As Seen on TV :: Thanksgiving Preparedness

Handprint Turkey Instructions :: Knit Pumpkin Instructions :: Raw Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe :: Cranberry Fizz Recipe

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope your day is filled with family, laughter, and good food.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Craft it :: Beyond Easy Candle Holders

Truly - the most simple candle holder ever.  Mostly because Mr. Hedin does the actual work.  But even then, it's not really work.  And because they are dirt cheap and easy you can make them for any reason - and paint them any color.  Adding more colors of spray paint actually helps them as they age and gain a nice thick coat of paint.

You'll need
2x4 pieces of wood cut into 3.75 inch lengths
Drill + 1 inch drill bit
Metal tape
Hammer
Nails
Spray Paint

Step 1 :: Drill a hole in the center of each 2x4 square of wood being careful not to go all the way through.
Step 2 :: Spray paint wood covering entirely.
Step 3 :: Wrap around the wood with metal tape.
Step 4 :: Hammer a nail into the end of the tape to secure.

(this is before I fancied them up - the candlesticks too)

Craft it :: Sparkly Candles

I love the idea of glittery candles - but I didn't want to run out to the store to find one.  Plus it seemed a waste because I had a cabinet full of plain white candles from Ikea.  So I decided to make my own.


Glittery Candles

You'll need ::
Plain candles
Blue tape
Spray Glue
Glitter

Step 1 :: Wrap the top and bottom of each candle with blue tape.
Step 2 :: Spray candles with spray glue.
Step 3 :: Roll candle in glitter.
Step 4 :: Unwrap tape and place candle in candle holder.
Step 5 :: Light candle

Craft it :: Pilgrim Buckle Napkin Rings

Napkin rings for a crowd can be draining if you don't happen to collect matching silver napkin rings as a hobby.  And since most of us don't, then figuring out what do do at Thanksgiving is a trick.  You can always stick the napkin under the fork - hiding it a bit and disguising the fact that there was nothing else going on with it.  Or you can attempt to fold it in a fancy design.  Maybe the shape of the Mayflower?  But if you don't starch your napkins really well when ironing then they come out looking mostly like Plymouth Rock.

This year I figured out a way to create a little nod to the holiday in napkin ring form.  It's a subtle buckle reminiscent of the stereotypical buckles the pilgrims wore on their shoes.  Plus it's inexpensive - so you can fill the whole table with pilgrim buckles.


Pilgrim Buckle Napkin Ring (for each 'ring')
1 buckle
1/4 yard double faced satin ribbon

Step 1 :: Loop one end of the ribbon through the buckle and hold tight.
Step 2 :: Loop the second end of the ribbon around the napkin and back through the buckle.  Pull tight.

Cook it :: Cranberry Relish in a Can

You know those cans of cranberry relish that are so delicious but so weird?  It's weird that it comes from a can.  It's weird that it comes out with those little ridges on it.  It's weird that it's a universal icon of Thanksgiving.  But I think it's really tasty too.  A little fake, but still tasty.

This year I decided to try and make my own.  It's pretty good, if I say so myself.  And really simple.  The best part may be that it's make ahead - mandatory make ahead!  I prefer this made the day before, but you could make it up to three days ahead.  But no more than that - jello gets watery over time and so will this!

Cranberry Relish in a Can
4 cups cranberry juice
4 envelopes gelatin
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar

Pour one cup of juice in a heat proof bowl and sprinkle gelatin over top.  Set aside.

Put the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Boil five minutes until the cranberries begin to pop.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Pour hot cranberry mixture over gelatin mixture whisking constantly until gelatin has dissolved completely.

Divide mixture between two very clean 15 ounce cans.  Refrigerate until set - at least four hours.

*can you tell I have a new camera?  sorry for the art-y photos.  i'll get over it soon

Welcome Q13 Viewers!

Good morning Q13 viewers!  Thanks for checking out my website and blog.  I've assembled most of the things that Kaci and I talked about today and listed them below.  Throughout the month I'll be posting more ideas, recipes, and crafts for Thanksgiving - so stay tuned.

I hope you have a great Thursday - the countdown has begun!

:: Make Handprint Turkeys using your children's handprints

:: Set a cozy table with shiny elements

:: Create a Golden Wheat centerpiece

:: Make a Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie!  Just bake a pre-made pie shell and fill it with freshly made Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream.  Freeze for at least four hours.

:: Use an old belt buckle and satin ribbon to create a "pilgrim" napkin ring

Other ideas and recipes from the blog and website...

:: A Pomegranate Rubbed Turkey

:: Make My Mashed Potatoes - I'm craving them right now...

:: Cran-Cherry Relish is a great alternative to the traditional cranberries

:: Stamp a tablecloth with a leaf



The Cranberry Jelly in a Can recipe is posting later today.

