Holiday Coffee and Espresso Bar

This post for a Holiday Coffee and Espresso Bar contains affiliate links. I make a small percentage when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

Entertaining this holiday season? A holiday coffee and espresso bar is the perfect way to indulge your guests:

it's like a fancy coffeehouse in your own kitchen. See how I put mine together below.

Are you ready for holiday entertaining? From casual get-togethers to the special holiday dinners, a holiday coffee and espresso bar is a welcomed addition by all. When I have my whole family over for holiday events, they tend to flock to the coffee (well, and wine, but it's an even race!). I've got a few fun ideas below to put together your own coffee station this season.

Free Printable Elf Letterhead

This free printable elf letterhead is perfect for all of your little buddy's good times this holiday season. It's available in two different designs and is easy to print (when someone *forgets* to fly to the North Pole and has to explain). Download your favorite elf letterhead design below.

Do you elf? We've been hosting our little "Mario" elf for three years now (he came to us during the Super Mario faze of our oldest son). He doesn't cause too much trouble, mainly because I don't want to clean up after some of the shenanigans I see on Pinterest (I try, y'all, really I do). But there are times I need this elf fellow to leave a message...usually an apology for not moving the day before (oops!). If you need to send a few messages from your elfness, be sure to download your own printable elf letterhead below (two designs available).

Overnight Baked Pumpkin French Toast

Thank you to Goldrich Eggs for sponsoring today's deliciousness.

This Overnight Baked Pumpkin French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings...or, you know, just a Tuesday.

#GoldrichYolk

I've had this recipe in my repertoire for awhile. The original version came from my friend, Becky, who put it in our church cookbook several years ago. It's not a typical overnight breakfast casserole, but rather actual French Toast, just baked in a casserole dish {and soaking in it the night before}. The bottom layer also forms its own syrup while it bakes. I promise, once you try this version of an overnight French Toast, you'll never want it any other way!

I used Goldrich Eggs to prepare this...and they were such a lovely addition to it. Such a rich and creamy egg. See the recipe below.

Green Tea-Infused Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Bigelow Tea.

All opinions are mine alone.

These Green Tea-Infused Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are such a fun twist on a classic cookie. They're the perfect holiday cookie...especially with a cup of tea.

Are you a chocolate-chip cookie junkie like me? They're like the ultimate comfort food. My mom always made chocolate chip cookies the best...and I've tweaked her original recipe to add a bit of delicious Bigelow Green Tea to them. The flavor of the green tea just seems to enhance and really bring out all of the yummy flavors of the cookies. Check out the recipe below. They're a lovely twist on the original.

Hot Apple Pie Dip

This delicious Hot Apple Pie Dip is addictively yummy and easy to prepare.

It's the perfect sweet treat for holiday entertaining.

This dip...ohhh, this dip. It tastes exactly like apple pie. But, it's also creamy and cheesy and just over-the-top delicious. The day I prepared it, my husband and I devoured half the dish before making ourselves stop...it was that good. I love that it's sweet, but also has the elements of cheese and pecans to add some really fun flavors and textures to it. As my grandma used to say, "an apple without cheese is like a hug with no squeeze"! I'm super happy that this dip took that into consideration.

Roasted Garlic and Cream Cheese Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These Roasted Garlic and Cream Cheese Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the perfect addition to your holiday dishes...and a great way to give your stove top a break.

As the holiday season gets going, so can energy use. From holiday lights, to kitchens in full swing, things can get a little energy-heavy. I've been on the hunt for some recipes to alleviate stove tops overworking {and time in the kitchen}. Today, I'm sharing my own slow cooker mashed potatoes. I've also got a great list of other holiday slow cooker recipes from some bloggy friends below, as well.

Inspiration Monday

Hi, friends! I'm so happy you're here to party with me and my friends. 

Super excited to tell you about a really fun sweepstakes from BLACK+DECKER! So many of us have unfinished projects around the house that need a little jump start {I know I do!}. Now, is the PERFECT time to get them done...and win $10,000 for them!  Enter below to win the $10,000 or one of the weekly prize packs valued at over $400. #YourBigFinish #sp

{sponsored by BLACK+DECKER}

It's such an inspiring season, isn't it? From delicious dishes to pretty decorations, it's all so festive right now. Below I pulled together a round up of delicious slow cooker holiday dishes from last week's party, as well as a few of my good bloggy friends.

Click here for all of these yummy recipes.

{They're perfect to give your oven a break on the big day!}

To search all of our features and faves, use hashtag #InspirationMonday,

and feel free to follow us all on social media via our blogs.

AND, be sure to tweet your links using our #InspirationMonday hashtag, as well.

We LOVE re-tweeting your awesomeness!

When you party with us, you’re always seen on all seven blogs…

but only have to link up to one!

I Should Be Mopping the Floor | Refresh Restyle

Redhead Can Decorate| | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

twelveOeight | What Meegan Makes | Your Homebased Mom

This week's features were chosen by Meegan from What Meegan Makes.

Check them out below…

Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes

This post for Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

These Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes are the perfect way to free up your oven and do some hands-off cooking for all of your holiday dinners. From main dishes to desserts, these Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes have something for everyone.

Does your stove get a work out out during the holidays? An easy way to lighten its load (and yours) is to pull out the good ol' Crock Pot! Check out all of these holiday favorites, made slow cooker friendly. Some are from last week's Inspiration Monday and some are from some of my favorite bloggy friends! See all of these Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes below.

Free Printable Coffee Blend Bag Toppers

These Free Printable Coffee Blend Bag Toppers are perfect for a bag of your own special blend of coffee {I'll show you a trick on whipping some up below}. These would be perfect gifts for neighbors, teachers, or just about anyone. Give them with a bottle of International Delight Holiday Creamer and you've got a delightful treat.

#HolidayDelight #IDelight

If you need a cute, budget-friendly holiday gift...I've totally got your back! Download these printables at the bottom of this post. And let me show you how to make some custom coffee, too>>>

DIY Farmhouse Serving Tray

This Farmhouse Serving Tray Post contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

This easy-to-make DIY farmhouse serving tray has been on my to-do list for a while. Glad it's now on the Ta-Da list! See below for the complete step-by-step directions. It's a quick project that any level of DIY-er can tackle.

Remember how we *pretty much* finished our DIY kitchen redo last summer? Well, there were still a few loose ends that I just hadn't gotten around to tying, yet. One was a farmhouse-style serving tray for my island to fit my fruit bowl, a candle, and an old scale. I've been dreaming about it forever...I bought the supplies months ago. I would see other trays in shops and think "just finish that thing already". And a few days ago...I DID! It always feels great to rescue a project from DIY purgatory and actually put it to use. See how I made this simple tray below.

Triple Layer Chocolate Pie

This post for Triple Layer Chocolate Pie contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

My Triple Layer Chocolate Pie is just one of many delicious recipes to have on your Thanksgiving table this year. This post also includes LOADS of other recipes for the big day, too. But, I seem a bit partial to this yummy Triple Layer Chocolate Pie.

I can almost smell Thanksgiving dinner on the table...it's getting so close, y'all! I'm adding my easy and delicious Triple Layer Chocolate Pie to the menu this year. Be sure and grab this recipe. It's a great one to fix in just a few minutes (no, really it's that easy!).

Pear and Apple Crisp

This Pear and Apple Crisp is a mouthful of fall.

This Pear and Apple Crisp is something I fix a lot in the fall. It's warm and delicious and simple to prepare. It was a recipe I found in a church cookbook years ago {not sure I even have that cookbook anymore}. But, I've made it so many times, I just do it from memory now. I've always made it with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! spread...making it a super easy dish as well. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!®  was recently reformulated. It is now made from real, simple ingredients you can recognize. It includes a delicious blend of plant-based oils, purified water and a pinch of salt. Check out this recipe with it below.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Three Topping Options

This post for sweet potato casserole contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you. 

My grandfather's sweet potato casserole has graced our family's holiday dinner table for over 50 years. I've come up with a couple of alternate topping options as well...so there's a little something for everyone in this revised recipe. See this sweet potato casserole recipe below.

This beloved sweet potato casserole recipe has been in my family for years. My grandfather made it topped with marshmallows, as well as brown sugar and pecans. Up until the late seventies, he made it faithfully for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. He passed away just a couple of months before I was born, and my mom took over making this dish. About ten years ago, I started taking over Thanksgiving dishes a little at a time...this being one of them. I love putting my own spin on them (somewhat to my mother's chagrin), and have come up with some pretty fun stuff over the years. Although I haven't tinkered too much with my grandpa's original recipe, I have been playing around with it this year to give everybody a little something special, in the form of individual casseroles with different topping options. We always have so many folks around our Thanksgiving table, both family and friends, that making individual dishes is such a special touch to add to the day's festivities.

Check out this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole recipe below>>>

Inspiration Monday

Hey, friends! I'm so happy you're here. I've been baking and cooking up a storm this last week...just something about fall that makes me want to stay in the kitchen all day. I can't wait to see what you've been up to as well! 

A lot of you were up to creating fun printables last week! The party was packed with a bunch of Thanksgiving ones...I rounded up 15 of them yesterday>>>

Click here to to check them all out.

To search all of our features and faves, use hashtag #InspirationMonday,

and feel free to follow us all on social media via our blogs. 

AND, be sure to tweet your links using our #InspirationMonday hashtag, as well.

We LOVE re-tweeting your awesomeness! 

When you party with us, you're always seen on all seven blogs...but only have to link up to one!

  I Should Be Mopping the Floor | Refresh Restyle

Redhead Can Decorate| | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

twelveOeight | What Meegan Makes | Your Homebased Mom 

This weeks features were chosen by Tanya from twelveOeight

check them out below...

Free Thanksgiving Printables

These free Thanksgiving printables are perfect for your festivities.

Most of these printables were linked up to this week's Inspiration Monday party...and I threw of few of my own in as well! These are a great way to help decorate, organize, entertain the kiddos, and more on turkey day! Check them all out below>>>

How to Steep the Perfect Cup of Tea {with Free Printable Guide}

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Bigelow Tea. 

All opinions are mine alone.

Have you ever wondered how to steep the perfect cup of tea?

It's not too difficult to create the perfect cup of deliciousness...

#BigelowVIP, #AmericasTea, #CollectiveBias

"Tea time is a simple luxury best left unhurried."
-Eunice and David Bigelow

Read below the best way to create your own simple luxury.

Cranberry and Mint Tea Holiday Punch

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small percentage when these links are clicked, at no additional cost to you.

This Cranberry and Mint Holiday Punch is perfect for all of your holiday gatherings.The base of it is Bigelow's Classic Mint Tea...one of my favorite blends!

I love a good holiday drink. This one not only marries the flavors of the season, but also the colors! The Bigelow Plantation Mint Tea is the perfect flavor for this...so subtle, but so delicious. Check out the recipe, along with the history of this tea blend, below.

Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls & Holiday Baking Giveaway

Having freezer-friendly cinnamon rolls on hand is the perfect solution when company's in town for the holidays {or on any busy morning!}. Just pop them from the freezer into the oven and they're ready to go. I'm also sharing a fantastic baking giveaway with some bloggy friends, too {that mixer would be fantastic for these cinnamon rolls!}. Annnd, there's a whole lot of other fabulous recipes to bake below, too!

In all my life, I've never met a soul who doesn't love a good cinnamon roll. If you don't like them, we may need to chat. I mean...really. Cinnamon, brown sugar and butter rolled up into yeasty dough and baked? Then, topped with a cream cheese frosting that will make you go weak in the knees. Oh man...so delicious.

But, sometimes the thought of making homemade cinnamon rolls is a bit overwhelming... especially in light of the fact that these are, technically, a "morning food". Who wants to get up in the middle of the night to knead dough and let it rise? Not this girl. I reworked an old recipe into something that will freeze beautifully...so you can make them any time of day. And still enjoy them at breakfast! Make some now to stick in the freezer for the crazy holiday season. Check out the recipe {AND GIVEAWAY} below.

A TEA-riffic Mom's Day Out in New York City

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

As I mentioned last week when I showed you my Day at Bigelow Tea Headquarters, I had a fabulous time up in New York City and Connecticut in October. Today, I'm sharing all about our fantastic day in the city, thanks to Bigelow Tea. They treated us so well and gave us an amazing memory! This mom LOVED every minute of it.

 #BigelowVIP  #AmericasTea  #CollectiveBias

It had been nearly fifteen years since I had been to the Big Apple. As a work-at-home-mom, sometimes I barely leave the house, except to take kids to activities or to the grocery store. To have this really fun experience and opportunity to get away to New York City for a few days was just awesome. Check out the details of our day in the city below.

Layered Pumpkin and Ice Cream Pie with Printable Thanksgiving Checklist

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. 

All opinions are mine alone.

This Layered Pumpkin and Ice Cream Pie is perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert table. It stays in the freezer until it's ready to serve, so it can be made well over a week in advance. Plus...this recipe makes TWO!

#Feast4All #CollectiveBias

Every year, I challenge myself to come up with as many make-ahead dishes as I possibly can for Thanksgiving dinner. Since becoming the annual hostess of the big day in our family, I handle about 70% of the menu {my mom still won't budge on the turkey...that bird is hers}. Having a one-oven kitchen makes me get creative with some recipes that I can prepare in advance. This Layered Pumpkin and Ice Cream Pie is perfect! Check out the recipe below and download a free printable Thanksgiving checklist to get organized for your big day, too.

Shaped Thanksgiving Rolls

These three options for Shaped Thanksgiving Rolls all came out of one bag of Rhodes Dinner Rolls. They were all simple to create and your guests will LOVE them!

These rolls were so fun to make...we did created them as a family. Check out the tutorials I created over on the Rhodes Blog here.

Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:

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{i linky-party here}

Inspiration Monday

How is it already November? Before we know it, we'll be carving a turkey, trimming a tree and then ushering in 2015. Let's enjoy these next few weeks of fall with some amazing inspiration from all of you talented bloggers. We're so happy you always join us.

Yesterday, I shared fifteen fall breakfast dishes that were linked up to last week's party. They were all so delicious-looking, click here to check them all out.

To search all of our features and faves, use hashtag #InspirationMonday,

and feel free to follow us all on social media via our blogs. AND, be sure to tweet your links using our #InspirationMonday hashtag, as well. We LOVE retweeting your awesomeness! When you party with us, you're always seen on all seven blogs...but only have to link up to one!

  I Should Be Mopping the Floor | Refresh Restyle

Redhead Can Decorate| | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
twelveOeight | What Meegan Makes | Your Homebased Mom 

This weeks features were chosen by Kristi from I Should Be Mopping the Floor.
Check them out below>>>

Fall Breakfast Dishes

Happy Saturday Morning! Who is hungry for some fall breakfast dishes that will send you into delicious autumnal heaven? Check out these fifteen amazing ones!

#InspirationMonday 

Each one of these yummy recipes was linked up to this week's Inspiration Monday Party! They're filled with all of the flavors of fall...and then some. Check them out below>>

Free Facebook Timeline Covers for Thanksgiving

These free Facebook Timeline Covers for Thanksgiving are the perfect way to dress up your profile for November.

 Tomorrow begins a month of all things Thanksgiving. I'll be honest, in the past, I never have made it past days two or three on the posting of what I'm thankful for on Facebook. It's not that I'm not thankful...I'm just forgetful. I thought this might be a fun way to participate without actually participating. I'm, indeed, very thankful for so much.

Download yours below. Six styles to choose from.

One Bookshelf Styled Three Ways

This one bookshelf, styled three ways, is such a great piece.
I'm sharing some shelf styling tips along with details of these three looks below.

I love double duty pieces...but triple duty? Yes, please.
This versatile bookcase has made its way around our house. See how we've really put it to the test. And let me know which way is your fave! 

My Day at Bigelow Tea Headquarters

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Bigelow Tea. All opinions are mine alone.

I just love Bigelow Tea. I'm so happy to have had the chance to spend some time at their headquarters immersing myself in everything Bigelow. 

It. Was. Awesome.

Bigelow is America's classic, family-owned tea blender. Tea is their passion. It started in 1945, when Ruth Campbell Bigelow created America's first specialty tea, "Constant Comment", and continues today with that same level of commitment. Bigelow is American made by an American Family; an American Company for the American consumer.

I was absolutely honored to be on this trip, both to New York and Connecticut. I'm now in love with the Bigelow Tea company more than ever...it was such an amazing experience seeing firsthand how this company operates. I was beyond impressed. Check out the details below>>>

Orange and Spice Pound Cake

Thanks so much to Collective Bias, Inc. and Bigelow for inspiring this deliciousness. 

All opinions are mine alone.

This Orange and Spice Pound Cake was inspired by Bigelow's Orange and Spice Tea blend. 

It's the perfect holiday (or anytime) treat.

Not only does this Orange and Spice Pound Cake have Bigelow Tea in it...it also has an entire orange, pureed into it and is topped off with a yummy glaze. Check out the recipe (and its super fun inspiration) below>>>

Inspiration Monday

Who is ready to be ridiculously inspired? From recipes to projects to FUN, we're constantly amazed by all of the awesomeness linked up here every week. Thank you all for partying with us week in and week out. It just wouldn't be a party without ya! 

This week, here at I Should Be Mopping the Floor, one of my posts was filled with some delicious fall pasta dishes...all of which were linked up to last week's party. Check them out here. 

To search all of our features and faves, use hashtag #InspirationMonday,

and feel free to follow us all on social media via our blogs. AND, be sure to tweet your links using our #InspirationMonday hashtag, as well. We LOVE retweeting your awesomeness! When you par-tay with us, you're always seen on all seven blogs...but only have to link up to one!

  I Should Be Mopping the Floor | Refresh Restyle

Redhead Can Decorate| | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
twelveOeight | What Meegan Makes | Your Homebased Mom 

This weeks features were chosen by Kristi from I Should Be Mopping the Floor.
Check them out below>>>

Free Printable Leftover Labels

This post for Free Printable Leftover Labels contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

These free printable leftover labels are sure to put a smile on your Thanksgiving guests' faces! Fill the tins up with all of the leftover deliciousness of the special day, label them, and send them home with everyone. Because what's Thanksgiving without the seasonal yumminess to enjoy later?

