Give thanks for guests with great decor

Holiday season is upon us again. By the time you read this, it will already be November and Thanksgiving with its football festivities and turkey comas will be fast approaching. Friends and families will soon be gathered in our kitchens and family rooms, eating, drinking and enjoying one another’s company. There is nothing I love more than adding seasonal touches to my home to reflect the spirit of the season, except maybe a good holiday party! Here are some of my favorite recipes and decorating tips to warm the hearts of your family and guests.

Thanksgiving in a glass:

Here’s a fabulous autumnal cocktail for the adults at your Thanksgiving gathering. Grab some pumpkin pie flavored vodka, spiced apple cider, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and some whipped cream. Heat 8 ounces of cider in a saucepan until you see steam (around 5 minutes) or for 1 minute in the microwave. Add a shot of the pumpkin pie vodka, some whipped cream and top it off with the cinnamon stick and a sprinkling of nutmeg. Want a family friendly beverage fit for your fall fete? Try an apple cider float. All you need is 2 cups apple cider, a cinnamon stick, 1 cup of vanilla ice cream, 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce and some nutmeg. Kiddies and grownups alike will love this delicious treat.

Lots of families have their own tasty turkey traditions already, so how about adding some delectable new side dishes to your gastronomic lineup? Since the cooking instructions and ingredients lists are too lengthy to post here, I’ll simply direct you to the Better Homes and Gardens website’s recipes and cooking section. Search for the “Savory Butternut Squash Dressing” recipe. It’s a mouthwatering combo of squash, cranberries and breadcrumbs sure to satisfy. Looking for something creamy to really send your taste buds into the comfort food zone? Head on over to Pinterest or straight to TheGirlWhoAteEverything.com and look up “Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole.” It’s everything you love about baked potatoes in a yummy casserole perfect for passing around your table.

Now that you’ve rounded off your turkey day menu, lets talk holiday ornamentation. Craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby are perfect for holiday home décor accents. There’s always a coupon or two on their website (most stores even have apps) or in their weekly circular. GrandinRoad.com also has some fabulous finds. Pumpkins, real or faux, are always a winner. Grab some pre-made burlap or straw pumpkins from their site and pair it with some autumn themed garland, in or out, for a cheerful atmosphere. If you really want to go all out, the above mentioned craft store has neatly twined bales of decorative hay and scarecrows perfect for welcoming guests at your front door. Can’t wait for Thanksgiving? Grab an apple cider or pumpkin pie scented candle from Yankee Candle and enjoy the scrumptious aroma while you get ready for the holiday. From my family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy!