7 Tips to Follow This Thanksgiving

Being a gracious, well-mannered guest at Thanksgiving dinner is often overlooked, but it’s just as important (if not more) as being a great host. Wherever you’re headed for Thanksgiving, heed these seven tips for dinner etiquette to make sure you’ll be welcomed back next year.

Communication Is Everything

Clear communication is essential to help the host properly prepare for the big feast. Start by promptly replying to the invitation (send a formal RSVP if requested). Upon accepting an invitation, let the host know if you have any dietary restrictions so he or she can keep them in mind when planning the menu. While cooking for a gluten-free vegan with a nut allergy can certainly be a challenge, any host would rather plan the meal accordingly than realize there is a guest who can’t eat anything.

Unsure if your invitation includes a significant other? Be sure to ask before showing up with a plus one. While most hosts will likely have a “the more, the merrier” attitude, he or she will greatly appreciate a heads-up, especially when planning a formal dinner. Advance notice should also be provided if you have other plans and need to leave the festivities early or can’t make it on time.

Offer to Bring a Dish

Hosting Thanksgiving is a big undertaking, even for those overachieving Martha Stewart-types who make it look effortless. But the truth is it’s a lot of work and your offer to contribute a dish will likely be welcomed with open arms. Ask the host for suggestions so as not to show up with a duplicate side dish. If the host says she has it all covered, insist on at least bringing a bottle of wine or something like the Gourmet Wine and Cheese Board.

Bring a Host Gift

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, just a token of your gratitude for his or her hospitality. A fall-themed floral arrangement sent a day in advance is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Wine-loving hosts always appreciate a bottle of their favorite varietal, while the chocoholics will lose it over a Godiva Truffle Flight. Relaxation-oriented gifts like candles or spa baskets (I like the Sweet Pea Natural Serenity Spa basket) are also good for helping the host unwind after the dishes are done and the guests have left.

Arrive On Time

When it comes to hosting a big meal like Thanksgiving dinner, timing is crucial and your host likely has a detailed itinerary for the day. For this reason, you should do your best to arrive on time or no more than 30 minutes late. Whatever you do, don’t arrive early. Showing up 30 minutes early is just a rude as arriving an hour late, as it interferes with the host’s jam-packed to-do list.

Put Away That Phone

Sure, you may think it’s flattering to the host that you want to brag about her Thanksgiving spread by photographing your plate and Instagramming it, but in doing so, you’re being a less-than-great guest. Silence your phone and keep it in the other room or in your pocket, as phones have no place at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Help Clean Up

Instead of simply offering, jump right in and start helping the host clear the table, put away leftovers, do the dishes and prep for dessert. Follow the host’s lead and don’t begin cleaning up until he or she gets up from the table.

Send a Handwritten Thank You Note

Show your gratitude for a lovely celebration by sending a handwritten thank you note. Be prompt and send it within a week. A quick note goes a long way in letting the host know how much you appreciated their planning, generosity and hard work.

If You Didn’t Have Time to Get a Gift…

Whether it was a last minute invite or you simply forgot about the host gift, there’s nothing wrong with sending a token of appreciation after the fact. FTD has a wide variety of thoughtful thank-you gifts from flowers toStarbucks Coffee samplers to fresh fruit and cheese baskets; however, this doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook for everything else—a great guest would never forget to offer his or her help with preparing or cleaning up after the meal.

Perfect Pie Crust – In 10 Easy Steps

Apple, pumpkin, pecan, chocolate cream, lemon meringue…so many flavors of pie!  But no pie is delicious without the perfect crust.  Just a few simple ingredients but the technique is key to make that pie crust flaky and delicious. 

Ingredients for the Perfect Pie Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 ¼ Cup butter or shortening (the key to this one is half and half)

1 Tablespoon Vinegar

5 Tablespoon Water (Ice cold)

1 egg

Recipe for Perfect Pie Crust

I know I know…shortening you say instead of all butter.  As much as I hate to admit it as I am a baker that loves my butter, a pie crust needs the balance of both.  Butter and shortening have different melting temperatures which allows for a better flakier crust that also keeps it shape (especially if you want to make all those cute piece crust designs with leaf cut outs and such)

1. In separate bowl beat egg and add vinegar and ice cold water (cold is very important here so you don’t melt the butter!) Keep in fridge to keep cold
2. Sift your flour and salt
3. Add your shortening and cold butter cut into pieces
4. Next you have a couple options
   • Old Fashioned pastry blender OR
   • Food Processor

5. I went with the old fashioned pastry blender simply because I didn’t want to clean all of the parts of the food processor when I was done. And I got my arm exercise since I didn’t have time for the gym.
6. Cut the butter and shortening into the flour with the pastry blender until you keep pea sized pieces – work fast so you don’t melt the butter!
7. Bring our your egg, vinegar, water mix and add to the flour/butter mix and loosely stir
8. Flip out onto clean counter and form ball – do not knead or overmix!
9. Flatten between two pieces of plastic wrap and chill (much easier to roll if you flatten somewhat now instead of leaving in a bowl – this also allows you to stack multiple crusts)
10. Chill overnight before using for your favorite pie!

Vera Wang Wedding Flowers: The Traditionalist

I have been to my fair share of weddings through the years. As, no doubt, have you. Family, friends, co-workers, and of course my husband’s students all grown up and making me feel older than I should. But the weddings that always make a lasting memory for me are ones in which the bride has truly embraced her aesthetic style and uses the day to express it in every way.

Synonymous with wedding style in this day and age, is the name Vera Wang. Every woman wants to have a piece of a fashion designer and icon like Vera Wang added to their wedding day. Access to the Vera Wang Wedding Flower Collection on FTD.com makes expressing your bridal style beautifully easy and available to brides throughout the country.

When you check out the Vera Wang Wedding Flowers, you’ll notice that Vera Wang has categorized bridal style into three separate categories: Traditionalist, Romanticist, and Modernist. This helps guide you in the direction of which flowers will best fit your wedding when planning that all too perfect wedding celebration.

Which bridal style are you? Every woman has a signature style that helps to express who they are. When planning a wedding, the bride’s style becomes more and more obvious with each choice she makes.

For this week’s focus, let’s take a look at the Traditionalist bride. This bride looks beyond what is currently on trend in the fashion world, and looks for a classic style that will be picture perfect even 50 years later.   She chooses to be married in a beautiful cathedral or church, and prefers a classic ball gown when choosing her wedding dress. The entire family is invited to celebrate and family traditions are paid respect throughout the day.

The colors of the wedding are soft in nature. The flowers reflect this with a color palette of pure whites, pale pinks, and silvers. When browsing the Traditionalist selections by Vera Wang, you’ll notice that attention to every detail has been paid to create these handcrafted, artisan designed bouquets only available at select FTD Florists. These florists have proven their skill at creating only the best for their clientele for years. The Traditionalist leans toward bridal white blooms and clean lines. The Vera Wang Collection includes stunning white open-cut calla lilies, hand-tied rose bouquets, and sophisticated orchid centerpieces to give your bridal style that perfect flowering beauty.

If you are a Traditionalist bride, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to have Vera Wang wedding flowers as part of your overall look. Find out if there is an authorized Vera Wang florist in your area here. The Vera Wang bouquet featured in this article was handcrafted by Philip’s Flowers in La Grange, Illinois.

Does this sound like you? Share this article! And come back to the blog later this month as we explore the style traits of the Romanticist bride and explore more gorgeous bouquets from the Vera Wang Wedding Collection.

Celebrating NYE with FTD at the Rose Bowl – Corals + Cognacs

Admittedly, I never was the biggest fan of New Year’s Eve.

Despite the hype, it tends to be one of those over-hyped weekends in which most of your time is spent waiting in line — be it for the bar, bathroom or coat check. (And in reality, New Year’s Eve is pretty much like every experience I’ve ever had at a nail salon, which you can read about here.)

This year, however, is different – and a major departure from my tired New Year’s traditions.

I should start from the beginning, though.

Hello! I’m Hallie, a Midwest native, New York City transplant and the creator of corals + cognacs. My blog is an online destination for stylish inspiration, lifestyle musings and so much more.

Today, I’m bound for the Golden State with my best friend (and fellow blogger) Jessica – where we’re spending a celebratory weekend at the Rose Bowl with FTD, the official floral sponsor and an affiliate of the Tournament of Roses for more than 60 years.

In my suitcase is an array of chambray shirts, comfortable denim, lots of layers and my favorite pair of white Nike’s. Think cute game-day gear that says “I’m a fashion-conscious fan.”

My style is attainable, trendy and fun – and game-day or not, it’s usually infused with a healthy dose of athletic aesthetic.

Growing up as an athlete (and in Cleveland, Ohio), I’m a football fan by default. In addition to that, I should also mention that I’m a near-professional tailgater. What’s not to love about daytime parking lot parties?

I’m very excited to spend the week in Pasadena – and I can’t think of a more festive way to ring in the New Year amid a sea of flower-covered floats, football, parades, tailgates — and most importantly, men in uniform(s).

I’ll be live blogging (here on the FTD blog as well as my own), as well as sharing updates and photos onTwitter and Instagram, so I hope you’ll follow along on our adventures!

This past year is proof that life moves quickly, and all-too-often our happiest occasions seem to get lost in the shuffle of stress and self-concern. I’m looking forward to reinstating New Year’s as a momentous annual milestone.

4 Ways to Ombre: Looking Back At The Defining Trend of 2016

The beauty of ombre is its use of color variety, rather than a single tone or pair of complementary hues. Varying colors can create eye-catching and moving effects for a wide range of styling purposes, from hair to home. The ombre style originated in the early 19th century as a fabric dyeing and printing technique for producing textiles graduating in color. This design process of gently progressing color from light to dark hit the fashion industry around 1840 and continues to expand and inspire hair styles, baking, interior design and wedding themes today.

Two-Toned Tresses

A gal’s hair is just as much of an accessory as pendant necklaces, bangles and handbags. Tresses as a versatile accessory can revitalize a look and rejuvenate your inner fashionista, whether you chop your locks or add a new hue. Ombre coloring continues to be a hot hairstyle ever since celebs like Gisele Bündchen, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel and Rachel Bilson rocked the trend with their dark oak-colored layers flowing into a lightened, soft honey shade.

Lately, Hollywood stars are chopping their beachy long layers into bobs, yet the two-toned look still looks stunning on short hair. Make a statement with striking colors like chestnut and auburn, golden blonde and platinum, and brunette and bronze. Show off you ombre style with straight angles for edginess or free-flowing curls for whimsy.

Colorful Confections

Yes, desserts taste delicious and satisfy that sweet tooth — but sweet treats can also be a work of art that amazes the eye just as much as the taste buds. For the true baking connoisseur who’s celebrating a special occasion, an ombre cake will impress your guests of friends and family (and Instagram followers). Imagine a rosette cake with four mouthwatering layers of fuchsia, rose, soft blush and pearl-colored vanilla cake. Smear each layer with buttercream frosting for decadence in every single bite.

You can also add ombre flair to sweet treats like:

• Stacked pancakes in varied shades of violet topped with marshmallow fluff frosting
• Homemade popsicles flavored with layers of pineapple, tangerine and tropical punch
• Mixed berry parfaits layered with whipped coconut cream blackberries and blueberries topped with plain coconut cream

Charming Home Decor

Ombre also transforms a home plagued by beige and boring. Use ombre interior-design accents to bring pops of color and brighten up a dull space in the following ways, whether you’re striving for daring and dramatic or light and airy:

• Make a statement in your kitchen with pendant lighting in ocean blues, corals or peachy hues
• Accent your bathroom with a ruffled white, gray, smoky and black shower curtain or a mint green to teal blue shower curtain
• Get into the DIY spirit and paint each drawer of a dresser to create an ombre style piece of furniture, making a bold bedroom focal point
• Add bright hues to a neutral-colored couch with ombre throw pillows in shades of robin’s egg blue or golden yellows
• Paint a white vase with varying shades of seafoam greens, sunrise orange or magenta to use as a colorful decorative pieces

Wedding Embellishments

Gradual tones create mesmerizing and romantic aesthetics for weddings, from the bridesmaids dresses and tablecloths to the floral arrangements and wedding cake. Rather than different styles of bridesmaids dresses in the same color, go for the same style of bridesmaids dresses in an ombre of colors. For a soft color scheme, dress your bridesmaids in light purples and darker violets. For a bright and bold look, choose fuchsias and champagne pinks.

