Create a Rustic Fall Centerpiece in a Dough Bowl...

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

A Centerpiece in a Snap. Too pretty to just store out of sight, a vintage dough bowl is begging to be filled and put on display. If you struggle with creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece, starting with a container with character will simplify the process.

Opt for a Fresh Palette


When selecting items to fill your dough bowl, skip the traditional fall favorite — orange pumpkins — and instead add pops of green, white and yellow. Bright green apples, deep-green acorn squash and white pumpkins are still seasonal and read as fall decor, but look fresh.

Think Beyond the Dough Bowl


If you don't have a vintage dough bowl at your disposal, substitute a low metal or wood bin, trough, crate or even a shallow basket. Just find something with the right shape and scale for your table.

Create Complementary Pieces


Take your Thanksgiving table to the next level by flanking the centerpiece with pillar candles on cake plates, pedestals or candle stands. Wrap candles in a bit of twine or ribbon to add texture, then surround with materials from the dough bowl to tie the two decorative elements together.

Bouquets for the Buffet


Don'??t limit your fall decoratons to the table; create small, casual arrangements to brighten up your buffet or hutch. Fill pitchers, creamers or vases with simple flowers, dried bittersweet branches, wheat sprigs and even small fruit or mini pumpkins on skewers.

Individual Arrangements


These sweet little bouquets were made by tying dried wheat sprigs and solidago (or goldenrod) together with twine. Use hearty fresh foliage that will look nice out of water for hours, so they don't wilt on the table. Tie a tag onto each bouquet, with the guest's name, a verse, poem or favorite saying, and give to them as a favor.

Coordinating Tableware


Create a cohesive look by adding linens and flatware that tie into the colors of the dough bowl centerpiece. Inexpensive green fabric napkins pop against the warm wood table and highlight the bright green used in the flowers and apples.

Be Mindful of Scale


Tall centerpieces can block conversation, so to ensure your arrangement doesn't distract from the festivities, keep it low. Test the height before guests arrive by siting at a few different locations around the table.

Creatively Pick Your Produce


Stroll through your local farmers' market or grocery store produce aisle to see what produce inspires you. Acorn and pattypan squash have almost the same shape as pumpkins, but are petite in scale, which is appropriate for an arrangement like this. Keep your options open. Figs, mini apples and pears, grapes and artichokes can all be used for decoration (and eaten later!).

Create a Color Scheme


Think of the colors used in the centerpiece as a jumping-off point for the rest of the room's fall decorations. There's no need to do a full makeover — just add a few other elements that reinforce that color scheme and temporarily remove items that detract from it. The overall look created will be worth the extra effort.

Adding a rustic touch to your table with a low centerpiece created by filling a vintage dough bowl or wooden trencher with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches is perfect for Fall.

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Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Autumn!

Courtesy of Anna Fletcher

Hi Friends,

Hope everyone enjoyed the hot days of Summer and ready to welcome Autumn with opened arms. We have a lot of great ideas in the coming weeks and look forward to sharing them with all our friends...

Now that the Fall season is almost upon us! The leaves are about to start changing, the days will get shorter, and mornings will grow chillier and crisp as summer fades away. And though we will miss long summer days and warm nights, we have a brand new, exciting season approaching! So why not start thinking about some fun outdoor activities you can do to celebrate the coming of autumn?? Here are a few…

10 Outdoor Activities to Kick Off the Autumn Season!

1. Attend a Barn Dance. Whether it's contra dancing or square dancing, hoedowns are a great way to spend fall evenings and nights. Have a blast and work up a sweat in the cold, autumn night air while you dance along to foot-tapping bluegrass and fiddle music!

2. Go Mountain Biking. Okay, so you can mountain bike at any time of the year (except maybe the dead of winter…ice and snow are no bueno for your tires). But there's something about the chilly air and bright orange, red, and yellow leaves all around you that makes biking during the fall so amazing.

3. Take a Scenic Drive. Early to mid-fall is one of the prettiest times of the year, as the trees still have most of their leaves which have turned vibrant with the coming cold. This is the one of the best times to take a drive through the woods, around town, or through the mountains.

4. Go Pumpkin Picking. Fall season means one thing - pumpkin season! Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and many other places around town start selling pumpkin foods, drinks, and products to welcome in the season. You will also be able to find whole pumpkins all over town, whether you want to go pick your own at a patch or get one from the store. If you do take a trip to your local pumpkin patch, you can do many fun, free activities that they offer, like hay rides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Make a jack-o-lantern with your new prized pumpkin and be sure to keep the seeds so you can roast them! Yumm.

5. Host a Bonfire. Shorter days and cooler weather make perfect ingredients for a bonfire. Grill out, have a tub of hot apple cider, and don't forget s'more fixings!

6. Go Climbing. One of the best times of the year to rock climb is during the fall. As leaves begin to drop and greenery wanes in anticipation for winter, rock faces become more exposed. Cooler weather also means fewer bugs zipping around your face as you make your way up the cliff!

