10 Things To Do Between Now And Thanksgiving

We’re almost to November, and with that brings so many fun fall opportunities. We talked last month about soaking up the time we’re currently in and not wishing for what’s to come. Even though we’re both incredibly excited for Christmas, we want to focus on November as a month for fall. That being said, there are a few things we wanted to share as amazing things to do between now and Thanksgiving, just to get you in that fall spirit a little more. We hope that these inspire your next date idea or just bring joy into your family and home.

1. Visit A Place With Fall Vibes

We were submerged in a fall wonderland two weekends ago in Fredericksburg, Texas. Both Brandon and I were so inspired by the rustic woods, the vintage truck, and the plethora of mums and pumpkins around us. Chances are, you’ve got something in your city that is sure to give you all the fall feels too. Seek it out! Pumpkin patches are often decorated this way and even nurseries or gardens. Find something fun to go to in your area and make an afternoon out of it!

2. Bake this apple crostata

Oh. My. Word. Brandon and I attended a Sur La Table cooking class last month and learned how to make an amazing apple crostata. If you’re looking for fall in dessert form, this is it! Plus, despite being 100% from scratch, this recipe is actually very easy! Don’t be dismayed by the homemade pie crust; if you’ve got a food processor, it’s the easiest thing to whip up and can even be done days in advance. I’ve included the recipe at the very end of this post. Be sure and tag @one_swainky_couple if you do make it sometime soon!

3. Get Inspiration For Your Table

One of my favorite things to do is prepare tablescape designs. I love looking through Pinterest at all of the inspiration out there. What better time to get a little “extra” with your table than Thanksgiving? Even if you aren’t hosting, it’s still fun to prep the table for a separate meal with just you and your hubby (or little one). Brandon and I have a tradition of eating a Thanksgiving-esqe meal just the two of us a few days before the actual holiday. I love to make it feel special with detail and fun touches. See our fall tablescape we did with Bed Bath & Beyond here or take a look at our Pinterest inspiration here.

4. Purchase/Plan Your Thanksgiving Day Outfit

We actually won’t be in town on Thanksgiving Day! Brandon and I will be road tripping across the south and visiting friends over the break. I’m on the hunt for an easy and effortless outfit that will still have me feeling put together, but allows comfort (and stretch) for the big meal. Dresses are usually my go-to for Thanksgiving, especially like the ones I included below. Anything that isn’t belted or cinched at the waist is perfect for turkey day. I’m also not opposed to joggers, leggings, or a more formal sweat pant.

5. Start Planning Christmas Cards

We blogged about this topic here but now is definitely the time to start the Christmas card planning! We try to have ours ordered by Thanksgiving (they usually have a big Black Friday sale at places like TinyPrints or Minted). Even though Christmas cards can cause stress for some people, we are always happy that we send them out to friends and family.

6. Test Out This Cranberry Apple Cider

After having the most delicious cup of cranberry apple cider in Fredericksburg, I set out to recreate the recipe myself. We found that this recipe was the most similar to what I had and also makes your kitchen smell heavenly. There’s nothing I love more than a quiet morning at home with a hot beverage in hand. This recipe fits the bill for a perfectly cozy and equally delicious drink.

7. Get Crafty For Fall

Every year I long for the days of my childhood when we made art out of fall leaves. Remember doing leaves in wax paper or even drying and framing leaves in a pretty picture frame? We’re a little limited in San Antonio with the colorful leaves of fall, but I’m determined to find a bunch on our Thanksgiving road trip! I love the idea of framing them in a simple frame like they did here on Pinterest. Plus, it would be so fun to go on a hike or a walk to collect leaves for the project. Easy and fun date idea!

8. Read A New Book

My book list continues to grow and grow! Although I’m not posting book reviews like I used to, that doesn’t mean that I don’t have lots to share! My most recent reads include The Woman In The Window and An Unwanted Guest (both so good). Aside from that, I always find great recommendations from Caitlyn from Southern Curls And Pearls. I swear our taste in books is spot on because I always like what she recommends!

9. Deep Clean Your House

Okay, this isn’t the most fun idea on the list. But let’s be honest, Thanksgiving usually entails that you’ve got people coming over to your house. Even though we don’t host, we still end up having friends or someone over during the month. Plus, I like to use fall as a time to deep clean the house and get rid of anything that needs tossing. It prepares you more for Christmas and allows you to see what you might need to add to your Christmas list.

10. Attend This Perfumery Workshop With Us

We are SO excited to be hosting a perfumery date night workshop here in San Antonio! Belle & Union is the cutest little store in the Quarry Village and if you’re in the San Antonio area, we hope you’ll consider joining us for this unique date night. Read about it here for a full description, but it’s essentially a workshop that allows you to create your own scent! Perfect for date night! The class will be November 14th @6PM. Let us know if you can make it!

On Katherine: Trouve shirt, Similar coat, similar skirt, similar boots

Apple Crostata:

1 recipe Flaky Pie Dough:

1 1/4 cups unbleached flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Place flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor. By pulsing, cut the butter into the flour until the butter is the size of small peas.
Sprinkle ice water, a tablespoon at a time, over the flour mixture. Pulse or stir mixture until large clumps form. When enough water has been added to allow the dough to hold together, transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Gather the dough together to form a ball. Flatten the dough into a disk about 6 inches wide, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

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For the filling:

1 1/2 pounds (about 3 large) sweet-tart apples

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 tablespoons unbleached flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 400 and place rack in lower third. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Generously flour a work surface and place the chilled dough disk on the flour. Dust the top of the dough with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll chilled dough into a circle, turning and flipping as needed. Circle should measure 14 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick. Starting at one edge, roll the dough around the rolling pin and transfer to the baking sheet. Chill while preparing the rest.
Peel, core, and slice apples in 1/8 inch thick pieces. Transfer apples to a large bowl and add 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice and salt; toss evenly.
Mound the apple filling in the center of the chilled pastry crust, leaving a 3 inch border, and dot filling with butter. Fold the border up and around the fruit. Working around the border, pinch the dough together to make an attractive pleat. Brush the top of the pleated dough with beaten egg and sprinkle border with almonds and remaining sugar.
Bake crostata until crust is golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Use a metal spatula to lift the crostata slightly and check the underside of the crust, which should be golden brown like the top. Transfer crostata to a rack to cool for 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream.