Thanksgiving Menu

We are hosting Thanksgiving at our House this year. I have my menu pretty much planned but I have yet to go to the grocery store or plan a tablescape (bad I know, but I work best under pressure). I do have wine bought, priorities right! I thought it would be fun to share my menu. Of course there will be Turkey but that is the hubs job. He cooks a mean turkey ours is already brining in the fridge. He brines it for 2 days and then stuffs it with herbs and veggies before he cooks it and I swear it is the best Turkey ever.

I am making all the sides. Here's what's on the menu this year.

APPETIZER:
MAPLE BAKED BRIE

SIDES:
TWO POTATO GRATIN
I made this last year right before Thanksgiving and it was amazing. Sweet Potatoes and Russet Potatoes baked in heavy cream and topped with Gruyere cheese= perfection.

CORNBREAD OYSTER DRESSING
This recipe comes compliments of my girl Paula Deen. We made it last year and it was such a huge hit we are making it again.

BRUSSEL SPROUT AND KALE SALAD
This recipe is one I have yet to try. I always like to try out one new recipe. I found this in the latest issue of Bon Appetit and thought it was a great spin on a brussel sprout dish - and you know I have been on my kale kick lately!

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
This is the hubs favorite dish, hands down so we have to have it every year.

As for wine I will be drinking my new favorite, FoxGlove and we will be starting off with Champagne topped with fresh pureed Strawberries. I can't wait to get my eat and drink on!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life. Tomorrow I will most definitely be taking some special time to remember all I have and thank God.

Family Photo Shoot

I have to give my girl Julia props for the gorgeous pictures I just got in the mail. You may know Julia from her blog Pawleys Island Posh, which is always filled with beautiful eye candy from home decor to photography. But she also has started her own photography company called Julia Ryan Photography.

We did a quick photo shoot downtown a couple of weeks ago and she was amazing. Girl knows what she is doing! She was so good with Sterling and always knew the perfect spot for us stand or sit. If you need family pictures done or really any pictures you must call Julia (she lives in Richmond but lucky for y'all she travels too). Check out her blog to see some of the other amazing pictures she has snapped. I am lucky enough to count her as a friend in real life too so it was fun to hang out while we were doing the photo shoot.

Here are a few of my favorites. I am still undecided which picture will make the final cut for our Christmas cards- if you have a favorite let me know! I will show the final reveal before Christmas:)

**Don't mind the box of raisins in most of the pictures, we had to bribe Sterling to cooperate- you know how kids are! So whatever works you do and it was raisins that got this little man to calm down:)**

Julia posted a few of these pictures on her blog last week and several people asked her about my blouse. So if you are curious it is the Marc Jacobs Michaela Silk Blouse. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus awhile back but they have it online at SHOPBOP Here

Monday, Monday!

Happy Monday Loves! Hope you had a great weekend. We had an amazing time at the wedding we went to. Good food, drinks, and friends the perfect combo! The bride was nice enough to give me these gorgeous flowers. Peonies are my favorite!


If you love artwork as much I do, you must head over to Chassity's blog LOOK LINGER LOVE today. She got the amazingly talented Sally King Benedict to do some smaller paintings and they are for sale. Sally's artwork has been featured in House Beautiful, Coastal Living, and Charleston Magazine just to name a few. Girl produces some fabulous pieces, trust me! All the paintings are in the price range of $125 to $300 framed, a real steal if you are familiar with Sally's work. This is such a great idea for a Christmas gift or for yourself (which is what I am selfishly going to do). Sally's paintings are beyond gorgeous. Do not miss out on this sale!



Here is a peek at a few of the pieces for sale. Head HERE for all the details and pricing info.

Have y'all seen Alexandra Von Furstenberg's new line of colored Lucite furniture and accessories? It is insane in a major way!! Do yourself a favor and go browse her whole Collection.

Pink Side Table, Napkin Rings, Red Console Table, Coasters

Lastly, I have to share what I wore to the Rehearsal Dinner because I am convinced it is quite possibly the best dress ever. The perfect pink and I think you can dress this baby up or down depending on your mood! I had been eyeing this dress forever and finally found her on sale. I am obsessed with her!
DVF FLORINA TIE-WAIST MINI DRESS

Oh and I am bit embarrassed to admit but I started watching Christmas Movies Yesterday. I may or may not have watched Santa Baby 2 and Four Christmases. I LOVE the holidays!