I'm not going to lie. For the last five years that I've hosted the big day, my go to leftover receptacle has been an old Cool Whip container or butter tub. It got the job done. No disrespect to plastic tubs everywhere, but, I've decided to step up my game a bit this year. I created these circular free printable leftover labels to jazz up foil containers. Download your own free printable leftover labels below. They come in two designs and two sizes. I've got info on the foil containers, too.

Fall Color Trends for the Home

There are so many ways to transition decor between seasons. Check out my Fall Color Trends for the Home below, along with some fantastic decorating ideas from Hunter Douglas and Décorview.

Fall is just the best, dontcha think? I got to experience real fall last week on my trip to New York and Connecticut. Down here in Texas, we have to truck in fall by the pallet-load (AKA: our make-shift pumpkin patches). Our leaves just don't quite have the punch of a northern fall. But man...last week, I was in autumnal paradise. Some of the other ladies on my trip giggled at me taking photos of trees and leaves...but, y'all, WOW. Just gorgeous. When decorating for fall, I love to take my cue from nature...and let those beautiful colors just glow amongst the neutral backdrop in my home. Below, I'm sharing some simple ways to incorporate seasonal decor as well as transition between the seasons in your home.

Perfect Pasta Dishes for Autumn

There was some delicousness linked up at this week's party! 

I found lots of perfect pasta dishes for autumn and thought I'd share them with you today in one spot. I've truly never met a carb I didn't love.

 Do you love carbs as much as me? A couple of years ago, I went on a low carb plan...it totally back-fired on me. I think I love them even more now! And pasta is my favorite carb of all! Check out all these ooey-gooey, saucy, and comforting pasta dishes...perfect for your fall menus! Thanks to all of the bloggers who linked these amazing dishes up to this week's Inspiration Monday party! Check them out below>>>

Spinach Brownies with Pumpkin Frosting (And other ways to get kids eating veggies!)

Yes. Spinach Brownies. You read that right. Spinach. Brownies.

Sounds weird...but you will LOVE these {and so will your kids!}. 

And everyone will get a nice dose of Vitamins K, A, and more...

wrapped up in a deliciously moist brownie!

According to the State of the Plate report, 9 out of 10 people in the United States do not get the proper amount of vegetables today. Adding veggies to unexpected places is one way to ensure your family will get their daily dose. See this recipe, along with other tips and tricks for getting kids to eat their veggies, below.

Inspiration Monday

Welcome to the party! Hoping you're having a great weekend...or start to your week. I've been resting up after an amazing trip to NYC, sponsored by Bigelow Tea. I can't wait to tell you more about my trip...from delicious TEA-riffic inspiration to lots of fun in the city, there's so many memories and inspiration that I'm still just overflowing with!

#BigelowVIP #cbias

{above: me on The Highline in NYC}

And speaking of inspiration...this party is where you can find boatloads of it! Join all 7 of us every week right here…where we search for our favorites and feature through out the week on all social media outlets.

To search our features, use hashtag #InspirationMonday,

and follow us all on social media via our blogs.

And you're always seen on all seven blogs...but only have to link up to one!

  I Should Be Mopping the Floor | Refresh Restyle

Redhead Can Decorate| | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
twelveOeight | What Meegan Makes | Your Homebased Mom 

This weeks features were chosen by Debbie from Refresh Restyle!
Check them out below>>>

Free Printable Mini Fall Banner

This post for a free mini fall banner contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

Get ready for the sweetest lil' mini fall banner, y'all. This one is petite and perfect for a tiny touch of autumn just about anywhere. It's also double sided, so perfect for a cake topper, too. Download yours below.

This mini banner is perfect for lots of fall fun...wreaths, cakes, or just draped over the corner of some artwork or a mirror. I put these kind of banners everywhere, y'all! Download your fall banner below.

25 Free Thanksgiving Fonts

These 25 Free Thanksgiving Fonts are full of deliciousness and fun! They're perfect for your invitations, menus, place cards, printables, and more. I'm also including some tips on pairing these fonts with others...for a really sweet look. Check out these free Thanksgiving Fonts below.

As you probably know, I'm a bit of a font geek. But of all of the font collections on this site, I think the fall ones are my absolute favorite. This collection of free Thanksgiving fonts has the perfect mix of everything...perfect for just about anything Thanksgiving-related. Check them all out below (and they're all FREE!)>>>