{Fall Threads}...Dinner Partay

Nothing says welcome fall and friends like a fabulously fun dinner party. I'm imagining a roasted chicken or pumpkin soup with asparagus mixed in with some sweet potato and eggplant. Yum! We just had a huge family dinner the other night! It doesn't have to be anything super fancy, but it's a blast having a feast when the weather cools down!

Use a fairly neutral dining set so that your food can really pop. White dishes and dark silverware make a bold statement on the table without taking the spotlight away from the beautiful colors in your food. A fun way to incorporate hues in dish ware is the serving vessel. Imagine some butternut squash and asparagus in that turquoise serving dish! Love!

Of course you want look great, but you also want to look comfortable. Make your guests feel at ease with the modern kaftan...a simple shift dress and flats. You'll be looking the part in a versatile outfit. 

Don't forget the music! You'll want it just in case conversation drags...OR you feel like dancing!

P.S...How cool is this carbonator? No need to buy tonic water, make your own as needed!

Napkins / Plate / Serving Dish / Pitcher / Silverware / Dress / Carbonator / iPod / Shoes

Kitschen

I always find kitchens difficult to decorate. It seems that every room in a house has fun prints and art, except the kitchen/dining room. These adorable prints by the Aldas Project would be so perfect for adding some personality to the room that you spend so much time in. 

The Aldas Project is a pretty nifty thing. The artist, Kristy Modarelli, made a piece of art everyday and sold them on Etsy. There are still some available for purchase. The profits are then donated to her three favorite charities.

Via here

{Eat It}...Chewy Ginger Cookies

It seems like ages ago since the Olympics started. For the opening ceremonies, my family had a little viewing party, complete with all the fixings; burgers and brats were grilled, berries picked, desserts made. Abby and I were in charge of desserts, so instead of going with the classic chocolate chip cookie, which can feel a little heavy and overly sweet in summer, we opted for a chewy ginger cookie. Since it wasn't a snap, but a softly dense cookie, it was the perfect dessert. 

Ginger also helps settle upset stomachs (that's why you should have ginger ale when feeling queazy), so after a huge dinner the cookies were actually just right. I know it seems like a winter cookie, but with cold milk, or iced coffee, they're a great dessert for any season. Bonus: your house smells amazing throughout the whole process. I just love how fragrant ginger is. It's not overly sweet and is almost savory. Fantastic. 

{On the Same Wavelength}...Contrasting Colors

Something I've always been attracted to is contrasting colors. I am so fascinated by the way colors cooperate. The color wheel is so much fun to play with. The the experimenting available is endless! A never fail standby is the classic blue and orange combo. (Green and red can look pretty christmasy, and purple and yellow looks like your a MN Vikings football fan.) Blue & orange can be worn any season and adds dimension to your wardrobe or table setting! Next time you throw a dinner party, throw out the standard black dress and china. Go crazy! Use these plates and entertain in this dress. I promise you'll be a colorful knockout!

Cheers! Now I Know My ABCs...

As a fan of fonts, hot cocoa, tea, coffee and literacy, these have got to be my new favorite tea cups! Leave it to Anthropologie to have fantastic monogram mugs. Monograms have the reputation of being preppy. Now I'm not saying I'm going monogram all my sweaters and go golfing at the club (I don't even belong to a club and don't know how to golf!), but I do love these! Bonus: only 6 buckaroos! 

Would you get these monogramed for your family's last name, one for each of the family members, or get a bunch of randoms just for fun (and to confuse guests)?

Petrified

How cool are these petrified wood magnets from Anthropologie? Of course, you wouldn't want anything in your refrigerator to be petrified, but why not have these rad dudes to remind you of appointments? I wouldn't mind hanging up my grocery list with them!

Quirky Kitchen Clips

These cute bow chip clips would make me feel less guilty about salty, greasy chips whom I love.

Photos via Urban Outfitters.

Bobble

So first, the bobble water bottle came out in stores. It actually freaked me out a bit. Perhaps because I didn't know what it was: bottle, bobble, bubble? But it's unique design and function had me come around. Coming in a variety of colors, it is pleasing to everyone. Then, the bobble jug was introduced. How crazy cool does it look!? Again, coming in so many colors, your head might spin, it looks great in every kitchen, office & guest room. 

Also, this is really great! A colorful & hip lunch box! Carry your bobble water bottle along with your snacks/lunch for an easy & compact on the go sustenance kit!