Pumpkin Magic

I first published this idea over 5 years ago. I was recently talking with a sweet friend about how yellow the white pumpkins are this season and I remembered what I did all those years ago. It spurred me on to dig up these photos and share this idea with you again now. I think you’ll love this, whether you’re new to the blog or if you’ve been with me a while.

These days I really enjoy a softer color palette in the home. Long gone are the days when my centerpieces featured the hot oranges that the fall season brings.

Pumpkin magic all started when I planned to buy lots of white pumpkins in various sizes, one year but when I got the the market, they seemed so yellow. Then it occurred to me, I could gather lots of interesting shaped pumpkins and gourds and paint them in colors that coordinate with my interior. This would allow me to bring the effect of fall on-board without overwhelming the space with bright color.

I purchased a container of white chalk paint, several bottles of acrylic paints in the vibrant shades, and some brushes. Next, I mixed the chalk with the acrylic paints to achieve my desired color palette. To paint the “white” pumpkins, I needed to warm up the stark white of the chalk paint with a few drops of a warm gold, to give them a more realistic color.

Once the colors were set, the real fun began. In less than an hour, I’d transformed natures gifts into something really fun and different.

Be sure to let your work dry overnight before arranging the gourds and pumpkins into your vignettes and if you want to protect the color, you can spray the pumpkins with a matt clear coat.

If you’re like me, all this talk about pumpkins has you hungry for pumpkin flavored treats. As soon as we have the first cooler day, I am off to the market to buy the ingredients to make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake. It is soooo good!

Or maybe you prefer the refined elegance of Pumpkin Madeleines? Either way, you can’t go wrong!

All of this looking back, has me more than nostalgic and missing our home of more than 17 years. I am happy to say, that I will have an exciting update soon filled with lots of amazing news and photos!

Let’s Cook!

And let’s not forget the season right in front of us. This fall’s cooking classes promise not only delicious fare, but dishes so beautiful you’ll want to show them off before you even take a bite. Take a peek below and find the perfect class to join—I’d love to cook with you!

Thursday, November 13^th, 6:30-8:30 Artful, Elegant Appetizers Made Simple 3 SEATS OPEN Looking for a night out that’s equal parts fun, creative, and delicious? Join me for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to craft appetizers that look as incredible as they taste. Colorful dishes that are the ideal balance between beauty and flavor. Perfect for a friend’s night out or a unique date, this evening will inspire your inner artist while giving you entertaining skills you’ll use again and again. To sip, we will enjoy Mistletoe Martinis. On the menu: Elegant Personal Cheese Boards, an idea you’ll keep on repeat, a breathtaking Vegetable Centerpiece made in minutes, luscious and artfully swirled Holiday Hummus with piles of toppings, Pretty Sweet Potato Canapés with beets and goat cheese, stunning Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Creamy Burrata will make your taste buds READ MORE

Thursday, November 20th 6:00-7:45 The Art of the Aperitif So elegant, so refined—the cherished hour before dinner when cocktails, small bites, and lively conversation mingle effortlessly. In France, this ritual is a way of life, and in this beautiful class, we’ll learn how to bring that same spirit into our own homes just in time for the holiday entertaining season. We’ll begin with three classic French cocktails often served during l’heure de l’apéritif. We will taste all three and pick our passion to enjoy! We will shake the French 76, a French sparkling blend of lemon and vodka with a touch of sophistication; the French Martini, a vibrant, modern favorite that balances tart raspberry and pineapple with smooth vodka; and the Kir Royale, the epitome of French elegance—French sparkling wine kissed with crème de cassis. From there, we’ll turn our attention to the irresistible foods that make this hour so memorable. We’ll prepare three gorgeous and refined tartlets READ MORE

Thursday, December 4th Holiday Tea (Friday. December 5th SOLD OUT) Whether you’re looking for a festive event out or planning to host your own holiday tea, celebrate the season with an enchanting afternoon of tea-time delights! This festive cooking class is the perfect outing with a friend—and it’s brimming with inspiration for hosting your very own holiday tea at home. On the savory side: we’ll prepare delicate Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches, a staple for any wonderful tea time, incredible Apple Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches, homemade savory Scones Stuffed with Smoked Salmon READ MORE