Hello Pumpkin! Fall Is Here Ya’ll!
Well, at least the temps here in Florida dipped to a 69 degrees this early morning, which is cool for us! I noticed there were a few fallen leaves in the foyer and on the drive.
I love my Harvest entry rugs…these doors go into our front courtyard. Last year I used the familiar black and white checked under-rug, but this year I decided to use the orange and white checked rug. They are still available in all sizes if you would like to check them out. (my storefront is linked at the bottom of this post) I have had mine for several years. One of my other Harvest ‘jute’ rugs says “Hello Pumpkin” and I used that one last year.
I also pulled out these two ‘ghost’ pictures from last year and if you are interested, they have them again this year but they sell out fast. They come in all sizes but I have the 8X12 sizes because all my available walls have dedicated decor, so there is no room for additional pictures. However, I do have two small spaces in the hallway by the kitchen I am able to utilize with these adorable ghosts. Many of you know that I do not like scary Halloween, but I do love Casper the friendly ghost and these pictures are that same vibe.
The colors go well with my ‘collected, rustic’ home furnishings.
I have been busy with planning a casual dinner party. The Captain and I will be hosting a dinner party for 14. A couple times a year, I like to invite the Friday Bible Study wives and their husbands for an evening of dinner and fellowship. This is a chance for the husbands to be a part of our group. The Captain will be smoking a pork butt and/or shoulder for BBQ Pulled Pork and I will be making a chocolate sheet cake while the ladies will be bringing the potluck. Which, by the way isn’t really a potluck or surprise, as I asked them to bring a specific dish. I have learned over the years of planning such events that it prevents multiples of one dish while other dishes do not show up. You know, 5 baked beans and no potato salad. I also like to label the food dishes as you see in the photo below. The Dinner is Thursday, so I try to prep early for it as much as I can which makes it less stressful. I have set up two long tables to accommodate everyone. Sometimes, we let people get their food from a buffet like setting and then find a comfortable seat…in the house, in the courtyard or in the Secret Garden. We are fortunate that these three areas are in close proximity to each other as our triple sliders slide back into the walls allowing for walking freely from one area to the next. For this dinner, we will all sit down at a designated place. It makes for less congestion around the serving bar and keeps everyone within table conversation. I’m still working on both table settings…I may use gold napkin rings on the napkins rather than putting the napkin under the salad plate…I like to live with it for a few days before making changes. I have large centerpieces on each table that will be removed to the serving bar/counter when we sit down to dinner.
Speaking of the serving bar/counter, So many times a hostess gets asked..”What is that?” …and yes, most dishes like Baked Beans are identifiable, but sometimes there is that one dish that could be macaroni salad or potato salad. It should be simple enough, but as I said…We have entertained a lot, both casual and formal…though these days we aim for more casual dinners. I also like to use individual salt & peppers at each place setting and that is simply for convenience. Actually, my preference is to prepare all the dishes myself…however, I have also learned over the years that events such as this one, people like to be involved…to be a part of… and I also realize that these days my energy level is low, so I welcome all the help I can get.
Speaking of convenience, I was digging in my recipe tin and found an old recipe from my grandmother. It was in her writing and it really is not a recipe with exact quantities listed. It was a list of ingredients. I decided to try it in the slow cooker. I knew the Captain would love it so I made it with a few exceptions to her ingredients. She wrote:
Chunks of Sausage, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Sauerkraut….(only she wrote ‘sour cabbage’) and Bone Stock. Put in covered pot in oven.
So I lightly browned a whole kielbasa ring that I then cut in 2 inch ‘chunks’, and the same size ‘chunks’ of potatoes, onions and carrots. I didn’t know how much kraut to add so I added a 32 oz jar and about 2 cups of broth and put it all in the crock pot (or slow cooker) on high for about 3-4 hours. It wasn’t really a ‘pretty dish’, but the Captain loved it. Since I have been so busy with planning, I have found sheet pan meals ideal and tasty.