Thoughts For Friday

Happy Friday. This has felt like the longest week ever!! So glad it is finally the weekend!

This bedroom that I saw on Pinterest has stayed in my mind all week. I love the mirrored furniture, Zebra rug, and Leontine Monogrammed linens. Really love this look!

The new JCREW Baby line has me really wanting another nugget to dress in these adorable clothes. I am so glad JCREW finally did a baby line! Although I will say some of the cashmere pieces are a bit pricey for a baby. I mean they are just going to spit up and poop on that pretty cashmere- but if someone wants to give me one as a gift I most certainly would not complain.

Cashmere Blanket, Romper, Booties, Stripped Onesie

I am not gonna lie I am kind of sad today is Regis's last day on Live. I know it was time for him to move on and retire at the ripe old age of 80 but still I am sad! I have watched this show for so many years and he is quite a talented man. I may even shed a tear this morning during his final episode. I am however excited to see who they choose as his Replacement with Kelly.


Has anyone read Unbroken? I keep hearing such amazing things about it. Normally it is not the type of book I would read, but after hearing so many people rave about it, I am intrigued. Wondering if it should be my next read.

I watched Crazy Stupid Love last night and loved it!! If you have not see this movie please rent it, it's so good!

I have two wine recommendations for my wine lovers.
Little Black Dress Pinot Noir
This wine retails for $9.99 and is delish. It is medium bodied red with great flavor. The perfect red for fall. I think the bottle makes it a super cute gift to bring to a girlfriend too!

FoxGlove Chardonnay. My new favorite white wine. I just had my local wine shop order me several bottles because I can never find it anywhere! If you can find it scarf it up. Retails for around $14. Food and Wine named it one of the Top Chardonnays under $20.

I have a slight DVF Obsession. I mean really, I want every piece from every collection she puts out. Here is my latest find.
DVF Florane Printed Blouse

Is that enough Random Thoughts for your Friday. Have a great weekend. We have a wedding for some dear friends this weekend. I will try and post some pics next week!
xoxo

Gold is a Girl's Best Friend

In the form of furniture that is (well and maybe jewelry too). Lately I have really been drawn to gold furniture for the home, especially coffee tables. I think it has a vintage yet modern feel at the same time. I love the glamorous look it adds to a room. These are the images that sparked my Gold Love affair. So, yes please to some extra Gold in my life!

All images via Pinterest

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I think I am going to dub myself the Queen of Dips, because I am totally obsessed with them. But does that make me conceited like PDiddy, naming myself? Hopefully not because this love affair with dips is not going away anytime soon. Now let's get back to my latest dip adventure.

This dip has been haunting me since I saw it on Pinterest. Well, I finally got around to making it this weekend for my parents and it did not disappoint. Oddly enough there are no potatoes in the dip but it really tastes like a loaded potato. It was a cinch to whip up and everyone loved it. The recipe recommendeds you serve the dip with waffle fries. I ended up serving it with waffle fries and Ruffles and everyone really preferred the Ruffles. We all agreed we liked the crunch of the Ruffles and the chips were not quite as filling as the fries. The Waffle fries are difficult to keep out and serve because once they get cold they really are not that tasty. But try whatever you like, the dip is good just eaten with a spoon! Enjoy!



LOADED BAKED POTATO DIP

Ingredients
1 (2.1-oz.) package fully cooked bacon slices
1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
2 cups (8 oz.) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sliced fresh chives
2 teaspoons hot sauce
Garnishes: cooked, crumbled bacon; sliced fresh chives; freshly cracked pepper
Serve with: waffle fries (Or Ruffles)

Preparation
Microwave bacon according to package directions until crisp; drain on paper towels. Cool 10 minutes; crumble. Stir together bacon and next 4 ingredients. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours before serving. Garnish, if desired. Serve with crispy, warm waffle fries. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 7 days.

Print Recipe HERE

Top Photo via Southern Living