Pumpkin Firepit

Better Homes and Gardens

I don't know how pumpkin carving goes at your house but at mine I empty the pumpkins of their innards and my husband carves the pumpkins. I then roast all of the pumpkin seeds (thankfully this is done ONCE a year) and we enjoy our beautiful pumpkins Halloween night. 

Ever since I first saw this picture of a pumpkin "fire pit" I've wanted to create it for a fall party at my home. The only thing holding me back is the number of pumpkins I would have to "gut". This beautiful pumpkin "fire pit" is a great idea for your fall or Halloween party. Please send me pictures if you recreate this. I would love to post your efforts!

Pumpkins

Country Living

It is this time of year that my family, like most, likes to pull out the movie It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and other fall favorites. Pumpkins are a decorating staple for me when the first leaf changes color and the variations in color, shape and size seems to grow every year.  It is no longer just about the big orange pumpkin anymore!
This week will mostly be a show and tell of my favorite pumpkin decorating ideas with a little commentary on the side. Enjoy!

Fall Entertaining - Cheese and Wine (or grape juice)

Better Homes and Gardens

Anytime is a good time to throw a party or have your close friends and family over. You don't need to break the bank to provide a lavish spread every time you want people over. I think a cheese and wine party is a wonderful way to have food for your guests but do so on a budget. You might hear the word wine and think "there goes my grocery bill right now" or "what if I don't drink alcoholic beverages". Not a problem.

A great place to buy good and inexpensive wine is Costco. The same wine that my husband and I drink at restaurants we can find at Costco for less than $10. If you don't drink alcoholic beverages I would suggest finding a delicious cider recipe or substitute club soda for the alcohol in your mixed drink recipes. Sparkling grape juice is yummy and still gives the pretty bottle appearance you may be wanting on your table.

Steve Giralt

One of the wonderful things about a wine and cheese party is that the food serves as beautiful decoration as well. Just look at the clumps of juicy grapes, bowels of plump figs and plates of cheese. Many of these things can be bought weeks in advance so you are not overwhelmed with a large bill as the party nears. This would be a wonderful party to hold on Halloween if you did not want to celebrate with costumes and candy. Celebrate the time of harvest and beautiful friendships.

Fall Entertaining - Firepit and S'mores

This Old House

You're killing me Smalls! These are s'more's stuff! Alrite now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming... you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good! (As said by Ham Porter in the movie Sandlot)

S'mores are the epitome of comfort snack to me. If the day has been long and hard my husband and I will pour ourselves a tall glass of milk and make s'mores in the microwave. You may think that the only way to make a s'more is over a fire but I beg to differ. 

S'mores Maker

This wonderful invention, that I use, can have you eating s'mores in seconds. I HIGHLY recommend it.

However, this entry is not about making s'mores in your microwave. The Fall is a wonderful time to light up the fire pit and hold a S'more Making party.

Cookie Creatives

This gourmet s'mores table, that was inspired by Jennifer of Cookie Creatives, is exactly what I imagine a s'mores making station to be. There a various flavors of marshmallows, types of graham cracker (honey, chocolate and you could even have cinnamon) and things to sprinkle such as salted nuts and toasted coconut.

The galvanized buckets are perfect containers for the marshmallows and easy to find and Michaels and Walmart. Labeling the s'mores fixings helps avoid a traffic jam at the table.

Sunset

Your imagination is really the limit of your s'mores making combination's. This tasty treat is made up of gingersnaps, marshmallow and caramel filled chocolate. YUM! You can even include fruit such as bananas and strawberries on your sweet sandwich.

Tiny Prints blog

No party is complete without party favors. This adorable package of s'mores fixings is sure to send your guest away happy.

Twig and Thistle

With the holiday's fast approaching I thought I would include a quick gift idea for you. This is a simple, inexpensive and sweet gift that would be great for teachers, neighbors, hostess gifts or for yourself after the stress of holiday planning.

I hope you enjoyed this delicious ideas for a S'mores party and don't forget to share the fun with those you love!

Fall Entertaining - Porch Dining

 

Pottery Barn 

I have noticed a new concept, to me, showing up in many of the magazines that I subscribe to. The concept being to take your formal dining room furniture and transform your screen covered porch or sun room into your dining space. This is only temporary of course but a wonderful way to enjoy the cooling temperatures in a more formal setting. 

Better Homes and Gardens

In the October issue of Better Homes and Gardens there is an article entitled Natural Attraction that includes a pictures of an informal dining area on the porch. (I've searched everywhere for a digital copy of the article but could not find it...page 49) I love the fall decor of pumpkins placed randomly about the table and a large vase of leaves and flowers at the end of the table. Large bowls of soup, wedges of cheese and loaves of bread complete the fall meal.

 Southern Living

Not only do you need to bring your formal dining furniture outdoors but include your fine china and fancy glasses as well. Just look at the beautiful backdrop of fall foliage and I think nature showed up in her best dress.

I have to mention one more periodical that I have garnered a lot of ideas from (in general) for formal porch dining. The Southern Living Easy Entertaining special publication is loaded with goodies. The article entitled Celebrate the Harvest served as the inspiration for this post and illustrates the topic beautifully. It is on newsstands until mid December so PLEASE go out and buy it.

Fall Entertaining - Backyard Movie

Southern Living

I have always liked the idea of having a movie screening for all of your friends in your own backyard. Most seasons are generally conducive for an outdoor movie but the fall just seems made for it. Assuming you have the equipment necessary to show your movie outdoors I'll help you with the extras to make the movie even more enjoyable for everyone.

Pottery Barn

Grab some quilts, blankets and throw pillows to throw on the ground for comfy seating. Be sure to include some chairs for the rear seating so those who don't care to "slum it" on the ground have a comfy seat as well.

Ideal Home

Be sure to have a large basket full of rolled throws for those of us who like to snuggle with something (or someone) while we watch a movie.

Fill inexpensive fabric bins, that can be found at Walmart or Target, with lots of movie munchies. Have bowls of popped popcorn distributed throughout the viewing area.

 Colorado Backyard Movies

 If there are little one's watching the movie be sure to include fun things like glow-in-the dark bracelets and necklaces for them to wear. The dark may scare some children and flashlights would ruin the movie viewing experience.

A backyard movie is a fun entertainment option you can share with your friends and family. Be sure to buy your tickets soon!!!

Fall - More Inviting Entries

Sunset

One of the many great things about Fall is the abundance of natural things you can use to decorate with. Leaves, acorns, pumpkins, gourds....the list goes on. Pumpkins are one of my favorite Fall things and I will devote an entire week of my blog to the many uses of pumpkins.

I like this take on displaying your house number in a festive manner. Most people don't think of carving pumpkins for a practical purpose but I like the different approach.

Sunset

It is at this time of year that I begin filling pots with things that will stay green from now until next spring. I am not the best waterer in the cold months so things usually stay green until Christmas and I am back to bare pots. This year I vow to be more attentive. (I will let you know how that goes)

This assortment of pumpkins and simplicity of evergreens is beautiful and very welcoming.

My Home Ideas

I have used kale and winter cabbage to decorate my front porch for many years and have never thought to incorporate white lights into them. This is a beautiful display and can span through the holidays of fall and winter.

Whatever the season, a decorated entry to your home is like a warm hug to all who visit. 

Make it your own and have fun with it!