Classic Roast Turkey Recipe

Hi Friends,

Emerald Lagasse, renowund chef and TV host shares his recipe for the Classic Roast Turkey.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 double or triple recipe of the gravy (optional)
* 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
* 1 teaspoon Baby Bam
* 1 bay leaf
* 5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
* 1 rib celery, coarsely chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
* 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
* 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 (10- to 12-pound) turkey

Instructions

Position rack in the lower third of oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF. Fit a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

Transfer the turkey to the kitchen sink and remove its wrapping. Using your hands, remove and discard the neck, gizzards, heart, and liver usually found in a small paper or plastic bag inside the cavity.

Rinse the turkey well inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels and transfer the turkey breast side up to the rack in the roasting pan.

Season the inside of the turkey with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper and stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, carrots, celery, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf.

Using kitchen twine, tie the ends of the turkey's legs together so that it looks as if it is trying to cross its legs.

Season the outside of the turkey evenly with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the Baby Bam.

Use your hands to rub the butter evenly over the entire turkey. You might have to ask someone to hold the turkey for you while you do this. Wash hands well.

Transfer the turkey to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF and, with oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven. Watch it, this is heavy and now it's hot too!

Using a baster, baste the top of the turkey evenly with 1/3 of the chicken broth.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, return the turkey to the oven and cook for an additional 1 3/4 to 2 hours, basting twice more during this cooking time with the remaining chicken broth. Always use oven mitts or pot holders for handling the hot roasting pan. If the turkey begins to look too browned, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil until it is done.

After 1 3/4 to 2 hours, the turkey should be a nice golden brown color, and the juices should run clear when you insert the tip of a knife at the joint of the leg and thigh.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Let the turkey sit for about 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Save the drippings in the pan if you plan to make gravy.

Have an experienced adult help you transfer the turkey to a carving board and show you how to carve the turkey-then serve.

YIELD: 10 to 12 servings.

NOTE:
If you purchase a frozen turkey, you must defrost it in the refrigerator, and it can take several days to completely defrost, depending on the size of your bird. Make sure you read the instructions on the turkey packaging so that you allow yourself enough time before turkey day! Also, you should never try to defrost a turkey on your kitchen counter or in the kitchen sink-this promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.

Compliments of Emerald Lagasse.

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Tips for Setting a Formal or Informal Thanksgiving Table

Hi Friends,

Setting the table for Thanksgiving guests need not be a chore. Check out our tips for setting either a formal or informal holiday table.

Setting a formal table is easier than you may think. Start by adding a tablecloth and runner, making sure that the tablecloth has at least a six-inch drop on all sides and that the runner is either the same length or shorter than the tablecloth. Then, it's time for the place settings. Forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife (with the blade turned toward the plate) and spoon go to the right. Another tip is to place cutlery in the order that it will be used, with the first utensil, like a salad fork, furthest from the plate. To keep the table from becoming too crowded, simply bring dessert utensils out with that course. Bread plates go to the left of the place setting, glassware to the right. If there is more than one wineglass, arrange them in the order they will be used, outermost first. And finally, napkins can be placed either on top of the dinner plate or to the side of the plate.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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12 Tips for Holiday Entertaining Success

Hi Friends,

Host Sandra Lee shares 12 expert tips to make holiday decorating and entertaining a snap.

1. Forgo a traditional floral centerpiece on the dining table and instead create a charming holiday scene featuring gingerbread houses or ceramic Christmas village miniatures. First sprinkle faux snow along the center of the table, then place homes, stores, trees and people to create a focal point that will delight guests of all ages.

2. Rather than rushing out to buy expensive new china, glasses and silverware for a holiday get-together, consider renting it. No matter where you live, chances are there's a party rental store near you. The prices are reasonable and by renting rather than buying you also avoid having to store the items year after year.

3. A simple way to give your holiday decorations a professionally decorated look is to stick to just two or three colors. Deciding on a palette before you shop makes the selection process quick and easy.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesFlameless candles are a great holiday decorating solution when you want the flame without the fuss.

4. Flickering candlelight is beautiful, but if small children or pets will be part of the celebration substitute battery-powered votive and pillar candles for a warm glow without the worries.

5. For a custom look that's easy to achieve, add ornaments, wrapped candies, children's toys or glittered greenery to a plain wreath. The decorating options are nearly endless and embellishing a wreath is a fun project to do with the kids.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesHomemade gingerbread men add a sweet touch to Christmas decorations.

6. Adding a vintage element, such as homemade gingerbread men, hand-strung popcorn or a cranberry garland to your holiday decorations lends a sentimental, old-fashioned feel.

7. Always test Christmas lights before adding them to the tree. Nothing is more disappointing (and frustrating) than spending an afternoon carefully wrapping the tree with lights only to plug them in and discover that they don't work.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesA humdrum chandelier is given a holiday update with an evergreen garland and paper shades embellished with ribbon.

8. Give your chandelier a simple holiday update by draping the arms with an evergreen garland and embellishing plain paper shades with an assortment of ribbon attached with hot glue.

9. To cover an unusually shaped or extra-long table, simply drape it with fabric from the bolt. Measure the length of the table keeping in mind that 36 inches is equivalent to one yard. Add a few inches to each side to allow the fabric to puddle on the ground — no sewing required.
stockings-mantel-lit-candlesFresh roses add a colorful and fragrant pop to holiday decorations.

10. Add fragrance and an unexpected touch to evergreen garlands and the Christmas tree by placing fresh flowers among the greenery. To keep flowers fresh for days, first clip the ends then insert into water-filled bubble tubes which are available at florist-supply stores.

11. A lit fireplace is beautiful but can quickly heat up a room filled with guests. To get the look without the warmth, instead fill the hearth with lit pillar candles.

12. Make your decorations shine by working strands of twinkling mini lights into garlands, topiaries and tablescapes. If you plan on using lights outdoors, check the packaging to make sure that both lights and any needed drop cords are rated safe for outdoor use.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Printable Thanksgiving Feast Invitation

Hi Friends,

Click on the PDF below to download the Thanksgiving invitation; print it out then fill in the details to invite family and friends to your feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Invitation PDF

Now put the finishing touch on your Thanksgiving table with one of the four printable place card designs.



Click on the PDF below to download the designs, fill in your guests' names and place a card at each place setting. For a festive touch, surround each card with colorful wrapped chocolates, nuts or fall leaves.

Thanksgiving Place Cards PDF

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Yvonne

Fall's Bounty Window Box

Hi Friends,

When decorating your home for fall, don't forget the outside. Fill outdoor containers with autumn's bounty for a stylish, seasonal look.

Materials and Tools:

window box
vinyl-covered chicken wire
wire cutters or scissors
staple gun
wood or bamboo skewers
drill
silicone caulk
floral tape
dried grasses
winter cabbage
mums
pumpkins
gourds
small live evergreens

Steps:

1. Add a layer of soil to the bottom of a window box. Cut a piece of chicken wire to fit the top of the window box and attach with staples.

2. Choose items for the window box arrangement. These can include dried elements, living plants or a combination of both. Include elements of different heights, shapes, colors and textures. To secure a gourd in the arrangement, drill a small hole in the bottom of the gourd, insert a wooden skewer and seal the hole with a touch of silicone caulk. This will prevent rot and make the gourd last a little longer.

3. "Plant" items in the window box by sticking them down through the chicken wire. Don't just line everything up straight and level; position elements to show off their most dramatic sides and emphasize variety.

4. Many dried grasses can be delicate and wispy. For a better-looking presentation, gather them into a bunch and use floral tape to secure them to a wooden skewer. Make sure the skewer extends beyond the bottom of the bouquet. Insert the skewer through the chicken wire.

5. Add some live greenery to the box: cypress, evergreen and juniper plants will hold their color through the winter. Cut a hole in the chicken wire with snips and plant the evergreen in the soil.

6. After Thanksgiving, make the window boxes a part of your Christmas decor by replacing the fall elements with pine cones, pieces of point pines, cedar branches, holly or even a string of lights.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Festive Fall Tablescape

Hi Friends,

Add a festive fall touch to your Thanksgiving with these easy-to-create decorations.

Materials and Tools:

assortment of miniature, small and medium pumpkins (orange and white foam craft variety)
assortment of pillar candles (green, white, rust and yellow)
double-sided adhesive sheets (available at craft stores)
ruler
pencil
scissors
split peas
dried lentils (various colors and sizes)
beans
pie plates

Steps:

1. Pour lentils to almost fill pie plates, one color lentil per plate.

2. Cut strips of adhesive to form the band, strips can range from one to three inches wide, depending on the size of the pumpkins. Tip: Visually, it's best if the adhesive strips cover approximately one-third of the pumpkin.

3. Remove one side of paper from the adhesive and wrap around the middle of the pumpkin. Remove the remaining paper backing. Add additional strips of adhesive until there is a continuous band around the middle of the pumpkin.

4. Roll the exposed adhesive in the lentils, pressing the lentils into the adhesive to affix. Use fingers to place additional lentils in areas where they do not completely cover the adhesive.

