Naturally Neutral Thanksgiving

This is a low key version of a Thanksgiving table that avoids all the vivid orange, red, and yellow. I set 3 log slices down the center of the table and on those, I put a gray vase of dried lunaria that I picked back in the summer, and two wood look turkeys. The placesContinue reading “Naturally Neutral Thanksgiving”

Fall Fiesta

We had our oldest, his fiancee, and some of his teammates at our house for The Head of the Hooch last weekend. On Saturday, they expected to be late and some people thought they might be back earlier than others, so I planned to do chicken burrito bowls. I wanted to do a tablescape thatContinue reading “Fall Fiesta”

Bright and Cheerful Thanksgiving

Many of the colors that we associate with Thanksgiving decorations are browned down versions of yellow (ochre), Orange (rust or russet), and Red (maroon). This table uses clear bright tones of these same base colors along with a hefty dose of blue. The inspiration for the table was the Villeroy and Boch Bonjour Madame saladContinue reading “Bright and Cheerful Thanksgiving”

Roasted Pear and Rosemary French 75

I learned about this drink at an event (a drink mixing class) I worked on for a non-profit a couple of years ago. It was, without a doubt, the best drink that I have ever had anywhere, bar none. I’m going to make them for Thanksgiving and we are going to need a BUNCH ofContinue reading “Roasted Pear and Rosemary French 75”

Spooky Halloween Table

I found a bunch of pieces of Independence “Millbrook” dishes at a couple of stores and somehow, the pattern reminds me of Tim Burton’s work, so of course I had to do a Halloween table with them. I started with a white tablecloth and a pretty fall shawl with lots of Halloween colors in it.Continue reading “Spooky Halloween Table”

Bacon Onion Beef Burgers

I started making these a few years ago and my husband LOVES them. Because they are a little bit of a pain, I usually make a ton of them. I am giving you my proportions, but you can easily divide and add more of some things and less of others to suit your tastes. 6Continue reading “Bacon Onion Beef Burgers”

Pear Cake with Caramel Glaze

This recipe is from the Southern Living 2002 Annual Recipes Cookbook. You can find it here: https://www.food.com/recipe/caramel-glazed-pear-cake-187648 There are a few tips that I want to share: 2. This is a sweet cake, so be sure to grease the pan well. 3. Also, because it’s sweet, it browns really quickly. I ended up putting aContinue reading “Pear Cake with Caramel Glaze”

Great Grilling Recipe–Chicken (or Pork) Souvlaki

When we go to our favorite Greek/Italian recipe in town, you can pretty much count on my ordering a chicken souvlaki wrap with extra sauce and extra tomato. Now that we live even further out than before, I have come up with my own recipe. First gather your ingredients: fresh lemon, olive oil, cumin, garlicContinue reading “Great Grilling Recipe–Chicken (or Pork) Souvlaki”

Neutral Fall Table

I have found some neat fall decor at the thrift store and I have a great natural linen tablecloth that I bought from Williams-Sonoma. (I have a wide table (42″) and it’s difficult to find cloths wide enough most places.) I also have some really cool neutral dishes that I have found at various thriftContinue reading “Neutral Fall Table”

Beef Stew and Bread by the Fire

We are having people over so I am preparing a make-ahead dinner that is easy to eat outside. This is a hearty beef stew with bacon, tomatoes, mixed vegetables, baby potatoes, and onions. I am making my recipe for Cheesy Grits bread that was published in Southern Living Magazine in 2005. You can find thatContinue reading “Beef Stew and Bread by the Fire”