SPICED HOT APPLE CIDER

It's getting cold, and nothing is better than a cup of hot apple cider! My favorite secret ingredient is Williams-Sonoma Mulling Spices, but it's easy enough to make this on your own. Spiced Hot Apple Cider is one of my favorite things to serve at a holiday party because it makes the house smell AMAZING, and people absolutely love it. At my last Christmas party, I had 25-30 guests and went through about 6 gallons! Like I said, people really love it.

Julia's Hot Apple Cider:
1 Gallon Apple Cider
18 Large Cinnamon Sticks (or 24 small sticks)
12 Cloves
Strips Peel from 2 large Oranges (or 3 medium-sized oranges)
Optional: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

How to:

Simmer apple cider. Put spices + peels in a large tea infuser or tie up in a cheese cloth. Add spices to the cider and bring to light boil. Bring to simmer for 5-10 minutes, then remove spices. Keep cider on low heat. Ladle cider into mugs and add rum to taste. Garnish with one star anise or a cinnamon stick.

*If you are making more than one gallon for a party, you can reuse the spices.

{photo via coco + kelly}

GOURD GARLAND

I am all about easy ways to decorate for the holidays so when I saw this gourd garland, I couldn't help but get excited. I perfect way to spruce up a mantel, staircase or fence for the autumn.

{photo via Martha Stewart}

FALL TABLE STYLE

I absolutely love the fall... the falling leaves, the crisp air, the way the sunlight changes. It's a great time for design as well.  I just adore the deep, rich jewel tones, and earthy colors that are associated with this season. I've collected some fall tablestyles that I hope will inspire you for your next autumn dinner party (or get you to start thinking about how you're going to decorate for Thanksgiving).

{photos via Coco + Kelley, Martha Stewart}

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

I love pumpkin ice cream more than anything so when I saw these Pumpkin Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches by Cannele et Vanille, I nearly fell over. I can't wait to try them! Click here for the recipe so you can make them yourself.

{photos via Cannele et Vanille}