Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
I’ve been sitting here for a good ten minutes or so just staring off, wondering how best to start today’s Favorite’s post. The first sentence is always the hardest for me to get out, and often times I’ll write it only to come back and adjust it…or even delete it. I don’t consider myself a writer, but yet I write something new seven days a week. It’s kind of crazy when I think about it, but even though I much prefer creating new content for HBH, I’ve also come to love the writing too. I might ramble on (a lot) and not write the “proper” way, but I make it work, and to me, that’s really all that matters.
It’s true what they say, practice makes perfect. If you’re looking for a good laugh, or a trip down memory lane, scroll though my posts from November and December 2012. These posts horrify me…but I kind of love them too. I was so young!! Things have certainly come a long way here at HBH!
Anyway, I hope you’ve all had a great start to November. Ours has been chilly and snowy and I’ve loved every minute of it. This is my favorite time, and I love how cozy it is here. I’ve been spending my days cooking, my nights writing, and in general just running around looking like a crazy person (for real though). My calendar is filling up for the holiday season, as I’m sure yours is too, exciting! What are you all looking forward to most?
Coming up this week on HBH, I’ll be sharing the remaining of my Thanksgiving recipes! We have a new sweet potato soup coming, my secrets for the BEST popovers, a new twist on the classic stuffing (that makes it so much better), an easy dinner, that’s cozy and great for the family, my Thanksgiving pie, and then rounding it all up with another cocktail!
Lastly, we are so saddened by the devastating fires in California. Sending everyone in the area…my brother, his fiancé, and her entire family included…prayers and big hugs from Colorado. Consequently, if you’re looking to lend a helping hand, here are a few options: United Way LA, Ventura County Community Foundation, Humane Society of Ventura County, Red Cross. Above all, stay safe CA!!
1. Thanksgiving Tablescape Inspiration.
Setting the table is one of my very favorite things to do. In last Sunday’s, Thanksgiving Menu, I shared a glimpse of what my place settings for this year’s Thanksgiving table will look like. This Sunday, I thought I’d share some of the tablescapes I’ve found on Pinterest that are inspiring me. I love getting creative and thinking outside the box when it comes to tablescapes. So don’t be afraid to try something new this year. Take inspiration from these tables and create something beautiful this Thanksgiving!
{photo via Emily Henderson}
{photograph via Emily Henderson}
{photo via Emily Henderson}
{photograph via pinterest}
{photo via pinterest}
{photograph via Camille Styles}
{photo via Camille Styles}
{photograph via Camille Styles}
2. October’s Most Popular Recipe.
Last week I shared our 2018 Thanksgiving menu, so I never got a chance to share October’s recipes favorites. I shared some of my favorite recipes, but here are the ones you all loved the most…
The Favorite: Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf
I feel like I say this so often, but the popularity of this recipe surprised me so much! You guys LOVED this one. I get it, it’s so good, but I was so hesitant to even post this because it’s not one of my prettiest recipes. That said, it’s a truly delicious dinner that’s cozy, so easy, and a family favorite. If you’ve yet to make this one, it’s great for November and December too!
Runner Up: Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
It’s healthy, it’s warming, and it’s GOOD. Bonus? You have an excuse to make homemade naan. Because this soup + naan is the best combo, you really need to try it. You do.
My Personal Favorite: Spiced Pumpkin Maple Latte
The coziest.
3. Anthropologie’s Holiday Collection is Here.
And this is what I ordered…
What will you guys be buying? I am such a sucker for anything holiday!
4. Thanksgiving Tip: shop early!
If you follow along on Instagram stories then you know I’m sharing a new Thanksgiving tip every single day, along with a tip from HBH readers too! I loved hearing all your Thanksgiving tips. Therefore, I thought I’d share some here with you all too!
My favorite from this past week was to grocery shop early!
Grocery shopping the day before or on Thanksgiving Day is hands down, the worst. Don’t do it. Get as much as you can a week or more in advance (things like booze, canned goods, etc.) and then anything perishable get on Monday or Tuesday. Shop early guys! And another tip? Make Amazon your best friend.
5. New Videos:
Pumpkin and Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells…my new go-to pasta.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole…Gerard family classic
Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad…everyone’s favorite salad.
