Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! And while it may be one of those holidays some people let slide by, we know that our ReadyFestive fans absolutely LOVE Valentine’s Day. You wouldn’t miss this moment to bring a little more love into the comfort of your home.
Whether partnered up or celebrating with the gals, Valentine’s Day invites all of us to think of others and how we can show our love and appreciation to them. And unlike the end of the year, for this holiday, we can take a breath and not worry about having to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner or string Christmas lights up and down our homes! Instead, we focus on simple touches, homemade crafts, and treats that come from the heart and are sure to win the hearts of those we love most.
So, bring on the heart shaped decorations, colorful candies, pink and red roses galore — let’s get decorating! Here are our 3 Valentine’s Day Themes below and a few style shots to give you some inspiration.
Farmhouse
Our Valentine’s Day farmhouse theme features natural, rustic tones. We recommend styling a countertop corner with clusters of your farmhouse decor. To keep the theme going in your kitchen, you can place the pillow on a dining room chair.
Modern
The modern theme, with decor focused on light pink and white with gold accents, is our most popular Valentine’s box this year. The heart shaped trays make great holders for candies and treats. Alternatively, you could place them on a table top near your kitchen door as a catch all tray. You could even use one as a spoon rest near your stovetop to complement the “XOXO” hand towel. Try draping the beads around your “Love” sign to create a simple centerpiece. You can add light pink roses or your flowers of choice to fill it in!
Classic
The classic theme keeps things simple with red and white hearts! Place the matching mugs near your coffee or tea station along with the “Love” sign to greet you first thing in the morning! You can hang the heart garland on a small table or use it to compliment a red, white, and pink flower arrangement on a tabletop.
Which Valentine’s Day decor style is *your* favorite? Sign up today to order a Classic, Modern, or Farmhouse Valentine’s Day decor box. Already a subscriber? Add it to your plan.
1 smaller vase (make sure it fits inside the larger vase)
2 bags of candy hearts or “conversation hearts”
pink ribbon
water
flowers
scissors
Directions
Cut flowers down to size
Fill the smaller vase with water
Place the smaller vase inside the larger vase
Add candy hearts around the outside of the smaller vase
Arrange flowers inside the smaller vase
Glitter Hugs & Kisses Sign
These XO letter signs from Make Life Lovely are super easy and glamorous!
Supplies:
Letters X and O
Mod Podge
Foam brush
Red glitter
Clear glossy spray sealer (I used Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze)
1. Apply a medium coat of Mod Podge to one side of one of your letters using your foam brush. Sprinkle red glitter ALL OVER the Mod Podged area, and gently shake off the excess.
2. Repeat with every un-glittered area of each letter. I did the tops and sides, let it dry, and then did the backs. You want to make sure that it is completely dry before doing the back, otherwise you will rub off the glitter with your fingers.
3. When the letters are all dry, you can go back and add a little more glue to any spots that look “patchy,” sprinkle some more glitter on top, and gently shake off the excess.
Now you have two pretty letters, but you need to seal the glitter on so that you don’t leave a sparkly trail wherever your letters go!
4. Spray one coat of clear glossy sealer on all sides of the letters, front and sides first, let them dry, and then do the backs. This will ensure that all of the glitter actually stays on your letters. It dried so clear and shiny you wouldn’t even know it was on there!
Make sure to share your creations and tag us on social media! We can’t wait to see it.
The heart of Hanukkah centers around the gathering of family and friends, celebrating the meaning behind this eight-day holiday, and of course, enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals (mmm, latkes!).
If you’ll be hosting a Hanukkah meal at your house this year, you might be looking for ideas to dress up your dining table. Though this Jewish holiday dates back to the second century B.C., your Hanukkah table decorations don’t have to remain completely traditional.
What’s Inside ReadyFestive’s Hanukkah Boxes?
