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life{in}grace

live with more presence, passion, & purpose

holidays

Bean Station Thanksgivin 2013

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thanksgivin

It was a beautiful day, in every way.

But, if you could see my house right now, you’d understand why I can’t bear to walk into the kitchen and am ignoring it all, in favor of enjoying my coffee with some mocha cake, all the while contemplating hiring a service to come wash the rest of these dishes.  I am currently accepting applications.

For now, let’s just savor in the beauty of yesterday, shall we?

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The girls set the tables for me, which turned out booteeful!

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We did a lot of convalescing on the porch, because we had done so much work ahead of time.  I love it when a How to Host Thanksgiving and Enjoy It plan comes together.

I’m already sad that these two are leaving tomorrow.  The karaoke memories alone, will  haunt my dreams live in my memory for a long time.  JamieKnoxville has decided she never wants to be without a microphone ever again.

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This right here is my idea of the perfect Thanksgivin, camouflauge leggings and all.

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JamieKnoxville lives in New Jersey and she gets highly offended, perhaps concerned, at the amount of butter we use in the South.  She has decided to do a butter documentary, after watching our Thanksgiving preparations.

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So, we texted her this morning to tell her breakfast was ready. She needs to remember her Southern roots.

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 Stevie smoked some ribs for us, as a little afternoon snack.  I had that and mocha cake for lunch.

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The girls printed and tied our cute little fox thanksgiving cards onto pine cones……..

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And pine branches……

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And paper airplanes….

Thirty people at 3 different tables and we managed to make some pretty cute tablescapes, using what we had, with a little creativity mixed in.

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We tried to wrangle a few pictures, but that’s never an easy task at holiday gatherings. They’re a pretty awesome crew, though.

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My niece, Jordan,  dared bring her boyfriend to the festivities.  I hope he survived our crazy. (We love you, Pat!)

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Stevie smoked a turkey and I made a roasted stuffed turkey and a turkey breast.  I LOVE having lots of leftovers.  We’re eating turkey panini sandwiches with cranberry sauce today, along with a lots of pie and cake.

Did I mention pie and cake?

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This cake?  Will most certainly be the main dessert in heaven.
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The  college and career table was a rowdy bunch.  And most certainly the best looking table.  They need a little more practice on their karaoke, but what do you expect from kids who don’t even know all the words to On the Road Again?

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And from your very grateful (and tired) hosts, we wish you a wonderful weekend!  If you need us, we’ll be hunkered down by the fire, eating leftovers, and a healthy amount of cake. Also? If the 20 somethings aren’t afraid of me (which they should be), I’d like to play a game or two of Scrabble.

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Love y’all and see you soon with a host of Advent resources!

 

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust

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How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

Well.  It’s Monday and despite the fact that I always have grand plans for my Thanksgiving preparations, I’m way behind.  As in, I’m on Saturday’s list behind.  My first round of company arrives tomorrow and I can tell one thing for sure—my guest room is ready and I’m thinking of moving in there myself.  It’s the best room in the house, as well it should be!

The blueberry muffins, the toffee chocolate chip cookies, and the clean living room are all figments of my imagination at present.

But I’m in to win it, so don’t you worry about a thing.

Now, on to pie crust.  Here’s why I think you should make yourself a student of the pie making arts—because there’s a dangerous shortage of pie makers in America.  People don’t make pies anymore and we are worse people for it.  Do you know anyone that still makes pies?  My point exactly.  Pies are hard and take time to perfect.  But, I can tell you without a doubt, that there is almost nothing as rewarding as making a beautiful pie and serving it to the people you love.  And eating it.  So, I’m now a pie evangelist, hoping to start a pie revival.

I learned a few tricks from Martha Stewart years ago, but when I met my mother in law, I soon discovered that her pie making skills could not be topped.  She is the pie whisperer.   She makes better pies than any I’ve EVER had anywhere.  Which means that my husband has had some pretty amazing pies.  I’m more of a cake girl, myself, but if pie is his love language, I shall learn to speak it.  Amen.   His mom been making pies for 50 years, I bet, and she still thinks it’s worth it to labor over it, to do something for the people she loves that has her handprint and her heart all over it.  I’ve been lucky enough to watch her work her magic and though I’ll never be the pie maker she is, it’s one of my favorite things to make now.

I’ve been making pies for maybe 10 years and I’m getting better, but I’m not an expert. I’m still learning and tweeking and enjoying the process .  Some things— like pie making and kid raising and book learning  and are good reminders that nearly all the good things in life are hard and take time..  As well they should. I’ve deconstructed the process for you and given the tips I’ve learned over the years.  Hope you’ll give it a try.  Put on your apron and some good music and get out that rolling pin.

Let’s do this.  Eye of the tiger man, eye of the tiger.

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

For a 9 inch double crust pie, you’ll need:

(I use a combination of lard and butter, which I highly recommend.  You could use all lard, all butter, or all shortening, but I like the taste and texture of the combination best.)

  • 2 ½ cups all purpose or pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for a fruit pie. Omit sugar for a savory pie.)
  • 6 T cold butter, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup cold Leaf lard, cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup cold water (it doesn’t always take all the water—just add slowly until the dough comes together)

You can mix the dough in a food processor and then slowly add the water.  I use a pastry blender, because I’m lazy and don’t like to clean the processor.  Whatever you do, keep everything cold. Mix the flour and fat with a pastry blender, until the chunks are about pea-sized.  The, add the water slowly, just until the dough comes together.  Divide the dough into two equal pieces and don’t over handle it.

Flour your surface and roll out the first disc as evenly as possible, until your circle shape is larger than the pie plate.  Roll from the center to the edges, rotating the pie crust a little as you roll, so that you get a fairly even circle.   You’ll trim the edges soon, so don’t worry if it’s perfect.  Also, don’t incorporate too much flour into the dough or it will be dry and tear easily.  You can use parchment paper to roll it out on, too, but I find I like working straight on the counter tops.  Put the rolled out dough into the pie pan and then take a sharp knife and trim the edges until they’re even all around, leaving the edge flush with the pie pan. Add the filling (cherry filling recipe below) and dot with butter.

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

 Since this will be a double crust pie, after we put the filling in, we’ll layer the top crust and then fold the top crust over the bottom one, tucking the edges under.

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Then crimp the edges however you like.  I just use my fingers and make a fluted edge, usually. And this pie wasn’t my best work.  The crust was a little dry and tore a couple of times.  It looks a little sad, but it turned out beautifully in the end.

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Make an egg wash, mixing one egg with a little water, and then brush the top of the pie with the egg wash.  Sprinkle with sugar and cook according to directions.  If you’re going to freeze the pie, lessen the cooking time by 15 minutes, let it cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap and tin foil and then freeze.  Thaw it out overnight and put it back in the oven the next day to finish cooking.

Perfect Cherry Pie!

What you’ll need:

  • 2 cans tart cherries, drained, but save the liquid (I use the Oregon brand, found with canned fruit)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed in about 2 T. of the cherry juice
  • 1/8 tablespoon almond extract (optional)(I use it, but just a drop or two!)
  • Perfect pie crust, enough for double crust
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, to dot
  • Egg wash and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, to sprinkle on top
  • Can add a little red food coloring, to get that beautiful red color

I will often mix the filling and then precook it in the microwave for a 2-3 minutes.

Bake at 375 for about 50-55 minutes, until top is slightly browned.

 

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust via lifeingrace

Serve with a big scoop of ice cream and ENJOY!

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How to Host Thanksgiving {And Enjoy It!}

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how to host thanksgiving

I think Melanie and I are the only two people in the free world talking about Thanksgiving.  Christmas will  have its turn, but not until after Thanksgiving and Advent.

Hold Your Horses, ‘Merica!

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Here are my master plans for the next 9 days, so that when my company gets here, I can convalesce by the fire, drinking lots of lattes and visiting with all of my favorite peeps.

5 things that will make your Thanksgiving weekend more enjoyable:

1.  Give thanks.

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Don’t forget that this is the season of intentional gratefulness.  I sometimes have to stop myself in my busy tracks and say thank you. Cup your hands around the faces of your people, look them right in their eyes and say thank you. A little smooch wouldn’t hurt anything either.  We take SO much for granted. Stop and pay attention.  Notice the smell of the pumpkin pie, the way light glistens off your pretty wine glasses, the color of the landscape, as it makes ready for winter.

As my way of saying THANK YOU! for meeting me here all these years, I’m giving my Hospitality E-book away today on my Facebook page! Just like the page and leave a comment with your email address and I’ll be happy to send this small token of my appreciation for all your love and support.  It is jam-packed with tips for making your home and heart ready for guests.

2.  Make a Menu

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Here’s mine, in case you want ideas.  I LOVE printing my menus out  and placing one at each table setting, but at least print one out for yourself and keep it in your planner/notebook.

