5 Last-Minute Easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas!

If you're hosting Thanksgiving you may be starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with all there is to still get done before the big day--last-minute shopping, cooking and cleaning the house. Often the table--especially the centerpiece--gets overlooked as time runs short.

I'd like to pass along these simple ideas on how to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table in minutes. These fresh centerpieces make the most of the rich colors of autumn and fruits of the harvest. And best of all--they can be achieved with a single trip to the grocery store and a little creativity. We think these centerpieces are so charming that your guests will never know they were put together just the day before.

Seasonal Abundance

Carve out the centers of  three acorn squashes and fill the space with florists' foam or a small vase and water. Place the acorn squashes on a pedestal cake plate, fill the openings of each with your favorite blooms from the florist, and surround with some pine cones from your yard.

Fruit and Greens

Place pears, clementines, pumpkins, grapes and leaves in a compote for a nature-inspired tabletop arrangement. Pictured is our Les Bon Bon Compote with Handles.

Naturally Simple

Traditional elements such as cranberries coupled with the warm glow of candles can also be a beautiful way to add style to your holiday meal. Select three festive glasses like these from our Luxe Moderne collection and insert a votive candle in each. Place the candles on top of a cake pedestal and fill in with fresh cranberries.

Autumn's Bounty

Squash, gourds, nuts and fall leaves form a pretty centerpiece that celebrates autumn's bounty. Pictured is our Les Bon Bon Compote with Handles.

Autumn Elegance

Fill a compote like our Les Bon Bon Footed Bowl with water-soaked florists' foam and add flowers from an already-made floral bouquet,  Or make up your own bouquet, Fall flowers in rich reds, orange, and golds create a welcoming autumn elegance in any dining room. 

Imagine your Thanksgiving table decorated with one of these beautiful centerpieces. I wish you and your family many wonderful memories of the holidays. Treasure the times you have together and create a legacy in your own home that will last a lifetime and maybe longer.

Warmly,

R O S A N N A I N C . C O M

Announcing Rosanna's 8th Annual Tablescape Contest--Dessert Tables!

Show us your sweetest dessert-themed tablescape for a chance to win a Rosanna gift certificate!

Summer is here, which means it's time for Rosanna's Eighth Annual Tablescape Contest! This year, use your imagination and inner designer to create a one-of-a-kind dessert-themed table. Your tablescape could be for a specific event, or simply just because. Get creative and show us how you like to display your favorite treats and sweets.

Incorporating Rosanna pieces is encouraged but not required, but please remember to share your story/inspiration behind your design. Rosanna will personally choose winners, so join in for your chance to win a $500 Rosanna gift certificate, and to be featured on our blog and social media sites.

PRIZES

1st Place: $500 Rosanna gift certificate 

2nd Place: $200 Rosanna gift certificate

3rd Place: $100 Rosanna gift certificate

OFFICIAL RULES

1. Anyone with a passion for Rosanna-ware and tablescape design is welcome to compete, regardless of age. Show us your sweetest dessert-themed tablescape for a chance to win a Rosanna gift certificate up to $500! 
2.  No actual food or Rosanna products are required.
3. Gift certificates are good towards retail purchases only
4. Contest ends August 31st, 2014 at 11:59 PM PST
5. Submit up to 2 photos of your tablescape and the story/inspiration behind your design. Digital submissions must come as jpegs, around 4x5 inches, no less than 72 ppi and no more than 180 ppi.
6. When entering, make sure to include your name, city, and an email or phone number where we can reach you. We respect your privacy and will not give out any of your information.
7. Photos in hard copy will not be returned.
8. Rosanna Inc. reserves the right to use and/or publish photos of your tablescape submissions however we see fit. Photos may be published on social media sites. Publishing does not necessarily constitute a winning entry. By submitting your photo, you agree to these terms.
9. Please email all entries to lindas@rosannainc.com
10. Mailed entries should be sent to:

    Rosanna Inc.

    Attn: Tablescape Contest

    6755 East Marginal Way South

    Building B

    Seattle, WA, 98108

Good luck!

R O S A N N I N C . C O M

Wedding Season Gift-Giving

Wedding season is upon us and we have some unique gifts for the bride and groom, the bridal party, and must-have items for the big day! Our ultra-sophisticated Luxe Moderne, Arabesque and Rue Du Bac tableware sets make a great gift, and our adorable Sweet Nothing dishes, inspired by European wrappers, make wonderful keepsakes for the special couple. Our Napoleon flatware Bridal Set and Dauphine candlesticks can help with the final touches for the big day. And lastly, show the bridal party some love with our Petite Plates, Initially Yours mugs and Alhambra vessels.

Alhambra | Initially Yours Mugs | Petite Plates | Petite Treats

Luxe Moderne | Rue du Bac | Arabesque | Filigree

Napoleon Flatware | Luxe Glassware | Dauphine Candlesticks | Cake Pedestals & Compotes

R O S A N N A I N C . C O M

Dessert Tables on the Rise

The change in the economic climate has lead to more and more people opting to entertain at home rather than go out. Dessert tables are super trendy right now and a great way to elevate your party from ho-hum to something really special! Even better, little desserts are affordable luxuries we can all enjoy. What better way to delight your guests than with a variety of delicious, decadent treats? They're great for a number of events:

• Weddings
• Bridal showers
• Baby showers
• Graduation parties
• Easter
• Birthday parties
• Holiday parties

For a healthy alternative, why not carrot and celery sticks with little personal bowls of hummus or salad dressing? Or for a brunch get-together, you could even set out miniature breakfast items in a buffet style.

Take a look at the beautiful Rosanna products that have been used in recent magazines and blogs:

Amy Atlas Blog, December 2010

Brides, May 2010

Brides, September 2011

Layla Grayce Blog, March 2012 - designed by Kate Landers

Modern Bride, August/September 2007

Many of the Rosanna items would be perfect for creating your very own sweets table:

La Patisserie

  

Les Petite Sweets and Les Cookies

Decor Bon Bon

 

White Pedestals

Pedestal Cake Domes

 

Rococo Noir - perfect for Halloween-themed get-togethers!

To help get your dessert table off to a great start, I've included my mother's Butterscotch Pie recipe for you to enjoy.

Butterscotch Pie

MAKES 1 (9-INCH) PIE; SERVES 6 - 8

1 pie crust (I recommend my mom's recipe, which you'll find in a previous post)
4 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons salted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetened vanilla whipped cream (See note below)

Preheat the oven to 350 F (Gas mark 4). Prepare the pie crust.

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are lemon-yellow. Set aside.

In a small port, bring the milk and cream to the scalding point; you'll know the cream has reached the right temperature when a "skin" forms on top of the liquid. Add the flour at this point.

Meanwhile, in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, combine the brown sugar, salt, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is completely blended. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the brown sugar mixture, stirring constantly.

Pour a little bit of the warm double-boiler mixture into the egg yolks. Mix well, then return the mixture to the double boiler. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the custard thickens, 15 to 20 minutes; remember that it will firm up as it cools. Beat until smooth, then stir in the vanilla.

Pour into a pie shell and smooth the top. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate until cold. Spread the whipped cream in a thick layer over the custard. Serve, and wait for your guests' responses. This is a showstopper!

Note: Make the whipped cream at the last minute. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 pint cold heavy cream, gradually adding 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, beating constantly. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract as the cream thickens. Beat until the creams semi firm peaks.



With a little creativity and planning, you can create a dessert table that wows your guests and is affordable, too! Good luck!

With love,

www.rosannainc.com