ReadyFestive has created a box of carefully-curated home decor items to make your Hanukkah celebration a little brighter. We offer three box sizes: Mini Boxes, Standard Boxes, and Deluxe Boxes. For example, here’s our mini box:
While the items in the boxes differ based on the size you choose, some of the decorations you’ll find in the boxes include:
A needlepoint pillow with a menorah design
Kitchen towels with Hanukkah-themed designs
A Star of David sign
A six-foot felt ball garland
A Hanukkah-themed table runner
A “Hanukkah” wood block sign
Gold and blue candles
A themed mug and platter
How to Style Your Hanukkah Tablescape
If you’re looking to create a traditional Hanukkah tablescape with modern touches, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll share how to make a traditional Hanukkah tablescape your own by adding some modern touches using the items in your ReadyFestive Hanukkah-themed box!
#1: Put a Twist on Traditional Colors
While the decorations in the ReadyFestive boxes honor the traditional Hanukkah colors of white and blue, they also feature gold and silver accents that add a modern, chic twist to tradition.
A blue, white, gold, or silver color scheme will bring together a spectacular, eye-catching tablescape for a memorable holiday feast.
#2: Use a Table Runner as Your Canvas
Lay a table runner along the table as a stylish and modern alternative to dressing the surface with a tablecloth.
If you’re going for a bolder, more playful look, choose a runner with Hanukkah-themed designs and patterns like menorahs or Stars of David. If you want a more chic, understated appearance, choose a shimmery white or silver runner. Both options create a perfect backdrop for other decorations, dishes, and food.
#3: Choose a Modern Menorah
With a traditional Hanukkah tablescape, the menorah typically stands tall in the center of the table, acting as the star of the show. When it comes to menorah design, however, the only requirement is that it has nine candle slots (eight for the eight nights of Hanukkah and one for the “helper” candle used to light the rest).
So, why not get a bit creative with your menorah? From a marble menorah to a blackened cast iron option, there are many creatively-designed options on the market. See this great list of beautiful menorahs listed in architectural digest.
Don’t want to purchase a menorah? Exercise your creativity by making your own!
#4: Bring in Patterns and Textures
Experiment with building a table with lots of detail and texture. For example, you could:
Lay a colorful felt garland around the base of your menorah
Incorporate white and blue flowers
Scatter blue table gems amongst the table decor
Use patterned napkins, plates, and table runners with consistent scales and tones
As long as the elements you choose complement one another, they can add flare, movement, and visual interest without overwhelming the eye.
#5: Add Holiday Spirit with Signs
Adding signs to your tablescape is a quick and easy way to infuse your table with holiday spirit and bring a smile to your guests’ faces. In the ReadyFestive boxes, you’ll find various signs depicting themed words and phrases, such as “Oh, Vey” and “Happy Hanukkah.”
#6: Shine Strategically
Take a less-is-more approach with metallic elements by selectively incorporating them into your tablescape. For instance, including candles in a shiny gold container or metallic flatware can add the perfect pop of shimmer without looking gaudy.
Get Hanukkah Ready with ReadyFestive!
If you’re looking for Hanukkah decorations that fit your personal style, ReadyFestive has you covered! To set up your subscription, simply choose which holidays or seasons you’d like to receive decorations for. You’ll then be prompted to complete a survey to help us determine your favorite themes. Don’t have any specific preferences? No problem—we’ll surprise you!
Join the ReadyFestive family today to get one of our carefully-curated, Hanukkah-themed boxes delivered straight to your door, allowing you to prep less and celebrate more. If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
Don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your challah-day decor!
Holiday decorating is meant to be a fun, joyful experience—not a competitive sport. Set a relaxing, fun, and festive tone for decorating by playing Christmas music, lighting soothing candles, building a fire, preparing a cup of hot cocoa, and baking some pre-batched cookie dough.
Here’s a must-try, fuss-free Christmas cookie recipe by Food Network that will undoubtedly spark joy:
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup softened butter
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp buttermilk
Colored sprinkles
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add enough buttermilk to moisten the dough and make it soft (not wet).
Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
With a brush or fingers, moisten the top of each cookie with remaining buttermilk and slightly flatten the top of each cookie.
Sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to cool on a rack.
Between shopping, gifts, card-sending, hosting, cooking, parties, visitors, and decorating, the holidays can go from being “the most wonderful time of the year” to “the most stressful time of the year.”
While reducing stress in each of those categories is worthy of its own article, today we want to focus on holiday decorating. Decorating is meant to usher in the joyful holiday spirit, but it can easily become an overwhelming experience that makes you want to elfin scream!
To help keep your stress at bay while decorating your home with your favorite bulbs and baubles, consider these helpful tips.
#1: Set the Mood
Holiday decorating is meant to be a fun, joyful experience—not a competitive sport. Set a relaxing, fun, and festive tone for decorating by playing Christmas music, lighting soothing candles, building a fire, preparing a cup of hot cocoa, and baking some pre-batched cookie dough.
Here’s a must-try, fuss-free Christmas cookie recipe by Food Network that will undoubtedly spark joy:
Chewy Sugar Cookies:
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup softened butter
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp buttermilk
Colored sprinkles
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add enough buttermilk to moisten the dough and make it soft (not wet).
Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
With a brush or fingers, moisten the top of each cookie with remaining buttermilk and slightly flatten the top of each cookie.
Sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to cool on a rack.
#2: Make a Plan in Advance
From decorating your tree and mantel to your front door and entryway, there’s a lot to get done—but that doesn’t mean you have to decorate everything in one day!
Before you bring out all your boxes stuffed with Christmas decorations, think about how you can divide and conquer your decor over a few days.
Set windows of time for decorating. For example, maybe you have two hours to get your tree up and decorated on Monday night. Then perhaps on Tuesday morning, you can style your dining table. Take it step by step. Make a manageable schedule like the one below you can stick to that prioritizes the areas of your home you’d like to see decorated first.
#3: Enlist Helpers
Does holiday decorating usually fall on your shoulders? Consider asking your family and/or friends to pitch in and help. Decorating is way more fun and goes much faster when everyone has a “job!” Plus, you’ll be creating lasting holiday memories with your family.
You can even hire someone to do the heavy lifting for you. Let’s say you love decorating your tree with ornaments, but hate setting it up and putting the lights on. Consider hiring a company or someone from a service to do that for you. That way, you can focus on the parts you actually enjoy.
Apps like Taskrabbit are also great for bigger decorating endeavors like hanging outdoor lights and organizing/storing decorations.
#4: Have a Theme or Style in Mind
You might be tempted to pull out every decor item you have stored away, but sometimes less is more. Try to stick to one decor style or theme. This will not only prevent you from having to unpack everything in storage, but will also give your home a cohesive feel.
Notice how our subscription boxes are personalized according to your favorite styles, so you can choose a theme that works best for your home! See our Christmas box themes below.
#5: Subscribe to a Festive Decor Service
If you want to reduce the stress factor even more, consider subscribing to ReadyFestive! Our mission is to help you stress less and celebrate more by delivering carefully-curated themed boxes filled with trendy décor straight to your door.
To set up your subscription, simply choose which holidays or seasons you’d like to receive decorations for. You’ll then be prompted to complete a survey to help us determine your favorite themes. Don’t have any specific preferences? No problem—we’ll surprise you! If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
If you decide to hop on board this holiday season, don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your be-yule-tiful Christmas decor!
A Final Word on Stress-Free Holiday Decorating
We hope these tips help you keep stress at bay while decorating this holiday season. And remember, your home doesn’t have to look like the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. What matters most is enjoying time with your family and friends and savoring the beauty of the holiday season.
Have fun with your Christmas decor, pace yourself, and make decorating a family affair that will be remembered for years to come.
If you’ve been counting down the days to deck your home out in Christmas decor… Now’s your time to shine! Along with decorating your tree and draping garlands from your staircase, don’t forget your fireplace mantel. Well-thought-out mantel decor can make your living room feel extra spirited, warm, and inviting!
Don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be offering you a peek into ReadyFestive’s three Christmas decor boxes and sharing some styling tips for turning your mantel into an eye-catching focal point.
Don’t have a mantel? No problem! Get creative and use these tips to decorate a shelf or console table instead.
ReadyFestive’s Three Christmas Themes
Whether you like bold and colorful or chic and understated, ReadyFestive has a Christmas theme for you. Here’s a look into this year’s boxes:
Theme #1: Neutral
Is the traditional red and green Christmas color scheme a bit too loud for you? Consider our Neutral theme, which pairs neutral colors like beige and white with the added warmth and texture of holiday greenery.
This theme captures the essence of the holiday season while being more calming and gentle to the eye than traditional decor.
