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Look around your neighborhood and almost everyone has a wreath on their door, windows, or mailbox. While I love the classic Christmas wreath made of fresh evergreens and likely topped with a big red bow, there are so many other options if you are looking for a fun or unique way to decorate the exterior of your home! For a country home, this burlap wreath is perfect for this holiday season (and the next!) and comes with your monogram. You can purchase this personalized wreath from “FrontDoorsShowcase” on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/167670220/burlap-wreath-etsy-wreath-fall-wreaths

For a more modern wreath, try a DIY ornament wreath! We found this one on Pinterest from Four Generations One Roof and loved how fun and colorful it is! An ornament wreath is the perfect splash of color to your front door or as a decoration on your mantle inside. Not quite up for the DIY challenge?  Etsy has plenty of ornament wreaths for you to choose from; check out Judy
Blank’s shop (JudyBlank) and her stunning vintage Christmas ornament wreaths!

For a super unique look, this wreath has ornaments hanging from a red frame will definitely warrant a second look! This looks easy enough for a new DIYer!

If you want to stick with the more traditional route but still want to jazz up a typical Christmas wreath, try making one of these fun snowman wreaths like this one shown here:

Just stack three wreaths, add a scarf and hat, and you’re good to go!

Our client wanted a big 50th birthday celebration for her sister, Kelly, and that is exactly what she got! The event took place at the Raleigh Little Theatre, which comfortably fit all 60 guests. We chose a wine-theme, which was recognized in a variety of ways. Merlot-colored linens and black sequin linens from CE Rental were selected to tie into the theme. The dessert bar was draped with the sequin linen to add a touch of glamor. The dessert assortment featured mini cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe, as well as a large cupcake with a wine glass made of fondant for the birthday girl. Each table featured a wonderful floral arrangement by Fallon’s Flowers that were appropriately displayed in a mix of wine bottles. Our client also chose “photo-fetti” (confetti created with your personal photos) to jazz up the tabletops and bar. Rocky Top Hospitality catered the party with a fabulous spread as usual! The evening ended with festive wine-shaped cookie favors by Shuga Shak from Wilmington.
 

When I think about a traditional Thanksgiving (especially in the South), I envision a turkey feast at Grandma’s complete with stuffing, green bean casserole, homemade pie, and all the fixings. If you are looking to put a new twist on your family gathering or throw a Thanksgiving celebration for you and your friends, here are a few ways to entertain your guests:

1. Don’t forget about the decorations! The time in-between Halloween and Christmas can often be looked over when it comes to making your home festive but there is no excuse not stay in the spirit of fall and thankfulness! There are easy ways to convert your decorations from October into fabulous tabletop and home décor. If you want to go for more of a “glam” look this holiday, try spray-painting your pumpkins gold to decorate your entrance or buy a few mini pumpkins to paint as well and use them as a place card on the dinner table. Your guests will love the modern-take on a typical fall staple and the personalization of the place card!

You could also jazz up your foyer with these DIY hanging glitter leaves (right) or a display of your children’s turkey handprints and “I’m thankful for…” crafts!

2. Many families jump right into the big feast and it’s over and done with before you know it. A great idea to extend family time is to start with a few homemade appetizers for people to nibble on while everyone is catching up with one another. Pinterest is full of recipes for festive dips and hands-on ideas for cooking with your kids. Making something simple together would be a great way to start your time with your family and friends!

3. Who says you have to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner? The one meal can require days of work,cooking and preparation. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for friends, why not make it a Thanksgiving-themed party with drinks and heavy hor’douvres? You can incorporate the turkey and the trimmings into more untraditional ways like bacon-wrapped green beans, turkey tetrazzini, and pumpkin dip! This “grown up” grilled cheese below also sounds like a crowd pleaser:

http://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2012/11/sourdough-apple-bread-and-best-grilled.html

4. How about that pre or post dinner cocktail? There are endless options for fall signature drinks! This autumn sangria with pears and cinnamon sticks looks and sounds delicious!

Ingredients:
* 3 ripe pears
* 8-10 short cinnamon sticks
* 3 tablespoon of honey
* 3 tablespoon of raisins
* 1 pinch of cardamom
* 750 ml of white wine
* 500 ml of apple cider

5. Last but certainly not least – dessert! Put a spin on the traditional pie and make a variety of mini pies so there is a flavor to please everyone. You can add a few more favorites like apple popovers and pumpkin bars to create a dessert bar for all of your guests to enjoy. These mini pies and banana pudding shots from Southern Weddings Magazine look delicious!

Jennifer V. was featured on My Carolina Today on July 4th. Jennifer discusses planning for a BBQ. She talks about invitations, drinks, appetizers and food and gives other tips to help make a BBQ a hit with your guests without spending a lot of time and money.

Thank you to the following vendors for helping make this TV segment look wonderful!

Calligraphy by Carrie: http://www.calligraphybycarrie.com
The Cupcake Shoppe: http://thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com
Carolina Ale House: http://www.carolinaalehouse.com