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St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | entertaining
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Sep 18 2013

Fall Entertaining Ideas

Fall is my absolute, hands-down, favorite time of year.  Notwithstanding that my birthday month is snugly nestled into this time of year, It’s just something about the change in colors, temperature and scents that does something to me every time.  With Autumn quickly approaching, I anticipate there will be a get-together or two in our home, and I’d love to share some ideas with you.

Love this set up from Everyday Occasions using seasonal gourds and pumpkins.  Love the pumpkin candle holders (tutorial on how to make them are at the link)!

fall entertaining dinner decoration ideas

 

The use of lanterns to illuminate your space is awesome.  Bringing in a mix of different styles makes it less put-together and very relaxed.  You can use other festive items for decor as well– like nuts and berries. I know that sounds trés squirrel chic, but toss in a few well placed pillar candles, hurricanes and some height. You’ve got magic, baby.  Just see what Trésors Deluxe did:

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Fall Entertaining Dinner Party Ideas Decor

 

Now you know I’m all about a good drink, honey. Which one of your guests do you think could NOT fall in love with being welcomed by these cored and cut apples filled with aromatic apple cider, with a cinnamon and orange garnish?  If you can think of one, unfriend them now.  As the cooler weather creeps in, this would be a welcome and impressive treat. If your cider needs a little kick, add brandy and a smile.

 

Apple Cider Fall Entertaining dinner party ideas

 

Everyone goes nuts each year when Starbucks releases their Pumpkin Spice each year.  Here’s a great recipe from The Grant Life that you’re sure to love:

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And what about this Crisp Autumn Sangria? YES!

Fall Entertaining Autumn Sangria

 

And what about food?  Youc could opt for a little sweet and savory with these pears and gorgonzola bites.  Well, you know you also have to have a hearty stew or soup, right?  How about this Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa.

fall entertaining pear and gorgonzola bites

Fall Entertaining butternut squash soup stew

 

Got a sweet tooth? Pumpkin Cheesecakes or Apple Dumplings will be the cure of exactly what ails you.

 

Fall Entertaining Dessert Pumpkin Cheese Cake IdeasFall entertaining dessert party dinner

 

 

My Holiday Favorites

favorites

 

HOLIDAY TIME!

With Christmas and New Years right around the corner—literally, I wanted to share my favorites for great, festive holiday happenings.  While you can enjoy many of these any time, they take special precedence during the holidays when everyone is feeling happy, generous and ready to party. 

Great Food:  Nothing brings family and friends together like good food.  Go beyond the usual dips and finger foods and play up some traditional favorite flavors.  Above is prosciutto wrapped fig, which is absolutely delicious.  These festive baked potato bites make for great presentation and pleasing mouthfuls, enjoy a whiskey cheese fondue or scallops with potato pancakes and caviar sauce.

Great Drinks: I love the Kahlua Café “hot chocolate” adult beverage (as my BFF Jason calls them).  Topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and sprinkled with nutmeg.  Another delicious treat is Trinidad punch from 1869: Chocolate, coconut milk and rum make a special holiday drink. If you would like to get whimsical, try these gingerbread martini jelly shots in the forms of mini bundt cakes (tres adorable!). I do believe my ultimate holiday favorite is the spiced cranberry martini.

Great Décor:  Make your house festive with charming décor—change it up every year.  We have a white Christmas tree, so each year, we’ll alternate different color ornaments (this year, it’s sapphire blue and silver).  We also buy a single ornament reflective of everyone’s personality each year—it makes our tree so much more personal and intimate.  Buy a few crafts and have friends over to make their own to put on your tree or add décor to your home. 

Great Music:  Nothing starts any party like good music. I love Mariah Carey’s Christmas albums, both Merry Christmas and Merry Christmas II You, but also love Christmas tunes crooned by Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt, Etta James, and Nat “King” Cole.  Who doesn’t love singing around the Christmas Tree?

Great Fire:   The focal point of any holiday gathering besides the tree is the fire (enter the chestnuts roasting…).  A good fire offers warmth and entertainment, feeding into all of the senses.  If you don’t have a fireplace, opt for a fire pit for outdoor décor and warmth.  Fires also make for good cuddling 🙂

 

These are just a few of my staples for my upcoming holiday entertaining—what are yours?

We Likey: Nesting Newbies

Online magazine Nesting Newbies Issue  Winter 2010

 

Looking for inspiration and ideas for your home registry?  You will absolutely love Nesting Newbies.  Not only is the magazine fabulous, but their website is equally fabulous being full of great pictures, articles and more.  The magazine’s issue features delicious recipes such as the Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs and the Smoky Sweet Jalapeno Pork….

Nesting for Newbies

 

I think what I fell in love with the most are the tablescaping ideas.  Sitting down?  Good.

tablescaping for newbies nesting for newbies

modern vintage nesting for newbies tablescaping winter 2010

urban femme decor inspiration idea nesting newbies winter 2010

nesting for newbies tablescaping

If you are looking for more ideas, check out some past issues (here is Fall 2009…the garage transformation is amazing!)

Become a Savvy Host

Savvy Host:  entertaining essentials

 

 

Sometimes entertaining can be tough, stressful and nerve wracking.  Enter:  Savvy Host.  In addition to swooning over their concepts (I love that their philosophy and approach is “simple”, that “sharing a meal can be one of life’s most enjoyable experiences”) and following Savvy Host on Twitter, I have enjoyed seeing what they are doing with the entertainment market.

You can learn the 8 entertaining essentials, which will take your stressful or drab dinner party to a thoughtful and effortlessly fabulous gathering of friends.  These tips will work for everything that you might have planned (or want to plan):  Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners with your new in-laws,  a backyard barbecue for friends or a dinner and martini party for the girls.  What’s even better is that savvy host team can help you with your entertaining needs by creating a customized entertaining plan, decor, and help for creating gorgeous tabletops.  You can also schedule your own Savvy Host party with friends or attend one of the classes/events on specific entertaining topics. 

Another great feature of Savvy Host is the Savvy Host Market.    This is the Savvy Host store where you can purchase all of your entertaining needs like tabletops in a box, essentials for the grill, bar basics and so much more.  You are sure to find something to help you plan your next engagement party, bridal shower or  luncheon. 

Happy entertaining!