Theme #2: Modern
If you’re looking for holiday decor that truly exemplifies the “merry and bright” aspects of Christmas, the Modern theme is for you.
Featuring decorations in a rainbow of fun, bright colors like pink, yellow, and blue, this theme is great for those looking to create a light-hearted, cheerful ambiance, or in homes with children. This trendy, modern theme is sure to bring out the Christmas cheer!
Theme #3: Farmhouse
When it comes to Christmas decor, you sometimes just can’t beat a classic like red and white. Crisp, clean white provides a neutral background reminiscent of cozy, snowy mornings, while classic red adds a pop of color and Christmas spirit.
Our Farmhouse theme is ideal for those seeking an interior design style that prioritizes rustic charm, simplicity, and tradition.
Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Mantel
#1: Bring the outdoors in
Take a trip outdoors to forage for natural elements like tree trimmings, pine cones, and branches. Tree trimmings are excellent for using as a lush blanket on which you can build your mantel display, while other natural finds can be peppered in.
Also, if you don’t plan to use your fireplace, fill the firebox with stacked wood. This offers a cozy backdrop to your festive mantel decor.
#2: Create a scene
While we usually don’t encourage people to create a scene during the holiday season… we will make an exception when it comes to your mantel!
The mantel provides the perfect place to display a wintery, festive scene or story. For example, using the items in the Neutral Box, you could arrange the Christmas trees and wooden house structures to create a whimsical, woodsy Christmas village.
Fill in blank space and further enhance the scene by adding in items like pine branches, pinecones, artificial snow, and white twinkly lights!
#3: Align your mantel decor with your tree’s style
Decor tends to look best when it remains consistent throughout the home. One good way to achieve this cohesion is by coordinating your mantel décor with your Christmas tree decor.
For example, if you opt for a more modern tree with non-traditional Christmas colors (think: pinks, blues, yellows, etc.), consider matching these colors by decorating your mantel with the vibrant, trendy items from our Modern Box.
One easy tip is to add a garland to your mantel and hang ornaments on your tree with matching colors. Also, if you have a few extra ornaments that don’t fit on your tree, nestle them into your mantel display.
#4: Embrace repetition
The repetition of certain items can create an intriguing visual—and it’s so simple to achieve!
For instance, our Farmhouse Box focuses on contrasting red-and-white, candy-striped items. To play to this theme, try peppering candy canes or white and red candlesticks into your display.
#5: Add layers
Keep things interesting and eye-catching by adding layers with items that have different textures and appearances. The options are endless: reflective, smooth, rough, bright, sparkly—the list goes on and on.
For example, our Neutral Box includes items with smooth textures (like the wooden house structures), items with rough textures (like the small trees), and even beaded items (like the tree garland). All of these items have varying heights as well, which creates dimension.
Get Christmas Ready with ReadyFestive
If you’re looking for Christmas decorations to dress up your mantel or other parts of your home, ReadyFestive has you covered! To set up your subscription, simply choose which holidays or seasons you’d like to receive decorations for. You’ll then be prompted to fill out a survey to help us determine your favorite themes. Don’t have any specific preferences? No problem—we’ll surprise you!
Join the ReadyFestive family today to get one of our carefully-curated, Christmas-themed boxes delivered straight to your door, allowing you to prepare for this holiday with ease. If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
Don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your Christmas décor. We have no doubt you’ll sleigh it!
‘Tis the season to be cozy! Winter ushers in shorter days, colder temperatures, rooftop raindrops, snow flurries, and holiday cheer, creating the perfect backdrop for snuggling up in the comfort of your home.
While winter is pretty darn cozy in and of itself, you can up the hygge vibes by adorning your living space with winter-inspired decor. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll introduce ReadyFestive’s three winter themes and share five decor tips for creating an uber-inviting ambiance that will envelop you, your family, and your guests in warmth and comfort.
ReadyFestive’s Three Winter-Themed Boxes
We understand that everyone has a different vision when it comes to creating a cozy winter home. That’s why we’ve created three winter decor box options, each with a different theme.
Nordic Winter: Even if you don’t have snow where you live, you can still bring the feeling of a white winter into your home with our Nordic theme. Featuring snow-covered trees, snowflakes, and a mixture of light and dark elements, this theme is sure to induce the warm-fuzzies.
