Make a Splash at Thanksgiving
Would you love to finally impress your Mother-in-Law or grumpy old Aunt Agnes this Thanksgiving with a spread that will make their jaws drop?
You can do it without spending an arm and a leg. First of all, update your
dining room table. Get an ornate scroll worked iron table and then matching chairs. If your dishes don't match, you can get a good deal on a set at an outlet or even Ebay. This year let your in-laws and other guests dine with a fully matching set of dishes.
Set the mood with an ornate centerpiece for your table. You can make a beautiful holiday centerpiece by putting pine cones, leaves of the season, feathers, mini-pumpkins and more around a purchased plain wreath. Use a glue gun to attach them and you can be sure they won't come off.
As for the Thanksgiving dinner, you don't have to cook like Emeril to make your meal go "Bam!". If you feel a full turkey is too much to handle. Make a smaller turkey breast and a pot roast. Both are simple to prepare and this will offer two choices to your guests as far as a meat dish and you can prove your cooking expertise. Side dishes don't have to be elaborate either. Simple dishes served in ornate bowls will lend a lovely look to the meal, even if it's just plain old mashed potatoes.
Desserts don't have to be elaborate. A simple pumpkin pie, Jello and fresh fruit will be fine for a small gathering. Spring for some expensive coffee beans for the day and you'll have a beautiful Thanksgiving that will have your Mother-in-Law bragging to her friends about the wonderful time she had at your Thanksgiving dinner.
posted by Home Decor Experts - Iron Accents
A Soft Light Leads the Way
If you haven't experimented with decorating with light, it is time to give it a try. You can change the entire mood of a room or area of your home with just the simple application of light.
A dull and boring area can be brought to life with just the use of some brighter lighting. You can make a room that seems cold instantly warm up by softening the lighting in the room. If conversations are lacking around the room during your next gathering, try softening the light and watch as people start loosening up from the cozy atmosphere.
If you have strong overhead lighting, forego using it at all and opt for several smaller soft lights. Putting lanterns around a room will lend a homey feel a room and add soft lighting that will generate a decidedly cozy feel. You don't have to use a metal industrial lantern like the one in case of emergencies you keep in your car trunk, you can opt for a beautifully designed scroll worked
table lantern that will add to your decor rather than detract from it.
You can also use them outdoors in areas you don't have lighting to softly light the paths to your home for guests that are coming over. They look great lined up along patios, pools, gardens, walk ways, driveways, and anywhere you'd enjoy seeing the soft glow of light. They are constructed from environmentally friendly recycled wrought iron. The finish on these lanterns is powder-coated for year round weather resistance and rust prevention. The removable glass is wind and waterproof. There are no messy lamp oils to deal with, just pop in a simple candle and you're ready to go. The heavy base ensures no tipping. The soft lighting will help you create the perfect ambiance for any holiday occasion.
posted by Home Decor Experts - Iron Accents
