Today on weekend meanderings, it’s all about Thanksgiving. What to eat, drink and wear + more.
Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
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Thanksgiving is just 12 days away. Are you hosting? Guesting? Are you ready? Let’s discuss.
Thanksgiving Recipes
This week I joined a group of six favorite creators to share some yummy Thanksgiving recipes. In case you missed it I contributed my Sweet & Savory Cornbread Stuffing. It’s super easy … and totally delicious. Stuffing can be a tricky thing at the family Thanksgiving table. Recipes have been passed down and tradition reigns supreme. New ideas are not always welcomed. I remember my aunt once made scalloped potatoes instead of mashed which shocked and scandalized my grandmother. It never happened again. My dad and cousin felt the same about cranberries. Don’t bring those fancy cranberry relishes near them, they wanted the Oceanspray canned jelly front and center on the table … presented in a crystal dish, of course.
Anyway, all the recipes look so good and I’ve pinned and printed every one.
Thanksgiving Table
If you’re hosting you’ve probably already planned your table setting. Last month, with the help of Ali Bentz, I created a festive centerpiece.
I’ve had to pair it back a bit to set the table for six.
Image: Jessica Brydson Photography
Table Runner | Candlestick Holders | Taper Candles
Terracotta Pumpkins | Similar Wood Pumpkin | Pumpkin Bud Vase | Mini Pumpkins
Cabbage Plates | Similar Salad Plates | Similar Napkins | Wheat Napkin Rings
What I’m Wearing for Thanksgiving
Spartina 449, a new-to-me brand, reached out to ask if I’d be interested in a collaboration featuring their Holiday Collection. For the most part I shy away from brand collaborations, mostly because I only want to share things that I actually love, buy and use in my everyday life. Plus, they can be a lot of work, and I worry about getting it right and not letting anyone down. But I was intrigued and before dismissing it out of hand I took a look through their collection and brand website. Well, I’m not sure where they’ve been all my life but Spartina 449 is right up my alley. So, I said yes.
A lifestyle brand with a Southern, coastal flair, founder Kay Stanley imagined her brand to life from Spartina Cottage on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. From traditional wardrobe staples to resort essentials, travel accessories, jewelry, bags and more … it’s truly something-for-everyone-and-every-occasion brand. In addition to their website, they have over a dozen brick and mortar stores, mostly in the Carolina’s, but as far as Rhode Island. And their pieces are sold in specialty retailers and boutiques throughout the country. I was pleasantly surprised to see their pieces are sold in our local McCaulou department stores. The brand sent me this location specific carry-all case – the Northern California version – which I recognized from our local Hollyhock stationery store.
The collaboration is perfectly timed because I’ve been mulling over what to wear for Thanksgiving. With that in mind I focused on fall-appropriate dresses. There are so many options and I narrowed it down to this A-line, pullover dress in Ikat print and this flowy floral number.
Swayed by the pretty blue Ikat print, I decided on the half-zip, pullover dress and it arrived this week. Made of Peruvian cotton with a touch of spandex, it’s super soft and comfortable. And I think it’s really versatil … change up the shoes and it can be worn in any season. I’m loving it with my new suede boots.
Thanksgiving outfit sorted.
Yes, that’s a bandage on my nose. I went for my annual skin check and had a few things zapped off and a couple others biopsied.
I also opted for a silk scarf in matching Ikat print and colorful border and wrapped it around the handle of my bag. Look at me performing advanced style maneuvers.
Shop Spartina’s Holiday Edit here.
By the way, if you’ll be guesting at Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, etc., … the brand’s two-bottle wine caddy is an ideal way to transport – or gift – wine. I’ve already ordered two more for hostess gifts … I’ll include wine, of course! You could also fill it with artisan olive oils and vinegars. The cady comes in a bunch of print styles and each includes a fish shaped corkscrew. I love mine in a navy plaid print?
A few of my favorites ~
The Colbert’s on Ina’s Be My Guest
After reading Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens I started rewatching her Be My Guest series … and caught up on newer episodes. She has such interesting guests. And I want to make all the recipes.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake ~
My BFF Jane broke her arm this week. Ouch. When she text me of her predicament I was watching Ina’s episode with Stephen and Evie Colbert. They recently published a cookbook of favorite family recipes, Does This Taste Funny? Fun title (they’re a fun couple).
Anyhoo, while the Colbert’s were making their way to Ina’s house, Ina was baking her Sour Cream Coffee Cake from Barefoot Contessa Parties. That gave me the idea to bake it for Jane and her family to enjoy this weekend … she definitely won’t be cooking.
Generally I don’t make something for others that I haven’t tested first myself. But, didn’t have that luxury so I baked the cake, slid it onto a doily and into a cakebox and delivered it to Jane’s doorstep hoping for the best. She says it’s yummy. But, what’s she going to say, it’s terrible?! I feel fairly confident about it because Ina never steers us wrong. If you’ve got a houseful for Thanksgiving I think it will be a hit.
Here’s the recipe. I substituted pecans for walnuts in the streusel topping. And I doubled the maple glaze.
Capri Sun Cocktail ~
Back to Stephen and Evie … as per the format of Ina’s show, they came ready to make one of their recipes, a very simple Green Goddess Dip – with crudités and potato chips. It’s the simple things that are the best … and, as we already discussed, favored at Thanksgiving. While Evie was making the dip Stephen spouted off fun facts on the origins of Green Goddess dressing. He said it originated in San Francisco in the 1920’s, so I did a little fact checking (very little) and confirmed it. The story goes that the Palace Hotel’s executive chef created it in tribute to actor George Arliss and his hit play The Green Goddess.
After Evie made the dip, Stephen mixed a favorite cocktail which he calls the Capri Sun. He referred to it as “summer in a glass” … I know it’s not summer … it’s rainy and cold here. But the drink’s vibrant color reminds me of our current fall foliage. It’s fresh and light so why not serve it Thanksgiving weekend? It’s easy to make and the ingredients can be easily placed out on a sideboard for family and friends to mix themselves. I gave it a try last night … OJ, Vodka, Campari, Club Soda … it’s very spritz like and quite good. Jim loved it too.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you this week. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
In case you missed last weekend’s post, you can catch up here.
Wishing you the best weekend!
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