I Host a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner with KitchenAid

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This Thanksgiving I paired up with KitchenAid® to show off their gorgeous colors of the season and how you can use their fall-inspired bakeware and small appliances to pull together a great dinner. To start off my table setting I used the Persimmon (Orange) Nesting Ceramic 4 Piece Set for fried chicken that my kids love! While you may think that fried chicken isn’t for Thanksgiving, think again! Perfect for a laid back dinner amongst friends and family. For those who still want a baked fowl I cooked a chicken in their Casserole Dish in Ivy Green and served it alongside green beans and potatoes.

Here’s a few tips on setting a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner table:

Choose your favorite small gourds like pumpkins, squash and other miniature vegetables to disperse around the table. I prefer to not have one centerpiece as it creates a more formal environment that makes everyone feel uptight!  Instead, I used a bag of mixed shelled nuts like walnuts, pine nuts, pecans and more and put them casually around the table.

Casual Thanksgiving Dinner – Create the look:

• Burlap runner in your choice of colors. It makes a beautiful backdrop to any natural tablescape
• Napkin rings with fall inspired motifs. I like these leaf ones
• Fabric napkins in a deep rust color brings texture to your table and pairs nicely with the autumn colored bakeware
• Casual dinnerware that doesn’t have a lot of ornamentation will bring focus to the food and will keep the meal casual
• Simple stemware for your favorite wine.. or put apple juice for kids to feel grown up!

Adding unexpected touches to the Thanksgiving meal

What I love about a casual Thanksgiving is you don’t have to only serve traditional food. I opted for a Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup prepared in the KitchenAid® 5-Speed Diamond Blender in Tangerine. It whips up your favorite soups easily but also would be perfect for drinks to serve table-side!

This Thanksgiving create a casual way to gather friends and family without the stress of formal planning.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

20 Of Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Recipes: Pulled Pork or Chicken Sliders

Looking for some perfect addition to a relaxed menu? Try these delicious, mouthwatering pulled chicken sliders. The intelligent slow cooker does all the work for you, so that when you come back home six to eight hours later, you will have juicy pork or chicken ready to be shredded and served in a sandwich with your favorite barbecue sauce.

2. Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect Crock Pot Recipe

This one is one of our all time favorite soups. We love the recipe because you can throw everything in the crock pot and walk away. In about few hours you have a tasty soup all ready waiting for you. And of course, your home will smell just amazing while it’s cooking way. Simply open the cupboard and add what you desire. Freeze for another meal!

Don’t you love butternut squash soup in a slow cooker?

3. Easy Crock Pot Recipes: Herb Chicken with Mushrooms

Flavorful spices and herbs, onion and mushrooms give this plain herb chicken recipe a rich flavor. Vegetables and cooking juice complete the meal. If you don’t wish to use the wine, you can use cooking sherry instead and omit the salt. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side dish like steamed green beans and you will have a satisfying meal.

4. Slow Cooker Recipes: Delicious Cranberry Pork

Cranberry pork tenderloin is a tasty, easy dinner any time of the year, but it’s especially a great choice during cooler weather. It’s healthy, simple, and just as good reheated the next day. A slow cooker really helps to bring out the best in pork loin, leaving it juicy and tender, and saving you hours in the kitchen.

5. Thai Pumpkin Soup Slow Cooker Recipes

The smell of fresh pumpkin soup with Thai spices has to be one of the best wafting through your home during the colder months. Try this delicious Crock Pot Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe and delight your senses!

Slow cooker meals are such a time saver. Set and forget at the beginning of the day and come back home to a hot dinner. Let us know through comments what you think about our collection of recipes?

15 Slow Cooker Recipes from Blogger Friends

1. Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken
2. slow Cooker Butternut Stew
3. Slow Cooker Lasagna
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowls
5. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
6. Slow Cooker Pizza Meatloaf
7. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
8. Slow Cooker Herbed Cornish Hens
9. Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Chicken Wings
10. Slow Cooker Loaded Carnitas
11. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
13. Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
14. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
15. Slow Cooker Healthy Beef Stew

For more slow cooker recipe ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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How to Make A Classic Meatloaf Recipe

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Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yields: 10 servings

Classic Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients:

1 coarsely chopped carrot

1 coarsely chopped rib celery

½ coarsely chopped onion

½ coarsely chopped red bell pepper

4 coarsely chopped mushrooms

3 chopped garlic cloves

2 ½ pounds ground chuck

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 cup plain bread crumbs

1 teaspoon olive oil

Meatloaf Recipe Glaze:

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Hot pepper sauce to taste

The Best Meatloaf Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Place the carrot, onion, celery, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to puree. Put the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and cayenne pepper. Using a wooden spoon mix gently to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With gently mix bread crumbs until combined.
3. Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the meat of ball onto the dish. Now shape it into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
4. Bake in a preheated oven just until meatloaf is hot about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until brown sugar dissolves.
6. Remove meatloaf from oven. With back of the spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf. Then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
7. Return meatloaf back to oven and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and glaze has baked onto the loaf, approx 30-40 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf which should read at least 70 degrees C. cooking time will depend on the thickness and shape the meatloaf.