A Shiny, Cozy Thanksgiving

Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving?  If you are looking for a few new things to do this season, why not think outside of the box and create a table with shimmery metallic colors?  Every image I looked at online is super rustic and hokey.  I didn't like it.  I was hoping for some inspiration.  

Instead I turned to my spray paint cupboard and saw the silver sitting there looking lonely.  So I sprayed the pumpkins and gourds left over from Halloween.  Then I sprayed the wheat gold and searched for something equally shiny to wrap it with.  Copper pipe fittings from the basement project worked perfectly.  Plus they are cheap enough that they are worth a trip to your neighborhood hardware store.  

I already have gold rimmed china - and basic silverware.  I placed them on a wooden tray to add another layer of texture and acts as a placemat.

I really wanted my candlesticks too.  But almost everything I like seems to be in boxes because of the move/remodel.  Instead we made some with a block of wood.  A scrap of a 2 x 4 with a hole drilled in the top makes a really cheap candlestick that you can spray paint any color at all.  Obviously, I chose silver.  

This is a really simple way to make a Thanksgiving table out of nothing.  Hope this gives you some ideas for your own celebration.

Craft it :: Golden Wheat

Continuing the theme of our glam Thanksgiving, today is more of the centerpiece - a take on the traditional shafts of wheat :: Golden Wheat.  At the end of the week I'll show you how it all comes together into one table setting!

These are really easy too and are basically everlasting, which means you can do it today and be done for Thanksgiving.

:: You'll need ::
Bunch of dried wheat (available at the craft store)
Copper pipe fitting (1/2 inch works best)
Gold spray paint

Step 1 :: Unwrap wheat, lay out flat on a drop cloth, and spray paint gold.  Let dry.
Step 2 :: Gather wheat in your hand into a bunch the same size as the copper pipe fitting.  Thread copper pipe fitting over the bottom of the wheat and pull up to just under the wheat cluster.
Step 3 :: Trim wheat to 5 inches below the base of the copper pipe fitting.
Step 4 :: Stand wheat up straight on it's end - all lengths of wheat need to be the exact same length to work correctly.

Craft it :: Handprint Turkeys

I'm into a glam Thanksgiving this year.  Mostly because everywhere I look for Thanksgiving ideas it's all kinds of homey/ rustic/ rough around the edges.  Why?  There is no reason why you have to be thankful for what you have in a country setting.  I decided to glam up Thanksgiving this year with a little spray paint.   The first craft is turning gourds (left over from Halloween at our house) into Thanksgiving Turkeys.  Really really easy.  You just have to have access to children's hands.

:: You'll need ::

Children's hands
Gourds with turned 'necks'
Silver spray paint
Colored card stock
Hammer + nails

Step 1 :: Trace child's hand print onto card stock and cut out several hand prints.
Step 2 :: Spray paint gourd completely and let dry.
Step 3 :: Poke a nail through the base of the handprints.
Step 4 :: Pound nail into the blossom end of the gourd.



** If you are tracing the handprints of your own children, be sure to write their name on the bottom and the date.  Save for next year and compare.

Thankful

I am so thankful for so many things.  I have been blessed beyond belief and to list them here would mean I would inadvertently omit someone or something.

But I am especially thankful for you.  For those of you who read this, who follow me, and who have become my friends over the years.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to enjoy your family and friends.

Cheers!

Watch It :: Better NW Thanksgiving Crafts!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO 

This one is a little grainy - but you can see the episode that you may have otherwise missed AND my really cool Trina Turk jacket.  I love that jacket!

All of the ideas are posted below...

Craft it :: Leaf Wreath

Such a tongue twister!  Leaf Wreath - say that ten times fast!  But it's a fun thing to do with your kids and a great project that lasts forever.  Here's how you do it.

You'll need
1 package Sculpty Oven Bake Clay
Pasta Machine
Leaf Shaped Cookie Cutter
Gold Spray Paint
Cookie Sheets + Oven
Hot glue gun + glue
Wreath form


Step 1 :: Roll the clay out to 1/4 inch thickness using the pasta machine.  This takes several passes.  If your clay is cold it will crumble the first pass or two.  Keep it at room temperature and it rolls smoothly.

Step 2 :: Cut out leaf shapes using the cookie cutter.

Step 3 :: Place leaves on cookies sheet and bake according to package instructions.  The general rule is 15 minutes for every 1/4 inch of thickness.  Remember to bend the leaves a little to make them look 'fallen'

Step 4 :: Let cool.

Step 5 :: Spray paint with gold paint and let dry.

Step 6 :: Hot glue leaves to wreath form and hang with a ribbon.

Craft it :: Leaf Stamp Tablecloth

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here??  Here are some crafts that I made for our Thanksgiving table.  They are super easy to make and something you can do with your kids - use your best judgement with giving them tasks.  My two year old is an awesome pasta machine roller and cookie cutter stamper.  But my five year old niece can paint a leaf like nobody's business.