Woodlands Winter: Calling all nature lovers!Keep your Decor down to earth with our woodlands theme, which focuses on traditional winter elements inspired by nature. In this box, you’ll find items showcasing classic Christmas trees, deer, faux greenery, and earthy tones.
Neutral Winter: Looking to create acalm, peaceful ambiance in your home this winter? The neutral theme is for you. This box features wintery outdoor elements like trees, snowflakes, wood, and antlers in soft, neutral colors. Smooth textures and gold accents are also prevalent, giving your home a modern yet cozy feel!
5 Decor Tips for Creating a Cozy Winter Home
Regardless of which theme you choose or what decor items you have on hand, here are some tips for creating a cozy, hygge home this winter.
1. Make Your Fireplace a Focal Point
During the chilly winter months, ample time is spent next to the fireplace. After all, there’s nothing cozier than burrowing up in front of a roaring fire when it’s raining or snowing outside!
Add some winter charm to your fireplace mantle by decorating it with candles, faux animal horns, tiny tree statuettes, garlands, and mantle signs (like the wooden “Winter Wonderland” sign in the Woodlands Winter box). These wintery items will transform a lackluster mantle into the center of attention.
2. “Winterfy” Your Kitchen
The combination of cold weather and holiday festivities means people typically spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and baking delicious, warming meals in the wintertime.
Here are some ideas to give your kitchen a winter makeover:
Up the winter vibes and cozy factor by using a winter-themed table runner on your dining table.
Bring the outdoors in by building a beautiful table centerpiece with tiny trees, pinecones, ornaments, white flowers, and candles.
Swap out your regular kitchen hand towels for festive ones.
Display charming signs, like the “Welcome to Our Winter Wonderland” sign in the Neutral Winter box.
Incorporate a doormat or winter rug in front of your kitchen sink.
3. Deck Out Your Coffee Table
A great way to give your living room an impactful winter update is to refresh your coffee table decor.
If you have the space on your table, a layered look can add dimension and interest. Try stacking a few big, winter-themed coffee table books on one side with candlesticks on the other side for some contrasting height.
Once you have the larger items in place, add smaller wintery items (think: coasters, candles, tree or deer figurines, etc.) into the mix.
If you’re working with a smaller table surface, organizing the smaller items on a tray can keep everything looking clean and simple.
4. Create a Warm Welcome
When visitors enter your home, greet them with a rush of winter-themed items, textures, and colors.
Here are some tips for decorating your entryway.
Add a wintery welcome sign, such as the “Winter Welcome” sign in the Nordic Winter box.
Place festive pillows on a chair or bench near your front door.
Hang a garland across an entryway mirror.
Place themed items on an entryway table. Gnome, deer, or tree statuettes would all work great.
Lay down a festive doormat, such as the “Home” doormat in the Nordic Winter box.
5. Decorate a Side Table
Don’t forget about your side table! Use candles, small decorative trees, coasters, or other small pieces to add a winter touch to any side table.
Get Winter Ready with ReadyFestive
If you’re looking for winter decorations that fit your personal style, choose ReadyFestive! To set up your subscription, simply choose which holidays or seasons you’d like to receive decorations for. You’ll then be prompted to fill out a survey to help us determine your favorite themes. Don’t have any specific preferences? No problem—we’ll surprise you!
Join the ReadyFestive family today to get one of our carefully-curated, winter-themed boxes delivered straight to your door, allowing you to stress less and snuggle more. If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
Don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your cozy winter wonderland home!
Including creating beautiful tablescapes and cozy corners
Thanksgiving is all about traditions, family, gratitude and, of course, delicious comfort food. And while the turkey may be the main event, your decor really sets the tone for this heartwarming holiday.
At ReadyFestive, we are offering two Thanksgiving-themed boxes filled with decor items that will make decorating for this year’s festivities a breeze. Here’s a peek into our two Thanksgiving boxes and some styling tips that emphasize the importance of gathering with loved ones, honoring old traditions, and creating new ones!