5. Press all lentils gently to make sure they are secure and repeat for remaining pumpkins.

6. Cut strips of adhesive that equal the height of each candle, minus two inches.

7. Wrap the adhesive around the candles in the same manner as the pumpkins, leaving an inch of candle color exposed at the top and bottom and roll the exposed adhesive in the lentils to cover.

8. To create a colorful tablescape, pour additional lentils onto table in a colorful pattern. Place pumpkins and candles on the bed of lentils. Raise some pumpkins and candles by placing them on stands or candleholders.

Note: To store this decoration for future use, wrap candles and pumpkins in wax paper to keep lentils attached and store in a cool, dry place.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Solutions for Holiday Dining

Hi Friends,

Check out these tips for preparing a dining room for the holidays.

By Shari Hiller

Holidays make me think of family. And having the entire family together for a meal is truly a cause for thanksgiving. But what if you don't have formal dining room furniture and your current budget doesn't allow for its purchase? Not to worry! While a beautiful dining room is a dream of many, the cost can be prohibitive, especially if the room is used infrequently. My decorating partner, Matt Fox, and I have found that there are some inexpensive remedies for this decorating dilemma.

Creating a dining room on a budget just requires some creative thinking. First, there's the need for a fairly large table. Remember, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for sharing, so "borrowing" an oval table from the patio seems entirely appropriate for the season. It doesn't really matter if it is plastic or glass topped; it will be covered with a decorative floor length fabric covering. Window toppers made from the same fabric can provide an additional splash of color and help to unify the room.

The beautiful fabric-draped table becomes the focal point in your room. Surrounding your table with chairs might distract from the effect, so you really have no need for permanent dining room chairs. Instead, folding chairs brought out at mealtime will function well without becoming a distraction.

You probably will need some permanent seating in your new dining room, however. Once again, you might borrow an armchair from a bedroom or den. Although it might seem odd to have an armchair in a dining room, it provides softness to the room and extends the function as well. What a great place to relax while planning those special holiday meals.

Additional seating might include an inexpensive bench. We chose one with decorative wrought iron, but almost any design could work. Add softness to the hard surfaces of the bench with a cushion and pillow in a complementary color.

What about storage? Every dining room needs a storage area to hold food and decorative accessories. As always, Matt came up with a great idea for a dining room buffet. The project was fairly easy because it was made from precut pieces of pine as well as pre-turned posts meant for an interior staircase railing. The finished product is so lovely that no one would ever guess how inexpensive it is to make. It adds both beauty and a much needed storage area to the dining room.

Is your dining room still looking a little blah? Well, I have another way to add some pizzazz. How about a stamped wall technique? First, choose a color for the base coat. If you are happy with the color the walls are already painted, don't bother to repaint. As long as the surface is free of dirt and grease, it will be fine. If you decide to repaint the walls, be sure to allow them to completely dry before starting on the stamping technique.

We choose a medium-sized pear as our stamp. We liked the size and we felt the curved shape would add some interest to the walls. Pears also seemed to fit the dining theme. To make the pears even more interesting, we decided to stamp them in gold.

Set your furniture in place and add the "stuff": artwork, greenery and decorative accessories. You have created far more than a budget dining room; you've crafted a place where holiday memories are made.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Turkey With Stuffing

Hi Friends,

Learn how to make turkey with stuffing with this recipe courtesy of Alton Brown.

Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown
Show: Good Eats

Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

one 10 to 12-lb. turkey, with giblets removed
1 qt. chicken broth
2 oz. dried mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 Tbs. vegetable oil, plus extra for rubbing on turkey
1 Tbs. Kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning turkey
3 cups Challah bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (from approximately 4 to 5 slices)
4 oz. unsweetened dried cherries, approximately 1 cup
2 oz. chopped pecans, approximately 1/2 cup
2 whole eggs, beaten
2 Tbs. dried rubbed sage
2 Tbs. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning chicken
Special equipment: one re-usable organic cotton produce bag*

* Cook's Note: The bag is optional. Once the stuffing is made, you can place the stuffing into the bag and then place the bag into the cavity of the turkey.

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the turkey into a deep, high-sided bowl on its end with the stuffing end up. Set aside. Heat the chicken broth in the microwave in a large microwave-proof container. Place mushrooms in a glass bowl and pour heated broth over them. Cover and allow to sit for 35 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the onion, celery, and green pepper with the oil and salt. Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and roast for 35 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, spread the cubed bread over the vegetables, return to the oven, and continue cooking.

Drain mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Chop the mushrooms and place in a large microwave-proof bowl with the vegetables and bread, reserved chicken stock, cherries, pecans, eggs, sage, parsley and black pepper. Stir well in order to break up pieces of bread. Use your hands to combine, if necessary. Heat the stuffing in a microwave on high power for six minutes.

