{Fall on Display}: Tablescapes, Recipes & More!

To say that I was thrilled to return to Atlanta Plugged In on last week would be an understatement of grand proportions!  A morning of fun, topped off by sharing inspiration from my favorite season--Fall, couldn't have been any sweeter.

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Bringing the look and feel of the season to the dining table via a Fall-themed tablescape was a highlight of my segment.  Inspired by select pieces from Pottery Barn, the table was styled in copper statement pieces, accented by lush, but rustic, linens, dinnerware, pumpkin touches and more.

And then there was the food.  Because once the table is set, all that remains is to...eat!  So in keeping with our Fall focus, I shared two of my favorite seasonal dishes that bring the tastes of the season alive.  Baked Apple Tarts and luscious, warm and cozy Butternut Squash Soup offer sweet and savory satisfaction that can be enjoyed all season long.

As the season continues to unfold, bring these tips and dishes to life in your home and kitchen and enjoy a personal taste of Fall--on display!

Happy Eating! 

{Be Inspired}: Dreamy Tablescapes

I love being inspired and typically my inspiration comes in many shapes and forms.  But the one thing that remains constant is that wherever and however I find it, it always moves, awakens--and, yes--inspires me.  

With that being said, I'm excited to introduce my BeInspired! Series here on DMRFF!  Beyond my regular doses of food, travel, entertaining, and other yummy tidbits, occasionally I'll share the things, people, places and experiences that inspire me most in my day-to-day living, dreaming and being.  

And it doesn't stop there, because I look forward to you joining the BeInspired! conversation and sharing your inspirations with me!  To begin, keep reading and let's get started with my first installment.

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As a girl who loves a gorgeous tablescape, I was immensely inspired by these beautiful works of table art!  If you're into dreamy and over-the-top fabulous decor, then you'll probably love this healthy dose of inspiration as much as I do.  

P.S....I can see some serious entertaining and dinner parties taking place around these tables!

Here's to Happy Eating...and Inspired Living!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

Link Love: Thanksgiving's Best (Recipes, Tips & More)

Thanksgiving = the official arrival of the holiday season in my world.  And each year I'm inspired by the bounty of recipes, sage advice and all-around inspiration that fuels this time of the year. 

To help make your celebration the best (and most delicious) that it can be, I'm sharing some of my favorite links from around the web. From recipes to cooking tips to table decor inspiration and more, you'll surely find a reason--or two--to be thankful.

Happy Eating!

Quick, video turkey tips galore! From unwrapping the big bird to the final finish, it's all here (nytimes.com)

A holiday baking guide that will have you ready to present your yummiest confections (wholefoodsmarket.com)

Swoon-worthy hostess gift ideas (marthastewart.com)

Thanksgiving table settings to dress up your table in style (countryliving.com)

Table Setting Etiquette: How To Set (and Navigate) a Proper Dinner Table

As we start the New Year, I thought it would be a good idea to let you in on a little secret:  I have a "thing" for social graces--i.e. manners and etiquette.  For DMRFF regulars, this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but I wanted to put it out there, nonetheless, for my long-time and new readers, alike.  Now that my "secret's" out, I hope you can appreciate my passion for making your dining and entertaining experiences more pleasurable.

More than lists of do's and don'ts, at the heart, etiquette is a thoughtful consideration of others.  In fact, my most simple translation boils down to "doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you."  With that said, observing the rules of social engagement, including dining, is something to be appreciated, because, when done in earnest, it (typically) leads to a more civil and enjoyable experience for all.   

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words.  And I think the above diagrams of both formal and informal place settings are great tutorials.  Log them as reference guides and refer to them as often as necessary to keep you sharp.  They're also great learning tools for teaching children the basics of table place settings.  

More than anything, though, just relax and go with the flow.  If someone grabs your bread plate by mistake, follow suit and take the one next to you.  The rotation will make its way around the table and everyone will receive a bread plate, without any embarrassment or hurt feelings coming into play.  It's the gift of good manners.  And the gift that keeps on giving. 

Happy Eating!