~A Fall Apple-Themed Tablescape Party Idea~

Last weekend, we were in Omaha visiting my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Monkey.  On Sunday, Jane (d-i-l) wanted to take us to an apple orchard for some good ol' apple pickin' before we started the trip home.

About an hour south of Omaha is a lovely town called Nebraska City where the Kimmel Orchard is located. The farm was started in the 1850s but the orchard and vineyard was established in 1925 and, over the years, has developed into a huge and impressive place.

There are acres and acres of vegetables and fruits...

enormous vineyards used to produce a variety of wines...

and fun things for the kids to do (there is also a huge pumpkin patch but I failed to take a picture of it).

 

But, since we were limited on time, we came to do this...pick apples!!  You're probably wondering...what in the world does an orchard have to do with a fall tablescape??  Well, hold your ponies.  While going up and down the many rows of apple trees, we came across this....

The most adorable apple-themed tablescape for, of all people, 2nd-graders!!  There was a woman standing nearby who had set it up and was waiting for her guests to arrive.  I didn't want to be rude by drooling and aahing over what she had created so I just snapped a few pictures.

Carafes full of apple juice waiting to refill the canning jars that were topped with lids and straws, caramel apples and caramel corn served in painted berry baskets....

 and sitting atop wooden crates were plates and plates of apple donuts.  Talk about sugar overload but who cares when you're being served these wonderful delights!!  All of these sweet treats were being sold in the apple barn, by the way, and I'm sure this is where she got all of her edibles.

 

The centerpiece was a lovely fall floral bouquet and there were smaller bouquets placed here and there down the long tables.  You can also see apples being displayed in small wooden baskets and gallon jars.

No fall party would be complete without apples for dunking!  Very thoughtful idea to hang towels on the handles of the galvanized tub for drying those dripping wet faces.

The 'entrance' to their little party was a banner made of colorful hankies.

At the other end was a pennant banner.  I didn't look closely to see how they were made nor the theme of that banner.  Now the children might not appreciate how adorable the theme and setup is for this party but I think this is a very creative idea for an adult party, fall tea or luncheon.  This is right up my decorating style and something simple to create.  Don't you agree?

 

I would have loved to stay longer but we had to hit the road for the long 7-hour drive home.  Between the three of us, we were able to gather about two bushels of apples.  We had to sample a few while picking and they were so, SO good!  Thankfully, Monkey wanted to bring her wagon along!  Yes, the sun was bright but it was a most beautiful day for gathering apples. 

 

Until next time ~

p.s.  I betcha you're wondering what I'm going to do with my bounty, huh?  First of all, I'm going to make some crockpot apple butter and then I'll probably do some canning for future apple pies and cobblers.  I also came across a recipe for apple-ring pancakes that I can't wait to try.  If they taste as good as they look, I'll share the recipe with you. ;)

You'll find me partying here...
Stone Gable's Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits

~Mountain Men and Apple Pull Apart Bread~

Yep, mountain men and Apple Pull Apart Bread.  They do have something in common.  What...you didn't know that?  Well, they kinda, sorta have something in common.  You'll see.  I promise.

Mr. Bill and I took off in our RV for a few days this last weekend up to near Bartlesville, OK.  It's less than two hours away but it still allows us time to unwind and relax.  Earlier this summer, I shared with you our trip up to Woolaroc where we learned that the preserve hosts the Mountain Man Rendezvous several times...in the Spring and Fall.  Well, the Fall event is here and we couldn't wait!  A major cold front was coming through but that didn't stop us from enjoying a fun time.

We were surprised to see so many canvas tents and teepees set up in this valley area that we visited during the summer.  Everything, and I mean everything, had to represent the era when the mountain man lifestyle was at its peak....around the 1840s.  The log style cabin in the top photos was the only one there..  Of course, an exception was made for the "Porta-Potties" to be used by the campers and visitors alike.  Thank goodness!! 

 

Everyone shows their wares...clothing, cooking/eating utensils, bedding, weapons.   Everything has to be "authentic" meaning they must represent the 1840s or earlier.  All modern conveniences (such as ice chests) had to be covered up.  Many of them had the folding wooden chairs shown above but they claim that they weren't comfortable at all.  Just gave them a place to 'set a spell'.  And they are able to have campfires to cook their meals and especially to stay warm during this cold snap. Thankfully, these people were very careful and attentive to the fact that we have been in a drought for the last two years.

During the time they are there, competitions are held for not only the men but women and children, too.   We were able to see the women participate in the bow/arrow and hatchet throwing events.  They even participate in the musket shooting events!  The women in the lower picture have been attending these events for anywhere from four/five to fifteen years and more.  Obviously, they truly enjoy this hobby lifestyle.  The one with the white scarf on her head is working on her loom making decorative belting to sell.  Many of the people sell or barter their wares to help each other out.

 

We saw a variety of clothing styles...frontiersman, Englsih, French and then the true mountain man attire.  These guys are really serious about their stuff!!  Reminds me of our favorite movies, "Jeremiah Johnson".  All clothing had to be made of leather, fur, wool and heavy linen held together by leather strips, leather/wovenbelts, wooden or bone buttons, heavy-duty safety pins (from that era) and shoes were either leather boots or moccasins.  The guy in the lower corner just shot off his muzzle loading flintlock rifle (according to hubby).

 

It truly was a fun time listening to the people talk about the things they had made; we saw the pride they took in creating things that may have been used by the mountain men; why they love participating in these rendezvous' and even listening to some pretty good yarns.  That's half the fun of their get-togethers, I think!

These were the wares that I bought....brass and silver scissors, brass thimble, wooden candlesticks and this lovely, tarnished but decorative silver pitcher.  I couldn't resist!  After all, I felt it my duty to help these mountaineers sustain their habit. ;)

 

Well, as much as I love camping, even learning how these people were roughing it, and, as much as I would love to learn how to bake over a campfire pit, I'm not quite ready to give up the modern conveniences we have in our RV.

 

So, I followed my original plan of putting together a batch of homemade Apple Pull Apart Bread in my handy-dandy oven that bakes at an even temperature without me having to tend to it all the time.  At the time I was making this bread, I realized I forgot the memory card for the camera and tried to take pictures with my I-phone but they didn't turn out too well.  This photo comes from the pic I had pasted in my recipe book.  This recipe reminds me of Apple Fritters but without the frying.  And, being the kind soul that I am, I want to share my recipe with you....

 

 

So, here you have it...Mountain Men and Apple Pull Apart Bread.  All in the same weekend.  See?  I told you they had something in common.  ;)

 

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday ~

Participating in these parties this week:

Stone Gable's On the Menu Monday

Etsy Cottage Style's Autumnal Goodness

Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday