Have you ever wondered, “What is in a cosmo?” Well, I’m about to break that mystery – it only has four simple ingredients.

  • Vodka: Use citrus-flavored vodka for the best flavor.
  • Orange Liqueur: I prefer Cointreau.
  • Cranberry Juice: Use a no-sugar-added juice to get the strongest flavor. If you prefer really sweet drinks, use a cranberry juice cocktail.
  • Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Jarred lime juice isn’t as strong, so use fresh lime.
cosmopolitan cocktail in a martini glass

How to Make a Cosmopolitan Cocktail (Cosmo):

Today, I’m mixing up what I like to call “The Perfect Cosmo.” Many cosmopolitan drink recipes claim to be perfect, and I’m sure a lot of them are, but this one is perfect for me.

I love a good cosmo drink, but it’s rare for me to order one out, especially around my little town, because I’m nervous about what I will get. Will it be too strong? Will it be too sweet? Will there be sugar around the rim? (This is a bad thing, by the way – never rim a martini glass with sugar for a cosmo.)

long stem martini glass filled with cranberry lime cosmo drink

So when I want a good cosmo, I usually make them at home. What I’ve found over the years (and this applies to any martini) is that you must use very good ingredients.

Since most martinis are pretty much straight alcohol, this is not the time for cheap vodka. So pay a couple of extra bucks for the good stuff. Cointreau, versus an off-brand triple sec (an orange-flavored liqueur), also makes a big difference.

My #recipe for the Perfect Cosmo drink! #cosmo #cocktail #recipe #cosmopolitan

To make this cosmo, just pour all of the ingredients into your favorite cocktail shaker. Give it a good shake, and then pour it into your martini glass. Don’t forget to garnish with a lime wedge!

Sidenote: I really love this Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker.

close up of The Perfect Cosmo drink

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmo Drinks

Before I get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make a cosmo at home. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What does a Cosmo taste like?

I think a cosmo is the perfect blend of flavors. The lime adds sour, the Cointreau adds citrus and sweetness, and the cranberry adds berry and tartness. It’s a really delicious combination!

I don’t want to sound like a snob, but I think when any recipe is comprised of just a few ingredients, you should use the best ingredients possible. A lesson I learned from Ina Garten, actually.

What is the difference between a cosmopolitan and a martini?

This is a fantastic question. Actually, a cosmopolitan is a fruity mixed martini. It’s a type of martini, so there really isn’t a difference between them.

The Perfect Cosmo recipe being made in a cocktail shaker

Why is it called a cosmopolitan?

The history of this drink goes back further than Sex And The City, surprisingly! Back in 1975, a bartender named Neal Murray at Cork and Cleaver steak house in Minneapolis added a splash of cranberry juice to a kamikaze. After a taster responded, “how cosmopolitan,” the name just stuck.

Is Cointreau the same as Triple Sec?

A triple sec is a family of dry orange liqueurs. It’s confusing, but Triple Sec is both a category name and the name of a specific orange liqueur. I think Cointreau has a smoother and stronger flavor, so it’s my choice in this cocktail.

The Perfect Cosmo Cosmopolitan pinterest image

That’s a Wrap on My Cosmo Drink Recipe!

I hope you enjoy this cosmo as much as I do! Serve it in a martini glass or another party glass. It’s a fun and fruity drink with a complex dance of sweet and tart flavors.

cranberry martini drink recipe

Delicious, right? I told you! And that pink color is perfection. When I’m out and order a cosmopolitan, I can tell by the color whether it’s going to be good even before taking a sip!

I hope you enjoyed this classic cosmo drink recipe. Shake one up and let me know what you think. Cheers!

Like this Cosmo drink recipe? Here are more of my favorite martinis:

The Perfect Cosmo

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time 5 mins
Of all the classic cocktails the Cosmopolitan is my favorite. This recipe for The Perfect Cosmo drink is what I consider to be perfection. With simple but quality ingredients, you can shake up the perfect cosmo recipe too!

Ingredients

  • oz citrus vodka
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • ¾ oz cranberry juice
  • ½   oz fresh lime juice
  • Lime cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Add the vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake vigorously.
  • Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Of all the classic cocktails, the Cosmopolitan drink is my favorite. This recipe for The Perfect Cosmo drink is what I consider to be sheer perfection. With simple but quality ingredients and a tiny bit of know-how, you can shake up the perfect cosmo recipe too! I’m so excited to share this cosmopolitan cocktail recipe […]




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Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a jar.

Sweet and salty come together in this delicious and easy-to-make fall snack mix. It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that is all treats with no tricks. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. 

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in jars
This post is sponsored by the makers of Ball® home canning products.*

The BEST Fall Snack Mix

I’m excited to be back with the makers of Ball® home canning products to share this tasty Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix along with some beautiful food storage ideas. 

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a snack mix. In the past, I’ve made a sweet mix such as my peanut butter pretzel puppy chow, and a salty mix such as my parmesan ranch snack mix. Today I am combining the two flavors to create a sweet and salty mix. And since it’s fall, I am adding in a few seasonal goodies!

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a jar.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

I put together this fall snack mix when my mom was visiting. Let me tell you, neither one of us could keep our hands off of it. The combo mix is so good. I sent her home with half of the batch because I knew that if it was left at my house, I would eat through the entire jar in no time at all.

What makes it so good? It’s a wonderful combination of ingredients! This mix is a winning blend of salty and sweet with just a kiss of fall flavor thanks to a bit of cinnamon and maple syrup. 

Looking for a savory / salt snack mix for fall? You’ll LOVE this Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix.

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in jars.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

Let me walk you through the ingredients you’ll need. 

Fall Snack Mix Ingredients:

The thing I love the most about snack mixes is that you can completely customize them with all the ingredients YOU love. Here’s what I used in my sweet and salty fall snack mix:

  • peanut butter corn cereal squares 
  • wheat cereal squares
  • bite-size pretzels
  • cheddar cheese crackers
  • honey nut o’s cereal 
  • mini marshmallows
  • candy corn
  • peanut butter candy pieces
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix ingredients in jars.

For the glaze, you will also need butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon.

As I mentioned above, feel free to make substitutions and/or leave out ingredients that aren’t your favorites. If you do this, try and fill in with other ingredients to create the same amount. For example, if you’re not a fan of candy corn, remove it and add an extra cup of peanut butter candies. If you don’t like pretzels, leave them out and add two cups of mini graham crackers. 

Side note: I know that using cheddar cheese crackers with a sweet mix might sound a bit odd, but trust me, it’s wonderful! 

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in jars.

Beautiful and Functional Storage Solution: 

As you can see, I have all of my ingredients well organized in various Ball® mason jars and pantry jars.

  1. I love storing things this way for a few reasons: The air-tight storage helps to keep my pantry staples and snacks fresher longer.
  2. The clear jars allow me to see when I’m running low on a particular item.
  3. The jars look delightful. These products are so well designed that they add to the beauty of my kitchen. I’d rather see these nice-looking jars than a bunch of boxes and bags.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix ingredients in jars.

Ever since I created my pantry storage using Ball® Canning Jars a few months back, I’ve been so excited to make the rest of my pantry storage look pretty too. All of these products have been the perfect solution. These Ball® Stack & Store jars are my current favorite.

Ball Canning Products included in this post: 

Now that you know the ingredients you need for the snack mix (and how to store them in a functional and pleasing way), let me walk you through the recipe.

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a jar.

How to Prepare: 

I’ll walk you through the steps here, but for your convenience, I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 275 degrees F. 
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 
  3. In a large bowl toss together the corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal.
making Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix.
  1. In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon. 
  2. Pour this mixture over the snack mix and stir evenly to coat.
making Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix.
  1. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. 
  2. Bake for about 25 minutes or until things start to turn a golden brown. Stir every 10 minutes. 
making Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix.
  1. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Stir in the marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces. 
making Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix.
  1. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container (like the Ball® Storage Latch Jars or Ball® Stack & Store Jars) for up to one week. 
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

And that’s it! 

As you can see, I used some Ball® Storage Latch Jars, Ball® Stack & Store Jars, Ball® Jars with Wooden Lids, and some cute Halloween bags to store my sweet and salty fall snack mix.

The glass storage will help to keep things fresh and the little bags were just too cute.

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a jars.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in halloween bags.

Halloween Treat Bags for Snack Mix

I’ve received a few questions about where to find the halloween bags. To be honest I don’t remember. Sorry! They are a few years old. I think I found them at a small little shop.

If you want to craft something really special, I think you’ll love THESE vintage-inspired halloween treat bags I made last year.

I did a little research and found some SIMILAR vintage-inspired halloween paper treat bags that I think would be just as cute. You an check them out here:

Happy Snacking!

I hope you’ll give this addicting new recipe a try. It’s perfect for parties, giving as a gift, or just for having a tasty snack at home.

Enjoy!!

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix in a bowl.

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 (InstagramFacebookPinterest, and Twitter) 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.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that is part of an ongoing partnership with the Fresh Preserving Division of Newell Brands. They have provided jars, equipment, and monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions expressed remain my own.

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chex mix, snack, snack mix, trail mix
Servings: 10
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Sweet and salty come together in this delicious and easy-to-make fall snack mix. It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that is all treats with no tricks. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups peanut butter corn cereal squares - (Peanut Butter Chex Cereal)
  • 2 cups wheat cereal squares - (Wheat Chex Cereal)
  • 2 cups bite-size pretzels
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese crackers - (Cheez-its)
  • 2 cups honey nut o’s cereal - (Honey Nut Cheerios)
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter - melted
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar - packed
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup candy corn
  • 1 cup peanut butter candy pieces - (Reeses Pieces)

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl toss together the corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the snack mix and stir evenly to coat.
  • Spread this mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 25 minutes or until things start to turn a golden brown. Stir every 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool completely. Stir in the marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces.
  • Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container (like the Ball® Storage Latch Jars or Ball® Stack & Store Jars) for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 986kcalCarbohydrates: 174gProtein: 14gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 1825mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 9gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 1320IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 243mgIron: 18mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!

Sweet and salty come together in this delicious and easy-to-make fall snack mix. It’s a wonderful medley of flavors that is all treats with no tricks. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.  This post is sponsored by the makers of Ball® home canning products.* The BEST Fall Snack Mix […]




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styled Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

Inspired by vintage and thrift store finds, I’m showing you how I styled an outdoor fall tablescape. Plus, I’m sharing tips and tricks for creating a stylish and unique table setting of your own. 

styled Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

A Vintage-Inspired Tablescape for Fall

It’s been a while since I’ve set and styled a table. I’ve been excited about this fall tablescape for quite some time and couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you today. 

Several months ago I had an idea. I wanted to visit local thrift and antique stores and then set a complete table using my finds. And that’s exactly what I did. Well, almost. I did end up having to use two non-vintage/non-thrifted items. (No biggie though.) I made up the rules, so I suppose I’m allowed to break them too. Ha!

tablescape styled for fall.

As an exciting little bonus, I’m back with my Seasons of Home Blogger friends. This week we are either sharing a fall table setting or a fall flower arrangement. (You might remember that last year we did a similar collaboration and I taught you how to style this stunning fall flower arrangement.) This year, as you can clearly tell, I went the fall tablescape route. When you are done here, be sure to click through the list of talented bloggers I have linked at the end of this post. I’m certain you’ll be inspired! 

And with that, let’s get into this vintage-inspired fall tablescape. 

Side note: I should warn you that I have an excess amount of pictures to share. I ended up photographing this during the day and at night so my typical amount of pictures (which is usually a lot) sort of doubled. Oops! I hope you enjoy them! 

My Fall Tablescape in Pictures: 

I thought it might be helpful to share my fall tablescape in all its glory and then we get into the nitty-gritty of it. Sound good? Here’s my vintage-inspired outdoor fall table setting:

Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape set outside.
flower arrangement on fall table setting.
outdoor fall table setting.
fall tablescape at night.
outdoor fall table at night.
outdoor fall tablescape at night.
outdoor fall table setting at night.

I have to tell you, this might be my favorite table setting of all the table settings that I’ve ever done. (Previously it was my outdoor fall table that I shared a couple of years ago.) 

As usual, I was nervous all along the way that it wasn’t going to come together. So, I kept reminding myself to just enjoy the process, buy things I love, and have fun with all of it. It was this advice (which I implore you to follow as well) that helped me bring it all together. 

candles on fall table setting.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

I’m going to walk you through all of the details, but before we get to that, let me answer a few questions. 

How do you make a fall table? 

To make a fall table, I started by thinking about the things I love most about the season. Ask yourself: Is it the colors? the pumpkins? the hayrides? the apple cider? the football games and festivities? Halloween? 

outdoor tablescape for fall.

Using your new insight, you can make a table around any one of the ideas mentioned or you could even put two together. How about a pumpkin and football-inspired tablescape? Or a haunted apple table? 

The point is to choose what you love and go from there. If it lights you up, it will be a fun and enjoyable process. Your guests will notice that too. 

close up of napkins on  fall table.

What makes a great tablescape?

I think the best advice I could give you for making a great tablescape would be to keep it personal. Keep it you. I think it’s easy to want to do what’s popular or what’s trendy. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I think the best tablescapes are the personal ones. Use what you have, use the colors you love, add keep it casual. 

outdoor fall table at night.

If you’re looking for more practical advice, I’d pick a theme or a color scheme (as mentioned above) to help you stay on track. I knew I wanted vintage-inspired with a fall feel. The color scheme wasn’t set until I started finding a few key pieces and then those items helped me stay on track with my chosen color palette. 

Want more fall table inspiration? check out these:

flower arrangement on fall tablescape.

Let’s Talk Table Details:

I hope you’re feeling a bit more confident about setting up a fall tablescape. Now, let me walk you through the details of mine.

Table and Chairs:

I set up this fall tablescape on my new outdoor table and chairs in my new little outdoor nook. (You can find the table HERE, the chairs HERE, and the armchairs HERE.)  

outdoor table at night styled for fall.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I had a big retaining wall installed in my backyard (right outside my art studio). Part of that wall created this cozy outdoor nook. I couldn’t wait to create a fun table setting here. It turned out more magical than I could have envisioned. 

Dinnerware:

Lately, I’ve been really interested in vintage transferware. Transferware is the term given to pottery that has had a pattern applied by transferring the print from a copper plate to paper and then to the pottery. While produced primarily on earthenware, transfer prints are also found on ironstone, porcelain, and bone china.

close up of fall tablescape.
table set up outside for fall.

My hope was to find some brown transferware dinner plates. I did end up finding some but didn’t want to pay the $12 price tag per plate. So, I opted for these pretty but smaller transferware plates instead. I loved the pattern and burgundy color of the design. I was still hoping to find a thrifted dinner plate, but I didn’t, so I ended up using the large plates from my everyday dinnerware set. I think they worked perfectly! (You can read more about my go-to dinnerware and kitchen essentials HERE.) 

The flatware is gold and was from West Elm years and years ago. I had enough flatware that I didn’t feel the need to buy more. 

Glassware:

For the glassware, I was so fortunate to find two different-sized stemmed glasses that work beautifully together. They are both clear stemmed glasses with etching details.

glassware on Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

I thought the larger glass would work well for water (or even wine) and the smaller coupe-style glass would be perfect for a fall cocktail. My Caramel Apple Martini or Apple Cider Sidecar would be perfect in these glasses, don’t you think? 

Napkin Rings:

Aren’t these amazing!? These are dried flower napkin rings that I made (get the tutorial HERE) from flowers in my yard. Love that!

handmade dried flower napkin rings.
dried flower napkins rings.

They were so easy to make and add a wonderful pop of color, texture, and life to the table. Not only do they help to bring everything together, but they also enabled me to add a handmade element to the tablescape. 

styled Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

Taper Candles:

Speaking of handmade (or I suppose semi-handmade), some of you eagle-eyed folks might have spotted my unique and colorful taper candles. They are from another DIY project that you can find HERE! Aren’t they so cool!? I’m obsessed! 

diy decorative taper candles for fall.

When I made these candles, the style/colors of this table were not yet formulated. At the time, I just randomly decided to create some fun candles using seasonal colors. 

diy decorative taper candles for fall.
hand lighting candles on fall table.

As the table started to come to life, I realized that these candles were going to be perfect. So many of the colors matched my design and the colors not present in the table layout added a little interest. When I finally started to set this fall tablescape and added in the candles, my heart sang. It was meant to be! 

I also found this amazing wick snuffer and holder at a local antique store. I couldn’t resist adding it to the table. 

vintage brass candle snuffer.
vintage brass candle snuffer.
blown out candles on outdoor fall table.

Linens:

One of the big things I wanted to find when I was shopping for this table was a vintage tablecloth that had a fall feel. Let me tell you, I looked at dozens of thrift and antique stores and could not find exactly what I had in mind. I took to Etsy and after searching for some time, I finally came across the tablecloth you see here. It couldn’t be more perfect! 

outdoor styled fall tablescape.

The tablecloth wasn’t the “exact” size for the table, but that didn’t bother me too much. I knew I could use it on a diagonal and it would look just as good, if not better.

It couldn’t be more beautiful. While I did pay a bit more than I wanted/intended to, this is a piece I will have for years and years. It’s timeless, made of linen, has a heavy weight to it, and is in great condition. It was such a special find. 

fall outdoor table setting with vintage tablecloth.
outdoor fall table with vintage table cloth.

For the napkins, I was able to use a set I had on hand. The large gingham pattern worked wonderfully with everything else that was already happening on the table and I loved how it looked with the napkin rings. 

Flowers/Pumpkins:

Last but not least, every fall table needs flowers and pumpkins. right? (Well, not every table… remember what I said above, “YOU DO YOU!”)

There is a flower farm somewhat near my house. (If you’re local to Pittsburgh, it’s Eleven Mile Farm – definitely check them out for gorgeous flowers, beautiful wreathes, workshops, and more!) I asked Becca, the owner of the farm if I could purchase some flowers in tones of purples, oranges, burgundy, and pale pinks. My goodness did she deliver. 

flowers on outdoor fall tablescape.

Without any knowledge of the table, Becca selected the most beautiful blooms. I used two transferware pitchers on the table (that I got during my recent thrifting adventures) to hold the flowers and I LOVE how they look. In the past, my routine has always been to use white pitchers for arrangements. While white pitchers make for a clean, classic look, I’ve been steppin’ out and exploring vases that are more decorative. It’s my new favorite!

flower vase on outdoor fall tablescape.
feathers in a vase on outdoor fall table.

I even tucked in a little vase of leftover feathers I had from making my DIY Feather Wreath. (You can grab that tutorial HERE.) They fit in perfectly.

styled outdoor tablescape for the fall.

Finally, I grabbed a handful of pumpkins, gourds, and two mums at a local nursery. I plan to move all of these to the front of my house this week. I love that I can use them in a couple of different ways. 

And I think that’s it. Here is a final look at some of the pictures that didn’t fit in elsewhere.

Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape
Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.
decorated fall table at night with lights.
Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

Seasons of Home Fall Tables and Flowers:

And if all of that wasn’t enough, be sure to check out all of my lovely blogger friends below. I’m certain they have some fall decorating inspiration you will love. Enjoy! 

Seasons of Home Fall Tablescape

Fall Sunflower Arrangement by Ella Claire & Co. | 5 Minute Fall Table Centerpiece by Handmade Farmhouse | Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape by Inspired by Charm | Fall Arrangement from Grocery Store Flowers by Craftberry Bush

Seasons of Home Fall Tablescape

Simply Natural Autumn Table Setting by French Country Cottage | Setting the Table for a Fall Family Feast by Azure Farm | Moody Fall Floral Arrangement by Zevy Joy | Simple Fall Tablescape with Goldenrod by Dear Lillie

It’s Time to Dine! 

And that’s a wrap on my vintage-inspired outdoor fall tablescape. I hope you enjoyed it, learned a thing or two, and are feeling inspired to decorate one of your own. 

Now, I know some of you are thinking, “You’ve got A LOT of stuff on that table. How are you going to fit food, people, etc.” You’re right. I hear you. If you were setting up a similar table, I’d pair things down a bit so you would have a little bit more breathing room. However, I knew that this table wasn’t going to be filled with food and people, so I went crazy with everything else. That’s the fun of it! 

Happy Entertaining! 

outdoor fall table at night.
outdoor fall table at night.

Vintage-Inspired Fall Tablescape.

Inspired by vintage and thrift store finds, I’m showing you how I styled an outdoor fall tablescape. Plus, I’m sharing tips and tricks for creating a stylish and unique table setting of your own.  A Vintage-Inspired Tablescape for Fall It’s been a while since I’ve set and styled a table. I’ve been excited about this […]




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