  • Turkey with Sage Stuffing
  • Chive Mashed Potatoes
  • Giblet Gravy
  • Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts
  • Broccoli Casserole
  • Baked Sweet Potato Bake
  • Creamed Corn
  • Bedeviled Eggs
  • Cranberry Apple Relish
  • Parker House Rolls
  • Tart Cherry Pie
  • Pumpkin Pie with Brandy Cream
  • Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Pie
  • Chocolate Fudge Pie
  • Red Velvet Cake
  • Salted Caramel Lattes

3.  Start NOW!

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Here’s my list for how I will (hopefully) get all my food made (for 35 people) and get my house ready for weekend company!  I realize not everyone hosts this many people, but this might help you see how I break down the large job into small doable pieces. And there’s a lot of wine and fudge involved.  That always helps.

Tuesday (the week before)

Wednesday (the week before)

  • Bake a quiche lorraine for next weekend and freeze
  • Finish the guest room beds
  • Bake cherry and pumpkin pies and freeze (recipes coming this week!)

Thursday  (the week before)

  • Clean downstairs bathrooms
  • Clean guest rooms
  • Clean and reorganize the baking center  (full post on the baking center in my e-book, so head over the FB page and get a free copy!)

Friday

Saturday 

  • Get out all the linens and sort out how the tables will be set up (all mine will be mix-match)
  • Make blueberry muffins and freeze
  • Make toffee chocolate chip cookies and freeze
  • Clean living room top to bottom
  • Work on name cards
  • Wash all the glassware and plates (the ones not used very often)

Sunday

  • Rest and read Radical Hospitality (again!).  Pray by name for everyone who is coming
  • Work on menus and place cards (I love the fox cards Emily made and you can print them for free!)
  • Print out the Thanksgiving Litany (10 copies) (I’m still working on the link!)
  • Outdoor scavenger hunt to find pinecones, acorns, driftwood, pretty branches, berries, etc

Monday

Tuesday

  • Bake sweet potatoes and refrigerate them as is until Thursday
  • Make the cranberry apple relish
  • Cook potatoes and refrigerate.  Finish them on Thursday
  • Make pizza bianca and modified shrimp boil for dinner (I don’t add corn, but the rest is pretty much the same)(serving 10?)
  • Bake toffee chocolate chip cookies (recipe coming!)
  • Add greenery/finishing touches to the guest spaces
  • Make chocolate fudge pie and freeze
  • Take out pumpkin muffins from freezer for breakfast tomorrow
  • Buy 2 13-15 pound turkeys and one turkey breast
  • Refill the small salt/pepper shakers for the tables

Wednesday

    • Make the Parker House Rolls.  They’re SO good and well worth all the butter and effort.
    •  If turkeys aren’t completely thawed, put in salt water brine
    • Remove the broccoli casserole from freezer to frig.
    • Roast the brussel sprouts and then refrigerate until tomorrow.  Finish cooking with bacon fat and then drizzle with maple syrup and cook another min or two
    • Bake the Thanksgiving cake (I’m still waffling at this point, but I’m thinking red velvet or mocha)
    • Set the tables after dinner (I like to set my tables earlier, but we’ll have company and need to use them)
    • Make the sage stuffing, so that it’s ready to be stuffed in the bird early in the morning
    • Put turkey breast in the crockpot overnight (This is my favorite way to have some extra turkey and a LOT of turkey stock.  You don’t need to do ANYTHING to it, just remove the giblets and cook on low overnight, until it falls apart, which is usually about lunch time!)
    • Take out all the pies to thaw

Thursday

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  •  Stuff the turkey, brush with butter  and put in a covered roaster.  Start at 300 degrees and cook for 3 hours, then decrease to 250.  For a 14 pound bird, at that low temp, I usually cook it for 10 hours, until it’s tender and falling off the bone.  (Stevie also smokes a turkey, but I leave that all up to him!)
  • Take out all casseroles and finish them, finish the potatoes
  • About lunch time, take out the appetizers and champagne spritzers as a treat for all the helpers (we don’t eat until evening)
  • Delegate the drink stations and salted caramel latte prep to the young adults
  • Start the Thanksgiving music (I make a playlist from my favorites—the Avett Brothers, the Civil Wars, the Decemberists, Noah Gundersen,  etc)
  • Finish the brussel sprouts
  • Don’t forget the cranberry relish
  • Make the creamed corn
  • Set out plenty of butter to soften/put on each table
  • Double check the tablescapes, fill the water glasses and light the candles
  • Read the Litany aloud, pray, and FEAST!!

4.  Enjoy the day

Things will go wrong.  You’ll forget to take the pumpkin pie out of the freezer, the mash potatoes will be runny (happened to me last year), the bread will burn, and a million other things will threaten to steal your joy.  DON’T let  it.  This is a celebration of the people that you love.  Enjoy them!  Make eye contact and hug and laugh.  The food, the decorations, the tables are all secondary and must take a back seat.  Take a deep breath, have a glass of wine, relax, and love on your people.

Also? Make your siblings wash the dishes. Amen.

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5.  Enjoy the day after

The day after may be my favorite day.  Eating leftovers, sitting by the fireplace enjoying my family, beating twenty-somethings in Scrabble.  I think we should reclaim Black Friday and call it I’m Staying in My Jammies and Eating Leftovers and Knitting Dishcloths Friday.

Happy Feasting!

If you’re new around here?  Thank you for visiting my blog!  I’m honored you’re here and I hope you’ll find some encouragement (and some laughter!) for your days.  Visit my about page, which highlights some of my popular posts or will at least show you a peak into my crazy people.  You can subscribe to this blog by email here.  I am currently addicted to Pinterest, so follow at your own risk.  I also post updates to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

12 Days of Handmade Christmas (all in one day!)

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12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

I’ve hosted the 12 Days of Handmade Christmas for the last few years, but this year, I had too many deadlines.  So, instead of 12 Days, I’m sharing my favorite 12 projects from the past few years, including a few I posted this year.    Hope you will find some inspiration for making the holidays more meaningful and more handmade.  Enjoy!

For a full list of the past projects, 12 Days 2009, 12 Days 2010, 12 Days 2012!

1.  The Handmade Dishmat

I’ve made this project so many times.  It’s my favorite thing to give for Christmas, with my favorite cookbook wrapped inside.  This mat takes about an 1 1/2 and everyone I’ve ever made one for LOVES it.  I have my friend, Darby, to thank.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  My sister just made me one and I’m in heaven!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

2.  The Linen Flower (Pin)

This is my new favorite project.  They’re so fun to make and are perfect plate/table decorations as well as beautiful flower pins.  They take 1-2 hours to make.

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

 

3.  Large Zippered Make-Up Bag

Thank you to Miss Jan for this awesome project! I’ve made it for gifts many times and it’s easy and fun and easy to personalize!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

4. Large Photo Prints (mounted to foamboard)

These would make great gifts for kids, teens, or adults.  They’re so easy and so personal!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

5. DIY Alphabet Crayons

Thank you, Meg, for sharing this awesome project so many years ago.  So colorful and fun, just like Meg!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

6.  Fabric Camera Strap

I’ve made plenty of these, too! They’re so easy and make the perfect gift for your friends who love their cameras!  Cheryl shared this project with us several years ago and it’s still one of my favorites!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

7.  Hand-knit Dishcloth

This is THE perfect time of year to learn to knit and this is THE perfect project on which to learn.  These make wonderful little gifts wrapped up in soaps or homemade dish soap!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

8. DIY Felt Scarf

Thank you, Julie, for sharing this project last year.  I’m determined to make one this year and can’t wait to try one in a gold/mustard color!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

9.  DIY Monogrammed Candle

Amy shared this project during our very first 12 Days and it’s still THE most popular 12 Days post. (Thank you, friend!) Make one or 12 for your favorite family and friends!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

10. Grannie’s Homemade Fudge

This is my favorite gift to give away.  And my favorite holiday treat to make.  It’s so easy and SO delicious!  Thank you, Grannie!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

11. DIY Crayon Roll

The super talented Lindsey shared this post with us and it’s been one of the most popular of the 12 Days posts.  Make some for traveling gifts for your own littles or for all the lovely littles in your life.  Thank you, Lindsey!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

12.  Homemade Honey Wheat Bread

Perhaps, THE perfect Christmas gift!  I usually gift it with some homemade strawberry jam or local honey.  It’s love at first bite.  I get these clear cellophane bags from Amazon and give bread away all year!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas via lifeingrace

Have you made any of these projects?

What’s your favorite (easy-ish) handmade gift to give to others?  Leave links or descriptions in the comments.

Happy Veterans Day and thank you to those who serve our blessed country and to those who love them!

If you’re new around here?  Thank you for visiting my blog!  I’m honored you’re here and I hope you’ll find some encouragement (and some laughter!) for your days.  Visit my about page, which highlights some of my popular posts or will at least show you a peak into my crazy people.  You can subscribe to this blog by email here.  I am currently addicted to Pinterest, so follow at your own risk.  I also post updates to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Weekend Grace, Creative Made Home Edition

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CMH2-Home-Collage-Words-700x700I’m fully immersed in fall, as you can probably tell, so I wanted to  remind you of a wonderful opportunity that will inspire you in your fall and holiday decorating and homemaking.  Starting October 15, the new Creative Made Home Christmas class launches and you need to secure your spot today! I would be so honored to have you join us!! I’m teaming up with 8 other women to bring you lots of  fall and holiday inspiration.  Sign up now for $58 and be inspired by some of the most creative women in the blogosphere!

