Ed Says HE IS BACK - and he has plenty of tips for November.
- Don’t give up on your garden! There’s still lots of nice weather ahead so don’t overlook key areas, along your driveway, pathways and entries where people are going to be greeted during the upcoming holidays. Use cool weather plants, like decorative kale, pansies, cyclamen,and mix with decorative branches that don’t need much maintenance. Consider concentrating on entry planters where you can focus on mixing textures of a variety of elements (decorative logs, tied with burlap ribbon, pheasant feathers, dried hydrangeas,(wire together and tint with spray paint), stalks, gourds, stones and moss) are easy elements to gather arrange en masse for professional results. Better to mass out 3-5 elements for a stronger statement then too many that might clutter your statement.
- It’s a good time for pruning precarious branches before winter snow and winds, last shaping trims for boarders, and get rid of smothering leaves. You can put the lawn mower away and go ahead and sprinkle on seed, get bulbs in and add protective mulch. I also think it’s a great time to put up holiday lights, before it gets bitterly cold (just don’t turn them on yet!)
- If you have a fire pit, get your wood ordered and set your area up with sweatshirts or blankets, ready to pass out from a nearby closet or storage chest.
- Keep on moving! Combine cooler days with textured wool coats, colorful scarves and graphic caps and go for a walk. Make a date with a few friends and try picking a time each day to meet for an afternoon walk. You can use a hot chocolate, coffee or chai as your motivation if needed.
- Combine cozy nights with wine, snacks and your fireplace, you’ve got a perfect recipe for chilling out but warming up before dinner on weekdays or to give your weekends a starting point. Most people are happy to byob, try new wines and who doesn’t like popcorn? (Add flair with flavored oils, salts and dried herbs!)
- It’s never too early to start your table top plan for- let’s face it-the mother lode of holidays, Thanksgiving. What you’re going to make (or bring in) to serve is up to you and let’s face it, everyone has their customs and favorite must haves to make the day perfect, so I won’t touch menus. I will suggest that the way your table looks is the best part of the feast so nows the time to start your strategy. Self-serve buffet? (good for a crowd), pass around (good for a select number of close people and informal) or serve a plated presentation? (most formal, good for control freaks and perfectionist alike and good for a few close and important guests you might want to impress). Start with an amazing textile as your foundation. I’ve been using a few yards of choice fabric or curtain panel to add a punch of color and pattern that makes a statement, much more selection than a traditional tablecloth. Add a customized centerpiece, low floral groupings in small individual votives or pots always work and can instantly add elegance in your color scheme. I also like natural elements grouped in clusters down a Center line of the table, accented with varying heights of candles or just tea light votives. Bittersweet, gourds, grapes, nuts, artichokes, leaves, etc. can just be arranged on table. For punch, consider spray painting an element in a metallic, like copper or brass. Artichokes, mini pumpkins, dried flowers, will instantly transform in glinting accents and add a regal visual to your arrangement. Keep your table simple but elegant to fit your serving and prevention needs as you see fit, use what makes you and you’re guests most comfortable and special. Feel free to mix elements that best reflect your personal style and make you feel good.
- Since the day is about giving thanks (and celebratory feasting)- make sure you start with a go-around- the- table- toast and individual statement time on what you’re most thankful for. ( then let the feasting begin!) Take some of the pressure off the day and get the sides done for you http://www.baldanzabc.com/single-post/2017/10/09/THANKSGIVING-SIDES
- Treat your guests the way you would like to be treated by just taking a moment to anticipate how you want the evening to flow and setting up for it. Always take a moment to stop, look around and savor the moment you have created, and give yourself a good pat on the back!
Have a wonderful, memorable and very happy thanksgiving!
Ed x
Follow Ed on Twitter: @EdwardsTable
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