Wednesday, October 7, 2009

AUTUMN RECEPTION


It's been a few weeks since I've participated in Tablescape Thursday. Susan, at BetweenNapsOnThePorch, is the hostess and she has THE most awesome blog. Y'all simply must go over to visit with her. Today, I'm featuring an Autumn Reception I hosted in my Mississippi home last year...take a peek.

To kick off the entertaining season, have a few friends over and serve a signature beverage and some tidbits.

Autumn Reception, very simple...served from the sideboard...
Signature beverage, Apple Punch*... Butternut squash salsa, served with whole grain chips...

Pumpkin dip, served with graham sticks...
Majolica appetizer plates and stemware from Stein Mart...
*Y'all know I always like to serve a signature beverage at my parties. A signature beverage should complement the menu, theme, and season. Here's the recipe for my signature beverage:

Recipe for my signature drink, Apple Punch

1 - 1/2 quart of apple juice
2 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
1 - 1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 pints orange juice
28 oz. ginger ale

Simmer the apple juice in a kettle with all the spices. Strain the spiced apple juice and mix with the remaining fruit juices. Add the ginger ale and ice. Served chilled and enjoy the taste of the season!

Hope you are getting your holiday started with a little entertaining...Southern style! Thanks again to Miss Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday...y'all stop in for a visit with her.



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38 comments:

  1. PATOctober 7, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Absolutely beautiful, Miss Janice!

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  2. Allison ShopsOctober 7, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    What a great idea. Everything is lovely.

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  3. Precious and PinkOctober 7, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    What a lovely party & the recipe looks delicious! Thank you for posting this, your pictures are always so inspiring to me! Happy Autumn!

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  4. Mid-Atlantic MarthaOctober 7, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    This is delightful! -- I'm having a gathering next Friday night and I was looking for something new to serve to drink -- You've given me the perfect recipe! Right on time. This looks like a wonderful reception and welcoming in of the fall season.

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  5. SharlotteOctober 7, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    This is so pretty! I love the sign you have posted, it's so ornate and impressive. The glass container you used (I'm sure it has a name) is so pretty. Looks like you had a fabulous time! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. KathleenOctober 7, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    Love your new header..and the party looks fabulous! Who wouldn't want to be invited!

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  7. AnonymousOctober 7, 2009 at 10:24 PM

    Well, good evening, Ms Priss! I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself! :)
    This looks so wonderful - the set up and the food. I would love to be a guest at your lovely home.
    Have a great evening, you prissy little thing you! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  8. nannykimOctober 7, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    VEry interesting --and quite a fall menu!! The pumpkin dip with grahams reminds me of a quick dish my son loves. It is graham crackers layered alternately with pumpkin pie filling (the one that has the sugar and spices already in it)--he really loves this especially after it has sat for quite a while in the frig. I can't have the gluten!

    Enjoyed seeing your ideas.

    nannykim at spindle cottage blog

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  9. Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy CottageOctober 7, 2009 at 10:50 PM

    What a lovely buffet and thank you for the punch recipe. I'm sure to try that soon!

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  10. Dining DelightOctober 7, 2009 at 11:27 PM

    Would have loved to been invited to partake of your buffet goodies! Everything looks delicious and is presented in such a beautiful manner!

    DD

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  11. SarahOctober 7, 2009 at 11:29 PM

    Beautiful buffet! Everything looks delicious.

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  12. Kathryn @ Bonafide SouthernOctober 8, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    Very pretty Miss Janice! Your recipe sounds just delicious. I'm going to try it. Thanks for sharing and happy TT to you!

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  13. Domestic DesignerOctober 8, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Just Beautiful! I am definitely going to make the apple punch. Thanks!

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  14. Krystal KatsOctober 8, 2009 at 1:01 AM

    Wow food and drinks, fantastic I'll be right over. Everything looks lovely. Have a great evening. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  15. niartistOctober 8, 2009 at 1:02 AM

    Mmmm, that pumpkin dip sounds FANTASTIC! Beautiful set up Miss Janice! I'm having a giveaway worth $175 you're GOING TO LOVE LOVE LOVE! Please stop by soon - it ends quick! Thanks for sharing, and inspiring! :)

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  16. RettabugOctober 8, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    Very pretty sideboard setting, Miss Janice! All your nibbles sound delicious but I've fallen in love with your pumpkin platter that has the sunflower holding the dip. That is really cute.