7. Do Some Photography. Bright multi-colored leaves, teaming autumn wildlife, colorful pumpkins and gourds, and clear, sunny days make for great photo ops. See what amazing autumn things you can capture on your camera!

8. Go Camping. Cooler, dryer weather means fewer bugs and fewer people, so fall is one of the best times to go camping. Just remember your cold weather hammocking gear, and you'll be toasty and comfy in the chilly autumn air!

9. Visit an Orchard. 'Tis the season for apple picking! The prime months for ripe apples is September and October, and most local orchards open their doors to the public during this time to do some picking. Just think of all the pies, apple butter, cider, and applesauce you can make! And even if you're not a big apple-eater, just strolling through the trees in the cool fall weather is a great way to spend the day!

10. Play Some Pick-Up Football. Labor Day weekend officially kicked off football season, so what better way to celebrate that than to play some football yourself? Grab family and friends and head out to the park or backyard for some down-set-hike!

Check back for more great ideas and recipes from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

6 Colorful Plants for Fall

Courtesy of Dan Hinkley

Hi Friends,

What plants are the most reliable fall performers? It depends. First, not every seedling of every plant species is identical - in other words, genetics matter. Where you have placed the plant in your garden also influences the development of color. The sunnier locations will most often translate to better color development. For the same reason, each year will have its individual vintage depending on the temperature, sunlight and rainfall patterns of the previous summers. Nearby high-intensity street lights can also affect color.

Taking these factors into consideration, you can still expect a colorful performance from numerous species native to our continent. Here's a partial list:

American smoke tree (Cotinus obovatus)
The American smoke tree is an unsung relative of its Eurasian counterpart, Cotinus coggygria. Known colloquially as the chittam tree, it was driven to near extinction during the Civil War as the Confederate forces scoured for sources of dye (the bark of Cotinus yields a hardy yellow pigment). Though the broad, papery-textured leaves - on a small tree that ultimately rises to 30 feet tall - are green throughout the summer, there is hardly a more spectacular specimen to consider for autumnal effects. It provides an effulgent display of corals, reds and yellows for many weeks in mid-autumn while also demonstrating commendable drought tolerance.

Red maple (Acer rubrum)
The so-called red maple is probably responsible for more of the blaze of the New England forest in autumn than its more celebrated cousin, the sugar maple. Acer rubrum is a denizen of very damp places in its native environment, but it's hardly dependent on those conditions. Indeed, because of its ability to live in oxygen-deprived soils, it is a street tree of choice, thriving in compacted, nutrient-poor soils. Due to its strapping disposition and unwavering ability to transition to high-temp shades of red in autumn, there are many cultivars available. 'Columnare' is rigidly narrow and upright, fitting nicely into tight situations. The chunkier cultivar known as 'Red Rocket' also colors spectacularly. The late-winter red flowers of this species are an unexpected bonus.

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
In spring, the sap of the American sugar maple, concentrated to syrupy confection, has dribbled across many a flapjack. The sugar produced from this tree was used as legal tender in Quebec as late as the 1930s (the leaf adorns Canada's flag). The autumn colors of this tree, ranging from vibrant yellow to brilliant orange to mind-bending red, go beyond vibrant. There are superb selections, from the radically narrow beanpole known as 'Newton's Sentry' to cut-leaf finery in 'Sweet Shadow.'

Vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
The witch hazels of our continent received their common name from water diviners of the 17th century. Arriving on our shores in need of a new source of divining wood (hazelnut, Corylus, had been traditionally used in Europe), the diviners decided that Hamamelis, whose leaves are similar in appearance to the European hazelnut, filled the niche. When compared to its Asiatic cousins, the spidery yellow to reddish flowers of the American species pale. The multistemmed tree or large shrub, however, is unparalleled in its end-of-season foliage, alighting in shades of burgundy, copper and coral.

American sumac 'Tiger Eyes' (Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes')
This is a dioecious (literally meaning two houses) shrub, referring to the fact that separate plants bear either male or female flowers. On female specimens, knobby cones of deep-red fruit (refreshingly tart to the taste and under-appreciated as a font for 'lemonade') ripen in autumn and are a sensational complement to the highly textural pinnate foliage as it shifts from green to high-voltage red and orange in late September. A new cultivar called 'Tiger Eyes' offers brilliantly colored golden, filigreed yellow foliage during the summer and an end-of-season spectacle. Rhus typhina is a responsible water consumer.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
The oakleaf hydrangea has a particularly large following throughout much of the U.S. due to its large, lobed, highly textural leaves and sensational mid- to-late summer blossoms of ivory white. There are many good selections, some with very large flower heads, including 'Snow Queen' and 'Harmony,' and even one with fully double flowers, 'Snowflake.' If grown in shade, the foliage will generally not color well. If cultivated in full sun, however, be prepared for a superb performance: glossy shades of burgundy and red appearing in mid autumn and lasting for many weeks. Though popular gardening literature recommends this species be treated as a woodland plant, if it can be provided even moisture throughout the year in a bright sunny location, the autumn color will equal the entertainment value of its flowering season.

Happy planting six of the best native shrubs and trees for fall foliage.

