Apartment Blog

This is actually the first post we’ve done regarding diet, but it is one that is near and dear to my heart. Last year during the holidays I searched & found an exercise regime that would meet with my holiday ‘sin’ such as cocktail parties, buffet dinner or dessert binges. But this post is more directed as proactive rather than reactive. Here are tips for you to avoid overeating in the first place during the holiday gatherings:

• Portions, Portions, Portions: When you are getting dishes to eat make sure you pay close attention to the size of the portions you are choosing. The recommended size is the palm of your hand or smaller. Given that during the holidays there are a plethora of delectables to feast on, you may want to go smaller so you can enjoy all there is to offer.
• Seasonal Favorites: It would be foolish of me to state that you should limit yourself to only 2 sides, when I know that I don’t do it. It’s hard with all the options to choose just a few but it might be easier if you were to look at it in a different manner. You’ll want to make sure you get seasonal favorites as those choices may not be around all year, so stick with those for your first round and if you’re still hungry then you can get other options. Wouldn’t you rather get cranberry sauce rather than bread and butter?
• Know your limits: This seems to be where people get themselves in to trouble. With all the goodies everywhere they continue to snack and snack and snack, bringing plate 1 to plate 4 or 5. When you are eating it is important to listen to your body for signals that you are getting full. This will help eliminate the overfull belly which can sometimes be painful (I know)! Again, sticking with the first two tips try everything you’d like, but make it smaller portions such as slivers of deserts and go back for more if you want (and are able to eat it). Don’t hoard everything onto your first plate as you will probably feel more obligated to finish it.
• Exercise: And keeping with my statement in the intro, exercise is a particular staple in my holidays. As I start to down my second sliver of pumpkin pie (personal seasonal favorite), I start to feel guilty. The easiest way for me to feel better about it is the promise to walk around my neighborhood twice afterwards (or do the stairs in my house a few extra times). I even ask my mother to join me so I’m still spending quality time with family. Exercise is important for any person, but during the holidays it is especially important as there is typically more stress and overeating.

With these tips in mind, hopefully everyone will be able to stick to their plan of not overeating. With the holidays being so close together, it really is key to be prepared so you can enjoy all to the fullest!

With all the festivities surrounding the planning of your Thanksgiving feast, it’s no wonder you have forgotten one very important detail-the centerpiece! No worries, I’ve complied five easy and quick ways to make your centerpiece perfect for your family gathering.  The best part….most of them can be found at your local grocery store or right in your own home!!

Pumpkin Patch Centerpiece

For this masterpiece you’ll need pumpkins in a variety of sizes; one being large. Place the large pumpkin in the center of the table and arrange the other-sized pumpkins around it. To add a little bit more of décor, also add a few leaves and/or twigs.

Pumpkin Candle Centerpiece

For this Thanksgiving centerpiece, you’ll need a medium sized pumpkin, a 6 inch pillar candle, twigs, berries, and/or leaves. Cut the stem off of the top of the pumpkin. Place the pillar candle on top of the pumpkin and trace around it. Take a sharp knife and cut the circle out with about a 3 inch cut into the pumpkin and discard. Put the pillar candle inside the hole, place the twigs, leaves, and/or berries as an accent next to the candle.

Fall Bowl

With entertaining this Thanksgiving extra bowls will be sparse, as they will most likely be used for the mash potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans. I would just recommend serving one of the sides in another shape serving ware and use the bowl for the centerpiece. For this creation, you’ll need leaves, twigs, pinecones, a pumpkin and a vibrant color ribbon.  Place the pumpkin in the middle of the bowl, tie the colored ribbon around the pumpkin (recommended colors would be red, orange or yellow). Then arrange the leaves, twigs and pinecones around the pumpkin.

Mini-Pumpkin Place Card Holders

For this table ornament, you won’t be doing one centerpiece as much as you’ll be doing several; in fact, you’ll be doing one for each guest. However many you plan on entertaining is how many little pumpkins you’ll need. Now, if this truly is a last minute project you can substitute some of the mini pumpkins for other fruits, i.e. apples and oranges.  You’ll need paper, a pen and toothpicks. Cut the paper into small square pieces. Write the names of your guests on one piece of paper. Then stick that name, with a toothpick, to the pumpkin, apple or orange. Set in front of a place setting. If you’d rather not designate seating, place these items inside a basket with leaves adorning it.  

Cake Plate Pumpkin

If you haven’t already used your cake plate or (tiered) fruit tray then save it for your beautiful centerpiece. Place the cake/pedestal plate or fruit tray in the center of the table. Arrange mini-pumpkins, a variety of fruits, leaves, twigs, or whatever you can find on top. This really is the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ type of décor.

On our site we’ve provided you some tips for your Thanksgiving feast , décor, and now your centerpiece, we truly hope this Thanksgiving will be a pleasant experience. For more centerpiece ideas check out About.com and Bhg.com.