Tag: fall

DIY Holiday Lake House Decor

Posted on Lacey Spear
Christmas tree at a lake home in a living room decorated for the holidays.
Photo Courtesy of Styled With Lace

Contributing Author: Madeline May

No matter how fast-paced and automated our world gets, there’s something about the holidays that makes us want to take it slow and go the homemade route. Whether you’re making grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe or creating your own garland, you can’t replace the feeling of doing it from scratch. Of course, you could go buy these items from the store and save some time and effort. But imagine your family and guests visiting for the holidays. You are sharing the joy of the season together—and perhaps cups of apple cider or hot cocoa. Then they look over at your pumpkin centerpiece or handmade wreath and ask, “Wow, where did you get that?” And you respond, “Oh no, I made that.” If this is your idea of an ideal holiday, check out our top picks for DIY holiday decor!

Pretty and Pumpkin

DIY pumpkin centerpiece, made from pine cones and a variety of fall stems.
Photo Courtesy of A Pumpkin & A Princess

Crisp fall leaves, bright berries, soft flowers, textured pine cones, and a smooth pumpkin—this centerpiece is the epitome of the fall season. Plus, you can add variations to it throughout the season to adapt it to any holiday gathering. It’s the ideal finishing touch to your autumn table setting.

Materials

  • Styrofoam block
  • Fall stems
  • Faux pumpkin
  • Hot glue

Instructions

Using a knife, cut the top stem off your pumpkin. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit your styrofoam inside. Glue the styrofoam inside of the pumpkin, then arrange your fall stems inside. For variations and more pumpkin centerpiece ideas, visit A Pumpkin & A Princess.

Thankful and Timeless

DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece with fall stems and a sign that reads "thankful."
Photo Courtesy of Eighteen25

The holidays are a time to set aside our everyday stresses and remember the reasons we have to be thankful. With playful fall stems and an elegant script, this DIY holiday mantelpiece will complement any decor style. Plus, it will remind guests of the real meaning of the season.

Materials

  • 18” x 27” embroidery hoop
  • Mustard spray paint
  • Fall stems
  • Sign
  • Hot glue

Instructions

First, spray paint your embroidery hoop and allow it ample time to dry. Then, glue your stems around the sides near the base. Secure your finished hoop on the mantel, then place your sign in front. Enjoy your new mantelpiece!

Classy and Chic

DIY holiday wreath filled with pine cones, lights, and greenery.
Photo Courtesy of A Piece of Rainbow

Pine cones are a great way to bring the outdoors in and emphasize the winter season while still granting your lake home a timeless aura. This pine cone wreath complements numerous decor styles, from farmhouse to modern. Plus, you can customize it to go with your fall, Thanksgiving, winter, or Christmas decor. Talk about a four-in-one!

Materials

  • A 14″ wire wreath
  • Door wreath hanger (optional)
  • Hot glue and hot glue sticks
  • Battery-powered LED fairy string lights
  • 60-75 pinecones, sorted into 3 even groups of large, medium, and small

Instructions

First, wrap the wreath form with twine until it is completely covered (this will help the glue stick). Next, glue the large pine cones to the outside ring of the wreath form. Then glue the medium pine cones to the next circle, closer to the center. Finally, glue the small pine cones on the most inward ring of the wreath. Creative variations include adding evergreen cuttings, red berries, string lights, and more. For more details, check out A Piece of Rainbow.

Repurposed and Rustic

DIY hanging Christmas tree, made from repurposed wood and rustic ornaments.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest / Julie DIY Darlin’

Do you love putting a twist on an old classic? This DIY holiday tree can serve as a unique alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, and its rustic look wonderfully complements the lake home aesthetic. Plus, you can use sticks and logs from your own backyard to create the tree, making it an eco-friendly option.

Materials

  • 7 Silver Birch logs (30-40 mm diameter)
  • 6 meters of jute rope
  • Ornaments

Instructions

Arrange the logs in a tree shape and keep space between them. Knot the middle of your rope onto the top log. Then, keeping it taut, tie it onto every log at the ends of the log, forming a triangle. Hang your tree onto the wall and add your ornaments and decorations.

Expensive and Elegant

Elegant DIY Christmas garland, filled with gold embellishments and ribbon in front of a living room with a Christmas tree inside.
Photo Courtesy of Magnolia Lane

Calling this garland expensive might seem like a misnomer since you can create it for a low price. However, when your lake home guests take in its sparkle, elegance, and glam, they will hardly think it was crafted on a budget. Although it looks complex, this Christmas garland is quite easy to make and will transform your home into a mini Hallmark movie in no time.

Materials

Instructions

First, spread your garland out on the floor. Secure all your embellishments to the garland by using wired wood picks. Then, wrap the ribbon around the garland. Feel free to wire some loops together and cut shorter pieces to tuck into certain sections. Leave some ribbon hanging on each end. Secure to the wall with two large anchor hooks and some command strips on the side. For more details, visit 11 Magnolia Lane.

We hope these pieces enhance your holiday gatherings with friends and family. Cheers to all things merry and bright—and from our lake home to yours, Happy DIY Holidays!

Top Fall Soup Recipes 2022

Posted on Lacey Spear
Peruvian Minestrone Soup filled with corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, and spinach, as well as cheese, penne, and beef.
Photo Courtesy of Society19

Contributing Author: Caitlin Gibson

Nothing warms up a cool fall day like a bowl of delicious soup. Easy to make for friends and family, soups are a great way to invite the new season into your lake home. And with ingredients like creamy red peppers and hearty wild rice, these fall soup recipes will bring the beautiful colors of autumn right into your kitchen. 

Rich and Roasted

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup, a fall recipe that includes peppers and heavy cream.
Photo Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

Made with flavorful red peppers and swirled with heavy cream, this smooth, rich soup is always a winner for the fall season. Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup is great by itself or with a toasty batch of parmesan breadsticks. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 chopped yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. minced oregano
  • 1 russet potato, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 2 16oz. jars of roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp. black pepper

Instructions:

Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Mix in onions, garlic, and oregano. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the potato and red peppers; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper and turn the heat up to medium-high. Pour in red wine and stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender. Puree or blend mixture, then combine with cream and red wine vinegar. Garnish with grated parmesan. 

Wild and Warm

Autumn Wild Rice Soup, containing mushrooms, carrots, kale, and Old Bay seasoning.
Photo Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

Everyone loves tasty comfort food for the chilly fall days. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the perfect soup for any diet, as it includes convenient variations. For example, you can add chicken, use different seasonings, adjust the spice level, or make it gluten-free. So this soup is great for experimenting with different flavors in the same dish. 

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice 
  • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 ½ tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 can of unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 large handfuls of kale, chopped without stems
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In an Instant Pot pressure cooker, combine vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, and let the pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure, open the lid, and discard the bay leaf. Stir in coconut milk and kale until combined; add salt and pepper. Serve warm. For recipe variations, visit Gimme Some Oven.

Savory and Simple

7-Can Soup, an easy recipe made with Rotel, Velveeta, and a medley of beans.
Photo Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

If you don’t enjoy cooking, you’re in luck with this soup. An easy recipe full of delicious ingredients, this 7- can soup is as quick as it sounds with amazing results. And it perfectly complements a day spent sitting by the lake and watching the leaves fall. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 can meat-only chili
  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 can of pinto beans
  • 1 can of black beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes 
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can Rotel
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz. Velveeta, cubed

Instructions:

Without draining, empty all the cans into a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add salt and pepper as needed. Dice cheese and mix it into the soup until melted. Serve hot and fresh.

Classic and Cozy

Lasagna Soup, an experimental form of the traditional lasagna casserole.
Photo Courtesy of Food Network

Lasagna has been a family favorite for decades. This Lasagna Soup recipe takes the household classic and puts a new spin on it. Perfect for the chef that likes to experiment with old-school classics, this hearty soup is super easy to make for the whole family. 

Ingredients:

  • Kosher salt, to taste 
  • 8 oz. lasagna noodles, broken into pieces 
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • ½ pound hot or sweet Italian Sausage, casings removed
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped basil
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Bring a large pan of water to a boil and add noodles. Then drain and drizzle with olive oil. In a separate Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, then add sausage, garlic, and oregano, breaking up the sausage until browned. Mix in tomato paste until darkened. Add broth, tomatoes, and one cup of water. Cover and bring to a simmer, then uncover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in noodles, basil, parmesan, and heavy cream, and simmer. Serve with ricotta and basil.

Hearty at Home

Autumn Chili, a cozy blend of beans, ground beef, peppers, and tomatoes.
Photo Courtesy of Taste of Home

It’s hard to imagine fall without a warm bowl of chili. This Autumn Chili pairs perfectly with cold days when the leaves are turning from green to gold. Filled with savory seasonings and rich flavors, this soup is a fall fan favorite. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups cooked and crumbled ground beef
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 medium green pepper
  • 3 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp. baking cocoa
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a large saucepan with cooking spray, saute the onion until soft. Mix in the remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with cheese and sour cream.

Now you have some easy and delicious recipes for seasonal events with family and friends. Besides, fall weather makes lake life even more beautiful, so why not have some cozy soups to keep you warm while you soak in the views?

Savory and Sweet: Fall Salad Recipes 2022

Posted on Lacey Spear
Fall salad with raisins, pecans, apples, cabbage, broccoli, and butternut squash.
Photo Courtesy of The Seasoned Mom

Contributing Author: Ivey Randle

Nothing captures the fall season like eating a fresh harvest salad with all your favorite seasonal toppings. Salads are versatile, fun to prepare, and enjoyed by everybody. With these delectable fall salad recipes at your disposal, you’ll be ready for autumn gatherings with family and friends.

Salty and Sweet

Mixed greens, goat cheese, bacon, boiled eggs, raisins, apples, pumpkin seeds, and butternut squash.
Photo Courtesy of Recipe Runner

Dive into the ultimate cobb salad with these exceptional flavors. This hearty Fall Cobb Salad contains pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries — the perfect blend of sweet and salty. 

Salad Ingredients:

  • 5 ounces mixed greens or lettuce of choice
  • 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • 1 1/2 cups diced roasted butternut squash
  • 1 apple, cored and diced
  • 2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Simply add the mixed greens to a large bowl. Dice a Honeycrisp apple, then chop the cooked bacon and cut three hard-boiled eggs into wedges. Next, arrange all the ingredients on top of the mixed greens. Then combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Finally, whisk the dressing together and serve it alongside the salad. For information, visit Recipe Runner.

Savory with a Crunch

Autumn harvest salad with pomegranates, apples, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and prosciutto.
Photo Courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines fall’s finest ingredients. Honeycrisp apples, succulent pomegranates, candied pecans, charred prosciutto, and an apple cider vinaigrette make every bite taste like a crisp autumn morning.

Salad Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup raw pecans
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Flaky sea salt
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
  • 6 cups arugula or shredded kale
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Arils from 1 pomegranate
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Apple Vinaigrette:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple butter (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions:

Begin by preheating the oven to 350° F. Place pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple, cayenne, cinnamon, and prosciutto on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Next, add arugula, apples, avocado, and pomegranate arils in a large bowl. For the dressing, add all ingredients in a jar and shake until combined. Finally, mix everything, and then it is ready to eat. For more detailed instructions and other fall salad recipes, visit Half Baked Harvest.

Soul Food

Mix of harvest orzo, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and pecans.
Photo Courtesy of Crowded Kitchen

The Orzo Harvest Salad features one of the tastiest grains of the season and combines fall favorites like roasted squash, brussels sprouts, and walnuts. Completely vegan, this autumn salad boasts sweetness, crunch, richness, and a little zing when dressed with a maple mustard concoction. And it’s great for lunch or dinner with friends and family in autumn.

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of sweet potatoes, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups of butternut or acorn squash, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups of brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 yellow onion, diced (~1 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • 12 oz orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • ½ cup toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds

Maple Mustard Dressing:

  • ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons of whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Begin by preheating the oven to 375˚F. Then chop the vegetables and add them to a bowl. Next, combine the seasonings separately. Pour this mixture over chopped vegetables and place on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Afterward, cook the orzo according to the box directions. Then, in a medium bowl, mix all dressing ingredients. Toast the chopped nuts for five minutes. Finally, once the orzo is done cooking, combine all ingredients and serve. For step-by-step instructions, visit Crowded Kitchen.

Caramel Craze

Fall dessert salad with caramel, whipped cream, and apples.
Photo Courtesy of Recipe Diaries

When apples are at their finest in the fall, serve this Caramel Apple Salad for a light and decadent treat. This recipe can be prepared as a dessert or a side dish. You can expect it to taste like a caramel-covered apple without the mess.

Ingredients:

  • 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 box instant butterscotch pudding mix
  • 1 8 oz can of crushed pineapple in juice
  • 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped

Directions:

Mix the box of pudding and the crushed pineapple. Fold in cool whip and then add in chopped apples. Chill before serving. Enjoy!

All About Apples

A dessert mix of snickers, cool whip, pudding, and Granny Smith apples.
Photo Courtesy of Lil’ Luna

We saved the best for last. This easy and rich dish may be called the Snicker Apple “Salad,” but it is definitely a dessert. Easy to make, this tasty dish can be ready in minutes. Be careful though; once you put the Snicker Apple Salad out for guests, it will be gone in minutes! 

Ingredients:

  • 4 Granny Smith apples
  • 4-5 Snickers bars
  • 8 oz cool whip
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Caramel sauce

Directions:

Mix milk and pudding, then fold in the cool whip. Next, cut up apples and Snickers bars into bite-size pieces, and mix them in. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and serve cold.

Here’s to trying new fall salad recipes, healthy or not!

5 Things to Know About Selling Your Lake House in the Fall

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Flickr.

In real estate, it’s common knowledge spring is the best time to put your house on the market. However, this restriction doesn’t apply to lake homes.

According to the New York Times, “putting a vacation property on the market requires a different strategy than selling a primary residence.” 

At Lake Homes Realty, our agents sell billions of dollars of lake real estate all year long. In fact, listing your home in a season other than spring might help you stand out. At all times of the year, we have important tips for selling.

That said, if you’re considering selling your lake house this fall, here are some seasonally-specific tips to keep in mind.

Use Spring Photos in Marketing

Photo courtesy of Tech Nation News.

Some say that image isn’t everything. But when it comes to selling a lake house, it is. 

Especially in our current virtual world, buyers place a strong emphasis on their first impression of your home on the internet. Homes with good quality photography sell 32 percent faster than those with low-quality photos. 

Although you’re selling your lake house during the fall, your photos don’t have to depict brown leaves and overcast skies. In actuality, using spring photos improves sales.

When buyers imagine themselves at a lake home, they’re picturing warmer weather. So, posting pictures from spring will play into this vision that buyers want. 

Prioritize Curb Appeal

Fall leaves are beautiful, but not when massive piles are blocking the entryway to your lake house. Similarly to our first tip, aesthetics matter. 

 It’s a bit more complicated at the lake. In a traditional residential home, curb appeal means mowing the lawn and cleaning up the porch. However, on a lake property, the shoreline requires landscaping as well. 

It’s almost like having two curbs. Our CEO, Glenn Philips, says in this Whiteboard Wednesday video that sellers must make their homes “picture-perfect move-in ready.”

As such, prioritize curb appeal and consult your agent about what curbside changes will enhance your lake home. 

Go Easy on the Home Decor

Photo courtesy of TolucaLake.com.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or decorating for Halloween, holiday-themed decor is fun. However, excessive decorations can turn off prospective buyers. 

Real estate investor Scott McGillivray, the host of “Income Property” on HGTV, told U.S. News that sellers should put away over-the-top seasonal decor or overtly religious themes. The occasional pumpkin is fine, but buyers may turn their attention elsewhere when the house looks like a Party City store. 

When selling your lake house, stick to a neutral decor. 

Price It Correctly

Due to COVID-19, there’s a shortage of appropriately priced inventory nationwide. At the same time, buyer demand has increased because lake homes are perfect social distancing destinations. 

“We have buyers who are ready to buy right now on almost all of our lakes,” Glenn Phillips says in this Whiteboard Wednesday video. “However, they aren’t going to overpay at what they believe to be the peak price.” 

In other words, there’s a limit to how much money this influx of buyers will spend. As such, if your home is priced appropriately, there’s a good chance it will sell.

 Government programs like stimulus checks and the PPP have created a false economy that may decline by late fall. Before this happens, take advantage of this period by selling your lake house. 

Contrary to what many people think concerning the pandemic, this is a great time to put your home on the market.

Find a Lake-Focused Agent

In many ways, lake real estate is a different ball game than traditional markets. Unlike residential homes, lake homes are an aspirational product. 

Buyers often have other priorities for these second home properties. When catering to these buyers, it’s essential to know what they do and don’t care about to succeed. It’s also crucial to understand your lake’s niche market.

For expertise in both of these areas, hiring a lake-focused real estate agent is the answer. Unlike many traditional agents, lake agents often live in the markets they serve and are intimately familiar with the area. 

At Lake Homes specifically, our national network equips agents to build connections at lakes across the U.S. As such, the combination of local and national experts will facilitate your sale. These agents will also be aware of how the fall season affects the market.

Ultimately, the best time to sell your lake home is when it’s right for you. If you’re still enjoying the lake lifestyle, keep doing so. But if it’s time to sell, don’t let the myth of “springtime is selling time” fool you!

Hosting Thanksgiving at Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Lakeside Thanksgiving Turkey Day dinner table setting
Photo courtesy of The Cottage Journal.

When thinking about your ideal Thanksgiving holiday, what do you imagine? Maybe it’s a massive turkey roasting in the oven, a table crowded with friends and family, or a group huddled around the TV watching the parade. Perhaps it’s crunching leaves outdoors, starting the morning with a Turkey Trot, or playing football in the backyard. Whatever comes to mind, this holiday certainly evokes a sense of warmth and gratitude. 

Living room on lake during autumn
Photo courtesy of Lily Pad Cottage.

At Lake Homes, we believe that there’s no better setting for these cozy, Fall feelings than your own lake house. As your own scenic getaway retreat, a lakehouse is the perfect place to take a step back from your hectic, everyday routine and reflect on what you’re thankful for.

However, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving at your lake house this year, we recognize the irony– you’re experiencing the high stress of cooking, decorating, and pleasing your guests on a holiday that is intended for peace and relaxation.

While there’s a necessary element of planning involved, you deserve to enjoy this holiday too. We’re here with some tips on decor, food, and dining that will hopefully help you to stress less on Turkey Day this year.

The Decorations

Pumpkins on table setting in front of wine glasses
Photo courtesy of TheStranger.com.

When decorating your lake house for Thanksgiving, homeowners advise aiming for a natural look. On the lake, you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by plenty of materials that you can use to create this festive, woods-inspired atmosphere.

Take it from a lake home owner. Jenny Block, writer and author of the upcoming book Be That Unicorn, lives on Lake Livingston in Texas. She explains, “The lake is always part of my decor. I’ll use glass gourds mixed with real gourds and pumpkins and woven cornucopias that spill over the table. I also love having blue jugs with fresh mums.” 

Autumn fall seasonal tablescape with white and gold pumpkins
Photo courtesy of Shining on Design.

In a similar vein, Lake Michigan resident Shane Pliska, president of the botanical garden wedding venue Planterra’s Conservatory, employs natural decor to celebrate Thanksgiving. Specifically, he incorporates decorative branches into his designs.

Pliska comments, “In mild years, I’ll clip Japanese Maple branches with brilliant red leaves still intact.  I’ll also use branches from in-bloom witch hazel and bright orange berries from the Mountain Ash Trees.”

Ultimately, the scenic lake in your backyard is a decoration in and of itself. As such, it’s important to let the water, foliage, and other natural features steal the show. By incorporating these existing natural elements into your indoor decorations, you extend the same natural beauty into your home.

Whether you choose to display fresh flowers or spray paint pine cones and scatter them across the table for a DIY project, you’re sure to create a sophisticated, yet rustic environment for your Thanksgiving guests. 

The Food

Thanksgiving Turkey Day Friendsgiving dinner laid out on table
Photo courtesy of Lake House Effect.

While cooking for several guests can be a joy, as any host or hostess knows, it can also be stressful. To relieve some of the inevitable anxiety that accompanies baking for the masses, it’s a good idea to stick to traditional recipes.

Thanksgiving Day is not the appropriate time to roll the dice on a new dish. Adhering to classic holiday staples like turkey, pie, and green bean casserole is a simple secret to pleasing your guests. Pliska adds, “My mother still cooks the most flavorful turkeys, and I have the honor to be the carver. Her secret — small sized turkeys. This means she’ll typically cook two birds to feed ten people.”

Maintaining the traditions of well-known recipes evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity that is ultimately a hallmark of this holiday. However, there’s always room for a little fun. 

Apple Pie Bourbon shots with cinnamon sticks
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots from Delish.com

Fall themed cocktails are a low-risk way to serve unique flavors and twists such as Apple Pie Bourbon Shots or Warm Apple Cider with Fireball. Pliska has a family recipe for Ginger Bee that includes 1.5 part vodka, 1 part Domaine de Canton, a teaspoon of honey, and a teaspoon of lemon juice served on the rocks with ginger beer.

However, don’t forget to include something fun for the younger guests at your lake house. There are plenty of creative Thanksgiving treats that are sure to be a hit at the kids table.

As for leftovers, Block’s rule of thumb is that every guest must take some food home. She believes that it’s best to “under promise and over deliver” so that your friends and family can enjoy the same dishes for a few more days.

The Dining

Fall autumnal tablescape for holiday season
Photo courtesy of Heritage Farm and Garden.

In the world of design, we’re often told that “less is more.” However, Block suggests that the opposite may be true when creating a Thanksgiving tablescape. “I’m a layered table girl,” she says, “I always have a table runner with a place mat on top, I’ll wrap a festive ribbon around the napkins, and leave gourd baskets with bread in them. I like a table to look full.”

She also enjoys writing her guests names on placeholders to make the table personalized. Pliska agrees that having multiple items on a table, including a variety of textures, can create a festive environment.

For example, he enjoys incorporating velvet cloths into seasonal themes. He comments, “I love the versatility of velvet, as it can dress-up more rustic or harvest themed décor that might otherwise seem dowdy.”

Autumn fall tablescape in front of lake
Photo courtesy of The Cottage Journal.

If you opt for a Thanksgiving dinner over a lunch, it’s also important to remember that your key backdrop — the lake — will be harder to see. As such, Pliska says the solution is “candles. Lots of candles.” Whether it’s a large candelabra or something smaller, they’re sure to invoke a warm ambiance.

This idea of a full table, including as many versatile items and fun patterns scattered across the tablescape, brings out the plentiful, overflowing feel of Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s harder for guests to notice a potential food spill. “It’s a happy abundance,” Block emphasizes.

We hope some of these insights are helpful in planning your own holiday at your lake house. Happy Turkey Day! 

For more tips on preparing your home for the season, read “Fall Décor and More – Getting Your Lake Home Ready for Autumn“.

Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake of Big Fun in the Poconos

Posted on Cary Estes

The area in the Pocono Mountains that Native Americans called “the stream of swift and slow water” is now more like “the lake of big fun.” But no matter how you wish to translate it, Lake Wallenpaupack is the focal point of a charming community that offers plenty of recreation and entertainment options for tourists and residents alike.

The expansive 5,700-acre lake has 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, providing easy access to the water. Boats abound during the warmer months, and fishing is popular throughout the year. And all this takes place deep within the breathtaking beauty of the tree-filled Poconos.

“One of the great things about this lake is the natural beauty of the shoreline,” says Steve Gelderman, co-owner of Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. “Everywhere you look you can see these landscapes along with wildlife like bald eagles and ducks. You can really enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.”

Wally Lake Fest with tens of boats during the summer
Wally Lake Fest, Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Area residents add a little buzz to this beauty with a series of festivals extolling life in Wally World. The big event is Wally Lake Fest, held each August with the support of numerous local businesses and mountain resorts. Vendors take over the shoreline around the town of Hawley, while bands play on a floating stage surrounded by a flotilla of boats and kayaks, creating a sort of Wallypalooza.

“It’s a call to the local community to showcase lake life,” says Rory O’Fee director of marketing for Woodlach Resort and one of the event’s founders. “The music on the lake is a cool spectacle to see. And that’s just one part of what’s developed into a very popular festival.”

The fun doesn’t stop once the temperature drops, either. The city of Hawley hosts a pre-Christmas Winterfest, which honors the season the old-fashioned way with campfires and horse-drawn carriage rides. “It harkens back to the town’s historic, Victorian-era roots,” O’Fee says. “The town beams for this weekend of nostalgic fanfare.”

Happy family on horse drawn sleigh ride during the winter
Photo courtesy of The French Manor.

Then a month later in January, once winter truly arrives and the lake freezes over, the area celebrates with Wally Ice Fest. Eight hockey rinks, 12 curling rinks, and a 9-hole golf course are created on top of the lake, along with spaces for vendors and music.

Wally Ice Fest, Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

“It’s another event that shows the strong community we have around the lake,” O’Fee says. “Everybody comes together to support one another. It’s small-town America on a big lake.”

Of course, Lake Wallenpaupack also has plenty of places where you can simply get away from it all. There are six public recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, trails, campsites, and boat slips. The area also is home to the Lacawac Sanctuary, a pristine 556-acre nature preserve with 8 miles of hiking trails.

Kayaks at Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline

“It’s still not heavily developed around the lake, so it feels like being out in the country,” says James Hamill, director of public relations at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “But you also have a lot of opportunities to enjoy culture, music, arts, antique shops, art galleries. Everything compliments each other.“

So many people have fond memories of coming back year after year to this huge lake. It’s just a beautiful place to recreate and fish and hike, with no shortage of things to see and do. If you want to live in an area where you can enjoy it all, Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the top places.”

To see more about Lake Wallenpaupack, visit our home listings here.

Finally Fall: The Perfect Lake Activities for Autumn

Posted on Staff

It’s the greatest time of the year! Yes, lake lovers, as the oppressive heat of late summer gives way to lower humidity and the changing of the season, fall is finally upon us.

Fall at the lake means more activity, not less. Comfortable temperate days give way to marshmallow fueled evenings with good fishing and colorful foliage in between.  

The lake in autumn is an experience all its own. While traffic to the beach begins to wane, the lake is just getting warmed up as the destination of choice. 

 So, what are the perfect activities for autumn at the lake?

Go Campingtent on the lake's shore

Crisp, cool weather, stark blue skies, and a beautiful, scenic backdrop: that sounds like the perfect recipe for a weekend camping trip on the lakeshore. How awesome would it be to cook up the catch of the day over an open fire, or swing in a hammock under millions of stars in the night sky? Just thinking about it is exciting!

dad hiking with baby on his backTake a Hike

Most lakes are surrounded by plenty of hills, mountains, trees, and valleys. Some even feature caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. Take advantage of all that Mother Nature has to offer and go for a hike! Unlike in the summertime, hikes in the fall don’t usually include heavy perspiration, dehydration, and pesky insects. It’s a relaxing yet healthy activity the whole family can enjoy.

little boy playing in leaves

Enjoy the Foliage

One of the best parts about fall is the way the face of the earth changes right before our eyes. This autumn, get out and appreciate the array of red, green, gold, and orange that surround you. Go on a bike ride around the lake with your sweetheart, or take a long drive down some picturesque, winding country roads.

woman drinking wineGo Wine Tasting

Now, this one is only family-friendly if your kids are 21 or older. Lakes all around the country boast gorgeous vineyards and wineries close by for visitors to enjoy. Wine tasting is a popular and delicious fall activity that makes impressing your friends at fine restaurants a breeze.

 

Build a Bonfire

There’s nothing like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for fall! This cultural staple of fall is perfect for lake lovers of all ages. These gatherings are where memories are made, scary stories are told, and great conversations are had. This fall, round up a group of friends and partake in s’mores, hot dogs and good times.

Go Canoeing

You can still have fun on the lake during the fall!

Just because the weather is cooler than summer doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the water. Canoeing and kayaking in the fall are wonderful past times. Also, autumn’s mild conditions are great for exercising outdoors, when the backdrop of fall on the lake is especially scenic.

Fun at the lake doesn’t end when the temperature drops; if anything, it can get better. Embrace fall at the lake and give lake life a new dimension. Happy autumn, lake lovers.

Fall Décor and More – Getting Your Lake Home Ready for Autumn

Posted on Staff
Photo courtesy of Beach Pretty.

The leaves have begun to change, pumpkin spice lattes are back and it’s time to pull out your plaid and scarves. Fall has arrived, which means lake season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your lake home in the autumn! And, you can start by updating your fall décor.

It’s often difficult to choose just how to decorate your lake home for any other season but summer, especially in a way that reflects your personality and the latest trends.

However, there are a few basic guidelines you can follow to help get you started decorating for fall on the lake.

Color Comes First!

To begin, consider what color palette you want to work with.

Incorporate on statement color; this should be most prominent in your design. Popular statement colors include wine tones and emerald greens and burgundy. Also popular in the fall are navy and muted oranges.

Next, you will want to choose accent colors. These will complement your statement color and add depth to your design.

Generally, you will want to pick at least two accent colors, but be cautious of the number of secondary tones you choose to incorporate.

Photo courtesy of Scheme Color.

An excess of secondary colors could result in a loss of cohesion in your design, meaning your vision will no longer be clearly present.

Rather than having a cute, well-put-together door decoration, the end result might start to resemble something along the lines of abstract expressionist art… or something a toddler threw together.

A base of three colors, one statement, and two accent colors, is a good starting point for beginning designers. At the lake, a great combination would be a base of navy, accented with silver and perhaps orange.

Add in the Accents

Once you have decided on a color scheme, you should begin thinking about how you will accent these colors in your design.

One thing to consider is patterns. Plaid, gingham, houndstooth, and paisley patterns not only add to the color in your design but also give it texture and dimension.

A textured design has more impact, and is more aesthetically pleasing, than a flat one. Different materials, such as lace and burlap, also help with texture.

Photo courtesy of Hobby Lobby.

Additionally, think about what iconic autumn symbols you want to feature. Pine cones, pumpkins, acorns, hay bales, and leaves are all common accents. If your lake home is located in a wooded area, you could easily find a few items in nature to use for free!

A wreath of pinecones, pumpkins resting on hay bales and garlands of acorns can all add depth to your décor.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and accent pieces. Just because they don’t match doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t work well together.

Putting it All Together

Photo courtesy of At Home.

After you have your accents, patterns, and colors determined, now comes the task of putting them all together.

If you have no idea what you want the final product to look like, start by looking up fall décor for ideas on Etsy, Google, or Pinterest. Here you will find pictures of what other home decorators have done in the past, so you can see what works together and what best resembles your lake home’s style and personality.

For a log cabin-style lake home, you could choose to feature red, greens and black plaids, burlap, and metal accents.

Additionally, you could incorporate twigs, pinecones, and small logs into your outdoorsy design. Adding a pop of gold, with ribbon or beading, can give your decorations a little extra pop, as well.

If your home is more modern, houndstooth, silvers, and burnt orange might look best. Pumpkins would look good with this color scheme, as well as fall leaves, acorns, and brushed metals.

Should you not find any leads worth pursuing online, you can always just find your style through trial and error.

Since you’ve already decided on colors, textures, and accents, you can try a number of different design combinations until you find the right one.

Don’t get discouraged if your vision doesn’t come through on your first try. Your perfect fall décor design is in there somewhere.

Sometimes some distance will teach you to love your first try. And if it doesn’t, waiting a few days can often show you exactly where your problems with the designs lie.

Finishing Touches

In the future, you can think about adding extra features beyond that which you already have. This might include changing porch lights to different colored bulbs, adding a bench or bike to your porch. Or, incorporate string lights and colorful mums or other living decorations.

As years go by you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, and you can add to your decoration cache over time. Eventually, you will find the perfect balance for your fall décor.

And when in doubt, just keep it simple, as lake living should be.

For more tips and ideas, enjoy our other seasonal decorating articles here.

Dressing Up Your Door For Autumn

Posted on Staff

fall wreathDecorating for the fall should always be an anticipated time of year. The colors, scents, and overall ambiance the season brings give us a sense of warmth and happiness.

From door hangings, to porch settings, to lighting, here are some fun and beautiful ways you can decorate the entry to your home:

The Classic Wreath 

A wreath that can be easily modified is a handy decoration that can be used throughout the different seasons.

These wreaths can modified throughout the year which will be both fun to make and budget friendly.

Places like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s can provide you with all your wreath-making needs.

The non-traditional wreath

If you are looking for a reaction or someone to look at your door and be taken aback, you are sure to find a wreath out there to fit the occasion.

With so many fall wreaths to choose from, you can definitely find a really big one to catch eyes.

Go huge, make an odd shape, or both, but if you are looking for something else, you may even make your own in order to wow your guests and people passing by.

Lighting

What better way to ring in the season with lights?

In the fall, you have many opportunities to light up your front door.

With Halloween colors to autumn colors such as oranges, yellows, and browns, you are definitely able to find something that suits your taste.

You can also add lights to your wreath in order to make it more beautiful.

Odds and Ends

Leading up to the door you can add pumpkins on each step, or simply add a few by the door to create a more festive theme.

Pumpkins are a classic way to show people that you are excited that cooler weather, changing leaves and everything else that comes with Autumn has arrived.

Put garland on the top of your front door.

Adding garland on the top of your front door, along with a wreath and/or pumpkins, is a beautiful and elegant way to begin the fall season. With so many to choose from you can be sure that there is one to suit your specific taste.

With these ideas, possibilities are endless as far as decorating your front door. Many times, you can go directly into a store, find exactly what you are looking for, and go home hang your decorations up and be done.

If going to a craft store, you will see that there are so many choices that it will be hard to find just one; and that is a good thing!

When it comes to a lake home the back door or lake facing side is often just as important, or even more important, than the actual front door, so buy the supplies for both.

From autumn colored fabrics and wreaths to real and faux pumpkins, there is definitely something out there perfect to help showcase and decorate your home for the fall!