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The course will include recipes, handmade decor, handmade gifts, and stories of our favorite holiday memories, from all nine of us, with at least 30 videos for various fall and holiday projects.  The course  is $58 and will run for four weeks but you have access to the videos for one full year.  Some of the most creative bloggers I know are participating and you have access to ALL their videos and projects plus those I will be teaching.  The course will start October 15, in plenty of time for you to use many of the ideas in your holiday decorating and cooking this year.

 

 WHAT IS INCLUDED

* Each week you will have amazing truthful videos from the nine teachers.

* There will be 30+ project videos.

These will be incredible videos that include everything from cooking, gift giving and decorating.

                                *Tons of beautiful house photos from each of the nine women

 

*Supply lists and PDFs for each project

 

Sign up today and give yourself and your family the gift of a beautiful, cozy, and inspiring place to live and work and rest!

This course is about loving your home, loving your family and blessing those around you….and having fun doing it.

 




To register, click the paypal button above and then you will ALSO need to register at jeanneoliver.ning.com after you pay for the course.  This will give you access to Jeanne’s teaching classrooms.   You will create your own login and password and will have instant access on the day the course begins, which is October 15.

I can’t wait to share some holiday inspiration with you!

p.s. (If you shared about the course on your blog for a free spot in the course, please comment on this post and we will get you added to the course!)

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The first ten people to sign up for the course today will receive my hospitality ebook free!  Just register and then come leave a comment or an email telling me you did so!

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Creatively Made Christmas {Preppy Texas Style}

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You can now begin early registration for the Creative Christmas class!!  It begins October 1, but once you purchase the course, you have access to the teaching videos for one year.

I’ve been working fast and furious to get all my projects done and I can’t wait to share them with you.  Ruth and I recently taught a Hospitality workshop at Becoming and one of the points we made was that choosing a theme for a party/holiday helps so much to help you focus your creative power.  So, even though it’s Christmas, which could be it’s own broad theme, I’ve chosen to do a Preppy Texas Christmas {with a hint of gold}, to help guide my projects.  I have to say that it’s been SO fun.  I can’t wait to share it all with you, so head on over and register today!

I would be so honored to have you join me!!  Sign up now for $48!




 

With the purchase of this class (which is $48 for early registration), you get the creative ideas and inspiration of 9 wonderful women.  It includes:

* There will be 30+ project videos.

These will be incredible videos that include everything from cooking, gift giving and decorating.

                                *Tons of beautiful house photos from each of the nine women

 

*Supply lists and PDFs for each project

 

*A digital recipe book of the recipes shared in this course

This course is about loving your home, loving your family and blessing those around you….and having fun doing it.

To register, click the paypal button below and then you will ALSO need to register at jeanneoliver.ning.com after you pay for the course.  This will give you access to Jeanne’s teaching classrooms.   You will create your own login and password and will have instant access on the day the course begins, which is October 1st.

I can’t wait to share some holiday inspiration with you!

 

FAQ about the course:

 * When will we receive the login and password information to access the course?

Once you have paid on jeanneoliver.ning.com you will have instant access when the course begins.  When you register at jeanneoliver.ning.com you create your own password and login information.  If you paid through another site or our main website then we will send you login information.  Please make sure you have set up an account (this is free) on jeanneoliver.ning.com.  This step will get you into the course faster.
* Am I allowed to share my login and password with friends?
No. We have priced this course very reasonably and we have all worked very hard to give you a beautiful and inspiring course full of content. We would love to have your friends join us the proper way by registering. Thank you for honoring this request. We also promise to respect you by honoring the time and money you have spent for the course by giving you a beautiful finished product.
* What if I miss a week?  Will I be able to catch up?
Yes!  All videos are pre-recorded and available to watch at your convenience.  The course is three weeks long but the videos will remain up for viewing for one full year from the date of your purchase.  That gives you time to watch everything again and again if you wish.
*Do I need to be at the computer at a certain time to see a lesson?
No.  None of our videos are live.
*What kind of internet and computer do I need to have to have the most success with the course?
To get the most out of the class you need to have a high-speed Internet connection and newer computer or mobile device that is equipped to stream video off of the Internet.
*Am I able to watch the videos from my ipad?
Yes, our videos are ipad compatible.
*I live outside the United States.  Am I able to sign up?
YES!  We would love to have you.  We have people signed up from all over the world. 
If you have questions that are not answered here please email us at Jeanneoliverdesigns@gmail.com and we would love to answer them for you.