Need more Easy Meatloaf Recipe Ideas?

We love this Simple Meatloaf Recipe from All Recipes.

This Homestyle Meatloaf from Paula Deen is sure to become one for your cookbook.

Don’t like Ketchup? This No Ketchup Meatloaf could be a great recipe for you.

This classic meatloaf tastes so good that you might want to double the recipe so that everyone can enjoy second servings. If there are any leftovers, simply chill and reheat. The slices also taste good in sandwiches as well.

For more fall recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Easy Fall Decorating Tips for your Home

To help you get started, we traveled back in time on Stagetecture to bring you the best and easiest fall decorating ideas. Take a look!

Add Autumn Floral Arrangements

A vase of happy fall seasonal flowers such as sunflowers or colorful fall foliage can instantly enliven any room. It will help to create a beautiful and elegant atmosphere and bring in lots of energy. Colors like yellows, reds, oranges, and purples are perfect for the autumn season Just make sure to keep the blooms fresh by changing the water every few days and removing the leaves below the water level.

Decorate with wallpaper in the bathroom

The bathroom is the best place to experiment when it comes to using wallpaper. As there aren’t many furniture pieces and colors in this area, busy wallpapers really seem to work. However, try to choose fall themed prints and colors such as leaves, harvest and more. Also, opt for quality wallpapers to ensure easy removal after the season.

Fall decorating tips: update with candles and scents  

While candles look great any time of the year, they are just perfect decorative pieces for colder months as they suggest light and warmth both the things that nature does not offer during this season. Team it up with colorful scented potpourri, pine cones, and seed pods to create a vibrant focal point. Pick scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, or apple to provide a seasonal touch. However, make sure to stick with one or maximum two aromas at a time to avoid mixing of fragrances.

Use literary accents for Fall decorating

Decorating for fall cannot get easier than this. Simply cut out F, A,L, and L out of craft paper and get it framed or tied in a string. Pick autumn inspired colors for craft papers to really get the feel of the season.

Finally, it’s time to bid adieu to warmer months. So, get started, use these fall decorating ideas and fill your home with scents and sights of the season. The best part is it’s easy, inexpensive, and fun. Have more interesting ideas to share? We are hearing through comments.

For more fall decorating tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Simple Tips to Bring Autumn to your Front Door this Season

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Wreaths or Swag

Wreaths or swags are possibly the most common elements that are used to décor the front door during autumn. What you have to take care is if the front door wreath is complementing to the design and color of your porch and entryway. Traditional harvest, autumn foliages, artificial or natural fruits and flowers, peacock feathers, acorns, pinecones, etc. are common materials used for making such wreaths. You can either buy or custom-make such a wreath and hang on your front door.

Instead of wreaths, you can go for buckets full of fall flowers too. Attach a hook to your door and hang one or two rustic-style bucket filled with fall blooms like small sized flowers and red-colored berries. Swag wreaths offer a gorgeous way to display rustic elements like this Autumn Wreath Swag are nice additions to welcome guests. Visit our fall wreaths on How to Make a Burlap Wreath!

Use Fall Harvest & Plants

Gourds and pumpkins are common fall harvest and are essential part of fall décor. Line the front steps of your home with metallic or wooden gourds and pumpkins and pots of fall flowers like asters, mums, heuchera, verbena, oxalis, etc. Hang a door-framing garland made of black feathers. This garland and pumpkins will bring an early Halloween feel into your porch.

Thai Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe

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Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

Yields: Serves 6

Pumpkin Soup Recipe Ingredients:

1 ½ Kg peeled and roughly chopped pumpkin or winter squash.

4 tablespoon vegetable/olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 slightly bashed lemongrass

1 can (400 ml) coconut milk

3-4 tablespoon red curry paste

3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

½ tablespoon lemon juice

½ tablespoon salt and pepper

1 sliced red chili (optional)

Spicy Pumpkin Soup Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 C. Toss pumpkin on a baking tray and coat with little oil and seasoning. Roast until tender and golden (approx 25-30 minutes). Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.

2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a saucepan with ginger, onion, and lemongrass. Gently cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the curry paste, roasted pumpkin, stock, and coconut milk (set aside 3 tablespoon of coconut milk). Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes and then fish out the lemongrass.

