A Touch of Gold - Beach Fall Dinner Party

I love it when company comes to visit us at the beach!  The perfect opportunity (excuse) to use a little

creativity to plan an extra special dinner party; delish seafood, fab California wine and an inviting dinner tablescape for our long time friends, Jim and Mary.

Inspired by my gold sea shell dish finds, this year I decided to create a tablescape combining beach found shells, fall-colored sea glass with lots of gold accents.

Starting with a trip to Michael's for a roll of burlap netting with a touch of gold, and a roll of all gold netting to use as a layered table runner.  Then I grabbed some plain white plates ($1.99) and large gold chargers ($2.25) from Home Goods to set the base for the rest of the tablescape. (loved the fun scalloped edges on both!)

*Sea Breeze Wine Glasses are from Caron's Beach House

*Gold-Beige Table Linens are also from our store

*Vintage Aqua and Gold Sea Gull Glasses were found at the Alameda Flea Market

*Seashell Candle Holders can also be found at Caron's Beach House 

 Love my new gold shell dishes from my friends at Nasturium - one of my favorite escapes for a quick shopping trip when I NEED inspiration away from my desk.  My friend Sudi is the designer and her elegant  Red Pomegranate dinnerware is hand-crafted in Turkey.  Exquisite pieces!

Oyster Shell Napkin Rings -- would love to know what you think of these!

I think we had a good time! (hence, the few blurry photos!)

P.S. Our incredible coconut scallops on the blog soon -  Super easy, and super yum

7 Painted Pumpkin Ideas for the Coast

Okay - Tom and I really, really tried to carve a "coastal" pumpkin into something fantastic and artistic so that I would have some kind of awesome photo for you. Needless to say, it was not such a successful endeavor.

I started out with a great idea, just did not pan out - at least not great "blog-worthy" pics. Was definitely a Pinterest FAIL! We did have fun though, and he did let me take his picture....

But I digress.... Here's my annual round-up of seven fun pumpkin ideas for the coast - "non-carved" painted options!

Amazing pumpkin painted art from Kate McRostie!  Discovered on her Facebook page - love love these pretty pumpkins.  We have had several pillows on our site over the years that have her whimsical 

under-the-sea designs.

Here's the Sea Turtle from her Sealife pillow collection!

Adorable beach ball pumpkins by Paint the Gown Red.  Fun beach girl blog too with the instructions on how to create these painted beach pumpkins.  Find the E-Z instructions Here

An anchor embellishment adds just the right nautical cottage touch!  Discovered at Passion for White

Super cute collection of aqua and blues!  Love the sparkles on the "wave" pumpkin - 

For more info - click here to the creators Pinterest Page

Coastal Living Magazine's collection of beachy aqua and blues - you must know that I am always drawn to anything with whales or octopi!  They are produced a cute how-to video - to learn more, here's a convenient link to check out: Beachy Painted Pumpkins

Colorful painted pumpkin patch - I think the bright stripes and patterns would be perfect in a coastal home!  Handmade Charlotte gives complete instructions and stencils so that you could try this too - click here for all of the details!

Crafts by Courtney always has such great ideas!  Here are a few examples that might work for me next year -  (I am giving up carving....)

Hope these few enchanting pumpkin ideas give you a little inspiration! Only a few more weeks until Halloween...

One more - 

Love this rhinestone idea on white pumpkins! Could do coral patterns, octopus legs - anything sea life inspired would work - (not sure of image source - sorry!)

Driftwood Bouquet - Beachcomber Style

Creating a Driftwood Vignette for an Entry Table

Another great idea from Tim Neve's Sand Castles - use driftwood branches for a "bouquet" in a large sea-aqua bottle!  If you have a sea fan, that would also be a fun touch. You might have something like this hiding in your basement, or can easy find something similar to Tim Neve's example at your favorite vintage store (even your local T.J. Maxx or World Market)

Don't forget the rule of three to make a decor statement!

Love these rope and netting vases  - by the way!

Lanterns are always a fun accessory - especially for fall entry ways.  Add shells, rope, driftwood; use your imagination to create something really unique!  These copper hurricanes with natural rope handles that will naturally oxidize would be a fabulous addition.

Again, an example of  a beach house look that you can create with little money and just a smidge of imagination with your beachcombed finds!

Thought you all might enjoy my "Driftwood Bouquet"- Not only am I a collector of driftwood pieces, but I tend to gather up sea-washed rope from our beaches.

