When I think of Thanksgiving I think of: food, fighting, awkward conversations, pumpkin pie, washing dishes, loud football games, & even manage to throw gratitude & celebration in there. The one thing I don’t think of is the word relaxing. Most of us have lists a mile long of relative’s spouses names, conversation topics to avoid, shopping lists, timed schedules, dishes to buy etc. The average person’s list for Thanksgiving is a mile long. So find your list & cross at least one thing off. (I suggest that it not be ‘dinner’, there will probably be a revolt). This is a holiday, so let’s make it a little easier. So maybe Thanksgiving can’t be relaxing, but maybe it can be relaxing-er. Maybe relaxing-er can even a word…maybe not.
I’m not a big fan of centerpieces on thanksgiving tables. Mostly because that is where the food goes, & if someone has been awake cooking since 5 in the morning, it better be all about the food. So I prefer to bring the decorating element in with napkin rings. They don’t take up much space, they are sparkly, & they add an air of elegance that says “I’m together enough to use napkin rings, yes they are completely unnecessary but I’m just that with it”. Here are some ideas for some easy to use napkin rings that even kids can help with.
1. Tie raffia around the napkin for a harvest look.
2. Cut a few inches of wire ribbon. Then glue the ends together so it forms a ring. This is a sleek modern look.
3. Take a faux sunflower & bend the stem into a circle. Cut off the excess with wire cutters. Then wrap the stem in floral tape for a finished look.
Here is another Martha Stewart thing I can handle: a preplanned Thanksgiving menu. It has everything you will need to buy & even a timed schedule. Plus, the menu shows some creativity without being so different as to warrant protests. (Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy, Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing, Wild Rice, Walnut, and Cranberry Dressing, Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple, Potato and Squash Mash, Cranberry Chutney & Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping). If I’m going to spend all that time/money on cooking it better taste really good, & this menu looks fantastic. Plus I’ve never done anything that Martha-y before. Who would’ve thought I would be able to handle a Martha Stewart Thanksgiving?
Fall is upon us, which means it is time for drinking wassail & colorful leaves underfoot. Autumn is also my favorite time of year because we get new TV! I will be reviewing the new HGTV lineup, & first up is “What’s your Sign Design?”. The premise is a couple, who are apparently feuding because their astrological signs are causing such chaos in decorating. Luckily, this show exists, so an astrologer & a decorator can combine their knowledge to make a perfectly tailored room. Finally! Someone is filling this need. (That was sarcasm, if the bitterness didn’t come through in typing). My problems with the show are:
1. Even though the assessments may be true (mine for cancer was spot on), the rooms all end up looking the same.
2. If I hear the phrase “That rug is so Gemini” one more time…
3. Your home should be personalized. Using one of twelve different cookie cutters doesn’t seem personal.
4. Yeah you could have an astrologer & a designer come to your house to help you, or you could just talk to your spouse & say “Umm why do we have 1500 Hummels, could we lose those?”
5. I have trouble believing that any of the homeowners are really into astrology.
6. Looking at some of the “afters” I can’t help but think, so his/her sign told you that they liked generic crap?
I mostly just don’t see the need for this show. The hosts are very charismatic, but even they can’t save it. Save yourself half an hour & just go look at the sign decorating chart, which is pretty cool. You really only need to go through each sign once, which could be done in 6 episodes, which is all the staying power I think “What’s your Sign Design?” has.
