Every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions. After all, the menu wouldn’t be complete without your family’s favorites - Grandma’s pecan pie, Aunt Marcie’s famous green beans, even dad’s beloved sweet potato casserole get a place at the table.

Some families cling to these traditional tastes, while others embrace a more adventurous approach creating new delicacies each year. Whatever your menu mash up, we’re guessing you’ll be serving it in style. To be certain you are – we’re asking for your best Thanksgiving recipe! Tell us what must-have dish will absolutely be on your Turkey-worthy table.

We’ll pick one delectable recipe and post it on Facebook the week of Thanksgiving. The lucky winner will receive a gobbling good Turkey Table Set including the Turkey Best Bowl, Turkey Oval Platter and Turkey Gravy Pitcher.

Send your recipe to Blog@Coton-Colors.com by midnight November 22. Put Thanksgiving Recipe in the subject line and tell us why you think it’s a winner.

Let the {recipe} gathering time begin!

Unleash a magical BOO-reaction in your neighborhood.

It's simple! Download our "You've Been BOOed" printable here. Print it on card stock or sturdy paper and cut in half along the dotted line. Please note this printable is double-sided {instructions for sharing the scare are on the back}. If you're have issues printing on both sides, don't fret! Just print single-sided, cut each sheet in half along the dotted line, and then hole punch the top left corner of each, and tie together with ribbon or rafia.

Then download the "We've Been BOOed" printable here and repeat printing on card stock and cutting along the dotted line. Make two treat bags or Boo baskets and secretly deliver to two neighbors with the "We've Been BOOed" sign and a copy of the "You've Been BOOed" note attached. Neighbors will have smiling faces guessing who BOOed which places!

If you have been Boo'ed, place the "We've Been BOOed" sign on your door or mailbox so you won't be BOOed again. Keep an eye on nearby neighbors to see how far and fast the BOOs have spread by Fright Night!

As you probably know if you follow Coton Colors at all, we love to celebrate everything! Each seasonal celebration and every family tradition serves as inspiration for our designs.

Our newest collection, Patch, is no exception. Every year in early October, our lead product designer {and Laura's daughter} Kyle Johnson heads to the pumpkin patch for some autumn inspiration.

According to Kyle, it’s one of her favorite fall pastimes. “There is something exhilarating about the way the colors, shapes, textures, and smells come together. When I’m at the patch, it just feels like fall." Kyle transferred that feeling into her designs for the Patch Collection. The details of the pumpkins inspired her to mix patterns. To Kyle, the warts looked like dots, the grooves seemed like stripes, and the chevron resembled the uneven surface of the skin. By combining traditional harvest hues like cobble, chestnut, brown and olive with updated patterns and an unexpected color pop from citrus green, she was able to create a modern line, perfect for season savvy entertaining. Of course, fall's favorite gourd takes center stage in her chic creations. See the entire collection here.

This way to the patch…

Pumpkins, a puppy and a picnic... The perfect fall combo!

Surrounded by the sights and smells of fall. Seriously... Who wouldn't be inspired by this? Tell us about your favorite fall inspiration.

Kyle always selects the "ugly" pumpkin. Though she's disinclined to use that word - it isn't really an “ugly” pumpkin, but more so has a lot of personality and uniqueness - ugly adds interesting. According to Kyle, you can make Halloween magic carving misfits from the field.

After all, unconventional creates conversation. With our checklist for selecting the "perfect" ugly pumpkin, we're certain you'll get one started.

Let us know how your adventure to the patch turned out! Post pics to Coton Colors Facebook and Instagram with hashtag #uglypumpkin and tag us @CotonColors.

We jumped immediately to a tasty bread staple, the sandwich. But how could we give the lunch essential a casually elegant flavor ideal for everyday but elevated enough for entertaining? The solution: pair simple ingredients and savory flavors.

Meet the Prosciutto, Pear & Blue Cheese Sandwich! The everyday “lavish lunch” is served.

Want more flavors with fabulous flair? Check out The Happy Everything Cookbook. Just add a big glass of wine. ;)

For many, the iconic skull and crossbones are a warning of danger that conjure up images of poison and pirates, making them a perfect inspiration for Halloween or pirate-themed parties. So swab the deck, prep the planks {figuratively, of course} and gas up the macabre meter with a monster bash.

Set the mood with terror-ific skull and crossbones inspired décor. Of course, there’s a bunch of jolly good options, but personally, we like a “pick your poison” theme.

Beware! Our skull and crossbones banner will bring your spirited celebration to life! Download the template here.

To create this simple spine chiller, print the “beware banner” on cardstock and cut out the shapes. Using a small hole punch, create 2 holes near the top edge of each banner circle. Then string together with ribbon going down through the first hole and up through the second. Leave plenty of extra ribbon on each end to hang.