This Teriyaki Chicken and Veggies was so simple using small red, green, and yellow bell peppers, onions, broccoli and asparagus. I used parchment paper for easy clean up and tossed the veggies in teriyaki sauce and placed them in the bottom of the sheet pan. I did lightly brown the chicken thighs, but you don’t have to. Next I brushed both sides of the chicken with teriyaki sauce and placed the chicken on top of the veggies. I set the oven at 400 degrees and baked for about 20-30 minutes. (use a thermometer for chicken doneness). Brush on a little more teriyaki sauce to the chicken. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness if desired. (watch carefully as the sauce will burn) I served the veggies and chicken over rice, made a cucumber, tomato and onion salad and dinner was served. YUM!.
I have to share an item the Captain and I both love, not only for it’s aesthetic appearance but also for functionality. About a year ago, a friend of ours couldn’t get his automobile key fob to work and when he took it to the dealer, he was told that he had somehow damaged the system and needed to replace the key. It cost him quite a bit of money and he determined that keeping the key fob in his pocket with coins and pocket knife, etc…ruined his key. The Captain and I researched protective covers for our key fobs and so far they have been working great. The above photo are my key fob covers…The Captain chose black but they come in all colors. Of course you have to be sure and order the fob cover for your particular vehicle….as they are not universal.
I hope you are having a great End of Summer,🌸⚾️🏖️🥤🍧 Beginning of Autumn.🍁🏈🍂🍏🍑
“The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”
Psalm 50:1 ESV
Kari’s storefront link: https://amzn.to/4xNe5na
The orange and white checked rug sounds like such a cheerful way to welcome the season! That BBQ pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake menu sounds incredible too—have a wonderful time hosting your dinner party!
I love how you decorated with the orange check rugs and friendly ghost prints—so festive without being scary! Your dinner party menu sounds wonderful too, especially the pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake. Have a great time with your Bible study group!
I love the switch to the orange and white checked rug for the season—it sounds so warm and festive! Your upcoming dinner party sounds wonderful too; smoked pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake is such a classic, crowd-pleasing menu.
That 69-degree morning must have felt wonderful! Your fall entry rugs sound so welcoming, and assigning specific dishes for the dinner party is definitely the smartest way to host a crowd.
I love the switch to the orange and white checked rug for a fresh fall look! Coordinating specific dishes for the dinner party is such a smart move, too—no one needs five bowls of baked beans. Have a wonderful time hosting!
I love how you decorated with the orange checked rug and friendly ghosts! Smoked pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake sounds like the absolute perfect menu for a fall gathering with friends.
Your orange and white checked rug sounds so cheerful for the season! That dinner menu with the Captain’s smoked pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake sounds absolutely delicious, too.
I love the orange and white checked rug idea—it adds such a warm, festive pop of color for fall! The dinner party sounds wonderful, especially the smoked pulled pork and chocolate sheet cake. Have a fantastic time hosting!
Having run into this myself, the description rings true. The limits only show up under load, which is why they are easy to miss.
Kari, I got over here as quick as I could. You are an amazing hostess. Two parties back to back is a lot of work, but I know you pace yourself. I think allowing guests to bring a dish is a smart way to show hospitality. I never mind taking a dish to a friend’s house. I so enjoyed our chat this morning. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday, my friend!
Oh thank you Pam…I really enjoyed our visit…now I have a voice to put with the name and photo. You are right, I do have to pace myself…I keep thinking I will regain all my strength back, but The doctor is saying not completely so I go with the flow. LOL Everyone of the ladies pitched right in which helped things to go smoothly and I have finally learned that even if it doesn’t go smoothly,..it really doesn’t matter. thank so much for stopping by, I know you must be busy getting back into your routine. Vacations are wonderful but coming home is so welcoming. Warm hugs to my sister in Christ. 💕🙏🏻
Your dinner party looks like it will be just fantastic! I love wht you shared of the table and the idea of the ID signs for the potluck food is a pretty brilliant one. It will be elegant but not stuffy, which can be a trick! I’ve done the same at times with food and it’s such a smart idea, so you don’t end up with five desserts (which might be OK too!) Your entry is just so darned welcoming — and a reminder I need to bring my pumpkin hall rug up — tis the season! Happy week and here’s to a grand party, my friend!
