Fall Tote Organization Labels (Free Download)

It is that time of the year to start packing up the fall decor for the Christmas decor. If you love decorating for the holidays as much as I do, then you have a ton of totes. 

To help with finding all the boxes next fall, I created adorable labels for my totes. The first label is the room or area that is in the box, so I can easily place the tote in the correct location. The second label is for box 1 of 10, so I don't miss a box when I'm bringing them from under the house. 

You can download the labels for free by clicking on the picture. Be sure to laminate the labels before attaching them for long-lasting labels, or you could use clear tape over the top of the labels.

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Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Timeline for a No Stress Day

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit stressful. Hosting dinner means making sure the house is decorated and ready to go, the food is delicious, and everything is prepared on time. Planning can make the experience of hosting Thanksgiving a fantastic experience. The timeline below will help you plan your Thanksgiving dinner. 

4 Weeks Before: 

• Plan your menu.
• Check kitchen equipment: 
• Check for a meat thermometer, a potato masher, pie and casserole dishes, trussing string, enough pots and pans, and anything else you might need to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
• It's time to tackle the crowds at the grocery store and pick up your turkey and other Thanksgiving items that fly off the shelves. 
• Wait until closer to the time to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. If you are looking for recipes for Thanksgiving check out this post. 

1 Week Before:

• Make and refrigerate cranberry sauce.
• Prepare turkey or vegetable stock (if you are using homemade).
• Shop for fresh vegetables and fruits. 
• Clean out your fridge.

4 Days Before: 

• Depending on your turkey's size, you may need to move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator. You should allow one day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. Be sure to put a pan or baking dish under it to collect water as it defrosts. Four days before would be great for a 20 pound turkey. 
•  Chop up vegetables.

The Day Before: 

• Bake all desserts.
• Prep the bread for the stuffing.
• Season the turkey.
• Prep appetizers like sausage balls and then refrigerate. 
• Set the table, for ideas on simple tablescapes check out this post. 
• Chill your drinks and make sure there’s enough ice in the freezer.

Day of: 

• Start the turkey first thing in the morning
• After your turkey is in the oven start your gravy. 
• Midday start on the stuffing 
• Side dishes should be started last and in the afternoon
• Cook the prepped appetizers in the afternoon and set out for guests while you finish cooking.

The final step is to enjoy your family and a tasty meal. 

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Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life

Shopping for that special someone can be a challenge. Here are seven gifts any man in your life would be happy to receive for their birthday, Christmas, or any other special occasion.

1. Legendary Whitetails Men's Buck Camp Flannel Shirt 
2. RFID Carbon Fiber Wallets for Men 
3. DEERC D20 Mini Drone 
4. Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men
5. Fruit of the Loom Men's Coolzone Boxer Briefs 
6. Timberland Men's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
7. Gentleman Jon Complete Wet Shave Kit 

5 Thanksgiving Crafts for the Littles

   With the kids home around the holidays make some memories creating adorable crafts that you can use as table decor or gift to the grandparents. The ideas below are simple and can be created with items mostly around your home. 

Darcy from Dary & Brian shared this adorable coffee filter turkeys that are an easy Thanksgiving craft for kids to make. The turkeys require simple supplies and take 20-30 minutes to make.

The Resourceful Mamma shared this adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Craft that uses a sponge painting technique on paper plates for the turkey’s feathers. This craft only requires a paper plate, paint, sponge, paper, glue, and scissors. 

Simple Everyday Mom shared this turkey headband craft that is an excellent way to get the kids in a turkey mood. 

Mom Brite shared this easy toilet paper turkey craft. Your kids can make their turkey unique by choosing what colors to make their turkey’s tail feathers. If you don't have the eyes around the house, have the kids draw on the eyes.  

Gift Ideas That the Women In Your Life

Shopping for that special someone can be a challenge. Here are seven gifts any lady in your life would be happy to receive for their birthday, Christmas, or any other special occasion.

1. Women's Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Avocado Pajama Set 
2. Women's Fuzzy Fluffy Furry Fur Slippers
3. Nicole Miller Crossbody Handbag 
4. Women's Plaid Wool Pea Coat
5. Lulu Candles
6. Apple Watch Band 
7. Layered Choker Necklace

Share in the comments, what item you would love to receive this year or purchase yourself!  

Top 5 Decoration Ideas for a Jaw-Dropping Thanksgiving Table

 A beautiful table for Thanksgiving can elevate dinner to the next level and have all your guests oohing and aahing. I have scoured the internet for the most gorgeous Thanksgiving tables, and I have shared my favorites below. 

