HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, warmth and the spirit of giving. Enclosed are holiday recipes to spice things up in the kitchen, along with quick tips for decorating your home. Remember to infuse your personal style and traditions into your food and décor, making it extra special for everyone. Enjoy!

Cookin' in Kelli's Kitchen

One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Turkey Soup

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we typically have 8 to 16 people in the house at any given time. It’s nice to have a few homemade items ready to go in the refrigerator for guests to enjoy. The One-Pot Thai Coconut Curry Turkey Soup can be made ahead of time and keeps for days. I recommend giving this Hello Fresh recipe a try! View & Download Recipe

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Dream Pie

This pie is fun to make and has a wowfactor that’s sure to delight your guests. Our version of this pie is inspired by a combination of recipes from the Taste of Home Chocolate Delights cookbook + a quick tip from a lovely woman who works in the bakery at our local Target. For the whipped cream, she recommends adding 1 tbsp of vanilla instant pudding mix per 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. This adds dimension to the overall flavor of the pie and makes it easier to sculpt the whipped topping. Give it a try and let us know what you think! View & Download Recipe

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever…Seriously!

My son, Caden (13), and daughter, Olivia (9), are cookie fanatics. I challenged

Caden to find and perfect the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever. Caden delivered! Baking has become treasured time together and this is one of our go-to recipes.

Marshmallow Snowman Beverage Topper

Looking for an easy win this holiday season? Dress your hot chocolate to impress with this quick-assembly

Marshmallow Snowman Beverage Topper. All you need are marshmallows, pretzel sticks, chocolate cookie icing and candy corn. This creative concoction is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of loved ones of all ages!

Homemade Holidays from Hope

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is my ultimate Fall favorite treat! It's warm and spicy and smells so delicious. It makes for easy gift giving if you can get it out of the house before it's all gone!

Dress the Mini Pumpkin Cakelet with a cashew, almond or a chocolate chip to give the appearance of a stem.

For my Fall baking pans, I use Nordic Ware Nonstick Cast Aluminum Pumpkin Cakelet, 12-Well and Nordic Ware Pumpkin Load Pan.

View & Download Recipe

Join me in my yearly Thankful Tradition. Pick a pumpkin, think of someone who needs encouragement and write them a note, tie to pumpkin stem and give away!

Deck the Halls décor tips

NOVEMBER

Jay’s Mummified Pumpkins

• Try Jay Spiro’s fall flower DIY hack! Measure, carve and scoop out a pumpkin. Insert fall flowerpot (mums or violas work great). This is the perfect table topper for your home or business!

• Embrace Natural Elements: Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for the bounty of the season. Incorporate natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, and pinecones into your decor. Arrange them on your dining table, mantle, or as a welcoming display on your porch. These elements not only bring warmth but also connect your home to the beauty of nature.

• Warm Color Palette: Opt for a warm and inviting color palette that includes rich reds, oranges, yellows, and earthy tones. These colors evoke the coziness of fall and create a welcoming ambiance in your home. Use table linens, throw pillows, and decorative accents in these hues to infuse your space with a festive spirit.

DECEMBER

• Choose a Theme: Selecting a theme for your holiday decor can help streamline your decorating efforts and create a cohesive look. Whether you prefer traditional, modern, rustic, or whimsical, stick to a consistent color palette and style throughout your home. Common themes include "Winter Wonderland," "Vintage Christmas," and "Nordic Minimalism."

• Deck the Halls: If your celebration includes a Christmas tree, begin with string lights, then layer on ornaments, garlands, and tinsel. Consider using a mix of sentimental ornaments and coordinating baubles to achieve a balanced and festive look.

• Cozy Up with Textiles: Introduce warmth and comfort by incorporating soft textiles like plush blankets, throw pillows, and cozy area rugs in holiday-themed colors and patterns. These items not only add a festive touch but also make your home feel inviting and snug.