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  17. SueOctober 8, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    Very welcoming Miss Janice. I am sure that anyone that walks through your door feels your love and appreciation of their friendship.

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  18. Black Labs and LillyOctober 8, 2009 at 10:54 AM

    The punch sounds delish!! I'm sure it gives the house a wonderful autumn smell with all of those fall flavors!

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  19. KaraOctober 8, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    It was lovely the first time and even better this time of year...love the dip.....and the drink, you are the hostess with the mostess.....

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  20. LillyBOctober 8, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    Just beautiful!! Thank you for the recipe too!!

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  21. ChandyOctober 8, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    Oh, that is beautiful, Miss Janice! Just perfect!

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  22. SherriOctober 8, 2009 at 1:42 PM

    Oh what a neat reception. Love everything from the plates to the snacks!

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  23. Mallory AnnOctober 8, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Love the pumpkin dip!!

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  24. LeanneOctober 8, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    LOVE it! I am going to try the punch as we start opening our home for the season. Sometimes here in the south, it is a little warm still to have hot cider!
    Happy fall!!

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  25. What Kate WoreOctober 8, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    This one is lovely Miss Janice, very "Fall" and also very elegant! The dip with graham sticks sounds fabulous and the punch recipe is going into the file!

    Sending you a big smile and happy weekend hug!
    tp

    PS: Prissy can be a very good thing IMHO, that is a great post.

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  26. SueOctober 8, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    What a beautiful presentation. I would love to be on your guest list.

    Sue

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  27. Michelle @ Sweet Something DesignOctober 8, 2009 at 11:36 PM

    Look like fun! Love your Stein Mart plates!

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  28. The Tuscan HomeOctober 9, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    Exquisite! I am so happy I found your site...what a joy it's been to read! I love your humor and personality through your writing. Everything you do is absolutely stunning.

    Your signature drink idea is really cute and I love all the fall touches. My kind of gathering---well done!

    Thank you for the nice comment on my blog---smile! =)

    Have a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to visit again! ~Liz~

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  29. AnonymousOctober 9, 2009 at 6:40 AM

    Hi again Miss Janice! Beautiful as always! I love how the food served says as much about the season as the decor! (Your intention I know!) Now what might you be wearing at this gathering??? (Hope that doesn't sound wierd!) I just enjoy your fashion!!!lol Have fun, Jeannette

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  30. Beeutiful by DesignOctober 9, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    Love the idea of serving a special drink! Everything looks beeutiful!

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  31. The Quintessential MagpieOctober 9, 2009 at 7:52 PM

    Miss Janice, I love the fact that you serve a signature beverage with each meal. Thank you for your recipe for this punch. It sounds wonderful. And I love your fall tablescape!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  32. Mid-Atlantic MarthaOctober 9, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    Miss Janice --

    I have a wine bottle light from one of my previous posts as a give-a-way on my 100th post. Thought you might be interested.

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  33. ElizabethOctober 10, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    Hi Miss Janice! Thank you for not giving up on me. I have a little break from actual events for a few months and hope to start blogging again in a somewhat regular fashion. Bear with me because I do have 16 weddings booked for next year so far so although I don't have an actual event happening for awhile I do have a lot of planning to do in addition to the planning I want to do for myself. I'm looking forward to visiting more soon. Thanks for visiting!

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  34. the voice of melodyOctober 10, 2009 at 10:23 AM

    It looks wonderful and I'm sure everything was delicious. What a wonderful way to welcome autumn and celebrate the season with a few friends!

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  35. DeannaOctober 10, 2009 at 8:41 PM

    Wonderful set up for an Autumn Reception!

    Blessings,
    d from homehaven

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  36. MelissaOctober 10, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    Hello Miss Janice~what a lovely reception! Your apple punch sounds divine...I'm copying it down.

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  37. TardevilOctober 11, 2009 at 12:12 AM

    That looks delicious! Can you please share the squash salsa and pumpkin dip recipes too? I think I have a pumpkin dip recipe somewhere, but I've never heard of a squash salsa, and it looks good. Sounds yummy! Love that beverage server too!

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  38. SuzanneOctober 12, 2009 at 7:56 AM

    Oh, it all looks lovely. I love your beverage dispensers, they are so elegant and the butternut squash salsa sounds delicious!

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