While the stuffing is heating, rub the bird with oil. Working quickly, place the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey to avoid losing heat. Place the turkey into a roasting pan, on a rack, and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 45 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and cook for another 60 to 75 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. Serve immediately.

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Glittering Fall Table Setting and Centerpiece Ideas

Hi Friends,

8 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Table.

If you're hosting guests for a sit-down dinner, here are some tips for preparing a beautiful table.

1. Choose the kind of china that best suits the type of food your family enjoys. Simple foods look and taste best on simple country pottery. White china makes any food look good, as it won’t conflict with the color of the food. Buying a pattern that’s easy to match is the best bet. That way you can add mix-and-match pieces as the family grows or as dishes are broken and need to be replaced.

2. Buy extra soup bowls, as they have great versatility. Besides holding soup, they can be used as salad bowls, liquid condiment holders, small serving dishes, chip bowls and so on.

3. Large glass mugs and large wine glasses are the best bet for informal dining. Anything can be served in them, from water to wine, soft drinks to cranberry juice, with a gracious and generous feeling.

4. The table covering can be anything that inspires the palate. Try sheets, bed coverings or any material on which a hem can be sewn. Go ahead; get creative, be dramatic. The resulting “tablecloth” can set the mood. Lacy tablecloths, for example, bring a romantic touch to the dining experience.

5. Bring color to the table via cloth napkins. Put two napkins in different colors or patterns in one napkin ring to give each setting a colorful pop.

6. Fresh flowers are always nice to have on the table. Remember to keep them reasonable in size. If they’re too bushy, it’s hard to see and talk to each other through them. That sounds obvious, but we’ve all been to restaurants where the centerpiece inhibits communication.

7. Dessert dishes can be different in style and weight from the rest of the china. Soup bowls can be used as dessert dishes if the dessert is ice cream or other such runny after-dinner delight. Lighter, more delicate plates make the dessert seem lighter in calories. A little self-deception? Yes, but why not? We only live once.

8. When serving coffee, set the mood by using either fancy French china or down-to-earth mugs.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Easy-to-Make Holiday Wreath

Hi Friends,

Try this project for making a fun holiday wreath out of all-natural items.

Willard Scott welcomes Don Haynie from Buffalo Springs Herb Farm, who shares a great project for an easy-to-make holiday wreath created from natural items.

Buy a 12-inch wire frame and a block of floral foam. Divide the foam into three sections and press onto the frame to make indentations in the foam. Trim away the foam to fit the circular frame.

Fit foam onto the frame and then wrap with wreath wrap, or just use a garbage-can liner. Punch holes in the liner after wrapping and submerge the form in water for about 15 minutes.

Insert sprigs of boxwood around the frame. Keep working until the frame is covered, and insert smaller pieces of boxwood around the inside of the frame. Add shine to the wreath by spritzing with a little acrylic floor finish.

Add elements such as dried artichokes, okra pods, dried pomegranates, lady apples and other seasonal items. To mount the apples and pomegranates, gently carve a small hole in the items with a paring knife, squirt a little glue inside and insert a doubled-up pipe cleaner. Wrap the pipe cleaner around a wood pick and press the pick into the wreath.

Brighten up the wreath with some light-colored floral elements such as yarro blossoms, then add texture with sweetgum balls, lotus pods and fresh sage.

Finish up with wild rose hips and pine cones. Take the wreath down once a week and soak it in enough water to moisten the floral foam blocks and it will stay fresh and green for about six to eight weeks.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Bountiful Fall Wreath

Hi Friends,

Add a touch of fall to your front door with this easy-to-create wreath, perfect for welcoming Thanksgiving guests to your home.

Materials and Tools:

18-inch grapevine wreath base
3 or more large pinecones
3-5 faux artichokes
various faux pine sprigs
faux magnolia leaves
faux berries
faux seeded eucalyptus bush
hot glue and glue sticks
florist wire
wire snips
autumnal-colored ribbon
moss

Steps:

1. Start by securing the artichokes and pinecones to the wreath with florist wire or hot glue.

2. Fill in with pine sprigs and magnolia leaves, attaching them with wire or hot glue, placing them around the wreath at various lengths and angles. Tip: Don't forget to also cover the wreath's sides.

3. Next, snip small sections of eucalyptus and berry sprigs and attach them to the wreath with hot glue wherever you need additional texture or pops of color.

4. Cover any empty spaces, visible glue or stems with moss pieces attached with hot glue.

5. Finally, loop ribbon around wreath top and secure with a bow.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Yvonne

Happy Halloween

Hi Friends,

It was our pleasure to bring some fun and creative ideas for Halloween over the past several days. We hope you enjoyed the series and will come back to see us real soon.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween...

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Yvonne

Mr. Pumpkin Head

Hi Friends,

Add pizazz to your pumpkin by creating clay facial features that can be mixed and matched.

Materials and Tools:

pumpkin (fresh or faux)
oven-bake polymer clay in assorted colors
acrylic paint
paintbrushes
small wooden dowels or skewers
awl or large nail

Steps:

1. If using a fresh pumpkin, cut a hole in the bottom and remove the seeds.

2. Condition polymer clay by warming it up in your hands. Mold clay into many human or animal facial features, such as lips, horns, eyes, eyebrows, nose and ears. The more choices available, the more fun decorating the pumpkin will be. Make happy features, sad features, angry features or scary features. The sky's the limit.

3. Cut wooden dowels so they are approximately 2 to 3 inches long. Sharpen one end of each dowel. Insert the dull end of the dowel into the back side of each clay facial feature. The dowels will be used to secure the body parts in the pumpkin.

4. Following the manufacturer's instructions, bake the polymer clay in the oven until each piece has fully hardened.

5. The final step is to give your pumpkin a little personality by adding the facial features. If using a fresh pumpkin, the pointed dowel ends should be sharp enough to puncture the pumpkin's skin. If using a faux pumpkin, it's easiest to first poke a small hole in the pumpkin's exterior with an awl or large nail then insert the facial features.

Tip: Once Halloween has passed, don't forget to remove the facial features and store them away for next year.

Shaved and Carved Harlequin Gourd

Hi Friends,

Create an unusual and beautiful Halloween decoration by carving a harlequin pattern into a gourd.

Materials and Tools:

pumpkin or gourd (fresh or foam)
pumpkin-carving tools or sharp knife
shaving tools (rotary tool or wood-carving tools)
masking tape
spool of thread
cup hook
string of Christmas lights

Steps:

1. If using a fresh gourd, cut a hole in the bottom and remove the seeds.

2. Tape two strands of thread every 1/2 inch to 1 inch around the top of the gourd. The closer the threads are, the more diamond shapes will be created. Also important, the larger your diamond pattern is, the easier it will be to carve out. Try to leave about 2 to 3 inches between the lines.

3. Separate the two strands into an upside-down V and tape the separate pieces of thread to the bottom of the gourd. Do this for each pair of thread strands until you've created the diamond pattern all the way around the gourd.

4. Once the harlequin pattern is created, there should be about three rows of diamonds. Carve out every other diamond shape on the first row. Leave the middle row solid and repeat carving on the bottom row. Use the pumpkin-carving tools or a sharp knife for this.

5. Shave (remove just the top layer of pumpkin skin) the remaining diamonds on the first and third rows. A rotary tool or wood-carving tools would work well for this.

6. To make sure the string of lights fills the gourd from top to bottom, insert a cup hook into the upper part of the gourd. Hang the lights from the cup hook and position them so they will illuminate the pumpkin evenly.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Using a Pumpkin-Carving Template

Hi Friends,

Tips for carving a Halloween pumpkin using a printed template, plus HGTV-exclusive pumpkin-carving templates.

Materials and Tools:

pumpkin (fresh or foam)
template (downloaded from HGTV.com or create your own)
tracing paper
charcoal or graphite pencil
wooden skewer or template wheel
ballpoint pen
tape
carving tools

Steps:

1. If using a fresh pumpkin, cut a hole in the bottom and remove the seeds.

2. Print a template onto regular paper.

3. Next, transfer template to pumpkin.

There are several great options for transferring a template:

* Cover the back of the paper template with graphite by scribbling over the lines with a pencil. Then tape template with graphite-scribbled side next to the pumpkin. Trace the template image onto the pumpkin with a ballpoint pen. The pressure from the pen will cause the graphite to transfer onto the pumpkin.

* Place a sheet of tracing paper between the printed template and pumpkin, and tape both to the pumpkin. Then, trace the template image onto the pumpkin with a ballpoint pen.

# A third option is to tape the template to the pumpkin then transfer the pattern by repeatedly poking small holes through the template's design with a wooden skewer, nail or other sharp, pointed object. Another handy tool for transferring a pattern by poking holes is called a template wheel. These are found in many pumpkin-carving kits and make pattern transfer quick and easy.

4. Use the newly transferred lines as your carving guide.

When creating a template, think outside the box. Creative ideas include:

* Using your computer to print out your family's name or a monogram.

# Spelling out a short word by carving one letter into each pumpkin and then placing the pumpkins together.

# Printing out a family photo and transferring the profile to a pumpkin to create a silhouette design.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

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Yvonne

Pumpkin-Carving Tips and Tools

Hi Friends,

What's Halloween without a carved pumpkin? Check out these tips and tricks for selecting the right tool, keeping your carved pumpkin fresh and adding the right illumination.

Pumpkin-Carving Tool Options:

* A serrated knife works well for creating a hole in the pumpkin. It's preferable to carve the hole in the bottom of the pumpkin to cut off any bumps so the pumpkin will sit level. It's also much easier to place the pumpkin over a light source rather than lowering the light, like a candle, into the pumpkin.

* A large metal spoon or ice cream scoop is great for removing the pumpkin seeds. Another option is a battery-operated spinner that's made specifically for scraping the insides of the pumpkin walls.

* Small, paring knives are great for carving designs into the pumpkin. Pumpkin-carving kits, made specifically for kids or adults, are another good source. Battery-operated, pumpkin-carving knives also make quick work of even intricate designs.


Tips for Preserving a Carved Pumpkin:

* Mold and dehydration are the two main contributors to pumpkin rot. Prevent both by covering the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly. This will keep the pumpkin from drying out and will slow the growth of mold.

* Another option is to add a small amount of bleach to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pumpkin daily with the bleach mixture; the bleach fights mold while the water keeps the pumpkin from drying out too quickly.

* Spray the pumpkin with a store-bought pumpkin preservation spray. Make sure that it is environmentally-friendly and nontoxic. Note: Even with these precautions, a cut pumpkin will only last for a few days to a week, so it's best to cut your pumpkin no earlier than a few days before your Halloween festivities.

Illuminating the Pumpkin:

* The candle-free options are nearly endless for showcasing your pumpkin designs. Check stores for color-changing strobe lights, battery-operated tea lights and rainbow LEDs that are made specifically for pumpkins and are safe for use in fresh or foam pumpkins. Battery-operated tap lights are a great option for a small pumpkin or gourd or use several in a larger pumpkin.

* If the pumpkin will be displayed near an outlet, a string of Christmas lights or a small lamp can be used.

* The final choice is candles, the old standby. Votive or pillar candles, placed on a plate which is large enough to catch any drips, are the best option. A good tip when illuminating a pumpkin with a candle is to cut a small hole in the top of the pumpkin, like a chimney, allowing the heat to escape. Note: Candles can only be used in fresh pumpkins, never place a lit candle inside a foam pumpkin.

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Illuminated Witches' Broomsticks

Hi Friends,

Show guests the way to your haunted house this Halloween with these colorful and easy-to-create outdoor decorations.

Materials and Tools:

8-10 brooms with straw bristles
orange spray paint
purple spray paint
brown spray paint (made specifically for plastic)
box cutter or craft knife
outdoor lights in orange, white or purple
hand drill with auger attachment or wooden stake and mallet
drop cords (rated for exterior use)

Steps:

1. To make modern brooms look older and handmade, cut the string that binds the bristles together. Remove all traces of string and fan the bristles out. If the broom has a plastic, rather than a wooden handle, paint it with brown spray paint. Also, if the broom has a plastic hook at the end of the handle meant for hanging, remove it.

2. Add a touch of color to the broom bristles by lightly spraying them with purple or orange spray paint, use one color per broom.

3. Wrap outdoor lights around broomstick. Begin wrapping with the female end nearest the bristles. While wrapping, keep in mind that the plug end needs to be located at the base of the broomstick, allowing the lights to be plugged into an extension cord. If desired, match the color of lights to the color of paint on the broom bristles; for instance, match purple-painted brooms with purple lights.

4. Using either a hand drill with an auger attachment or a wooden stake and mallet, create several 8-inch-deep holes to hold broomsticks. Make sure to evenly space holes, placing them no farther apart than drop cords can reach. Finally, insert broomsticks into holes with bristles facing up and plug in lights.

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Framed Painted Pumpkins

Hi Friends,

Cut foam pumpkins in half to create a one-of-a-kind Halloween decoration.

Materials and Tools:

shadow box frames
medium foam pumpkin
small foam pumpkin
back saw or serrated knife
assorted colors of craft paint
sponge brush
ribbon
hot glue

Steps:

1. Cut foam pumpkins in half with a back saw or serrated knife.

2. Create a plaid pattern on pumpkin halves by painting broad and narrow stripes in assorted colors with the sponge brush.

3. Tie ribbon in a coordinating color around the stems of the pumpkin halves.

4. Remove the glass, if necessary, from shadow box frames and attach pumpkin halves to the back of frame with hot glue.

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Glam Sequined Pumpkin

Hi Friends,

Make an ordinary pumpkin sparkle with the addition of sequins or shimmering glass beads.

