I love putting the beautiful and bountiful colors of fall front and center this time of year.

Decorate a fall harvest table for your next get together and wow your guests with all the beauty autumn has to offer.

Here are some great ideas for bringing your fall harvest table to life:

1. Decorate with fruit and vegetables that are timely – squash, pumpkins, apples, gourds. The colors arranged together in a bowl or garnishing a serving plate (above) are gorgeous!

2. Napkin rings with a fall flair. I love to use pumpkin-themed napkin rings on my fall table. They really announce the season!

3. Create a centerpiece (or buy one) that incorporates fall themes – changing leaves, gourds, etc. Make it really stand out on your table.

4. Simply place a pumpkin on a cake pedestal. Display several different sizes, shapes and colors of pumpkins on separate pedestals for a simple, yet dramatic, effect.

5. Choose a fall colored table runner, then simply place fall leaves, vegetables, fruits and candles all along it. Elegant and sophisticated!

Have fun setting your own special fall harvest table and enjoy your party!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Wanna take the “labor” out of your Labor Day grilling?

Try these grilling and pairing tips to make your Labor Day grilling runs smoothly!

1. Check out these “Top 10 Steak Grilling Tips” from a real-live chef. Advice like “season early” seems simple enough, but if it’s skipped it could lead to some sad steaks.
2. Sometimes seeing is believing. Watch these videos for step-by-step instructions for your specific meal. Whether you’re grilling a ribeye, a Chateaubriand or going all out with some Wagyu Kobe beef, you’re covered with these grilling videos.
3. Brush up on your how to thaw steak. Should you leave your frozen meat out in the hot sun to get it ready for the grill? Find out here!
4. Need some recipe inspiration for your Labor Day grilling extravaganza? You’re sure to find something you’ll want to try in this list of amazing recipes.
5. Find the perfect wine to go with your grilled perfection with this wine pairing chart. I like charts ’cause they do all the hard work for me!
6. Wanna know how long to grill a steak on each side for that perfect taste? Well, speaking of grilling charts, we’ve got one for that!
7. And not only do we have a chart for that, we’ve got a grilling app for the perfect steak, too!
8. Now you’re all set to hit it out of the park (or at least onto the grill) this Labor Day!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

What are all holidays made for?

Food! That’s what!

And this Labor Day is no different. We’ve got one last summerish hurrah coming up and I intend to do it up right. I know you do, too!

Let’s get in those Labor Day favorites before the crispness of fall sets in…

We’ll start with burgers. I mean, heck, it’s not Labor Day without burgers!

Steaks are a must as well. Is the grill going? Then steaks must be on it!

Throw in some ribs, too. They’re a traditional Labor Day favorite at our house. We’re outside so it’s okay to lick our fingers, right?

Now sides are very important at this soiree. There are plenty of side dish recipes to choose from.

These delicious deviled eggs must make an appearance. Everyone will literally eat them up! Get the recipe here.

BBQ baked beans? Yes, please! These go with everything – and they’ll go fast. Try this fantastic recipe.

Feeding a big crowd? This potato salad recipe will please ’em all. And check out more recipes here whether you want to go fancy or simple and traditional. There’s something right up your alley!

Have a great Labor Day feast, my friends! And send summer out with a bang!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.