Thursday, September 17, 2020

Fall Recipe Guide

Is it just us or are you itching for a change, too?  Fall will officially be here in a few weeks and we couldn’t be more excited.  Time to bring out the pumpkin decorations, burn an apple pie candle, and to get cooking all of our favorite fall recipes.  From slow cooker creations to oven baked treats, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to share with our readers at More Than Paper. Whether you are socially distanced and spending time with your family, or you are gathering with just a few people to watch a football game, here are some ideas to ensure you are tasting the season of fall.  These recipes work well for busy parents on the go and when you have a little more time to enjoy, too!  Bring on fall.

Slow Cooker Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Is there anything better than a creamy soup to warm you from the inside? This one that we found on Half Baked Harvest is made in the slow cooker and has butter-roasted mushrooms to pack in extra flavor.

Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/slow-cooker-creamy-wild-rice-soup-with-butter-roasted-mushrooms/


Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Not to overdo the soup recipes in our roundup but would it be the fall without pumpkin? And chili? Why not combine them? This recipe found a way to do that and is very creative! Give this one a shot: 

Source: https://themodernproper.com/turkey-pumpkin-chili


Apple Cider Cookies

Sometimes you need to hit the easy button and why shouldn’t you? When you need something quick, try this recipe from Betty Crocker that uses their pre-made sugar cookie mix and several ingredients to spice things up (literally).  You can go the extra mile if it suits you and use your regular sugar cookie recipe if you want 100% homemade. We will never tell either way.  


Source: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/apple-cider-cookies/242ada72-70c0-46bd-a3da-df1110882d16


Weeknight Fall Pasta

For nights that you want something home cooked and something seasonal but you’re busy, we found this interesting dish that we can’t wait to try.  Taking advantage of kale and squash, this pasta dish promises to be healthy and delicious. 

Source: https://food52.com/recipes/77856-fall-weeknight-pasta


Chicken Pot Pie with Leeks and Thyme

For those nights that you have much more time to cook – say a Saturday afternoon, perhaps – we found this recipe on Food & Wine magazine’s website for a classic pot pie that’s “turned up” as Ina Garten would say.  The flavor combinations for leeks and thyme are delicious and this is the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and makes you want to curl up on the sofa.



Of course, we think that every mealtime creation is more special, more festive, and looks better when presented on your own personalizedplatters and plates.  They’ve been a popular sale item in August & September. Be sure to check out our selection of tumblers, plates, bowls, and glassware and shop with us at More Than Paper.


There’s something about pasta, pumpkins, and soups that scream fall, don’t they?  All of these dishes seem like good comfort food and we could all use that right now. So, what are you waiting for? We think you don’t have to wait until the official start of Fall next week to try them.

Share with us your favorite Fall recipes and your traditions for the season on our Facebook page! 


Friday, September 4, 2020

Fall Decorating Tips & Tricks

While 2020 has dragged on and on, for some reason we also find ourselves scratching our heads that it is suddenly September.  It’s almost as if time is standing still but flying by at the same time.  Do you agree?  Today we are here to share tips for decorating this fall.  While it’s uncertain what sports will be played or what festivals we will be able to attend, we can count on a few traditions to ensure we get all the cozy fall feels.  Decorating your home for fall with these simple and inexpensive tips will surely help evoke those comforting feelings for which you are longing. 

Design Tip 1 -- White Pumpkins

We’ve noticed a huge trend with white pumpkins!  They add a festive touch to your home without overtly screaming Halloween, and they don’t clash with your everyday décor like the orange ones sometimes can.  Snag inexpensive plastic ones in varying sizes from your local craft & hobby store.  For an added bonus, consider buying a stencil of the initial of your last name and spray painting it gold. Your DIY initial pumpkin will be something you can pull out for seasons to come.

Image Source: http://www.youandkids.com/pumpkin-table-decoration-ideas/ 


Design Tip 2 - Buffalo Plaid

Making a huge comeback and a bold statement this fall is Buffalo Plaid. You know – that black and white checkerboard? It looks great on your dining room table as a runner or as accent pillows on your couch.  Even as a rug, people are digging this design trend. You’ll find plenty of Buffalo-motif goodies at your usual shopping grounds.

Image Sources: https://www.trendyhomehacks.com/buffalo-check-black-white-year-round-home-decor-ideas/ 


Design Tip 3 - Baskets

Baskets are often a great way to bring order and organization but also a fantastic way to incorporate earthiness and warmth into the design of your home.  We like varying heights, sizes, shapes, and materials, hung as wall art in the den or above the mantel in the living room.  Use baskets differently to create a whole new look!

Image source: https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=168343 


Design Tip 4 – Wall Art

How often do you change the artwork on your wall?  It can be an instant refresh and add seasonal warmth to your home.  We love our State Pride Personalized Artwork here at More Than Paper. They add a chic, country cottage type of look.  We also like the Family Tree Personalized Artwork for fall. See them both here along with others!  

Personalized Home State Canvas

We like this coordinating pillow, too! 

Home State Throw Pillows

Design Tip 5 - Replace Summery Blooms with Fall Ones

Do you have faux greenery and florals? Change out what is inside your vases with more seasonal greenery and blooms.  You’ll transform your space instantly with this small and inexpensive update.  Look for stalks of cotton, sunflowers, and anything with red, orange and yellow hues.

Image Source: https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32945789315.html


Design Tip 6 – Update your Throw Blanket

Similar to your flowers, a simple update to the throw blanket on your couch can pack a huge punch. For less than $20, pick up a blanket that is soft and cozy and has the desired fall colors. We’ve noticed a trend with thick, chunky knits that we are loving! You can use this similar strategy in bedrooms, too, if you are interested in adding in Fall touches to other rooms.

Image Source: https://kemptonandco.com/products/copy-of-chunky-knit-throw 

Whatever you do this fall 2020 for decorating, make it yours. Afterall, we will be at home more than maybe we have ever before. You want to create a space that makes you happy and feels cozy while you binge watch the latest on Netflix.  Are we wrong? 

Share how you’re decorating for fall on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you.