Pumpkin Pretties and Goodies at Williams-Sonoma

It is that time of year when I become obsessed with everything pumpkin....the décor, the scents, and the tastes of pumpkin.  Williams-Sonoma never disappoints with their seasonal merchandise.  These are just a few of the autumn/pumpkin items on my wish list:

These pumpkin crackers will add a fun, festive look to any autumn tablescape.  They are stuffed with a party crown, jokes, riddles, and party games.





I love the colors and print of this tablecloth.  It is machine washable and available in several sizes.



The 20" square matching napkins...also machine washable.



The pumpkin-motif porcelain dinnerware is gorgeous!



The mugs would be perfect for sipping apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.


I already have these adorable pumpkin napkin rings...they can be used now through Thanksgiving and year after year.  They never go out of style.




Speaking of the scents of autumn...this candle has pumpkin, with scents of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves!  LOVE this candle.  Pumpkin scent...all through the house!


Pumpkin Spice hot chocolate?  Lord have mercy, this sounds good!  Just combine it with heated milk and voila!  This makes staying home on a Saturday night fun!





Since I fail at making my own pumpkin bisque, I must try this.  All I have to do is heat this soup starter with vegetable or chicken broth.  I think I could do this.



I need this because I LOVE pumpkin bread and the pecan pumpkin butter sounds delicious!  The bread mix makes 12 muffins or one 4" x 8" loaf.  The butter size is 13.5 oz.  I'm sure that pecan pumpkin butter would also be wonderful on scones or crumpets!



Yes, I think a shot of this pumpkin spice coffee syrup would go well with my coffee!  It will also be delish drizzled over ice cream and pancakes.

Pumpkin Treat Pour Deux

Yes, my pumpkin obsession continues!  Tonight I made pumpkin milkshakes.  Goodness gracious these were so good!

My assistant in the kitchen, Jean Paul, is such a good sport and he's in full "Trick or Treat" mode!  Today I started putting together my treats and I hope to finish up tomorrow night.

Are y'all ready for Halloween night?  We'll be distributing the treats to the youngins from the front porch.  Of course, I always have "adult treats" as well...Merlot and Chardonnay.

This is truly my favorite time of the year.  In addition to the delicious flavors of the season, we are now enjoying a cold front for a few days so tonight was the first night I was able to wear a turtleneck.  I'm also wearing one of my favorite Halloween aprons from my "Prissy Apron Collection."

Recipe for Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes:

1 cup canned pumpkin pie mix
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 cups vanilla ice cream
Sprinkles
Karo Syrup

Combine pumpkin pie mix, milk, and vanilla in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add ice cream; blend until smooth.  Dip the rim of glass into a bowl of Karo syrup.  Then dip the rim of glass into a bowl of sprinkles.

Dessert and Coffee ~ Pumpkin Style!

After visiting The Fresh Market grocers several times, my pumpkin obsession is in full force.  Last night it was a pumpkin fest for dessert.  The Fresh Market pumpkin nut bread is fabulous and freezes well.  I got several at the Buy One - Get One sale and put them in the freezer!

The best pumpkin nut bread...so moist and full of pumpkin flavor!

This loaf won't last long!

Now my husband said "absolutely NOT" to this pumpkin flavored ice cream.  He said the picture on the front looks gross.  Well then, there's more for moi, right?  I loved it!

To round out dessert time, I served The Fresh Market's Pumpkin Spice coffee.  This stuff is fabulous and sometimes I just open the bag and sniff the grounds!!!

I added whipped cream {non fat, of course} and a bit of pumpkin spice sprinkles and it was wonderful!

Oh my...good thing I lost 10 pounds over the summer!

What is the proper way to eat pumpkin nut bread and ice cream???
If you were just served the pumpkin nut bread, you would use a fork.  Of course, if you were served only the ice cream, you would use a spoon.  When there is a dessert fork and spoon placed on the table, you know you are in for a real treat!!  So the pumpkin nut bread and ice cream would be eaten with a fork and a spoon.  The fork is held in the left hand {prongs down} and the spoon in the right.  The fork only serves as a pusher.  Then you eat with the spoon.  When using a dessert spoon, remember to take small portions and only eat from the front of the spoon.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope y'all have a fabulous fall weekend.  The clock is ticking for Miss Lori...the winner of a sterling silver monogrammed ring from Carolina Clover.  Lori has until Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. to contact me...tick, tick, tick!