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Live well,
Yvonne

5 Ways to Decorate With Autumn Colors...

Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews

Hi Friends,

A series of photos snapped on the streets of New York City became the inspiration for this elegant living room from HGTV fan NYCLQ.

The featured Pop of Yellow are golden-yellow flowers and lamps pull in the bright hues from the prints and help tie the entire room together.

Brooklyn Brown


HGTV fan Jack Gold posted a stunning space in Brooklyn. He used several rich shades of brown to create a cozy palette.

Rich Greens


By blending several shades of green, HGTV fan justdoingit created a warm and cozy bedroom for her 14-year-old. To bring depth and dimension to this small space, she added a two-tone rug and painted uneven stripes on the walls.

Baby Love


Even a nursery like this one by HGTV fan christenpotter can be cozier by pairing dark wood with shades of yellow, rust and a little red.

Autumnal Office


HGTV fan Harloe's home office makes a smooth transition into fall with a simple accessory: an orange throw. Complemented by chic artwork and neutral surroundings, this workspace welcomes fall with open arms.

When the weather turns cool and crisp, your home becomes more of a haven than ever. From golden yellow to deep red and green, try these autumn colors to create a cozy feel in your home.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

10 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd...

Courtesy of Debbie and Mark Wolfe
Photography by Debbie Wolfe

Hi Friends,

This Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect tailgating appetizer.

You will need:

• two 10-ounce cans chunk chicken (drained) or 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• two 8-ounce packages cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bunch celery (cleaned and cut into 4-inch pieces)

Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on LOW until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks, crackers or tortilla chips.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs


Fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs are easier to make than you think.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 3 cups barbecue sauce
• 2 racks of baby back pork ribs

Mix the dry ingredients together and rub it on the meaty side of the baby back ribs. Place ribs in the slow cooker with meaty side facing inside. Completely cover all sides of the ribs with 2-3 cups of BBQ sauce. Put the lid on and set your slow cooker on LOW for 6-8 hours.

Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider


Warm up with this sweet, spiked cider.

You will need:

• 6 cups apple cider
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups dark rum

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir well. Cover and cook on HIGH 1 1/2 hours or LOW 3 hours.

Root Beer Pulled Pork


Serve these sweet and savory sandwiches before the big game.

You will need:

• 3 pounds pork butt
• 1 bottle barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2 cups root beer
• 1 package of burger buns

Place pork butt in the slow cooker. Add root beer and half of the barbecue sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture over pork and cover slow cooker with lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until done. Remove pork and shred on a cutting board using 2 forks. Place shredded pork back into slow cooker and mix with remaining sauce. Serve on burger buns and top with fresh coleslaw.

Pumpkin Spice Cake


This is possibly the easiest cake you'll ever make.

You will need:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 can pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Beat all ingredients together for 1 minute with mixer. Spray inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour mixture into slow cooker and cover. Cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until done. Carefully cut the pieces of cake out of the slow cooker and top with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

Apple Cobbler


Nothing says fall like a homemade apple cobbler.

You will need:

• two 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray. Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the pot. Combine cake mix and butter until crumbly, sprinkle over apple pie filling. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Bacon Ranch Potatoes


These potatoes make a yummy side dish.

You will need:

• 6 slices cooked bacon
• 3 pounds potatoes (chopped)
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tbs ranch salad dressing mix
• 2 tbs chopped chives

Line a slow cooker with aluminum foil and coat with nonstick spray. Place a layer of potatoes evenly into the slow cooker. Top with cheese, ranch seasoning and crumbled bacon. Cover potatoes with aluminum foil. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Cover and cook until melted, about 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with chives.

Whiskey Meatballs


Serve these meatballs as appetizers or in a hoagie roll as a main dish.

You will need:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whiskey or bourbon
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 1-2 hours.

Sweet Potato Casserole


Enjoy this Thanksgiving favorite with any meal.

You will need:

• 3 1/2pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 stick butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 stick butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Combine butter, sugar, cream, salt, vanilla and spices and pour over sweet potatoes. Mix gently to coat the potatoes. Cook on low for 3 1/2-4 hours. Once potatoes are soft you can mash them gently or just let them be (depends on how you want the final texture). In a separate bowl prepare crumb topping by combining butter, oats, cinnamon, flour and sugar with two forks or by hand. Topping should be slightly dry and crumbly. Sprinkle over the sweet potatoes and cook for another hour (or until the topping is bubbly).

Hot Chocolate


Rich, decadent hot chocolate is the perfect way to warm up on a cool fall day.

You will need:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups of chocolate chips

Pour all ingredients into a slow-cooker and whisk together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Whisk well before serving.

Cozy up with these easy and delicious dinner, drink and appetizer recipes just in time for autumn entertaining.

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Labor Day!

Hi Friends,

Summer's behind us with Autumn just ahead, the perfect opportunity to thank you for visiting us during the hot days with our hopes it will continue through the chilly ones. You know, it doesn't matter if you are white collar, blue collar or no collar; working with your mind, hands or heart; taking the time, devoting the energy or making it happen, we appreciate all of you.

Have a restful and enjoyable Labor Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne