Thanksgiving Prep: Stylish Dessert Recipes & Cooks Tools

( Via Vogue )

Thanksgiving desserts can be so expected. So for this Foodie Friday, I've thought outside the pie shell. No worries, we do have a few, but nothing basic. You will also find Apple Roses, the prettiest pie crust you ever saw, a deep dish Pecan Pie, gorgeous gluten free options and much more.  Scroll down to find chic but simple table decor ideas by Marc J. Sievers. Get ready to drool and plan your holiday desserts today.

18 Sweet Treats That Just Might Trump The Turkey 

Chocolate Dipped Pears With Almond Crunch
Pressed for time? Who isn't! Here's an elegant but uncomplicated treat that is sure to impress.
Bakers Royale  

Mini Pecan Butter Apple Rose Tarts
These tiny tarts are ever so cute and super easy, too. They are made with flour tortillas!
Half Baked Harvest   

Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Are these not the cutest? I found the image HERE. And the NYTimes has a good recipe for the Brulee HERE.

Caramel Cake With Apple Cider Whipped Cream
Here are not one but two recipes to make this yummy cake. If you aren't a baker, you'll love the recipe which is made with a boxed cake mix. That caramel looks amazing.
I Am Baker  

To get the gorgeous mounds of whipped cream, you need a professional Cream Whipper. HERE is a good one on sale 

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Dulce de Leche
Bread pudding. Autumn's comfort food! This recipe can be made up to two days ahead. I am down with that! Whole Foods makes a yummy Pumpkin Bread.
 Martha Stewart  

Pumpkin Mousse Trifle
This often is my contribution when not hosting Thanksgiving. It is easy to make ahead of time, quite impressive to look at, feeds a crowd, and is super delicious.
Country Living 

Williams - Sonoma has a terrific Trifle Bowl that is on sale and ships for free. 

Incredibly Gooey Collapsing Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Custard Cake
I want to hear from my family. Should this be made for Thanksgiving? To me, it is the combination of three things I love, chocolate cake, bourbon and Pecan Pie. Yum!
Half Baked Harvest    

Mini Pumpkin Layer Cakes
This recipe is a bit time consuming, but really they couldn't be any cuter. Just imagine your guests look of happiness when one of these appear at their place setting!
The Baker Chick 
Here is a set of Four Individual Treat Pedestals 

Gingerbread Pear Tart
{ Gluten Free & Vegan }
Isn't this picture perfect? And that cream? It's been spiked with Amaretto liquor!
Heather Christo  

If you need a rectangular tart pan. HERE you go. Take 20% off and get Free Shipping with Code: FRIENDS 

Gluten-Free, Vegan and Paleo Chocolate Pumpkin Tart Recipe
I love the spiderweb look on the top of the tart. Not necessary but rather fun!
Unconventional Baker

Williams Sonoma has a nice tart pan and it is on sale this weekend.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie
I can't imagine an apple pie without caramel. They just go hand in hand with Fall. This recipe is quite unique and oh so attractive.
A Cozy Kitchen    

Rye Pecan Pie
Deep dish pecan pie? This is the pie of my dreams. The crust is gorgeous. It's made in a springform pan which to me makes it easier. Found this image at Dessert Girl, but the recipe is from The NY Times 

Turtle Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake
This is one way to include pumpkin into the festivities. And if you have not had pumpkin ice cream, you are in for a treat!
A Spicy Perspective  

Brûléed Bourbon-Maple Pumpkin Pie
I am not a lover of a basic pumpkin pie, but this recipe is a showstopper featuring chocolate and caramelized sugar!
Bon Appetit 

I have always wanted a Kitchen Torch. Sur La Table has a nice one on sale. 

Butterscotch Pecan Cake
This impressive cake hides a yummy secret underneath the pecans. The butterscotch soaked layers are spiked with rum! This is a stylish and sophisticated dessert choice.
Martha Stewart  

Pumpkin Spiced Latte Parfaits
A very easy dessert that tastes a bit like cheesecake. Pretty, right?
Elle Decor 

Here is an affordable set of Pedestal Mugs that would work well with this recipe at Amazon. 

Leaf Pie
Can you believe that crust? This recipe is not for the faint of heart, but it is not as difficult as it looks. 
The Story Of Kat  

Find Leaf Pie Crust Cutters at Sur La Table  

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Icebox Cake
Made with only six ingredients, this recipe is super easy. Get the kids involved!
Tried and Tasty 

Chic & Simple Thanksgiving Table Tips
Your Thanksgiving table is a reflection of you. Make your guests feel special with some fabulous tips from author, life style expert, cook and my friend......
Marc J Sievers



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Foodie Friday ~ Thanksgiving Dinner Part 3: Desserts & Cooks Tools

Thanks Gifting: Fabulous Fall Finds For The Host & Hostess

( Via: Vogue )

It turns out that Mom was right. Don't even think about showing up for Thanksgiving dinner empty handed. Chances are, your host or hostess has the wine handled. So let's think beyond the bottle. There are so many choices, but I have narrowed the field for you. Think chic cube candles, mouthwatering marshmallows, and other ideas that will earn your "stamp of approval." Get gifting!

Paesaggio Italiano
If you want to make sure that yours is the most unique gift of the day, this is it. I find this set quite charming for the price. Bone china pieces will hold sweets, savories, stems and sauces. Super stylish!
AHAlife  

Autunno and Verdure Dinnerware Collection

These beautiful platters and plates just scream Fall celebration! If you are bringing a dish, serve it up in one of these. Now on sale.

Gracious Home   

PieBox
Bringing the Pumpkin Pie? Get it there safely and with style. Consider this perfect pine box, your pie insurance. It is made to fit almost any pie plate. Your hostess will love the extra gift after the pie is long gone.
Food52   

Nut Cases
Your host will go nuts over these porcelain peanut and walnut snack servers. Make sure you fill them before gifting. Expect raves from the peanut gallery! 
CB2 

Bourbon Marshmallows

These will make one spirited S'more or add a special touch to those candied sweets. Your host will love the tin packaging of these sweet treats. Pick your flavor -Champagne, Pumpkin Pie, Honey and more.
Mouth.com   

Giving Thanks Guest Book
A heart warming gift for any family. Record a shared history of thankful thoughts and sentiments of gratitude year after year.  This would be a fun exercise for the dinner table.
Anthropologie 

 Vintage Hydrangea 

Give or send a beautiful living gift. With an abundance of wine colored blooms, this plant is the perfect pick for Thanksgiving.
Shop Terrain

Michael Aram Bowl With Scoop
An Elle Decor pick, and I see why. This is the perfect gift for any haute hostess.
Sold only at 
Neiman Marcus  

Claudia Szerer Home Collection
Couture cocktail linens in Fall's neutrals of plum and oatmeal. Simply lovely in linen and available in other stylish shades. 
Barneys New York 

Wood Stamp and Ink Pad

Personalized presents are always thoughtful, but this one really gets my stamp of approval! The host or hostess will use it for cards and correspondence from now through the holidays and beyond.
Mark and Graham  

MacKenzie-Childs Organic Herb Kit
This cool collaboration between MacKenzie-Childs and Kerber's Farm is made for the serious cook. The set includes sea salt with organic lavender, organic peppercorns, organic rosemary, and organic herbes de Provence. Priced at under $40 and only sold at
Neiman Marcus

Thompson Ferrier Cube Candle Sets
Chic and modern, these cubes create a romantic setting when used together. Sold in sets of four. Keep two. Give two. Who wouldn't love them in black, navy or ivory? 
Alchemy Fine Home

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Counter Chic: A Kitchen Refresh For Fall

Good Vibrations

( Via Ana Strumpf )

Today's post was inspired by Saturday Night Live.  It was that hilarious spoof that put both parties and their surrogates in a state of kumbaya. They came together running through crowds holding hands, kissing and hugging others. It was a beautiful thing. After over a year of negativity, don't we all just need to lighten up a little? On election day, I am sending you good vibrations.  Together, even in little ways, we can make a change. Here are a few fab finds. I hope they make you smile and feel those good vibrations.

C. Wonder Embroidered Suede Shoes

Because happiness is a choice!

QVC

SHY by SE Diamond Bezel Necklace

Happiness is an inside job, but if you can make someone happy, why not try? Or if they make you happy, let her know it.

Neiman Marcus 

French Lavender Sachets Set
Aromatherapy. It's a beautiful thing for our senses and inner peace.  Nine hand stamped and made with 100% linen sachets are scented with French Lavender. Consider each pretty pouch a punch of namaste for your lingerie drawers, luggage or bedside table. Created by Baja Zen
AHAlife  

Kate Spade iPhone Case
Laughter really is the best medicine!
Amazon  

Good Vibe Only Mug
What a wonderful way to start your day!
Caffeinated Creationz at Etsy

Thankful Journal
Did you know that it is proven if you start each day with a grateful heart, what you have will always be enough? Find a stylish selection of journals at
Journal and Co. at Etsy  

Charity By Design
This collection is all about empowerment, love, and community. This inspirational selection gives back to charities that mean the most to you. Click to learn more.
Alex and Ani  

Renewed Hope In A Jar Mask
One of the best ways to feel better is to take care of yourself. A good mask will always do it for me. A few minutes of "me time" is a good thing. This product gets rave reviews.
Sephora   

LED Light Up Word
Fill your home with love without saying a word.
West Elm   

Beyond Words Pom Exersocks
Loving these breathable non stick socks. There is a color and affirmation for every day of the week. I think just the right amount of pride keeps us all acting in the best possible way.
Free People  

Moon and Lola Nameplate 
Whether it's your own name or your "go to" word, spell it out with this cool custom chain for keys.
Swoozies
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Please go out and vote and do it with a smile!

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Monday Mantras From Etsy