Ten Tip Tuesday- Prepping for Turkey Day

It's the week before Thanksgiving.  Family's coming to YOUR house for the event and you have no clue where to get started.  Or maybe you just need help collecting your thoughts and putting a plan on paper. I have found some great tips and printables to help you out!!

1.  This tip is kind of wasted on me.  We don't have a formal dinner set up.  Ours is buffet style so everyone grabs their plate and loads up on all the yumminess.  But if you are little more formal (or you want to start a formal dinner tradition),  DuoParadigms has a great infographic that tells you everything from how to set your table, to passing food correctly (didn't know there was such a thing!) to making turkeys out of napkins!  Since it's a graphic, it is super easy to follow when it's time to set the table.

2.  Set your menu (like yesterday!):  If you have not set up your menu plan, it's not too late.  Just don't look at any "Planning your Thanksgiving meal" things on Pinterest since most recommend it should be done 2-4 weeks before the event!  I personally would advise against trying out new food items.  If you have NEVER cooked a pumpkin pie, next Thursday is NOT the time to attempt it.   If you are cooking the entire meal, keep it simple for your sake.  Use sides that you are comfortable with.  Here is a great organizer.

3.  Double check with your guests:  If you asked your guests to bring side dishes, double check with them.  You want to make sure you don't end up with 2 (or 3) of something.  Unless it's pie...there's never enough pie!

4.  LISTS!!: Make lists to keep your sanity.  Plan your meal on a list.  Write your grocery list.  Make a list of what your guests are bringing.  Make a "to do" list of things you need done like cleaning out the fridge.   Hang them up on the fridge so you know where they are.  If you are complusive, you could make a copy for your purse too!  That way if you think of something while you are out, you can add it!

5.  Grocery shop TWICE:  When you are making your lists, make one of non-perishables and one of perishables.  Buy your non-perishables at least a week before.  Then you can go a day or two ahead of Thursday and get all your perishables and anything you forgot the first trip.

6.  Table Ready?:  Get your table ready the night before.  Get out all the good china and nice table linens.  Press the table linens.  Set your table.  If you don't have your tablescape done, no worries.  Here's a simple one that you can pull together.

7.  Cocktails:  Needing a few drink recipes to go with your appetizers?  I blogged about 5 great ones that I am sharing again here.  Make sure to add the ingredients to your grocery list!!

8.  Slow Cookers:  These may be the best invention since sliced bread!  Slow cookers will cut down on your stress of burning something or not having it ready in time.  I found some great slow cooker recipes for sides.  You won't have room for everything in your oven.  The slow cookers will give you space in your oven for that all important bird and dressing!

9.  Leftover Containers:  Don't worry about getting dishes back!  Make sure to stock up on take home containers so EVERYONE can take some leftovers off your hands!  Here are some really cute printables from I Heart Naptime.!

10.  Shower and take time for yourself!!:  So you've been up since 5am working and your kitchen (and you) are looking pretty rough!  Is that how you want to be seen by your guests at the table?  Allot yourself time to get cleaned up and gussied up for the big day.  That way you look as calm and collected as our friend here. Her nail polish isn't even chipped!

                           

I am sure I could go on and on about prepping for Thanksgiving.  But at least, this gives you a good starting point, right?  Remember above all, relax and enjoy this time with your family.

Hugs y'all!

LSG

Make It Monday-Simple Thanksgiving Tablescape

Let's face it...Thanksgiving is coming in hot and fast! The holidays are coming whether you are ready or not!  Family is coming whether you ready or not.  Kids are about to be out of school for an ENTIRE week whether you are ready or not...you get the point.

