Happy Friday, gang! We made it through another week. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next Thursday?! The holidays have officially arrived and with it lots of things to put on our to-do list. Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, trimming the tree, decorating the house (inside and out), cookie exchanges, holiday parties, Christmas and then boom, time to ring in the New Year. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year but it can be exhausting. That’s why I always like to have a goodie or two on hand from Trader Joe’s that I can serve friends and family during this jam-packed month. Of course, I have a cocktail on hand. It’s Friday so time to unwind. And my best buddy is by my side waiting for his special Friday treat, a ham bone!
The Summary
Today, I’m featuring a cashmere sweater from Lands’ End
The sweater is modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternatew
I’m also sharing my tablescape from Thanksgiving and the best Trader Joe’s appetizers for the holidays
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
The Best Trader Joe’s Appetizers for The Holidays
1. Cashmere Sweater
And I’m sporting this cashmere sweater again from Lands’ End last seen here. This time I tucked a white shirt underneath for an extra layer of warmth ‘cuz baby it’s cold outside! A pair of faux leather pants are perfect this time of year and are a great alternative to denim or casual pants. Black slingbacks from J.Crew complete the outfit.
Cashmere Sweater (Lands’ End) | White Shirt (Talbots) | Faux Leather Pants (J.Crew) | Black Slingbacks (J.Crew)
Shop the outfit
2. Mexican Firing Squad
Cashmere Sweater (Lands’ End) | White Shirt (Talbots) | Faux Leather Pants (J.Crew) | Black Slingbacks (J.Crew)
3. Thanksgiving Table
Here’s a peek at my Thanksgiving table.
White dinner plates | Bee glassware | Flatware | Black candlestick holders | Doughbowl | Silver charger plate | Placemat | Buffalo check napkins | Pumpkin soup bowls | Pumpkin tureen | Pumpkin salt & pepper shakers | Place card holders
4. Best Trader Joe’s Appetizers
Trader Joe’s is my go-to store for so many things, including a fantastic selection of flowers! But I love to stock up on their appetizers from the frozen food department, chips and dips, cookies for the holidays, and chocolate croissants and/or muffins for breakfast. It’s always good to have these items on hand during the holiday season as you never know when an impromptu gathering will occur.
Here are my favorites:
- Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade is absolutely delicious. If you have a baquette on hand it’s the perfect pairing. If not I love the Original Savory thin mini Crackers.
- Who doesn’t love chips and salsa? Trader Joe’s Truly Tortilla Chips are gluten-free and their Homestyle Salsa Especial comes in three flavors. I zero in on the medium.
- Trader Joe’s Ridge Cut Kettle Cooked Potato Chips is a favorite at the Djalali house. My kiddos also love the Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip.
- For breakfast, you can’t beat Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Triple Ginger Muffins. They’re moist and delicious.
- Fried Ravioli and Fried Olive Bites from Trader Joe’s are the perfect appetizers to keep in the freezer. They bake in no time and are so darn good!
- Here are a few more appetizers I keep on hand in my freezer for those times I have no time to cook! Spanakopita, Mac and Cheese Bites, Parmesan Pastry Pups, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, and Mini Meatballs. Pick one pick them all they won’t disappoint!
- If your guests have a sweet tooth Belgian Cookies or Shortbread Cookies are good choices. And I’m always a sucker for nuts or in this case Sesame Honey Cashews that you can place in a nut bowl for easy serving.
- And speaking of sweet tooths, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones are a-ma-zing! And chocolate croissants can be popped in the oven in the morning for a warm flaky breakfast.
Thanks for stopping by today. Oscar and I wish you a lovely weekend! Let the holidays begin!
White dinner plates | Bee glassware | Flatware | Black candlestick holders | Doughbowl | Silver charger plate | Placemat | Buffalo check napkins | Pumpkin soup bowls | Pumpkin tureen | Pumpkin salt & pepper shakers | Place card holders
Alternative Stylings
Left Board: Cashmere Sweater (Lands’End) | Kitty Tweed Sweater Skirt (Talbots) | The Elspeth Chelsea Boot (Madewell) | Velvet Crossbody Right Board: Cashmere Sweater (Lands’End) | Everyday Relaxed Jeans (Talbots) | The Nye Penny Loafer (Madewell) | Leather Bucket Bag (J.McLaughlin)
Lands’ End Gift Guide
Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt Dress | High Rise Straight Leg Ankle Jeans | Sherpa Fleece Jacket | Insulated Waxed Cotton Parka | Puffer Vest | Waxed Cotton Barn Jacket | Insulated Snow Boots | Winter Scarf | Earmuffs | Funnel Neck Sweater | Quilted Coat | Denim Tote
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Kelly and I collaborated on a special Thanksgiving post. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Our Place
About The Author
I like the faux leather pants, at least GSD fur won’t stick to them! (Spoken from a GSD owner) and my Gunther sends his greetings to Oscar!
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free muffins and Olive tapenade are the best! I’ve never bought the crackers, but since they are GF, I’ll have to buy some! Their Wine country chicken salad is also amazing! Actually…. Trader Joe’s is pretty much my favorite grocery store on earth!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I think that’s why I love faux leather so much. I don’t have to pull out the lint roller!
TJ’s is my go-to for all things delicious. Glad to hear you love them too!
Always a great kickstart to the weekend! Thanks! And Oscar! He has our hearts too … beautiful tablescape, you look awesome and the cocktail delicious. Enjoyed the previous post with you and Kelly together also; always fun! Happy Thanksgiving ~
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful for all the love and support you share with SaaCA.
Since retiring and moving to a golf resort community Trader Joes has become the place to shop. The “season” (when all the snowbirds return) has started so I stock up on frozen appetizers for impromptu cocktail hours. For dessert try the apple tart; perfect for 4 with a scoop of ice cream.
You and Oscar look absolutely terrific in this blog!
Love your sweater and pants and table setting.
We don’t have a Trader Joe’s near us, but I’ve shopped in them on vacation and they are awesome 🤩.
Have a wonderful weekend, Beth!
One of the main things I miss while living in the South of France is my Trader Joes! It’s the first place we shop each time we return to the US – usually for chips, Mexican cheeses and salsa! 😉 We have a weekly “apero” at our home each Sunday evening after church, and I’ve used many of your and Kelly’s appetizer recipes – finding ways to substitute for the TJ’s items – tonight I’m including your sausages and dip as one of the choices – merci!