Introducing the Caramelized Holiday Collection

When special occasions and holidays roll around, I am asked countless times for my recommended food-focused vendors and establishments. This holiday season, in an attempt to culminate the "best of the best" products in my pantry and on my bar cart, I have partnered with a few of my favorites to provide a first-edition Caramelized Holiday Collection.

Each collection ($50*) will be delivered in a metal, burlap-lined basket with a special-edition Caramelized holiday field guide of recipes and seasonal inspiration. It's the perfect ready-to-use package to carry into a holiday party for a host gift, or it's an exceptional centerpiece for date night or happy hour.

Throughout the month of December, I will feature the narratives and recipes of the included items and shops. Each is a spectacular standout on its own that equally serves as an ingredient to the perfect cheese board and/or holiday gathering.

THE CARAMELIZED HOLIDAY COLLECTION

Spice blend by Porcellino's Prodigal Farms goat cheese exclusively from 387 Pantry Olive oil by The Mighty Olive Baguette by Miss Cordelia's Bakery Pepper jelly by Flo's Honey from Nature Nate's

The first five purchased will receive a complimentary card from Amelia Presents (especially appropriate if you choose to gift the collection), as well as a bottle of Cornerstone Rocks! red or white blend.

Dates available for delivery begin December 1 through 24.

To purchase and schedule delivery, contact Cara today.

*tax not included

Holiday Wreathmaking

Upon seeing a display of gorgeous handmade floral wreaths at City & State during a pop-up event last month, I reached out to my floral designer friend Kristin of Everbloom Designs. I have officially entered the first holiday season (since childhood) with my own front door; thus a wreath was a must, of course.

Kristin came by the house earlier in the week with bunches of aromatic herbs and greenery. I loved understanding and first-hand witnessing the creative eye and thoughtfulness required of floral design. The final product looks perfect for Thanksgiving and the Chanukah celebrations, which commence right before we know it.

If you're a bit intimidated by the DIY-esque opportunity, leave it to the expert herself. Kristin's wide range of floral and holiday wreaths are available for purchase online.

Or, make a wreath with Kristin at City & State on December 6 at 6 p.m.! The workshop will provide tools, florals and instruction from start to finish. Sign up here.

Keep scrolling for the step-by-step...

What you'll need:

Spiral eucalyptus Silver dollar eucalyptus Gunni eucalyptus Olive branch Rosemary Grapewine wreath Covered wire Green floral wire Floral shears

1. Begin with a store-bought grapevine wreath. Kristin deconstructs hers and reties with covered cord for a looser look.

2. Create "mini bouquets" of greenery (approx. 1/2 inch in diameter), tied together with green floral wire.

3. Tuck each bouquet at an angle into the wreath, securing with covered wire. Repeat with as many bouquets as desired.

4. Spray with water to protect greenery, and hook onto your front door before your next holiday-hosted event.

See more floral inspiration on Kristin's site.

Holiday Place Settings

Ah, the holiday planning is upon us. Whether Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, New Years Eve, or New Years brunch, I hope you're stepping up your game this season with a hosted festivity of some sort. Though recipes will run the evening's course, I have always preached the importance of the table upon which plates are served. The presentation of a place setting can elevate a gathering entirely and, simultaneously, offer guests an opportunity to shuffle beyond their comfort zones. Switch up the seat assignments, provide a natural element from either your kitchen or the front yard, and offer a flourish of holiday cheer through florals or colors.

The photos below culminate my mood board for holiday gatherings. I hope they will similarly offer inspiration to your kitchen table.

image via style me pretty

image via alyssa leanne hoppe

image via alt summit

image via minted

image via caramelized -- Napkin available at Falling into Place on Broad Avenue.

image via style me pretty

Easing into Autumn with Nature Nate's

It's inevitable; we're all ready for the hints of a new season. Though the outdoor temps are just beginning to follow suit, I've welcomed autumn indoors and invite you to do the same. My kitchen has begun to smell like fall with the smorgasbord of savory herbs, squashes and pastas. Here are a few other tidbits to add to your daily rituals, all with the help of Nature Nate's honey.

1. Make a batch of shortbread. Don't forget to drizzle some honey atop the freshly baked treats. Wrap a stack in parchment and twine to deliver to friends and family.

2. Switch out the mason jars and tea bags for a new, more seasonally-appropriate selection: spiced teas, pumpkin coffee, oats and brown sugar. You could even make yourself a tea station, ready to go when the urge to indulge strikes. Of course, Nature Nate's is a vital ingredient for the cupboard.

3. Bring the outdoors in. I love to decorate with twigs and branches from neighboring yards and the park. Bittersweet and chrysanthemums are also great ways to bring the fall colors indoors.

4. Add a cozy throw to the sofa. During those cooler mornings and darker evenings, it's an essential to movie nights and quiet reading.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate’s. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!

Exclusive - Memphis Indie Holiday Market Lineup

Let the countdown begin: 32 days until the big day (December 12), during which hundreds, if not thousands, will gather and celebrate the season on the grounds of Muddy's Midtown. I can't wait to see you there, and I believe this list of local vendors will be equally eager to welcome you. Mark your calendars and make your wish lists, Memphis.

2015 VENDOR LINEUP

Food

Caramelized—Cara Greenstein Muddy’s Bake Shop Shotwell Candy

Clothing/Textiles

Hoot + Louise Garner Blue—Lisa Garner Johnson Benjamin Don’t Blink—Brittney Bullock

Paper Goods

Dear Sir Paper Co.—Thuyvi Vo Little Prints Studio—Kate Whitley

Fine Art/Prints

ebw | artwork—Beth Winterburn Cede Prints—Kelli Black Hillary Butler Fine Art Dorothy Collier Art Kyle Taylor Art Taro Pop—Kong Wee Pang & Jay Crum Amy Hartelust Fine Art

Vintage

Memphis Type History—Caitlin Horton Polaroid Photo Booth—Ash Peak Photography Memphis Mean Time—Colin Britton

Home Goods

Paper & Clay—Brit McDaniel Zachary Call Designs—Zach Holcomb  (site coming soon) Mary Claire White Candle Co.  Pine Street Makery—Jessica Malone

Kids

Prim Society—Elyse Wigen  ScatterBrained—Jordan Clark Ellywise Studios—Ashley Presley

Jewelry

Question the Answer—Lauren Carlson  Ekata Designs—Sarah Brubaker

Apricot Pecan Cake

'Tis officially the season for cake. And though we hostesses value the high-quality taste of a homemade recipe, we frankly don't have the time amongst party prep and three-course menu planning. Here's where Collin Street Bakery comes enters the picture.

The family-owned bakery, located in the heart of Texas, specializes in secretive family recipes and, simultaneously, the packaging and shipping of precious cakes to homes nationwide. Last year, I relished the fine Texas fudge pecan pie right before Christmas' arrival. This year, I opted for the apricot pecan cake with Texas-native pecans, clover honey, and sun-dried apricots. It's absolutely delicious with a cup of hot tea or coffee following a homemade meal -- perhaps even Thanksgiving.

It wouldn't be the holidays without one of these tins gracing your or a loved one's doorstep. As a treat to you and me, Collin Street Bakery is offering free standard shipping on online orders of $50 or more. The offer is valid this week only, through November 14. During checkout, use keycode 51YUM7.

This post is in partnership with Collin Street Bakery. Thank you for supporting our sponsors.