The table tends to be the focus of Thanksgiving, right?   You and your loved ones are all gathered around, blessing the fabulous meal before you.  Then you tend to linger around the table after dinner (unless you're a guy who goes straight for the football on TV). Even though you are completely stuffed, you keep managing to find room for another dinner roll...or a bite of pie...or a second helping of dressing. Why not make the table the focal point?  It's easy to decorate and takes very little time with these helpful ideas I am about to give you.  You could go elaborate with your centerpiece.  We don't do elaborate tablescapes because my kids (AKA the husband) like to rearrange it when I am not looking.  It drives my OCD a little crazy but I have learned to deal with it.  Plus my son is like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown...dirt and mess just follow him.  He can a have sandwich and somehow my 6 person rectangular  black kitchen table is covered in crumbs.  But he's cute...  Our everyday table is also our formal dining table.  It sits smack in the middle of the kitchen.  Usually by Wednesday, it is covered in school permission slips, homework, graded papers,etc.  Needless to say that would be another reason for a simple tablescape.  Here's my tablescape that I created for Thanksgiving.

           

                   

Now for a few tips on how to create your simple but pretty table.

1.  Low Maintenance Runner:  I made this runner.  I bought a 1 1/2 yard of this cute fabric of cream and sand chevron.  It looked slightly gold in the store but when I got it home, I realized it was a tan color. Oh well!  The fabric is cotton so when little man gets peanut butter on it, it will wash fine.  With a little ironing, it will be good as new.

2.  Candles:  I love candles on the table.  Whether they are battery powered or not,  I love them.  These two orange ones came from JoAnn's after Halloween.  I scored a deal and got them both for about $4!

3.  Fresh Flowers:  There is just something about having fresh flowers in the house.  I like to keep them on the table in the kitchen, the sofa table in the sitting room and the coffee table in the living room.  Luckily I have 3 rose bushes so I can usually keep fresh flowers around.  I chose white roses for Thanksgiving because it went with my scheme better.  White roses are just so clean and simple.

4.  Mason Jars:  Gotta love mason jars!! Add some fresh flowers and it makes the perfect low-fuss vase!

5.  Filler pieces:  To finish out my table (and still make things functional), I added gold salt and pepper shakers.  They are the cutest owls that I found at Home Goods back in September.  I even bought an extra pair that I gave away in my first blog giveaway!  Lastly, I found this sweet little sign at Kirklands back in September (or maybe August!) that reads "sweeter than pumpkin pie."  When I bought it, I wasn't sure what I would do with it.  I think it finishes out my "low fuss" Thanksgiving table just fine.

Here's proof you don't need to spend a ton of money to make your table pretty.  We left the entire set up on the table all month long.  We were still able to enjoy our Sunday breakfasts because we could still see each other.  Our conversations were not distracted by huge flower arrangements or pieces that were not "kid proof."

Hugs y'all,

LSG

Thirsty Thursday-Pumpkin Pie Shots

Last week I posted 5 great Thanksgiving Day cocktails...I mean really great ones!  How in the world am I going to top last week's blog??  With pumpkin pie jello shots, that's how! I was browsing the interweb this week trying to find inspiration for today's post when I found this little beauty of a recipe!  Make sure to keep the kids out of these.  They look like mini pumpkin pies!  The Cookie Rookiedid a great job with this recipe.

              

Seriously?  How good do these look?  I am going to post the ingredient list here so that you can start your grocery list.  You will have to click on the link to get the recipe though.

You will need:

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/3 cup of spiced pumpkin pie mix

Whipped Topping

2  packages of Pillsbury premade pie mix

1/2 tbsp of Whipping cream

2 packets of unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup of rum or white vodka

1 1/4 cup of water 

Go ahead and make a batch this weekend.  It will get you in the Thanksgiving Day spirit!

Hugs y'all,

LSG

To Do Tuesday-Fall Bucket List

Welcome to another new feature called "To Do Tuesday."  I thought every so often I would bring you some FUN "to do" lists!  We get so bogged down with the not so fun stuff of holidays that we often forget to do the fun stuff!

Today I am bringing you a Fall Bucket List.  When I made plans to write this blog back in late October, we had temps in the low 80's.  But today our temps dipped 40 degrees and it feels more like winter.  Oh well, that's Texas for you!  Since it is technically not winter yet, I will carry on with my fall list of fun things to do!  We just might need to bundle up a bit more.

