Holiday Entertaining

How to Build a Seasonal Cheese Board

A holiday-worthy cheese & charcuterie platter
Filed Under > Appetizers & Sides

Building a seasonal cheese board, @waitingonmartha

I don’t know about you, but the holiday season find us doing a whole lot of sitting, a whole lot of visiting, and a whole lot of noshing.  And what’s better, or easier to nosh on then a crowd pleasing, seasonal cheese and charcuterie board that will be quickly devoured even when a huge meal is next up on the menu.  I mean this is the season of over indulgence is it not? 

If you may remember, I shared this easy cheese and charcuterie board for New Years Eve last year, and shared my usual suspects on this ultimate cheese platter.  No matter what you have on your seasonal cheese board, it should be hard to stop at just one bite.  So with that in mind, I like to cater everyone with picks for the savory & sweet, the soft & hard, and the indulgent & health conscious alike. 

So let’s pick it apart this seasonal board, shall we?  On my seasonal cheese boards, you can usually always find the following: four to five mixed cheeses, think soft, hard, pungent and mild, (you can never go wrong with Cow Girl Creamery and Midnight Moon).  Two to three meats (think thinly shaved prosciutto and high quality salami).  A variety of local honey (I always include actual raw honeycomb because it’s so much prettier on the board), jam and chutney (fig is my favorite), spiced and salted nuts, and for this time of year roasted root vegetables. Root vegetables are especially an unexpected treat on the board, yet they’re such a simple way to incorporate warm, rustic flavors that pair so perfectly with the season.  And last but not least, I like to toss candied ginger on the spread for a little aid in clearing the palette between bites.  Tell me friends, what’s a must-have on your seasonal cheese board?!  Truly, MKR

P.S. If you’re at a loss for which cheeses and meats to include, don’t be afraid to ask someone at the deli counter in Whole Foods or your local grocery store.  They’ll be able to point you in the right direction for a nice variety of flavors that no one can resist. xo

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

Setting the Holiday Table: 13 Essentials For Thanksgiving Dinner

Our go-to Thanksgiving essentials
Filed Under > Entertaining

Thanksgiving Table Essentials

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re busy preparing to set the perfect holiday spread.  That of course includes pulling out our favorite Thanksgiving table essentials like these figural pumpkin serving dishes and the pretty gold flatware!  

If you haven’t started scheming your holiday spread, don’t fret.  There’s still time to pick up heirloom-worthy dinnerware (this collection is quintessential Turkey Day!) and festive touches (LOVE these turkey place cards).   And it’s the perfect time to score some deals with Williams-Sonoma’s fall tabletop event (everything’s 30% off).  Along with these gems, we’ve included 13 Thanksgiving table essentials below to get you Turkey Day ready.  Tell me, what’s on the top of your list for Thanksgiving table essentials?  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Looking for the turkey recipe to end all turkey recipes?  Here you go.  xo

Plymouth Turkey Dinner Plates, Set of 4

Williams-Sonoma, $41.97

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Make a statement with quintessential Thanksgiving dinnerware.  The rich, timeless design dresses up any table and will give your guests all the feels, long after their plates are clean and their bellies are full. Added bonus?  They’re on sale! 

Beaded 13" Gold Chargers, Set of 12

One Kings Lane, $28

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One secret to a beautiful tablescape is all in the art of layering; add chargers to your place settings for a little depth. These gorgeous gold chargers are on the top of our list. 

Set of 6 Square Natural Straw Place Mats, 15"

One Kings Lane, $48

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Speaking of depth, place mats are a must! Not only are we always a fan of rattan and jute everything, but we especially love it on the table. These beautiful straw place mats will be used long after the holidays are done, too. 

Figural Pumpkins

Williams-Sonoma, $27.96+

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These white pumpkin serving dishes and vessels are the perfect marriage of festive and functional.  You’ll love bringing these out every year with tradition, and you’ll relish the chance to pass them down for generations to come. 

Soiree Flatware Placesetting

Williams-Sonoma, $71.96

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Gold flatware…enough said, right?!  This flatware placesetting has always made its way onto our tabletop (all year ’round!), and will definitely be spotted on this year’s Thanksgiving table. 

Soiree 2-Piece Serving Set

Williams-Sonoma, $55.96

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Can’t forget about the serving set!  This matching gold serving set is an essential for serving up a drool-worthy spread.  And like the flatware, this set will quickly become an entertaining staple on all of your tabletops. 

Letterpressed Thankful Coasters

Waiting on Martha Home, $32

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These festive letterpressed coasters are the perfect addition to the table; each of the four designs let guests fill in what they’re thankful for.

The box contains 100 total (25 of each design), and comes packaged with a beautiful bow, making it the perfect, ready-to-go hostess gift!

Set of 4 Daphne Gold Red-Wine Glasses

One Kings Lane, $38

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It’s time to bring out the fancy wine glasses!  These gold red-wine glasses dress up the holiday table, and should never, ever run dry!  Remember the importance of the day and toast your glasses to what you’re thankful for. 

Hand Lettered Watercolor Brush Menu

A Fabulous Fete, $100

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If you were on your A-game, you ordered a custom hand lettered menu weeks ago (I mean, how GORGEOUS?!).  Crunched for time this year (it’s okay, it’s next week, after all)?  Order this hand lettered “menu” stamp and print out the meal’s courses!  

Thanksgiving / Fall Napkin Ties

Waiting on Martha, $16.50

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How cute are these napkin ties?!  It’s an incredibly easy way to include a little festive flair to the table, and very kid-friendly for little fingers!  And under $20, it’s the perfect addition to even the simplest spreads. 

Set of 2 Tree-Branch Candlesticks

One Kings Lane, $59

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Don’t overlook the candles and candlesticks, since it’s a holiday after all.  We’re eyeing these tree-branch candlesticks for a rustic, cozy feel. 

Set of 4 Tapered Candles, White

One Kings Lane, $19

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Set the scene with these white tapered candles. We especially love this set because they’re made in the USA, and are smokeless and dripless (!).  This way, you can rest easy that you won’t have a big old mess on your Thanksgiving table.  There are more important things to worry about and it starts with a “t” and ends with an “urkey.”

Turkey Place Cards

Waiting on Martha Home, $16

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A simple finishing touch?  These turkey place cards.  Place cards take the question out of where to sit, and encourage meaningful conversation around the table. Why not include cute turkey designs on them while you’re at it?  

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

End-of-Summer Block Party with Pottery Barn: Part 1

Inspiration to Celebrate with an Easy Evening Outdoors
Filed Under > Holiday Entertaining

End of summer block party ideas with Pottery Barn, @waitingonmartha End of summer block party ideas with Pottery Barn, @waitingonmarthaBlock party inspiration with Pottery Barn and Waiting on MarthaPottery Barn Teepee and bean bag chairs, @waitingonmarthaSummer block party inspiration via @waitingonmarthaBlock party ideas via @waitingonmarthaOutdoor patio dining set and umbrella at an end-of-summer block party with Pottery Barn, @waitingonmarthaPottery Barn essentials for a block party, waitingonmartha.comHow to set up for an end of summer block party, WaitingonMartha.com End of Summer Block Party with Pottery Barn, Waiting on Martha

Being an avid lover of twinkle lights and dining al fresco, I think there is no better way to celebrate the last stretch of these glorious, warm summer nights than an end-of-summer block party.  And when one of your favorite brands, Pottery Barn, invites you to celebrate with them, throw a block party bash, you do. 

As I share on the Pottery Barn blog, I say a block party is the perfect excuse to simply get everyone together outside…without all of the fuss.  With an emphasis on all things EASY, you want to keep things casual and laid-back throughout the evening.  I’ve always said that the best way to do this is by finding ways in which everyone can pitch in—whether that’s by preparing a dish or by bringing their favorite chairs to lounge in. (Speaking of chairs, how perfect are these mini gingham armchairs for the little ones?!) 

I tackled the layout by creating separate sitting, food and play areas for adults and kids of all ages.  Using a variety of chairs, pillows (this one is my fave) and throws with comfort in mind, I wanted to encourage lounging long into the night.  And remember, don’t be shy about asking guests to BYOS (bring your own seat) to ensure there’s enough for all.  With the layout—well, laid out—it was on to the details to tie everything together.  

Details like a teepee stuffed with pillows, beanbags & storage cubes complete with built in speakers for the teens to stream their summer playlists. A kids area flanked by comfy gingham armchairs, a paint-and-play crafts table, and a plenty of freeze pops to go around.  And lastly, a refuge with the most gorgeous Palmetto wicker furniture (I especially loved these wicker accent tables and this wicker bar table) where adults can nosh on good food and have a great cocktail or two while the busy bodies are at play.  

Speaking of keeping busy bodies at play, tomorrow I’ll be sharing two simple DIY activities for kids and teens, along with my favorite fuss-free finger food recipes that are as easy as they are delicious.  And I can’t forget about our punchy batch Citrus Cooler mocktail…I’m thirsty just thinking about it now.  In the meantime, find all of the product details below, and hop over to Pottery Barn’s blog to find my 5 tips for creating your own end-of-summer block party!  Truly, MKR 

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha  |  Venue, Summerour Studio  |  Hand lettering, Jenn Gietzen | This post was in collaboration with Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen, all brands we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

As pictured: patio umbrella | patio set (on sale!) | wicker bar console (on sale!) | wicker accent tables (on sale!) kids gingham armchair | peace sign pillow | pom pom storage basket | jute rug | navy polka dot bean bag chairs | pink and white throw pillow | rainbow throw pillow | tassel lumbar pillow | navy duffel bag (on sale!) | teepee | storage cube | kids table | kids dining chairs | string lights

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