Let's Entertain

In honor of Black Friday...

HostessJo.com has all holiday items 25% off! 

Here are just a few...

 

   

Dazzling Discovery

Oh my!  My friend Nicole has introduced me to my new favorite store-West Elm.  I am probably a bit behind just discovering this store but it is right up my alley.  I love all the rustic details.  Nicole was looking up decorating ideas for my orange wall and sent me the link to this Pinecone Garland that would look great on the mantel.

 

In my browsing I also found this cool branch shelf:

 

Which would go great with this wood grain rug...

 

and my favorite thing of all are these mercury glass birds..

I am thankful for...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving here is an email I received that pretty much sums it up.

I am thankful:

• For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.

• For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

• For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

• For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

• For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

• For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

• For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

• For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

• For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

• For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

• For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

• For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

• For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.

• And finally....... for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me

Christmas Tree Inspiration

For those of you who may start decorating this weekend here are unique and beautiful Christmas trees to inspire you!

Citrus Tree

 

This one not only looks pretty but will make your room smell wonderful.  They used dried citrus fruits as part of the decoration. 

Poinsettia Tree

 

I love the brightly colored poinsettias in this tree.  For a tree this size you would need six poinsettia plants to split up and decorate with.

Golden Tree

 

This tree is so festive with all of the metallic gold ornaments and ribbon.  I think next time I change my tree it will be gold!

(all photos from bhg.com)

Any Ideas?

I have predicament.  I recently painted the wall behind my fireplace a burnt orange color which looks great usually.  Now I have decorated for Christmas with my usual red accessories.  It is clashing bad.  I am trying to get ideas of other colors I can use to decorate the mantel.  Right now I have red candle holders and red stockings.  Garland with red berries.  I've thought about painting the berries a green or gold if that's possible?  Here are some pics of garlands I love.

 

I am obsessed with anything birch bark!  It is all over my house.  I love the mix of natural items here with the sparkle of the balls.

   

This garland is also pretty with its frosting of white and pinecones. 

I would love to hear your ideas, if you've ever spray painted or changed your existing garland..

(photos from potterybarn.com)

Paul's Smashed Potatoes

I know many of you serve and eat mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving.  Well I've got a fabulous recipe for you to try!  My friends and I recently gathered for our own Thanksgiving dinner and Paul's Potatoes were the big hit!  They are delicious.

1 3 lb. bag small Irish Red Potatoes

1 cup cheddar cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup milk

3 tbsp butter

1/2 cup Ranch dressing

Add garlic salt and pepper to taste

Chop and boil potatoes, then combine all ingredients and get smashing (yes the old fashioned way).

Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

I love these table settings from Country Living.  Each are different, all are beautiful.  Hope this gives you some ideas for your own Thanksgiving table.

I love the corn centerpiece.  This would be easy to make.  A lot of grocery stores sell this corn around this time of year.  This tablecloth could also be made from a piece of fabric.  You could write inspirational quotes on the borders with a fabric pen. Great conversation starter.

The warm jewel tones in this setting are so pretty.  Notice the artificial leaves as place cards.  They used a gel pen to write the guests names.  The berries are also artificial.  I have seen these at Michael's craft store.

This setting is the most unique.  Everything was constructed out of felt.  The runners, the leaves, and the bands and letters on the candles are all felt.  The letters were placed on both sides of the candles for everyone to enjoy.

(All photos from countryliving.com) 

Cranberry Cocktail

Here's another way to enjoy your cranberries this Thanksgiving.  The Cranberry Bog Cocktail!

Ingredients

• 4 ounces champagne
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• Whole cranberries, for garnish
• Mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

Combine champagne and cranberry juice in a champagne flute. Drop a few whole cranberries in the glass and garnish with mint leaves.

(photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com)

Christmas Gift Idea

I've got a great gift idea for the holidays over at HostessJo.com!  Everyone loves candles right?  Well these are not just your average candle.  They are hillarious! (and they smell great)  They celebrate good times and bad.  Whether you need a quick fix or a pick me up, they are great for many occasions.  Aromatherapy Interventions, 100% Soy candles are not just any candle. They are true aromacology. Insightful and unique. Approximate burn time: 50 hours.  Here are a couple of my favorites!

Cool Table Setting Idea

Speaking of the beauty of Fall, why not bring the brightly colored leaves inside?  In this table setting they used small branches with leaves set under transparent glass plates.  I would think you could use transparent acrylic also if you were having a more casual dinner.  You could also use loose leaves.  How unique!

Photo from marthastewart.com.