Theme #1: Jewel Tones
After a decade mostly dominated by crisp whites and cool greys, jewel tones are bringing rich, beautiful hues back into our homes. Featuring colors derived from precious gemstones, the items in the Jewel Tones Box are sure to add the perfect earthy, fall-inspired touch to your celebration space.
The star of this box is undoubtedly the gold pheasant statue, which is complemented beautifully by colorful tassel pillows, a golden bead garland, a clean-burning Aqua de Soi candle,
“Give Thanks” standing letters (a true statement piece!), and a block print patterned table runner and coordinating dish towel (just to name a few things!).
If you’re looking to dress up your space with boho decor that’s equal parts trendy and inviting, the Jewel Tones Box is for you.
Theme #2: Classic
This collection of items is inspired by tradition. It features neutral fall colors like cream and burnt orange that create a warm, inviting space for hosting your friends and family.
The signature piece in the Classic Box is the rustic, off-white turkey statuette—a captivating centerpiece that adds unique charm to any home. In this box, you’ll also find a Mudpie pumpkin tassel garland , a cream and white table runner, a “Gather” pillow, a pumpkin-scented candle, decorative books, and other Thanksgiving-themed items.
If you’re going for a traditional or Farmhouse style look, the Classic Box is your ideal match.
Tips for Decorating Your Thanksgiving Table
Since the Thanksgiving feast is typically the center point of the entire celebration, curating an aesthetic table display is an excellent way to up the festive feel. Here are our top tips for creating a table that’s dressed to impress!
Create Multiple Centerpieces
Sure, the turkey might be your table’s centerpiece, but why settle for just one?
Deck your table out with figurines, candles, pumpkins, beads, and vases bursting with fresh, seasonal flowers. By having multiple centerpieces, your guests will have a charming view regardless of where they’re seated at the table.
Set the Tone with Festive Tableware
When planning out your table decor, don’t forget about the tableware!
Set your table with festive napkin rings, plates and bowls featuring fall colors and patterns, such as our turkey and pumpkin painted bowls in the Classic Box. Themed appetizer napkins and fall-inspired cloth napkins also add a nice, festive touch to the table.
Introduce a Table Tradition
In addition to our two Thanksgiving boxes, we also offer a Turkey Day add-on that both children and adults are sure to enjoy.
Turkey on the Table® includes an adorable knit turkey, 13 double-sided “thankful feathers,” a marker, and a heartwarming book. Invite your guests to write what they’re thankful for on a feather as they arrive and attach it to the turkey. Reading what everyone is thankful for is sure to inspire thoughtful conversations and induce warm-fuzzy feelings.
Bonus: have a contest to see who can come up with the best name for the turkey! Kids especially will love this.
How to Create a Cozy Thanksgiving Corner
While Thanksgiving gatherings are a great time to connect with the special people in your life, the atmosphere can sometimes be a little overwhelming, what with having your whole family in one place.
Create a cozy corner in your celebration area where guests can step away from the hustle-bustle, cozy up, and relax. The cozy corner also makes a great place to enjoy a hot toddy or a pumpkin-themed dessert.
So, how do you create a cozy corner? It’s easy. All you need is:
A relaxing space: Choose somewhere comfortable on the outskirts of the action. A cushy corner sofa or chair is ideal.
A throw blanket: Choose a super soft blanket that boasts fall colors or patterns. When not in use, fold the blanket and drape it over the arm or back of the chair or sofa.
Fall-scented candles: Candles are an easy way to instantly up the cozy factor. Choose a candle with fall scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, or spiced apple, and place it on a side table. The candles found in our two Thanksgiving boxes would be a great addition to your cozy corner!
A throw pillow or two: Throw pillows not only serve to make the corner look inviting, but can also make it more comfortable.
Get Thanksgiving Ready with ReadyFestive
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving decorations that fit your personal style, ReadyFestive has you covered! To set up your subscription, simply choose which holidays or seasons you’d like to receive decorations for. You’ll then be prompted to fill out a survey to help us determine your favorite themes. Don’t have any specific preferences? No problem—we’ll surprise you!
Join the ReadyFestive family today to get one of our carefully-curated, Thanksgiving-themed boxes delivered straight to your door, allowing you to prepare for this holiday with ease. If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
Don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your Turkey Day decor!