Ombre-inspired colorful floral arrangements also embellish wedding designs. These are from FTD’s Runway Ready collection. The gradual progression of colors creates a happy, celebratory mood and vibrant energy. A bouquet in a crescendo of cotton candy pink and scarlet florals will pop against a white wedding gown as the bride walks down the aisle. Bloom arrangements in the colors of sunshine or rustic orange can adorn each table.

With an ombre theme, you don’t have to commit to a single shade or pair of hues; rather, a wide range of tones will beautifully color your entire wedding.

7 Holiday Hosting Hacks & Last Minute Tips & Tricks

This year the holiday season has surely been memorable—memorably hectic and stressful with hardly any time to prepare for Christmas Day. If you’re on the verge of crisis mode, it’s not a red alert just yet. Take a deep breath. Fortunately, there’s still time before emergency protocols kick in and you have to cancel Christmas like a Grinch. Don’t give up on Christmas Day just yet with these holiday hosting hacks to help with last-minute preparation.

Lower Expectations

First and foremost, drop your high expectations. You’re not Martha Stewart and your guests don’t expect you to be. Like Jordan Reid, author of Ramshackle Glam and mom to two little ones, says, “Take it down a notch or 20. Maintain those traditions that really matter, and then let the rest of it go.” If you didn’t bake the pomegranate mousse cake or red velvet cake with peppermint whipped cream posted on your Pinterest Christmas dessert board, it’s OK. Christmas Day can still be happy and magical, even with hosting shortcuts.

Serve Appetite Buffers

If you predict a delayed Christmas dinner, make sure to provide appetizers that ravenous guests can nibble on. Disguise frozen bites as homemade hors d’oeuvres by dressing up the food on decorative plates. Boneless buffalo wings and pizza rolls can seem like tacky edibles for Christmas, which is why FTD offers a deliciousHickory Farms Here’s to the Holidays sausage and cheese platter or Gourmet Fruit & Cheese Gift Box to curb that holiday hunger.

Create a Crafting Corner

Describing the kids as energetic and excited on Christmas Day is an understatement. And, any parent knows that excitement can quickly turn into a meltdown of crankiness and tears. Help settle kids with a crafting corner where they can create decorative name cards for the table setting. Provide materials including old Christmas cards, markers, glue and scissors. As the kids craft Christmas Day decor, you can focus on cooking and entertaining without extra hassles.

Serve a Non-Fancy Menu

Prevent kitchen disasters by simplifying your holiday cooking with tried-and-true dishes. You’ll appear confident in your own kitchen and minimize unwelcome surprises. Michael Symon, the world-class chef at Lola Bistro, recommends roasting an entire prime rib or braising a veal shank. Slow-cooking meat enables you to work on the side dishes and tend to guests as the kitchen fills with rich and comforting aromas.

Designate a Socializer

As you get wrapped up with cooking the green bean casserole or washing pans, you could commit the ultimate party hosting crime—neglecting your guests. If multitasking isn’t your specialty, volunteer your husband or a family member to be the social butterfly. The greeter plays an important role in keeping the room alive. Give the socializer the task of serving specialty holiday cocktails or signature red wine, entertaining guests and working the room.

Keep Emergency Backup Gifts

Include small backup gifts as part of your holiday hosting survival kit in case unexpected guests arrive or you’re invited to a party last minute. Shop FTD.com for a collection of holiday gifts that you can keep on hand for when family wants to stop by on Christmas evening or if a co-worker invites you to a post-holiday get-together.Chocolate Dip Delights Christmas Cake Pops, Festively Frosted Snowman Chocolate Dipped Double Stuff Oreo Pops and Holiday Parade Hand-Dipped Pretzels make sweet holiday hostess gifts.

