Sunday, December 6, 2009

Don't Get BOGGED Down This Thanksgiving



Autumn is one of the most gorgeous times of the year: beautiful falling leaves, orange pumpkins, vibrant cornucopias, and colorful apples. This Thanksgiving, bring that warm, festive feel into your home with these fun tips.

Play with Your Food


Cranberries are a Thanksgiving staple and there are endless ways to incorporate them into your decor. Add a vibrant touch of red to your Thanksgiving table with one of our creations below.


CRAN CREATION #1
Group three glass containers of varying shape and height in the center of the table. Place floral netting or berry garland at the bottom of one or more containers. Fill the containers with water, then add drops of red food coloring. Float cranberries, fresh flowers, and dark red floating candles (cinnamon scented would be ideal) on the surface of the water.

CRAN CREATION #2

Wash and dry 3-4 wax-covered paper milk cartons. Fill them with water and cranberries about 2 inches from the top. Float a tea light on top of the water in each carton, and place them in the freezer. Allow them to freeze completely.
Right before your guests arrive, tear away the cartons; revealing your beautiful frosted cranberry candles. Place them in a row down the center of your table and scatter fallen leaves, loose cranberries, seasonal gourds, and raffia around the candles. Remember to place each candle on a small dish to protect your tablecloth from the melting ice.


CRAN CREATION #3
Fill the bottom of a clear vase with cranberries and add tepid water until the vase is about two-thirds full. Cut the stems of budding red flowers (think Calla lilies, gerber daisies, or even lilies) or berry stems diagonally with sharp scissors. Arrange the flowers in the vase and encircle it with votive candles to add a bit of sparkle.


Turkey Day Tips


- Rather than rushing out to buy expensive new china, glasses and silverware for your Thanksgiving get-together, consider renting it. The prices are reasonable and by renting rather than buying you also avoid having to store the items year after year.

- A lit fireplace + a room full of people = overheated guests. Instead, fill your fireplace with lit pillar candles. You'll still achieve a beautiful, cozy look but without the excessive heat.

- Dress up your Thanksgiving dinner table with homemade place setting cards. Spray paint miniature pumpkins gold, tie a hand written place card to each stem, and place one at each guests’ setting.

Featured Recipe


Cranberry Infused Vodka
When packaged in a decorative bottle, it’s an excellent host/hostess gift. Infused vodka generally takes two weeks or longer for the flavors to blend, but this recipe lets you do it in just 3 days.

Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 fifth quality vodka

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, mix the sugar and water. Swirl the pan occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, swirling occasionally.


2. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the cranberries. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 hours.


3. Pour the mixture into a large jug or canister and top with the vodka. Seal it tightly and place either in a refrigerator or in a cool, dark place. For at least 2 days, let the flavors mingle with the vodka, swirling occasionally.

4. Pour the mixture through a colander or strainer into a large jugand then using a funnel, pour the vodka back into the bottle or other decorative container. Place the vodka in the freezer until ready to serve.Your cranberry vodka can be enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, or used as a base for cranberry martinis with a touch of vermouth. Garnish with frozen cranberries and enjoy!

No comments:

Post a Comment