The Weekend

It was a beautiful autumn weekend here in South Florida.  Bright and early {also known as 4:30 a.m.} on Saturday morning I was up and getting ready to jog in a 5k race...across this bridge and back.  Lord have mercy, even though I didn't beat my personal best, I had a great time and came in first in my age bracket.  No excuses...I will just try harder in the next race!

I wasn't very bright eyed at that crazy time of the morning, but sported some cute Ralph Lauren pink pony gear.

I came home exhausted as usual, but spent the day piddlin' around the house and napping!  I'm enjoying the autumn decor that I've added.  Are y'all like me?  Do you decorate for the seasons and then stand back and enjoy the festive look?  I actually hate putting away seasonal decor...

The breakfast room is set with my autumn theme.

A little touch of autumn on the sideboard...

And on the hutch.

On Friday, I told y'all about The Fall Festival at The Fresh Market Grocers.  Well, I'm now obsessed with their Pumpkin Risotto.  It's a very creamy risotto with a hint of pumpkin flavor--there are actually little bits of pumkin in the mix.  Y'all simply must try it.  For dinner I had my usual cajun-spiced tilapia, lima beans {obsessed with those as well}, and the risotto.  Lord have mercy, it was delish!

The Pumpkin Risotto is $9.99 for two 12-oz packages.  I can't wait to have more tonight.

If you are a risotto lover like myself, you will love this pumpkin-flavored carb treat!

Don't y'all just love the flavors of the autumn season?

FYI:  I'm still waiting on Katie Clooney of The Preppy Empty Nester to contact me to claim her prize from the apron giveaway by Scarlet Thread Aprons.  Katie you have until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning...If I don't hear from you, I will draw another name!

Also, y'all check back tomorrow...I have another Monday Morning Giveaway from Carolina Clover!!!

The Fresh Market Grocers--Pumpkin Obsessed!

I'm lucky that I live right smack in the middle of two Fresh Market Grocers!  This weekend I'll be hitting up the Pumpkin Festival Sampling Event.  The Fresh Market will be hosting this event at all their stores...special offers on pumpkin foods and samples!

I LOVE The Fresh Market for gourmet food products!

They get you in the pumpkin mood right at the front door!

It's a tradition for me to sip the "Coffee Samples" upon my arrival at the store.

Although I make my own Pumpkin Butter, I'm hoping to try The Fresh Market brand.  For those of you who don't make your own, this would make a great gift...placed on a plate together with some of The Fresh Market's Pumpkin Muffins or Pumpkin Nut Bread and wrapped with cello and an autumn-motif spreader.  Gift giving...Southern Style.

I think the Pumpkin Cider would make a nice hostess gift wrapped in a bottle bag and tied up with leaf garland.  Remember, presentation is everything!

I must buy this tea!  It sounds fabulous and I love that it's caffeine-free! Tea is healthy.  Pumpkin is healthy.  Win Win!

Of course, this Pumpkin Spice Coffee is my absolute fave!!!  I love this coffee and always get the caffeine-free.  Stock up now y'all...when it's gone, it's gone.

Pumpkin pie is a staple at my house during autumn.  Husband insist I keep one on hand at all times.

I'm so looking forward to getting more pumpkin goodies.  I was just there yesterday and bought the Pumpkin Ravioli and the Pumpkin Risotto.

Here's what I'm hoping to get tomorrow:

~Pumpkin scone mix...perfect for autumn tea time.
~Pumpkin salsa...must keep my entertaining pantry stocked with this.
~Pumpkin pretzels...A nice treat to serve in a silver dish.
~Pumpkin caramel sauce...How delish would this be over pancakes or cupcakes?!

I hope y'all have a fabulous, pumpkin obsessed weekend.