It’s that time of the year. The dog days of summer have passed, and the crisp, cool weather has finally found its way to our calendar. There is nothing better than curling up with a warm cup of something and of course, pumpkin-themed goodies!
Here are a few must-try recipes that’ll keep you warm and full this fall.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
You might love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate but when they come together in a cookie, it’s even better. Check out this recipe from Just Feed Me from Jessie James Decker!
Ingredients:
1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1 / 2 cup canola or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, vanilla, milk, and egg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Working in batches, scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared pan and smooth over any rough edges. I like mine bite-size to be able to fit in the palm of my hand.
Bake until the cookies just begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Cool cookies slightly before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days.
The Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says “fall” like a slice of warm pumpkin pie on a chilly evening. Apart from being a must-have at Thanksgiving, you can prepare a pumpkin pie anytime this fall season.
Want a quick and easy pumpkin pie recipe? This recipe from Pillsbury will do the trick.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 1/4 cups evaporated milk or half and half
2 eggs, beaten
1 crust from 1 package (12 oz) of frozen Pillsbury™ Deep Dish Pie Crusts (2 Count)
Instructions:
Heat oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, beat sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, pumpkin, evaporated milk, and eggs with a wire whisk until well blended. Place frozen pie crust onto a cookie sheet. Pour filling into pie crust. Place filled pie crust on a cookie sheet into the preheated oven.
Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.
4-Step Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Pumpkin bread is great for breakfast or a snack. It’s easy to make and pairs nicely with your morning cup of coffee. Try this recipe from Food Network, and you’ll have a tasty fall treat.
Ingredients:
Unsalted butter, for the pans
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan (see Cook’s Note)
3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
One 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons fine salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2/3 cup water
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans.
Whisk together the sugar and oil in a large bowl until well combined. Whisk in the eggs and pumpkin until combined.
Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined. Add half the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine. Add half the water and stir to combine. Repeat with the remaining flour and water.
Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans. Bake until the cake tester comes out clean and the loaves are golden brown, about 1 hour. Let the loaves cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from the pans and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
Cook’s Note:
When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
If you need some new ideas, try one of these recipes – they’re bound to fill your belly and warm your home during the chilly fall months.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies are a great way to kick off the pumpkin season. They’re soft and moist with just a hint of spice in every bite. If you’re looking for something new to try this year, these are it!
Check out this recipe from Just So Tasty and enjoy these yummy goodies!
Ingredients:
2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
3/4 cup unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions:
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg & ground cloves.
In a separate large bowl beat together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Turn the mixer down to low, then beat in the egg, vanilla and pumpkin.
Slowly add the flour mixture. The dough will be very sticky.
Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
When ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge.
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees and line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating.
Form the dough into balls of about 1.5 tablespoons in size, then roll in the cinnamon sugar coating and flatten slightly
Place the cookies on the cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for about 8-10 minutes until the tops look just set.
We hope you have a wonderful fall season and enjoy baking these treats with your friends and family!
For decor enthusiasts, there’s more to Halloween than costumes, jack o’ lanterns, and candy corn. The right Halloween decorations can get your home into the spooky spirit and show off your personal style.
If you’re looking to dress up your home this Halloween, consider starting with your entryway. This area of your home will be seen by friends, family, and trick-or-treaters, so giving it a Halloween makeover is the perfect way to set the tone for a spooktacular holiday season.
At ReadyFestive, we offer three Halloween-themed boxes filled with decor items that will make boo-tifying your entryway as easy as pumpkin pie. Here’s a look into our three Halloween boxes and some tips for styling a festive yet classy entryway using the items in each box.
#1: Spooky Skulls & Spikes
Halloween, but make it rock n’ roll—that’s the inspiration behind this skull-and-spikes theme. This theme is perfect for those who want their Halloween decor to look spooky, trendy, and a little punk rock without being garish. This box features skulls galore, a Valentino-inspired spiked pumpkin, and a black, silver, and white color palate.
Here are some tips for decorating your entryway with the items in this box:
Deck out your entry table: Create a spooky welcoming by placing your black candlesticks, spiky pumpkin, pumpkin spice candle, “Home Sweet Haunted Home” sign, and spells box on a tabletop near your front door. Check out these decked out tabletops below for inspiration!