6. The Best Hostess Gifts.
Nothing beats a thoughtful hostess gift, these are my favorites:
7. A few Links I am Loving…
a rustic modern barn house in Round Top, Texas…can I just move in, please?
career advice from Alli Webb…if you need inspiration, read this.
21 gorgeous fireplaces…so cozy.
how to redirect anxiety…found this so helpful.
25% off holiday decor at Target…yes please. I am ready to decorate.
15 recipes perfect for holiday entertaining…yum.
every look from the Victoria Secret fashion show…will you watch on December 2nd?
4 ice hotels to stay at this winter…hmm, looks cool, sounds cold.
make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers…make ahead is always best.
5 things you didn’t know about Emily Blunt…like that fact that she’s playing Mary Poppins.
23 non basic skinny jeans…because everyone needs a good skinny jean.
8. Favorite Cozy Hats…
9. This Week’s Dinners:
Monday: Slow Cooker Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Tuesday: Sweet Potato Pie Dutch Baby…breakfast for dinner!
Wednesday: Skillet Roasted Moroccan Chicken and Olive Tagine
Thursday: Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Salad
Friday: Spicy Poblano, Black Bean, and Quinoa Enchiladas
Check out all the past Favorites posts here.
PS. if you’re looking for a good drink option to try, test out my spiced cranberry rosé spritzers!
Nooo, don’t be horrified! As a writer, I always like looking back on old work in order to confirm whether or not I’ve progressed/evolved/improved :). Your posts have been well thought-out from the beginning, but you’ve improved even further which is amazing. Keep up the awesome work, Tieghan!
Thank you Liz! This is so sweet and much needed!
I’m new to your blog…love all of it , very warm, cozy and well thought out!!! I just love reading it, I feel like I’m curled up and relaxed in a cozy lodge in front of a huge fireplace, a yummy drink and all the comforts in life, how good is that? Well done, keep up the GREAT work, I enjoy this so much! Thank you!
That sounds so amazing! Thank you so much Terri!
Love your sense of style. Your food and photography are amazing.
Thanks for sharing everything. I look forward to all your posts
Thank you so much Sue!
Please don’t be so hard on yourself regarding your writing. I enjoy reading your posts. I follow several bloggers and always read yours first. You are very talented and have achieved so much at such a young age. My husband and I have enjoyed your online recipes so much, that I recently purchased your cookbook. Your photography skills are impressive and the photos just enhance the enjoyment of reading your blog.
Best wishes to you in all your future endeavors. ?
This is so sweet, Sherre! Thank you so much!
Hello Tieghan,
I just had to let you know how much I love your cookbook and your website. I find myself wanting to try all your recipes because everything looks so good ! You’re a wonderful writer and the photos are fantastic.
Thanks for your creativity.
Lori M.
I am so glad you are loving my blog and cookbook, Lori! This is so sweet, thank you!
I discovered your blog a year ago and made many of your recipes when entertaining last Christmas…our fav’s were your Spinach and Artichoke dip, Butternut Squash Lasagna and Rudolph’s Rockin’ Pomegranate Jingle Juice Punch.I received your cookbook as a Christmas gift and I use your recipes so often now that when I try something new, my family asks, “Is this a Half-Baked Harvest Recipe?”:) Your recipes are delicious, classic foods with an interesting twist and your drool-worthy photography makes me want to try every one! Keep up the amazing work!!!
Thank you so much Jo! This so so amazing to hear and I am so glad you and your family have been enjoying my recipes!
Hi Tieghan,
Love your blog – have made a few of your recipes with success and have your book. Always love seeing a new posting from HBH in my in-box.
Just wanted to mention that in your comments re: California fires, Paradise wasn’t mentioned. As a resident of the North Bay Area, where the devastating fires were last October, I want to make sure people are aware of Paradise. The whole town was destroyed by fire and so far, 29 people lost their lives. The residents of that area have far less resources than most residents in Malibu, and I think it’s fair to say, they could use more help with donations. Thanks.
Hi Robin! That is so saddening and I hope everyone is safe now. Thank you so much for this.
Such pretty tablescape ideas and I’m in love with your Dutch baby recipe!
Thank you so much Laura!