 Joanna of Jojotastic used bouquets of seasonal flowers, white pumpkins, twinkle lights to create this simple and classic Thanksgiving table. I also spy farmhouse-inspired napkins and sleek silverware that elevates the look. 

Bre from Rooms for Rent knocked this farmhouse-inspired tablescape out of the barn! The copper silverware caught my eyes right away! It is a simple touch that makes this tablescape stand out! I also loved the use of mixed metals with the gold detailing on the charger and napkin ring.  

Shannon of Home Made Lovely designed a country table setting with natural accents, like wooden chargers, pumpkins, baskets, pinecones, a canvas table runner, and wooden napkin rings. This design is simple to recreate and will impress your guests. 

Cam and Chantel of  In Love with a House designed a fall table with simple Thanksgiving table decorations like wood slices, blue plates, candles, chargers, and white napkins. She took white mini pumpkins and spray-painted them a light blue to go with her look. 

If you know my farmhouse style, you know it includes cotton and buffalo print. That is why I had to include Dress Cori Lynn's table design in my top 5 tablescapes. I am in love with the buffalo print napkins, mason jar glasses, cotton picks, chic white plates, and a metal basket. This would please any Thanksgiving guest. 

Comment below on whether you go all out with a tablescape for Thanksgiving or take a simple table decor approach. 

Recipes for the Perfect Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Food and family are my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. One way I show my love is by feeding those that I love.  I've rounded up the most popular holiday recipes you can use to show your family you care. 

Appetizers: 

• Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey "Nachos" from Skinny Taste
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe from the Cookie Rookie
• Bite-Sized Blooming Onions from Macheesmo
• Shrimp and Grits Appetizer Cups from Cookie Rookie

Sides: 

• Honey Maple Roasted Carrots from The Cafe Sucre Farine
• Garlic Sweet Potato Mash  from Skinny Taste
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts from Eat Well 101
• Southern Cornbread Dressing from Home Made Interest

Main Dish: 

• The Perfect Roast Turkey from Cooking Classy 
• Easy Garlic and Herb Oven Roasted Turkey from Neighbor Food Blog 
• Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze from The Food Charlatan
• Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham from the Cookie Rookie

Dessert:

• Candied Pecan Brown Butter Blondies from The Cafe Sucre Farine
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars from The Girl Who Ate Everything
• Salted Caramel Brownies from Something Swanky 
• Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Shugary Sweets

Have you tried any of the recipes or plan on it? Please share your experiences or plans in the comments. 

Thanksgiving Turkey Tips for the Best Tasting Turkey

Every Thanksgiving Day cooks nightmare is a dry turkey! At least it is my nightmare the night before thanksgiving.  Follow the turkey tips below for the perfect Thanksgiving Day turkey you'll family will love! 

BUT HOW BIG IS BIG ENOUGH

When planning for shopping, you first need to tally the number of guests. Then multiple the number of guests by1 1/2 pound of turkey. Don't forget to add a few pounds on for bones. Also, be sure to shop early if you need a larger turkey; they tend to go fast. 

THAW THE TURKEY

You will need plenty of time for thawing your turkey! You should allow one day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. To skip a mess in your refrigerator, set the turkey on a pan to catch drips as it defrosts in the fridge.

PREP THE TURKEY FOR COOKING ONCE IF DEFROSTED

First, remove the turkey from its packaging. Then dry it off with paper towels, and then prepare it for the oven. Don't worry about bacteria; any bacteria will be killed in the oven.

TO STUFF OR NOT TO STUFF

Do not cook your stuffing inside the turkey. The turkey will be overcooked by the time your stuffing is done. Instead, cook your stuffing, and then you can fill the turkey with stuffing.

THE TURKEY MUST REST

Your turkey should rest for at least 15 minutes. If you’re using the turkey drippings for gravy, move the turkey to a cutting board or cookie sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. If you’re not using the drippings, leave the turkey in the pan and tent with foil.

WHAT TO COOK YOUR TURKEY IN?

The easiest route is to buy a disposable foil roasting pan from Walmart. The disposable pan makes clean up super easy! You can place veggies on the bottom of your pan to elevate the turkey. 

TURKEY DRIPPINGS MAKE THE BEST GRAVY

Save the turkey drippings after your turkey is done so that you can make turkey gravy. You can find an easy and tasty turkey gravy recipe on Bowl of Delicious.

STEP AWAY FROM THE BASTER

When you baste a turkey, it causes the oven to lose heat, and the turkey takes longer to cook. This could lead to a dry turkey. Use a seasoned butter mixture all over the turkey's outer and inner skin to get the gorgeous-looking turkey that will get the family talking!  

Share in the comments your turkey tips and tricks!