Simplify Your Wrapping

The theme of this year’s Christmas seems to be “last minute.” And unwrapped Christmas presents just means that you’re truly in the spirit of the season. Follow Reid’s advice and forgo elaborate gift-wrapping. Go for “minimalist chic,” and wrap gifts with brown paper and twine. Use a black sharpie marker to write the recipient’s name and a holiday love note. Not only is this a time-saver, but you’ll save money too.

Ten Unique Ways to Incorporate Floral Into Your Holiday Décor

By Max Wilker, Better Homes and Gardens®

At Better Homes and Gardens, we love decorating for the holidays and there’s nothing better than adding fresh flowers to the mix. Here are 10 creative floral projects to dress up your home this holiday season. From trendy and bold to traditional and sweet, we’ve got ideas for you!

Window Wreath

Fresh holiday wreaths can be creatively used in many spaces around the house from the front door to greet guests to being the focal point above your fireplace. Check out our festive idea to hang a wreath in a window! Also looks great in the guest bedroom.

Mini Woodland Setting with Roses and Hydrangea

Take cues from nature for a one-of-a-kind arrangement featuring red roses, white hydrangea, hypericum berries and pine branches. Be creative with your container by wrapping it with textured bark from fallen trees and accenting the base with various colors of moss.

Simple and Sweet Bouquets

This Christmas flower arrangement is simple and sweet. Fill your favorite large glass with cut roses and pieces of pine. For an extra merry touch, include cranberries in the bottom of the glass. This is perfect for your guest bathroom sink or line 5 of them down your dining table as a centerpiece.

Mantel Multiples

Don’t just put one pretty Christmas floral arrangement on your mantel, use multiples on the mantel for floral abundance! Combine greenery with a bold bouquet and ornaments for a creative display.

Orchids for Upscale Holiday

Who doesn’t love orchids? There are over 20,000 types of orchids, and the wide range of colors and varieties makes them perfect for any holiday flower arrangement. Orchids are easy to care for and can bloom for as long as four months. Fill an oversized container or vase with your favorite color of orchid and a variety of small, shimmery ornaments to create a Christmas floral décor project. Watering once a week will keep your festive orchid fresh for the whole holiday season

Mix it Up

Nothing beats the fragrance of fresh roses. For the holidays, start by placing your favorite variety in a pretty, festive container or urn. Fill in with bits of boxwood and evergreen. Now for a creative Christmas flower arrangement idea, add crisp fruit, such as small pears or apples.

Poinsettia Tower

A holiday favorite, a poinsettia is a great addition to Christmas decor. Step away from the traditional potted poinsettia and create an arrangement with tiny vases. Mix and match varieties and create a centerpiece using cake stands. Cut poinsettias can last in fresh water for up to two weeks so a poinsettia tower can easily last from the family Christmas Eve gathering to your New Year’s Eve party.

Serve Up Some Roses

For a coffee table arrangement, cut short stems of roses, herbs, and greens. Place single stems in mini vases and arrange around a large pillar candle. Surround with ornaments and other greenery to bring in the traditional colors of Christmas. Corral it all on your favorite serving tray. Use an unscented candle so the fragrance of the roses is the star.

Mini Tree Time

To get the most use from your indoor holiday decorating accents, choose materials and ideas that can transition from day to night or from quiet family evenings to larger festive gatherings. These mini trees, wrapped in plain craft paper adorned with a single felt star, work just as well on their own as they do when adding holiday cheer to a nighttime dessert party. Footed ceramic platters hold bite-size appetizers and sweets that can change with the occasion.

Color Change Up

Look beyond the usual colors of Christmas and flaunt the frilly, two-toned petals of the parrot tulips. Play off their chartreuse stripes by adding ferns to the bouquet and snippets of spruce at the base in a metallic serving tray. Carry-on the color theme by filling clear containers with blue, green, and metallic––new and old––ornaments.