Materials and Tools:

small foam pumpkin
sequin pins or craft glue
sequins or glass beads

Steps:

1. Cover the surface of the pumpkin with sequins or glass beads, attaching them with craft glue or sequin pins. This project could be completed with a fresh pumpkin rather than a foam pumpkin, but a foam pumpkin is preferable because it's much easier to stick with pins than a fresh pumpkin. Plus, it won't spoil so it can be used year after year. Tip: For a stylish variation, use contrasting colored sequins to spell out letters or to create a design.

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How to Make a Halloween Platter

Hi Friends,

Animate a holiday platter with spooky ghosts.

Materials and Tools:

Bullseye glass:
- clear
- orange with rainbow iridescent
- yellow opaque
- orange opaque
- black
- orange Mardi Gras
dichroic glass
1/8" fiber blanket
glow-in-the-dark powder for lampworking
glass enamel paints
Glassline paint, black, white
ceramic mold for slumping platter
1/32" fire paper
oil reservoir glass cutting
glass scoring tool
running pliers
respirator
Morton board and cutting system
electric kiln
straight edge
school glue
cardboard ghost template
black permanent marker
container of water

Steps:

1. Measure, score and break pieces of orange opaque glass, yellow opaque glass, black, transparent orange and clear glass to size using a glass scoring tool and breaking pliers. The orange opaque and yellow opaque pieces will be placed on each end with strips of black, orange transparent and yellow glass in the center. The clear glass piece will be placed on top so it should be sized to span the width of the other glass pieces placed side by side.

2. Place the cardboard ghost template on a 1/8-inch fiber blanket and trace around it with a black permanent marker. Repeat two more times for a total of three ghosts.

3. Cut out the ghosts using scissors. Cut one of the ghosts in half top to bottom.

4. Glue the ghosts to the orange opaque glass using school glue. Place the edges of the ghost that was cut in half along the edges of the glass. This creates the kiln-carved effect and makes the Halloween platter 3-D. Let dry.

5. Turn the opaque orange glass upside down so the ghosts are on the underside. Place the yellow, black and transparent orange strips in that order along the right edge of the opaque orange glass. Place the opaque yellow piece of glass next to the transparent orange strip. Place the clear glass piece on top of the glass arrangement.

6. Draw the outline of the ghosts with white paint on the clear glass.

7. Draw a graveyard scene over the opaque yellow glass with the black paint. Let dry.

8. Using a sharp needle tool, scratch a design into the black paint to create wood grain on the tree trunk and grass on the ground.

9. Scratch the detail in the owl and cut small pieces of dichroic glass for the eyes of the owl and glue them in place. Let dry.

10. Remove the clear glass piece and wearing a respirator, spread black enamel powder on the opaque yellow glass to create eerie clouds in the background.

11. Spread white enamel powder on the ghosts.

12. Being careful not to disturb the powdered enamels, move all of the glass pieces to the kiln. Stack the clear glass piece on top of the other glass pieces in the appropriate arrangement. Fire the Halloween platter in the kiln to full fuse for approximately 6 hours or 1500 degrees. Let cool.

13. Cut a few decals to size (gold stars and black cheese cloth) and slip them into warm water. Place the decals on the spooky platter.

14. Place the glass on a ceramic mold in the kiln and fire it to slump in the ceramic mold.

15. Remove the fiber blanket ghosts.

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Pumpkin and Gourd Bowling Set

Hi Friends,

Create a fun Halloween-style bowling set out of a pumpkin bowling ball and gourd pins. Great as both a yard decoration and party game.

Materials and Tools:

10 gourds
1 small pumpkin
sponge
black craft paint
white spray paint
orange craft paint
paintbrush

Steps:

1. To turn the gourds into bowling pins, spray them with white spray paint. Allow to dry, and then paint an orange stripe around the necks.

2. Add a marbleized, bowling-ball effect to the pumpkin by sponging on black craft paint. Then, add three dots to replicate a bowling ball's finger holes.

3. Set them up in the yard just like at a bowling alley. Tip: This is a great project to complete with kids. They can help paint the gourds and ball, and then have fun bowling.

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Make a Ghost for Halloween

Hi Friends,

Add this ghost to your Halloween decorations and your house will become a favorite haunt of all the little goblins in your neighborhood.

Have you ever seen a ghost? I have. In fact, there's one lurking on my front porch right now. If you'd like to make a ghost to help you hand out treats to the little witches and goblins who come to your door on Halloween, here's what you'll need:

Materials and Tools:

plywood base measuring 12" x 12"
2" x 2" x 6' boards
large plastic foam ball
24 to 40 yards of white gauze
liquid fabric starch
pail
plastic drop cloth
old white socks, rags
hot glue gun
serrated knife

Steps:

1. The first step is to make a frame for your ghost. Drill a pilot hole into the center of the plywood base. Attach one of the 2 x 2 boards to the base with a long wood screw.

