Guest Plate for Parties

For the baby shower I helped host recently I was inspired by ideas on several blogs to come up with a different type of guest book. I thought a guest plate could be something that could be displayed in the baby's room for years to come.  

Using a sharpie paint pen you can purchase at Michaels I had guests sign their name to the plate. I added a simple adhesive vinyl cut out from my Silhouette Cameo machine. On the back of the plate I wrote down the details of the shower. I purchased this plate from Target for under $5.

You could also use a plate to commemorate a birth of a baby. I purchased an additional plate at Target and used the same Sharpie pen to create this cute plate. This plate was on clearance and an even better deal.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thanksgiving Place Card Napkin Wraps

I am sharing a super easy way to dress up your holiday table with napkin wraps. I was inspired by the buckle on a hat of a pilgrim to create these cute napkin wraps.  Wynn helped me put these together, and requested that I share her napkin wrap on "the computer" aka the blog.

I cut out strips of black scrapbook paper. I got about four napkin wraps from one 12 x 12 sheet of paper.  I had a scalloped edge square on my images on Silhouette Studio, and I cut out a few squares that would fit perfectly in the width of the strips of paper.  I used one total piece of gold scrapbook paper for the small cut out squares. You could always cut out a solid shape with a square punch if you have one handy or use scallop edge scissors as well.

Using a paint pen I then wrote the name of each of the guests on the paper in the middle of the square cut out.  I am beginning to have quite a collection of these paint pens. They are a lot of fun to use when crafting.

I wrapped it around a folded napkin, and used double a small Velcro circle to attach the paper together. The Velcro circle will allow me to reuse these later on with using tape or glue.

Quick and cute! You could have kids help make these as well. It will keep them busy while you are making your recipes or getting ready to have guests.

Add Some Spice to Thanksgiving with Target Wedding Registry & Giveaway

With the holidays coming up it means that you will more than likely be cooking in your own home or even bringing a dish to share with someone else.  This post is #sponsored by #Targetwedding.  Target Registry is a wonderful way to stock your home full of holiday entertaining essentials.  What are some of your essential Thanksgiving tips? Be sure to share your Thanksgiving tips in the comment section below to be entered to win a Target giftcard.
 

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target. All opinions are my own.

Target Registry is a wonderful way to stock your home full of holiday entertaining essentials.  Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware set is a great starter set for any family. It gives you a lot of versatility in the kitchen when you are cooking for any number of people.  One particular stainless steel item by Calphalon that is available at Target is the Pour and Strain Saucepan that is essentially two items in one. It allows you to cook, and then drain without using an additional colander using the side slots on the lid.  I used to to help create a delicious Old Bay Mac and Cheese recipe that is sure to be a hit at any holiday or casual get together.  The other dish I made that is a wonderful holiday side is an Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal Casserole baked in the Corningware casserole dish from Target.  

The saucepan along with a few other wonderful dining essentials are a great gift idea. I put together this Thanksgiving inspired table with items from Target and in my own home.   The gold chargers and Threshold Round Beaded Dinner Plates are available in store, and can easily be used for any type of occassion.  I also included some white pumpkins from a local farm.  I like that the baking dishes and plates are white, which means they can be paired easily with many different table linens and decorative additions. I used some simple ribbon to tie the utensils on the placemat.  I also added my grandparents wedding drinking glasses to the table setting as well. They are almost in perfect condition almost 70 years later.

The Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal Casserole is a dish that I remember my sweet Aunt serving every year at Thanksgiving. I always looked forward to having it in her home.  It was always the first dish on my plate, and I was always heading back for seconds for sure.  It brings back memories of spending time with my family.

Ingredients:

1 c whole cranberries
1  1/2 c chopped apples with peel
3/4 c of white sugar
1/2 c of chopped nuts
1/2 c of brown sugar
1 stick of melted butter
1/2 c of maple brown sugar oatmeal (I use one packet)
2/3 c of flour


Combine first three ingredients in a prepared pan. Then mix other ingredients and place the mixture on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.

The other dish I am sharing is a delicious Mac and Cheese that is spiced up with a family favorite.  We put Old Bay seasoning on everything we can in this house. Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish to be combined with Old Bay.  It actually reminds me of summer, and eating crabs on the back porch. Now, that the weather has changed to cooler temperatures Rob and I love to have the taste of summer in our food.

Ingredients

1 lb of elbow pasta
4 c of milk
8 tbsp (one stick) of unsalted butter
2 tbsp or more if wanted of Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 c of all purpose flour
1 tbsp of kosher salt
10 ounces of aged sharp cheddar cheese
2/3 c of panko bread crumbs

Heat milk in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Once it is simmering remove from heat and set aside.  

In a second saucepan melt butter over medium heat, and then gradually add flour by whisking it in. 

Whisk constantly for a few minutes until the mixture is a light brown.  Gradually whisk milk into the first saucepan with the flour and butter mixture.  

Return saucepan to medium heat, and continue whisk it until it thickens. Stir in one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning.  Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Use the Calphalon Pour and Strain saucepan to boil water, and cook the elbow macaroni.  Once it is cooked to close to al dente rinse the pasta in cold water in the saucepan.  

Then pour the pasta into a prepared casserole dish, and pour in the cheese mixture. Mix together well so that all the pasta is coated.  Cover the mac and chese with the panko bread crumbs and one tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning.  I am sure you will find the Old Bay adds the perfect spice to this dish.

Bake the dish at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

I hope you check out Target for your own personal wedding registry or to purchase a gift for someone you know. It is easy to pull together a gift that will be used for many years to come.  Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today.  Be sure to share your Thanksgiving tips below in the comment section for a chance at a Target giftcard.