Pull up a chair: Move a small chair into your entryway to rest your skeleton throw pillow on. Placing a basket filled with black and white pumpkins next to the feet of the chair would also be a nice touch.
Hang a banner: Hang your “Beware” banner on the wall over your entry table, or hang it from the table itself.
#2: Glam Halloween
If spooky isn’t your style and you’d rather keep things looking a bit more sleek and stylish, our Glam theme is the way to go. This theme, which features a black and gold color palette, is ideal for those who enjoy shimmer and chicness.
Here are some tips for decorating your entryway with the items in this box:
Style your entry table: Use your black table runner as a base for an arrangement of translucent gold pumpkins, black and gold trees, and candles on a tabletop. If you want to up the fancy factor even more, light extra candles and use tea lights to light up the interior of your pumpkins.
Boo-tify your space: Hang or drape your “Boo” sign/beads nearby and pull up a chair to place your “Happy Halloween” pillow on.
Trick out your entryway: Incorporate the “Tricks or Treats” sign by setting it next to a bowl of treats. Who doesn’t love being greeted with a bowl of candy at the door?!
#3: Sweet Halloween
Looking for decor that is fun, festive, and kid-friendly? Look no further than our Sweet theme. Featuring stripes, polka dots, a jolly jack o’ lantern, and a more classic orange and black color palette, this theme doesn’t have a scary bone in its body.
Here are some tips for decorating your entryway with the items in this box:
Give your entry table a fun makeover: Lay the striped table runner on a tabletop and top it with the jack o’ lantern, candy corn figurine, Halloween beads, and cider candle. You can also hang the “Boo” banner from the table or on the wall above the table.
Offer sweet treats: Set the pumpkin-shaped bowls on a tabletop in your entryway and fill them with candy or homemade goodies. Be sure to leave the “Happy Halloween” napkins next to the bowls for your guests. There’s no sweeter welcome!
Add a spooky touch: Set a ghost or skeleton stuffed animal on a chair in your entry and place the “Boo!” pillow next to it. This adds a spooky element while remaining kid-friendly.
Have you decided what your Halloween personality is? Are you Spooky, Glam, or Sweet? Let us know in the comments!
Bonus: A Halloween Recipe Your Guests Will Die For
If you’re looking for a festive yet tasty treat to put out on a tray or bowl in your entryway, we found just the thing: brownie spiders! These creepy-crawly treats dreamed up by Gimme Some Oven are sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
What You’ll Need:
· 1 pan of baked brownies
· 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
· 2 cups chow mein noodles
· Candy eyeballs
· Circle cookie cutter (about 1.5-inch diameter)
· A toothpick
Instructions:
Use a circle cookie cutter to cut out circles for the spider “bodies.” Place the bodies on wax paper for prep.
Put the chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl and melt them in the microwave. Then, remove 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate and set it aside.
Gently stir the chow mein noodles into the remaining melted chocolate until all of the noodles are coated. Spread the noodles out on a plate covered with wax paper (you don’t need to separate them completely), and put them in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
Once chilled, remove the chocolate-covered noodles and pick out some long ones to use as the spider “legs.” Use a toothpick to poke eight holes on the top of the brownie circles around the edges and press the noodles into the holes.
Take the tablespoon of melted chocolate you set aside and use the toothpick to transfer a dot of melted chocolate to the back of each candy eye (this acts as the “glue”). Place the eyes on the front of the brownie circles.
Transfer your spider brownies to a serving tray or plate and set them out on your entry table. They also keep for up to four days when covered.
Get Halloween Ready with ReadyFestive
If you’re looking for Halloween decorations customized to your style, ReadyFestive has got you covered! To get started, simply choose your holiday or seasons to set up your subscription, then you’ll receive a survey to choose your favorite themes! Don’t have any specific preferences? No worries—we’ll surprise you!
Join the ReadyFestive family today to get one of our trendy Halloween-themed boxes delivered straight to your door, allowing you to stress less and celebrate more. If you’re already a subscriber, you can add a box to your subscription here.
Don’t forget to tag #ReadyFestive on Instagram or Facebook to show us your fangtastic decorations!