2. Cut the foam ball in half using a knife with a serrated edge. With your hot glue gun, attach one half of the foam ball to the top of the board. This creates the head shape.

3. Angle cut two shorter 2 x 2's and screw them into the main 2 by 2. Take an old sock and stuff it lightly with rags. Slide the sock up over the ends of the 2 x 2's to form the shape of hands. To secure them, tape the ends of the socks in place.

4. Because this project is very messy, you are wise to use a plastic drop cloth to protect your floor. Spread the tarp on the floor and set the frame in the center. Pour the liquid starch into the pail, and you're ready to start giving your ghost a little "body."

5. Cut the white gauze into six-foot strips. Dip the strips one at a time into a pail of fabric starch. Pull the gauze out slowly, wringing it out as you go. Begin draping lengths of gauze over the ghost frame until you have created the thickness and shape you desire. Each of our ghosts took about 12 to 20 lengths of gauze.

6. Depending on how you put your frame and your gauze together, you can create a variety of looks for your ghosts: high arms, low arms, hoods or capes. The ghost frame tends to be a bit unsteady. To anchor it, be sure to lay the gauze as flat as possible on the bottom of the ghost. The flattened gauze gives you an area to set bricks or rocks to hold your ghosts down. After all your hard work, you don't want them to fly away in the wind!

7. Allow the ghost to dry, and the gauze to harden. After it is completely dry, you can add a couple of strips of dry gauze and hot glue them into place. This loose gauze will create movement, making your ghost come "alive" on a breezy night! The ghost can be removed from the form, but since they are fairly fragile I recommend that you keep them on the form, if possible.

Your ghost can be placed outside on a covered porch or, for short lengths of time, can be out in the open as long as it is a dry evening. As you can imagine, rain can soften up the dried starch, and leave you with a puddle of gauze instead of a ghost.

So, still not sure you believe in ghosts? Well, add this specter to your Halloween decorations and your house will become a favorite haunt of all the little goblins in your neighborhood. What more proof do you need?

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Halloween Candy Topiary

Hi Friends,

Add colorful Halloween candy to foam topiary forms for a sweet centerpiece.

Materials and Tools:

foam cones in varying sizes
black spray paint
black and orange wrapped candy or jelly beans
hot-glue skillet or hot-glue gun
tweezers

Steps:

1. Spray the cones black and allow to dry.

2. Using tweezers, dip one end of the wrapped candy or jelly beans in hot-glue skillet and press onto the black cone. Alternate candy colors to create a striped effect.

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Printable Halloween Party Invites

Hi Friends,

Gather the ghouls to eat, drink and be scary with these printable Halloween Party Invites in .pdf and ready to go...

Printing Tips:

For best results, print invites onto card stock or similar heavy paper. Fill in event details and cut out card design with decorative-edge scissors. Embellish with glitter, ribbon, stickers or foam Halloween cut-outs.

Haunted House Invitations...

Spooktacular Monster Mash Invitations...

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Boys' No-Sew Pirate Costume

Hi Friends,

Create a quick and easy pirate costume for your little buccaneer this Halloween out of a sweatsuit and a few other basic materials.

Materials and Tools:

adult-size brown sweatshirt
child-size brown sweatpants
wide belt
sword
men's long-sleeve, white cotton shirt
eye patch (purchased or homemade using black felt and ribbon)
bandanna
clip-on earring
tall black boots
scissors
brown felt (for mustache and beard)
ribbon or clear elastic band (for mustache and beard)
hot glue (for mustache and beard)

Steps:

1. Create the pirate's trousers by cutting the sweatpants to a little longer than the child's knee length. Make cuts rough and uneven so the pant bottoms look ragged.

2. Turn the sweatshirt into a vest by first cutting off the shirt's collar, then slitting it up the middle front. Next, cut off the sleeves. Make the cut edges ragged or smooth, your choice.

3. Pair the sweatshirt vest and trousers with an oversized white cotton shirt. Add a wide belt over the vest to hold your little swashbuckler's sword.

4. Slip on tall boots. Dark-colored rain boots work great, but make sure they are comfortable for a long night of trick-or-treating.

5. Finally, add the costume accessories. Tie a bandanna around the child's head; add a clip-on hoop earring and eye patch. Top it all off with a felt mustache and beard, and your little buccaneer is ready to pillage the neighborhood for treats. Tip: To make the felt mustache and beard, simply draw a mustache and beard shape onto brown felt, leaving an opening for the child's mouth. Cut out and glue ribbon or a clear elastic band onto the back of the felt with a hot-glue gun.

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