I find that it has interesting texture, weird shape and great ocean color.  Way too pretty to throw away!  I'd also like to think that I am keeping it away from dangering any sea life too.

Fall at the Coast - 5 Cocktail Ideas!

Wow - is it Friday yet?  We've been crazy busy at Caron's Beach House getting ready for fall company and Christmas shoppers. (if you get a chance, take a peek at our Coastal Holiday Collections!)

Time to take a break - and try out some new fancy fall themed cocktails before our guests arrive in a few weeks.  We have to make sure that we serve the best one, right?

1. Apple Pie Cocktail with Cinnamon Meringue - discovered at Design Sponge.  Looks so yum!  Can't wait to try this, am a sucker for bourbon and apple....

Makes 2 cocktails (recipe from cookbook author and photographer Lara Ferroni)

4 ounces good quality bourbon
12 ounces apple cider or juice
juice from 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg white
1/4 cup granulated sugar

In a shaker or large glass, mix together the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and vanilla. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, add the egg white and beat the egg whites to a thick froth. While continuing to whisk, stream in the sugar, and continue to whisk until the meringue becomes glossy and holds a peak. Add the remaining cinnamon, and whisk to incorporate.

Add ice to the bourbon mixture and stir or shake well to chill. Split between two glasses. Top with the meringue, either by dolloping or piping onto the top of the drink. If desired, give it a little torch to lightly brown the meringue.

2.  Apple Cider Bourbon Whiskey Cocktail - Simmers in the Crockpot!  Perfect for football parties (hmmmm.. are the Seahawks playing this weekend?)  Discovered at Growing Up Gable

Ingredients - I think this must be for 1 cocktail?  I would adjust the amounts according to the number of guests and how much you like bourbon.

• 2 oz. bourbon
• 6 oz. warm apple cider - could simmer on stove or in crockpot. Love this idea; would also think about adding some nutmeg, cloves or cinnamon too!
• Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish (oh!  Just bought Honey Crisps!)

Pour warm apple cider in pretty glasses, add bourbon and garnish.   (these are so good!!!)

3. Pumpkin Pie in a Glass - talk about decadent!  Discovered at Kitchen Meets Girl

Ingredients for 1 cocktail

• 2 parts Kahlua Pumpkin Spice (didn't even know that there was such a fabulous creation!)
• 1 part Hazelnut Liqueur
• 2.5 parts Heavy Cream
• 1 part pumpkin puree
• dash of pumpkin spices (1/4 teaspoon)

Mix everything together in a shaker with ice - shake it up and pour into a fun cocktail glass.

4. Honeycrisp Apple Sangria  Sounds perfect! Red wine, my favorite apples and brandy.  YUM. Discovered on the very cute blog - Sally's Baking Addiction

Ingredients: 

• 3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
• 2 honeycrisp apples, chopped 
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (don't use expensive wine - no need)
• 1 and 3/4 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• juice from 1 lemon
• club soda, to taste

1. Place the cinnamon sticks, apples, and orange slices in a large pitcher. Add wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for 6 - 24 hours. (this is a MUST for good Sangria!)
2. If you'd like a cinnamon-sugar rim (Sally highly recommends), simply moisten the rim of your glasses with water, turn the glass upside down and dip it into a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Pour in the sangria with apples and orange slices and add a splash of club soda  Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice. 

5.  Apple Cider Mimosas - Elegant and so Fall Entertaining perfect!  From the Cookie Rookie (terribly cute recipe blog!)

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider
• Champagne
• Sprinkles for Glass Rim
• Apple Slices for Garnish

1. Dip the top of each champagne glass into water and then dip in the sprinkles to coat.
2. Pour each champagne glass ½-3/4 full with apple cider.
3. Top with champagne 
4. Garnish with Apple Slices
5. Serve and Enjoy!

Gosh - not sure which one to start with first!   Have a wonderful weekend - 

P.S. Now the hard part.. which glasses to choose!

 Pineapple Double Old Fashioned - a wonderful way to welcome guests!

Maybe for the Sangria - one of our fabulous tumblers!

 Sailing Away Wine Tumblers

Stemless Wine Seashell Glasses $52.95 for a set of 4- perfect for a party!  Everyone can have their own seashell..

Thinking that Tom may need a new Whiskey Decanter - loving these Go Fish ones!

Cheers!