CasaSugar

Open House: What Are Your Thanksgiving Plans?

CasaSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:30:39 -0800

This Thursday, friends and family will gather to socialize, give thanks, and stuff themselves silly. Whether you're hosting or putting in a guest appearance, there's always a lot of preparation and work that goes into every Thanksgiving gathering.

This year my husband and I are driving from Berkeley to Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington, to stay with his family. We're driving because we're also traveling with our two dogs (I know, it's going to be quite the road trip). Once there, we'll help prepare the Thanksgiving meal, take lots of walks in the foggy forest and on the shore, and, I'm sure, play many, many rounds of Scrabble with my mom-in-law.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to visit with so many loved ones, and to contribute to a meal, and an experience, that would be impossible without many hands. Tell me: what are your Thanksgiving plans, and what are your favorite parts of the holiday?

Source: Flicker User Lane & Anne

Etsy Finds: Talking Turkey

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:13 -0800

Whether you're eating the classic Thanksgiving bird next Thursday, or just want to add a kitschy reminder of it at your celebration, I've found plenty of ways to talk turkey this Thanksgiving - and all of those ways are handmade, of course!

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Do You Hang a Thanksgiving Banner?

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:50 -0800

I love the look of this adorable Thanksgiving banner. It would look so festive hung on a porch to greet visitors, or even on a wall by the dinner table. I haven't done one before, but now I'm tempted. How about you?

Source: Flickr User meringuedesigns

Meet Our New Food and Entertaining Video Channel, YumTV!

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:43:19 -0800

I'm a huge fan of PopSugar Rush and BellaTV - that's why it brings me great honor to introduce our new food-related video channel, YumTV! We're creating an exciting lineup of original shows that will debut every week. YumTV is your ultimate guide to all things food, drink, and entertaining. We'll show you how to throw the perfect party, cook killer apps, browse the farmers markets, shake up creative cocktails, and much more!

In today's first episode, we talk about one of the most important side dishes of the Thanksgiving meal, mashed potatoes. To learn how to add a punch of color to our basic mashed potatoes recipe, watch YumTV now!

Does Your Thanksgiving Involve More Than One Table?

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:30:42 -0800

Growing up, large family dinners, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, always involved a grownups' table and a kids' table.

Since most of my adult meals have involved friends, not family, we no longer have a grownups' and kids' table, but we often have to have two or even three tables to accommodate all of the guests. It's fun having everyone pitch in to set up, and I love seeing how the conversations develop with each table.

Source: Flickr User bron*

How-To: Turn Pumpkins Into Candleholders

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:36 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how to do it, according to Martha:

First, cut a round hole in the pumpkin's center with a utility knife, enough to hold a candle but not all the way through. You may want to trace the circumference of your taper onto the pumpkin first to make sure your hole isn't too wide.
Then, make space for your tapers by carving the inside out with a melon baller.
Then, slip your taper in.
You can also stack your pumpkin candle holders for a different look. If you do this, you'll want to use two pumpkins about the same size. Carve the top pumpkin all the way through, but leave a base on the bottom one.
Fini! So easy.

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How-To: 12 Tips to Make You a Calm and Collected Hostess

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:15:57 -0800

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, there are a lot of ways to make the holiday less stressful and more enjoyable for yourself. It's best to be well-prepared though, so after you read these tips, you'll want to get cracking!
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How-To: Create Festive Fall Votives

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:30:22 -0800

Want to add some pretty autumnal style to your Fall Thanksgiving table? Then try this great, simple trick from Better Homes and Gardens for transforming a holiday Autumn table. For a beautiful twist on boring old votives, collect colorful leaves from your backyard or nearby park. Then, tie the leaves to the votive with ribbon, twine, or yarn. Voila! You have a no-cost centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Just be careful not to get any of the leaves close to the flame. While I do love the fiery reds of Autumn leaves, I don't actually think that I want them on fire.

For another votive idea, read more.

If you have some extra time, you can also decoupage leaves onto the votive's exterior. This will give the votive a frosted effect, and will illuminate the leaves.

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Do You Sleep on the Sofa When You Visit Friends or Family?

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:53 -0800

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, my husband and I are staying at his mom's Whidbey Island retreat. Luckily, the house is big enough to allow us the luxury of staying in a guest bedroom. I've spent a good many nights sleeping on sofas, and I don't mind, but a guest bedroom is always a wonderful luxury!

Source: Flickr User jaliyaj

Etsy Finds: Setting the Thanksgiving Table

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:30 -0800

Looking for a unique addition to your holiday table? I've found some beautiful ways to personalize your Thanksgiving day feast this year.

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