After Halloween, it feels like everyone goes into Christmas overdrive.  Stores have the Christmas decor up and pushing their black Friday sales already!!  But what about the rest of fall?  What about Thanksgiving? This is the time of year to really enjoy the things around you...little things around you.  Leaves changing color, cooler temps that allow for a night around the fire pit, and "awesomely" ( yes I may have made that word up) cozy sweaters are just a few of those things.  The list I made contains things you could do AFTER Halloween has passed.  It will help pass the time for those that go into Christmas mode on November 1st.  Sorry it is not in a cute download but you could easily type this up or write it out on a chalkboard!

FALL BUCKET LIST:

1. Make homemade apple cider

2.  Make a pumpkin dessert-pie, fudge, french toast, bread, etc.

3.  Buy (or make) a new cozy sweater.  If you can knit, more power to you!!

4.  Go on a leaf hunt with the kids.  Bring the leaves you find home and make a craft.  Talk about the different shapes, what trees they came from and the colors.

5.  Pick pecans!!! Then make a yummy dessert!

6.  Go on a hayride.

7.  Builld a fire outside-either a bonfire or in your small fire pit.  Then roast marshmellows for s'mores!

8. TAILGATE!!  Hello, this is prime football weather!!

9.  Clean out toys, clothes, etc now and donate to a shelter.

10.  Make a grateful jar.  Each day add something you are grateful for.  (Tomorrow's blog will have ours.)

Our family has already checked off a few of these.  Last  Friday, the kiddos spent the afternoon at Nana's picking AND cracking pecans.  I might try to steal some before my mom uses them all!

                 

I was hoping to make this list family oriented and kid friendly for the most part.  We get so busy (and I use that term loosely because we are not that "busy" to spend time with family) and don't appreciate the little things in life.  This list is meant to slow you down and make you appreciate little things.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Hugs y'all,
LSG

Thirsty Thursday-Thanksgiving Cocktails

        

   

Hallloween was last Friday...Turkey Day is in THREE WEEKS...Christmas countdowns have already started.  If that is not enough to send you into holiday stress meltdown, imagine doing it all without the help of a little adult beverage!!!  The readers that personally know me, know that I am not a big drinker. However, I do enjoy a little something every now and then.  Didn't want you thinking I was some sort of raging alcoholic...

All of these holiday drinks really have intrigued me.  They sound simple and yummy!!  I bought a big bottle of caramel flavored vodka so anything I can that in, I am happy. Not only is it the start of the holiday season, but it's also the beginning of entertaining season.  I think most people tend have more parties to attend.  More people host friends and family in their homes.  It's the height of football season, so you may have friends coming over to watch their favorite teams.  The cocktails I have compiled for you could be really served any time from early October to late December (especially the apple flavored ones!)

1. Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail

2.  Caramel Apple Sangria:

3.  Fall Cocktail:

4.  Caramel Apple Pie Cocktail

5.  Fall Cocktail

These should at least get you started on the holiday spirit.  Bottoms up!

Hugs Y'all,

LSG

  

Make Up Monday-Pumpkin Spice Scrub

Halloween is over and fall is (FNALLY) in full force here in Texas.  At least until next week...  A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a pumpkin mask for your face.  While I sat with the pumpkin/honey mixutre on my face, it got me thinking how awesome this stuff would be as a scrub.  I had made some unscented sugar scrub before so I knew it would not be much different.  All you need are 4 ingredients-coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.  Probably all things you have in your pantry this time of year, right?

In a bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar (mine was tightly packed), 1/2 cup of coconut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.  You could add more for a stronger scent.  Make sure to get out the "lumps" of brown sugar.  I used my hands to break apart lumps and mix.  Once it was a "sugar scrub" consistency, I added the cinnamon and pumpkie pie spice, stirring with a spoon.  I put it in a mason jar to put by the sink.  This would make a great gift for your Thanksgiving Day hostess!!  Dress it up with a little fabric and a measuring spoon tied to the side.  Super cute and thoughtful!

           

Make sure to keep a jar for yourself! Your hands will thank you after all that holiday baking!

Hugs y'all!

LSG