Saturday Meanderings

Happy Saturday and post-Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Ours took a bit of a different turn. My husband is feeling a bit under the weather and in light of being extra cautious, we moved the dinner outside while he rested inside. Welcome to the last Saturday Meanderings in November where we chat about all good things.

Fun Product from Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has their winter/holiday seasonal products in store. In the aisle with their frozen food products (and pie crusts), there is a Hot Cocoa Snowman. Submerge it in a cup of hot milk and the snowman melts. According to the Trader Joe’s blog: “He’ll bob and tip, like he’s enjoying a cozy bath…until he starts to melt away.” I didn’t taste it personally but my daughter enjoyed it. Priced at $1.99, I expect they will go quickly.

How Cute is This?

Speaking of hot chocolate, I just want to make this because doesn’t it look just D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S?!? If you don’t follow Half Bake Harvest, one must admire this young entrepreneur for her ingenuity and clever recipes. Here is the link to Tieghan’s Caramel Espresso Hot Cocoa.

Re-planting the centerpiece

One of the joys of putting together a “live” centerpiece, is using the plants after the dinner is over. In addition to enjoying an abundant, lush table, now the plants are living happily in the yard. If you live in an area where you are not planting outside this time of year, consider using fresh herbs in your centerpiece. That way you can recycle your plants and have a kitchen garden during the winter. If you did not see my Thanksgiving centerpiece, click here.

Re-cycling the Pumpkins and Gourds

With the numerous pumpkins and gourds purchased for fall decor, this week we are recycling them. The stems will be saved for fall projects next year. I am debating whether to save the seeds for planting next year or roasting now. And the actual pumpkins will become an edible treat for the chickens.

Bleaching Pinecones

A year ago I attempted this DIY project and am happy with the results. If you have pinecones and bleach, then you can make this too. These are nice to add to any holiday decor project. See it here.

Spiffing up your Home for the Holidays

In addition to decorating the house for the holidays, it is also nice to have everything sparkling clean. It is almost time for the annual clean the crystal chandeliers and light fixtures. You can see my chandelier cleaning ritual here.

Danielle from Finding Silver Pennies recently posted a homemade glass cleaner. I am excited to try it as I tend to have streaks in my glass panes. Does anyone else have the perfect glass cleaner or cleaning technique? It’s time to do all our windows again (groan..) but clean windows make such a difference. See Danielle’s homemade glass cleaner post here.

Setting a Formal Table

Would you like to learn more about how to set a formal table, while getting inspiration and tips? My friend, Barbara at Mantel and Table is offering her guide, “Formal Table Setting Made Easy” here. Barbara is the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to the ins and outs of putting together a formal table. This would also be a nice gift for someone starting out and learning how to entertain.

Creative Christmas Topiary

If you are looking to update your holiday front porch, check out Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate’s DIY project of this fun, gift box topiary. Chloe has very detailed step-by-step instructions~what a fun and unique project!

Holiday Decorating

When do you start your holiday decorating? Do you already have it finished? I am just beginning and it actually feels good to take down all the fall decor. This year we will attempt to keep it simple. In December we are taking a week’s vacation out of the country so the goal is to get it all done before we leave. And then arrive home just in time for Christmas. I am actually excited about trying some new and less extravagant decorations this year.

Hoping this post finds you full of happy Thanksgiving memories and enjoying a relaxing weekend. Be well, my friends!