Have fun!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Leaf Stamped Tablecloth 


I saw a leaf stamped tablecloth on Martha Stewart and loved it. Then I realized she didn't use actual leaves, but a wood cut of a leaf. Why take all of the extra time to make a wood cut when a newly fallen leaf will work just fine? And have a more natural appearance? I love the variation and the veining in the leaves and how it translates onto the fabric.

You'll need:


1 large tablecloth (linen colored or light colored)


Fabric paint (I use Resist Permanent which can be dry cleaned)


Craft Paint Brush


Thick leaves freshly picked (I used hydrangea)

What you'll do 


Step 1: Paint the top of the leaf with a thick coat of fabric paint.


Step 2: Lay the painted side of the leaf down on the edge of the tablecloth. I like to work from the corners out.


Step 3: Place a piece of paper towel over the top of the leaf and press evenly on the leaf. I use a brayer (mini-roller) to ensure the paint is evenly coated


Step 4: Follow the instructions on the fabric paint bottle to seal the paint. The brand I use requires heat setting the paint. I use the iron to ensure it's set and to remove any and all wrinkles before and after stamping.


Step 5: Allow to dry completely before using.

Tips:


* Re-paint the leaf between each "stamping." The paint is quickly absorbed by the fabric and a second stamping becomes a very faint shadow.


* Using leaves that have already turned color or have already fallen have a harder time pulling off the fabric once they are rolled on. Pick the last leaves on the tree for the best results.

Cook it :: Mashed Potatoes

Here it is!  The infamous recipe for mashed potatoes.  It's also in the book. :)

Ali’s Mashed Potatoes

I spent ages perfecting mashed potatoes.  Never in my life have I eaten so many potatoes.  But it was worth it – the end result of all those experiments is these luscious and utterly sinful mashed potatoes.   If there are any left overs (there never are at my house) form them into patties and brown them in butter the next morning.  With a fried egg on top they are the perfect breakfast.  You may even make extra just for breakfast!

6 large Yukon Gold Potatoes

8 ounces cream cheese

8 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

2 cloves of garlic

Peel potatoes if you like - at least remove the eyes - and cut them into equal sizes. Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with cold water to cover potatoes. Put on the stove to boil and drop in both cloves of garlic. Boil about 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft all the way through when poked with a fork. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter and mash thoroughly. Next, add cream cheese and mix thoroughly. 

Note that it's important to blend the butter BEFORE the cheese to prevent the starches from getting gummy. Stir in parmesan and serve hot! 

Cook it :: Cran Cherry Relish

Cran-Cherry Relish

2 cups cranberries 

½ cup dried cherries

1 cup water

½ cup sugar

¼ cup pure cherry juice

¼ cup pomegranate juice

In a small saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil.  Stir constantly while cooking until all sugar is dissolved.  Turn heat to low and continue to cook until all liquid is dissolved.  Serve warm over sliced turkey or over warmed brie. 

Getting ready for Thanksgiving! + recipe

It's almost here - it seems like just last weekend was Halloween...  But I digress.  Here are a few of my ideas for creating a lovely Thanksgiving at your house this year.

Feather Trees
I made these YEARS ago and they still come out every year, and they are still my favorite thing for the fall.  They are really great on the Thanksgiving table as the centerpiece because they hardly take up any room.  I like to raise them up on candlesticks for added drama.  The instructions for making these trees are in my new book!  Available next month online at alexandrahedin.com and on amazon.com

My Mashed Potatoes are potentially the best you will ever have.  Yes, I am tooting my own horn.  There is almost as much butter and cream cheese as there is potato.  And that's why they are delicious.  And that's why I only eat a small portion.  That recipe is ALSO in my new book!

A Vegetable Gratin using everything lovely that is in season right now.  Use your favorite Gratin Potato recipe and swap out half of the potatoes for thin slices of carrot, rutabaga, parsnip, and turnips.  It's a fun take on an old favorite.  And this time of year we could all use a little something different.

I've saved the best for last with a delicious Cream Cheese Apple Tart.  It's an easy dessert - with several steps - that can be made ahead of time and is best served chilled.


Cream Cheese Apple Tart

1 recipe Tart Dough (I use this one from Martha Stewart)
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 sour cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest (about one lemon)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 large apples, cut into thin slices
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup water

Prepare tart dough and bake the empty shell at 350 degrees for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool. In the stand mixer with the paddle attachment combine together cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, zest and vanilla.  Evenly spread cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the cooled tart shell and refrigerate.

In a saucepan combine remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes until apples are soft.  Arrange apple slices across the top of the chilled tart and return to fridge.  Reserve 'sauce' created from apples.  Refrigerate tart.  Serve chilled tart with warm reserved sauce and whipped cream.

Have a great Thanksgiving and check back all this week and next for more ideas and recipes for your Thanksgiving holiday!