3. Let it cool for few minutes, and then whizz to puree with a hand blender or in an electric blender in batches.

4. Return to the saucepan to heat. Add salt, pepper, lime juice, and sugar to taste. Sprinkle the reaming coconut milk and serve with scattered red chili, if you like.

5. Easy to prepare, this sweet and spicy Thai pumpkin soup will surely make a satisfying, warming autumn meal or a delicious appetizer for your crisp autumn bash.

Looking for more pumpkin recipes? Check out these:

Our 35 Pumpkin Recipes will have you craving more recipes with pumpkin!

What are your favorite pumpkin recipes for the fall?

Take a look at these ideas from around the web.

For healthier pumpkin dishes look to All Recipes Healthy Pumpkin Dishes

Don’t have fresh pumpkins on hand? These 50 Canned Pumpkin Recipe Ideas are good to try.

What favorite pumpkin recipes will you try this season? Make sure you don’t forget our pumpkin roll recipe for dessert!

Weekend Gardening: Edibles to Grow This Spring

How to Grow Container Herbs

Herbs are ideal for container gardens. They are easy to plant and thrive and they are low-maintenance. Having your fresh, favorite herbs ready to be used is the ultimate key to creating delightful dishes. Some of the herbs like mint are better to be grown in containers since they can grow easily and take up a lot of space if planted in a garden. Some ideas for herbs to be planted are oregano, parsley, thyme, and cilantro, all of which can be harvested and dried if needed. Other ideas are to plant basil, lemongrass, and rosemary. Those herbs require larger containers if not planted in a garden. Here are some herbs we love to grow.

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Weekend Gardening: Learn to Grow Strawberries in a Container

Strawberries are great to be grown in containers or a garden. They can be harvested and turned into delicious marmalades, desserts, sauces or ice cream and even be frozen to be used at a later time. Containers are ideal for growing strawberries because they will grow over the edges and not get in touch with the soil, making them easy to thrive and eat. Hanging containers can also add to any balcony’s appeal. Just make sure to plant a lot of strawberry plants, since you will want to have many of those aromatic fruits to enjoy.

How about a yummy Citrus Plant for your Weekend Gardening?

Although many think citrus trees grow only in warm climates, you can succeed in growing your own lemon, lime or orange tree even in colder areas. Just plant the tree in a large pot and move it into a warmer place – even inside – in the cold months. They may not produce very big citrus fruits, but they will be for sure filled with taste, juice, and fragrance.

These are just some ideas of many edibles you could plant that are easy to grow and to maintain without much effort. The effect, though, of having your own oranges or basil to use is so much greater than the effort it takes. Just go ahead and plant your favorite edible to enjoy them throughout spring, summer and even fall!

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Our Favorite Fall Table Decorations this Season

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Fall Table Decorations Natural Elements

Use nature as your guide. Nature has always been an inspiration to the creative world and that is no exception to this craft. Look around, take some gum, maple leaves, pine cones, sunflowers, or various mixtures of the plants and place them as the base of the centerpiece. Next, find vegetables or large seeds and place them on top of the plants then add another layer of plants, to help hold up some of the other items. The Natural Fall centerpiece idea can be used in many forms as long as nature is the main focus, the sky’s the limit.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces for your Fall Table Decorations

Have you ever thought of having your Fall centerpiece act as a display? That’s right. Gather together a few items such as feathers, pine cones, or even candles and place them on a small stand then place a glass over them. Glass over anything automatically gives a sense of something special and important. If the Glass Covered Centerpiece is the look that you would like for your centerpiece then go for it.

Fall Table Decorations with Candles

Speak of using candles…Candles are soft and warm décor that add this and more to any tablescape. Add with this centerpiece you will be able to add flair and scent to the room as well. You can make the Fall Candle Centerpiece by purchasing different sized round candles, they don’t have to be scented, and tie cinnamon sticks to the candles with twine or ribbon. You can also use coffee beans in small glasses with some tea light, when you light the candles there will be an aroma of cinnamon and coffee.

DIY Fall Decor Using Traditional Sets

Maybe you prefer to have a Traditional Fall Centerpiece on your table top. If that’s the case then take an over-sized cornucopia or pumpkin and stuff them with your favorite autumn floral arrangements, fruits, potpourri and or vegetables. With this idea, you will be able to add fresh color and aromas to space. And if you do decide on using a pumpkin, then purchase smaller pumpkins to go around them.

Also check out our 25 Fall and Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

25 Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas – from Stagetecture and Blogger friends!

Looking for more Fall and Thanksgiving Centerpieces?

We love these 33 Fall and Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

These 50 Thanksgiving Centerpieces are beautiful.

Centerpieces are such works of art, that can usher in the Fall season to your home. The best thing about Fall centerpieces is that it doesn’t take much to make them and the end results are most rewarding. So get up, get inspired and create. Also, Stagetecture readers do you have a Fall centerpiece ideas that you would like to share?

For more fall table decorations on Stagetecture, click here.

Recipe Round Up: Our Best Fall Drinks 

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1) Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Now we have to begin the list with the ever popular Pumpkin Spiced Latte.  This drink recipe has warmed us up with its warm milk, lively espresso and rich sweet pumpkin taste with cinnamon flavors.  It definitely brings “Autumn in a Cup,” to another level.  The pumpkin spiced latte is great to make but even better to taste.  Take a look here to find out how to make this beautiful drink:  Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe.

2) Pumpkin Martini Recipe

How about a Fall cocktail for a twist?  Pumpkin is such a Fall favorite that it is no surprise that one would add it their Fall drinks like their coffee or even some other beverages, like Martinis for instance. Which introduces the Pumpkin Martini recipe.  This drink, with its succulent flavors of spices, will leave your mouth a fulfilling taste and sensation.   Here’s how to create this recipe:  Pumpkin Martini Recipe.

3) Hot Chocolate with Coconut

Have you ever thought about taking a classic and putting a spin on it?  Hot chocolate has always been a favorite for decades.  With the chilly atmosphere having a warm chocolate drink is definitely a great way to spend some of the time of your day.  But don’t just stop there add in a little coconut for a refreshing taste.  This recipe helps o have a soothing and rich taste for everyone to love.  Tips on how to make:  Hot Chocolate with Coconut Recipe.

4) Pumpkin Spiced Punch

Pumpkin is the flavor of the Fall and its been placed in coffee and martinis but what about punch?  The pumpkin spiced punch recipe is great for Halloween parties and just the Fall season in general.  Its fruity flavor and lovable taste will have the kids and adults begging for more.  Take a look at the recipe here:  Pumpkin Spiced Punch.

5) The Classic Apple Punch Recipe

Apple is another flavor that invites the Fall season in.  And the Apple Punch recipe is no different, with the soothing apple and other additional fruity flavors everyone will definitely make this one of the Fall favorites.  Not only would you be able to use this drink for parties but even as an after school treat for the kiddie widdies.  Learn to make this recipe here:  Classic Apple Punch Recipe

The Fall season can be an amazing time of the year.  The colors in nature begin to change, football season is back and its time to get ready for the holidays.  Having recipes really help to cement when certain seasons are in the midst.  Fall drink recipes are quick, simple and enjoyed by all.  So what are you waiting for Stagetecture readers go ahead and make these recipes and do you have any favorite recipes of Fall drinks then let us know.

For more fall drink ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Try Out These 4 Fall Pear Recipes We Love!

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1. Pear & Walnut Muffins Recipe

If you are tired of having the same thing for breakfast every single day, change your routine with this recipe. As the old saying goes, “A change is as good as a rest.” These muffins are so delicious you’ll want to eat them every day. For the best results, be sure to use only fresh ingredients. Make the muffins with this recipe: Autumn Pear & Walnut Breakfast Muffins Recipe.

2. Pear and Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe

A great way to make the most of fall’s bounty is by making fall desserts. If your love for pears and cranberries is unmatched, mix them in this wonderful recipe. You’ll soon come to the conclusion that pears are underrated. They make the pies explode with flavor. Get your tips from this post: Fall Dessert: Pear and Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe.

3. Poached Pears Recipe (Gluten-Free)

Eliminating gluten from your diet may seem like an uphill climb, but it is doable. In fact, gluten-free diets are all the rage these days. People love them because they aid in weight loss and also enhance mood. If you are on a gluten-free diet or just looking to try something new, give this recipe a go. Find the directions here – Gluten-Free Dessert: Delicious Poached Pears Recipe.

4. Roasted Pear Salad Recipe

This is the king of healthy dinners! Don’t look to comfort foods to take away the chill this fall, indulge in this healthy dish that is filled with seasonal flavors. It comprises pears, walnuts, blue cheese, and much more. You can take it alone or have it with beef or chicken. Make it like a pro using the instructions in this post: Healthy Dinner: Roasted Pear Salad Recipe.

Pears are the most versatile fruits. They can be used to make cakes, breads, pies, soups, salads, and even pizza. Super juicy and aromatic, they are perfect for fall dishes. If you have many pears in your home and are wondering what to do with them, wonder no more! Look to the above fall pear recipes.

For more fall recipes on Stagetecture, click here.