Apple picking is always at the top of my autumn bucket list, and on the first cool fall weekend this year I got my family into the car on a mission to find an orchard. It ended up being a challenge – the first orchard we visited was closed, and the second one we arrived at didn’t actually have apple picking, it was just a farm stand with apples for sale. I promised Jane apple picking and I was so bummed out when we couldn’t find an orchard for our fall weekend excursion. read more

We had some friends over this past weekend, so of course a cheese board was on the menu. I’ve been experimenting and getting creative with all sorts of themed grazing boards lately, but sometimes I just like to go back to basics and create a simple, classic board with my favorite ingredients. It was also a great chance to try out my new set of cheese knives by Forseti Steel! read more

This may be my favorite tablescape I’ve ever shared on the blog before! This table started with a colorful find while I was traveling in Rhinebeck, NY for my sister’s bachelorette weekend. We spent the afternoon browsing some sweet local shops and when I spotted this tablecloth I knew I had to have it – the warm oranges and bright cornflower blue and subtle lilac tones just screamed ME!  I scooped it up and knew it was going to be the inspiration piece for a bright, festive autumnal tablescape. read more

I am relishing in the fall weather, pulling out cozy sweaters and barn jackets, and most importantly: cooking warm, savory comfort foods. I had a line-up of some of my favorite fall recipes to bring out of my vault, but was also eager to try some new ideas too. I’ve been thinking about making a fondue spread for ages, and the crisp autumn air told me it was time to take action – a fondue party was on the books! read more

On a recent girl’s getaway for my sister’s bachelorette party, we unpacked our bags in the rental house kitchen, and friends remarked at my meticulously planned and thoroughly packed tote of snacks and supplies. I’m a planner and I’m a snacker – those two traits combined have made me very detailed about what I gather for a getaway weekend. read more

This post was created in partnership with Better Homes & Gardens and Boursin^®Cheese.  All opinions, images and content are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support this site!

I have a thing for charcuterie boards. Putting together a wow-worthy display of bites for a party is just about one of my favorite things to do. So when my friends at Better Homes & Gardens asked me to help create a holiday charcuterie board with one of my favorite entertaining staples – Boursin^® Cheese – I jumped at the chance! read more

I’m on a constant hunt for seasonal snack board inspiration, and the grazing board ideas keep coming to me! On a recent run through Trader Joe’s I was filling my cart with pumpkin this and pumpkin that, and the pumpkin-lightbulb went off. I had to make a pumpkin-themed grazing board for fall! Sharing all of the tasty items I hand picked for this perfect autumnal display of pumpkin treats so you can make one too.  read more

When I hosted my sister’s bachelorette we were lucky to stay the weekend at a beautiful Airbnb in upstate New York. The biggest perk (besides a lovely pool and picturesque yard) was that there was a big kitchen and plenty of space for us to eat and entertain at the house. When I hear the phrase “bachelorette party” I always instantly groan at the idea of having to juggle a dozen women ordering at restaurants 3x a day. Even under the best circumstances, it’s a lot of work to organize and move that many people out of the house and get everyone fed! Planning some easy meals that we could make (or serve) at the house took so much pressure off the weekend celebrations, and this bagel brunch was a perfect solution for kicking off the day, and featured some simple DIY elements that I made with customized Chinet® Cut Crystal cups. read more

Things are looking spooky around here as I gather some new ideas for Halloween! I had the opportunity to work on this fun project with Family Circle Magazine and Sugar In The Raw and share a few fun ways to make the holiday both scary and sweet as you plan for Halloween parties. There are lots of ideas — like dying Sugar In The Raw with gel food coloring to make a crystal rimmed punch glass, or sprinkling puff pastry squares with Sugar In The Raw to make spider-egg-appetizers — featured in this month’s issue of Family Circle Magazine. Scroll down for some more inspiration, and see all the tips in the October issue on stands now!  read more

This past weekend we celebrated my little sister’s bachelorette with a festive getaway to Rhinebeck, NY. It was the most fun I have had in a long time, thanks to a very lovely group of girls and a bride who requested a weekend of “relaxation, yoga pants and eating” (we were all on board with her plans!). We hit all of those items and more during our stay upstate — starting at a gorgeous Airbnb country farmhouse — and I had to share a few of my favorite details from the weekend!
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