(Phew- it’s finally Friday! We’ve decided to revamp our Friday Favorites to include a little bit more about our personal weeks so our readers can get to know us! We hope you enjoy our new Weekly Love Letter and, as always, love receiving any ideas and feedback you might have.)
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“This was such a crazy week! My brother got married in Chicago on Saturday (welcome to the family officially, Emily!) in a really lovely ceremony that was followed by a unique reception in a huge antique store. I headed back to Cleveland with my family, and Carla came into town on Tuesday. We have been so busy brainstorming and planning, cooking and crafting, photographing and laughing. While we’re always excited about A&C, even living 5,000 miles apart, it’s particularly inspirational when we’re in the same room and we can feed off each other’s energy! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in the next few months and the next year.”
*My favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is the stuffing, but the right ratio of the moist inside to crispy outside is imperative! I love the idea of stuffing muffins, and this recipe from Rachel Ray with apples sounds intriguing. Has anyone ever made stuffing muffins before?
*How spectacular are these tablescape ideas from Refinery29? They don’t leave much room for food, so you’d have to serve more of a buffet-style meal. Or you could just take the ideas you like and do a more limited version.
*I’m a huge fan of offering a pre-made cocktail as people arrive at your home. This apple, pear and gin cocktail sounds divine. The recipe calls for juicing your own apples and pears, but I don’t see why you couldn’t shortcut with pear nectar and a really great apple juice (or cider?).
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“Reunited! Since Alyssa moved to Japan last year, we’ve only gotten to see each other a handful of times. Luckily, all sorts of technology means we get to text and video conference tons- but it’s certainly not the same as being in the same room. I’m in Ohio for part of this week and next while she’s in town with her parents for the holidays and IT IS THE BEST EVER. We’re making website changes, brainstorming, shopping at Anthropologie and dreaming lots of dreams. Never underestimate the power of proximity!”
* I’m in the mood for an apple drink on my Thanksgiving table- Saveur offers this recipe for Chilled Apple Punch with hard cider AND whiskey. Two favorites!
* It’s a tradition in my family for the non-cooks to make up a menu of all the dishes, DIY style. They get saved and pulled out every so often to reminisce about the best dishes, the worst craft skills and the menu contributors. This year, I want to add these darling Toilet Paper Roll Turkey decorations to the craft table for all the kids to make- easy place cards!
* My favorite holiday (or any day) side is mashed potatoes. It’s such a basic recipe, but I’m curious to try this carmelized shallot version from Bon Appetit.
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Cheryl at The Stylist Quo (Hi, Cheryl!) added our Nutella Cappuccino to her round-up of Treat Yourself favorites!
The Handmade Weekend featured our Homemade Fall Face Mask with Pumpkin on their to-do list! (It’s in Russian and adds directions for making your own pumpkin puree!)
Yay! It’s a true story; I did. I love the red berries photo at the top right! Did you take it?!
Also, my mashed potatoes are like FAMOUS round these parts. It’s so odd, since I can really take them or leave them. I’m pretty happy they’re low-maintenance and loaded with lots of how-could-it-be-bad ingredients. You should try them!
https://www.thestylistquo.com/complete-guide-first-thanksgiving-how-to/#mashedpotatoes