Thanks Jeanie, for not only stopping by but for your sweet comments. I am sitting right now as everything is ready for the party, except last minute filling glasses with ice, etc. and pulling the pork. I love when I am not rushing around at the last minute….and having a potluck is perfect for that. I did make a chocolate sheet cake…and the pork butt is in the oven on it’s 7 hour mark. It started raining down here early this morning so the Captain said let’s do it in a low and slow oven rather than the smoker and I thought that was a great idea. We have done these big over 10 pound pork butts or shoulders, many times and many ways and they usually turn out just fine. Easy Peasy. We pass the BBQ sauce so guests can add (or not) what they like.
I hope it is cooler up there….are you ready for cooler weather?
Hugs and Blessings 💕
Your home looks so welcoming for Fall, Kari! You are one busy hostess with the mostest. How wonderful to have all the Bible study ladies and their hubbies over. I feel the same as you, in that people like to be part of a dinner and bring something. It is helpful, too. Thank you for the additional recipes!
Have a beautiful dinner and week. xo
It certainly does help when they are able to bring a dish to a dinner, Kitty. I have finally learned that when one offers to help; I should accept. Perhaps my upbringing hindered my acceptance of additional help as my Mother, Grandmothers and Aunts felt a guest was a total guest…unless it was family members, who always chipped in to help.
Our weather here is much cooler and I hope Texas is the same. Autumn is upon us and I can’t wait to have a fire in the fireplace and drink hot cocoa. We are fortunate that our fireplace is dual and can either be turned on using a switch OR use real wood for an actual flame. Have a great and wonderful week my friend.🏈🍁🍂
Dear Kari,
I also loved your Casper like ghosts. So cute and friendly. Thank you for another great table scape and the recipes sound wonderful.
Hugs,
Sandy
So glad you dropped by Sandy and how sweet of you to encourage me. I do love friendly ghosts with their cute expressions. I hope and pray you and Ron are doing well. Hugs Always🥰
Hi Kari,
I agree with Nancy. Those ghost pictures are real sweet. I keep several files of 8×12 pictures (many from old calendars) to put into frames to go along with a table theme or just for a holiday. It’s such a simple way to add a new look. Also I agree on labeling dishes. My porcelain place/food cards and dry erasers get used quite often. My vote is to keep your chocolate napkins between the plates. Have a wonderful day.
thanks Jan…I do like the napkins between the plates plus it is one less thing to contend with while eating, talking and fellowshipping with each other. My guest don’t have to say “what do I do with these?” when they remove their napkin. You are a gem my friend. I use my little chalkboards as they are so easy to re-use. Definitely not a one trick pony! Great idea on using old calendars for picture frames. Thanks for stopping by and GO CHIEFS! 🏈GOOD-BYE ROYALS!⚾️ (for the season), DON’T GIVE UP JAYHAWKS FOOTBALL🏈 and HURRY UP JAYHAWKS BASKETBALL! 🏀…this is one fan who is ready!
I am the first to comment today! I enjoyed your fall decor. The ghost pictures are darling. I have to tell you— I am using a checked rug under my welcome mat as well. I love it.
I enjoyed your grandmother’s recipe. That is a perfect fall-day dinner. I will be making it soon. Thank you!
Enjoy your dinner with all your guests. It will be wonderful.
And enjoy the last few days left of September.
Wow! Nancy…my ‘ticker’ says you commented at 2:39 a.m.! Were you up that early or perhaps my clock is off? 🥰. Thanks for you encouraging comments…the dinner party should be fun..at least that is what I am going to make it. Friday, we are hosting a smaller group, (eight) sort of killing two birds with one stone. Thanks for stopping by my friend, I’m hopping over to your news now.
I was wide awake! So why not see what Kari was up to! Lol!
Love it!💕