Hostess Jo

Fall Decorating

Well I just can't wait any longer to transform my home into a fall wonderland!  I almost enjoy decorating for fall as much as Christmas.  Anyone else feel that way?  Don't get me wrong I love Christmas decorations.  I think I am just more drawn to fall colors.

For fall I change out centerpieces, decorate the mantle, change pillow covers, and burn pumpkin spice scented candles.  YUM!  I keep it confined to the family room and outdoors (wreath, mums).  My mom even changes out her bedding!  

BHG has some great ideas for fall decorating.  I just love how this one is a combo of fruit and branches.  Great for the kitchen or as a table centerpiece.

 

Do you decorate your home for fall?  I'd love to hear all about it!

Update

We're extending our FREE SHIPPING at Hostess Jo through LABOR DAY! 

Be sure to check out our football themed pieces, NEW Halloween goodies and our Harvest section for all of your fall celebrations!  Get them now while shipping is FREE!

Football Season Koozie

 

 

Pick Your Poison Halloween Glass Slippers

 

Let's Connect!

Are you on Facebook?  We've started sharing our blog posts from Let's Entertain on our Hostess Jo page.  Become a fan of Hostess Jo/Let's Entertain and you are automatically entered to win our special giveaways just for our Facebook fans!  Next giveaway will be when we reach 175 fans.

We are also on Twitter and would love to "see" you there!

 

Sweet Pea Featured

I'm so excited! Our Sweet Pea shower is featured today on Creative Parties and Showers!  Head on over to see this shower and get many other fun ideas for showers and parties!  Thanks Shannon for the great introduction!

Fit for a Party

Beverage dispensers have been all the rage this summer.  I've seen several great ones but this one tops them all.  The elegant stem makes this one the best.  How pretty would this look at your drink station?  I bet it would steal the show!

 

You can purchase this beauty here.

Homemade Pudding Pops

I used to LOVE Jello Pudding Pops!  I have not been able to find them in the grocery store for years.  Imagine my delight when I found this recipe for them.  BONUS-your children will love helping you make these!  What a great after-school treat.

 

• 1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
• 2 cups cold milk
• 6 Oreo Cookies
• 1⁄2 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping 

1. BEAT pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min.

2. PLACE cookies in resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Use rolling pin to crush cookies.

3. ADD cookies and Cool Whip to pudding; stir just until blended.

4. SPOON into 9 small paper or plastic cups.

5. INSERT wooden pop stick or plastic spoon into each for handle. Freeze 5 hours or until firm.

PREP: 10 min. plus freezing
MAKES: 9 servings

 

 

(photo and recipe from kraftfoods.com)

Candy Cornucopia

I hope this post isn't too soon for everyone.  We had beautiful fall-like weather here this weekend and it got me thinking of all things FALL!  As you know, it is my absolute favorite time of year.  The vibrant colors and cooler temps bring new energy with them. 

This candy cornucopia is one of the cutest things I've seen in a while!  I couldn't wait til September to share it with you.  What a fun activity this would be for kids.  These would make great favors for a fall themed shower or party too.

 

How-to:

Heat water in a teakettle, and put pointed end of a sugar cone into spout. Let steam until softened, about 1 minute. Gently curve end 1/2 inch from tip; hold for 15 seconds. Steam 1 side of cone's open end; press to flatten (so cone won't roll). Let cool until set. Dip edge in melted white chocolate, and roll in chopped pistachios. 

Refrigerate until set. Fill with jelly beans and serve, or store in a covered container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days.

 

(photo and how-to from marthastewart.com)

Aruba, Jamaica...

My mouth actually watered a little when I read this cocktail recipe.  It combines two of my favorite summer, beachy drinks into one!  Enjoy!

Coconut Margarita

 

Serves 2

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus 2 tablespoons for glasses (about 5 limes)
• 3/4 cup Coco Lopez or cream of coconut
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons tequila
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or other orange liqueur

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss coconut with the salt. Spread on sheet; toast in oven, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, then crush with your hands until crumbly.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons lime juice into a shallow dish. Place coconut mixture in another dish. Dip rims of two cocktail glasses in lime juice, then in coconut mixture, coating well.
3. Combine remaining ingredients with 1 cup ice in a blender; puree until smooth. Divide evenly between prepared glasses, and serve immediately.

(photo and recipe from marthastewart.com)

Are You Ready?

For some football?  I know we are at our house!  My husband has been gearing up for a month.  It's only two weeks away.  Here is a cute little deviled egg recipe perfect for your tailgates or home viewing parties.

 

Makes 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1  dozen hard-cooked eggs, peeled
• 1/2  cup  mayonnaise
• 3  tablespoons  mango chutney
• 1/8  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• Kosher salt to taste
• Garnish: sliced fresh chives

Prep

Cut eggs in half lengthwise; carefully remove yolks. Mash yolks; stir in mayonnaise, chutney, and red pepper until blended. Spoon yolk mixture evenly into egg white halves. Sprinkle evenly with desired amount of salt. Garnish, if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

(photo and recipe from myrecipes.com)

End of Summer Party Inspiration

I love that Sunflowers are making a big comeback for late Summer decorating!  They are so bright and cheerful.  To me they signal that Fall is not far away (thank goodness!). 

Here are a few ideas for incorporating them into your End of Summer Parties:

The yellow and dark brown really make an impact on this table setting.

 

These plates would be perfect for an end of summer gathering.  They are rustic and earthy.  

 

This sunflower table decor incorporates lemons.  A great addition to the bright yellow and blue.  These arrangements are a bit dressier with roses added to the bouquets.

 

Pillow covers to spread the theme throughout your house.

 

And for dessert...sunflower cupcakes.

 

Sunflower seeds would make perfect party favors!  I love the rustic simplicity of this arrangement.

Sunflowers are so versatile.  You can dress them up or down.  Combined with other flowers or alone they make unique arrangements.  I hope this inspires you to say goodbye to summer with a celebration.  Have fun planning all of your end of summer soirees!

The Candle Napkin

I just love these "Candle" Napkins.  What an elegant touch they would add to your table setting.  They look pretty in the stemware but I'm wondering if you could put them in actual candle stick holders.  You could make a whole centerpiece out of candle napkins or put one at each place setting.

 

Find the folding instructions here.

(photo from lhj.com)