Create a pick your poison beverage and snack area. It works perfectly for kid-friendly parties and can be ideal for adult gatherings too! Simply adjust the beverages accordingly to keep it age appropriate. Try spooky spirits for grown-up guests with these eerie libation inspirations. For little ghouls and goblins, try a tasty temptation like this recipe for Bloody Punch. Fill decanters or mason jars with punch, soda, and cider. Label drinks with fun names like eyeball brew, vampire venom or goblin goo.

Incorporate different shaped vessels and fill with themed candies like eye gum balls, gummy worms and spiders, or candy body parts. Leave treat bags for guests to pick their favorite booty. Try adding fun finger foods {get it :)} and deadly-good desserts. Really, the options for this theme are endless.

Still need more R.I.P. options? Add frightful fun to sweet treats with our “pick your poison” cake toppers.

Download our free cake toppers for an easy DIY. Print our template with your home printer using 2.5” round sticker labels {Avery 5294} and then affix to toothpicks. We recommend making them double-sided. No stickers… No problem. Simply print on cardstock, trim them to size, and affix to toothpicks with clear tape.

Shiver me timbers… Wicked good fun awaits!

Do you find yourself dreaming about which attachments to buy next? Do you worry you’ll miss a new attachment at your local retailer, or worse, someone will buy the last one before you do? Does the thought of not having both the Bright and Neutral Platters cause you anxiety?

If so, you may have a passion for Happy Everything. It’s ok… You can admit it. We do too! The question now is how do you continue to “get happy” without losing sight of amazing additions?

The answer is simple. Curate a top-notch collection with our Happy Everything Collector’s Catalog. See what’s new, what’s now and what’s retiring! {Sadly, our retiring classics won’t be re-issued :( }. After all, your collection has an identity.

Think about what contributes to your collection {family, holidays, everyday} and the story it tells about you. How will it grow and change with you, the events in your life, or your family and friends? Then keep track of what you’ve got and what you want. Find your Happy! Then keep it organized.

Easy as... ☐ Got It! or ☐ Want It!

Find the Happy Everything Collector’s Catalog at a store near you or with your online Happy Everything purchase.

Try welcoming party-goers to a ghoulishly good gala using Ghost as your guide, or add creepy-cool to your fright night affair with the classic Jack-O-Lantern. Perhaps Skull & Crossbones will add the right amount of fear factor to your spirited celebration. If not, you can always brew a bit of wicked good fun with the Witch Hat.

However you pick your poison, the eerie effect will be killer for groan-ups and kids alike. Use the haunting hues of your chosen attachment as a color-theme for party favors and décor. Then add heebie-jeebie worthy bites and sinister sips to create a spooktacular spread.

Need a little more eye-candy for your happy-inspired haunt? Try creating our bone-chilling chalkboard. Easy, inexpensive, and reusable, it’s seriously fun for adding frightful flare to your festivity.

Step 1: Gather your materials

• An 18″x22″ canvas {available at craft stores}
• Chalkboard spray paint {yep… it's now available in convenient spray form at most craft and home improvement stores}
• Chalk

Step 2: Paint your canvas

Using quick, short strokes, evenly apply the chalkboard paint to the surface and sides of your canvas to avoid drips or runs. We recommend at least 2 coats for full coverage. Allow your canvas to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, allow overnight drying.

Step 3: Prep your chalkboard

Before using your chalkboard, you’ll need to prep it. Luckily, this step is simple and fun! Using a piece of chalk on its side, cover the entire surface of the board with chalk strokes. Then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. This will “season” the chalkboard minimizing permanent marks from being left behind.

Step 4: Embellish with artistic expression

TIP: Try chalk pastels for a wide array of hair-raising hues.

Now your board is message-ready! Use it to create a menu of sinister sweets and clever concoctions you’ll be serving. Or embellish with enchanting artistic expressions. Try a witch’s broom with black cats or a terrifying tree with bleak birds and bats. If you’re not totally happy with your scream-worthy scribbles, just wipe clean and start again.

Just remember, the beauty of Halloween is that imperfect art makes mysterious magic!

This fall, we’re feelin’ harvest hues, tailgate trends and statement styles. Mark your calendars... The season of inspiration is here! Here are our top picks for a fabulous fall:

1 // A balanced mix of earthy and inviting
2 // Caramel apples with natural fall flair
3 // Bundled up babies with rosy cheeks
4 // Al Fresco dining in the cool, crisp air
5 // Cozy slippers for fireside snuggles
6 // Chevron pumpkins - the perfect pair
7 // Our football fantasy – tailgates with tartan
8 // Broken-in boots – our favorite to wear
9 // Falling leaves in harvest hues
10 // Salted caramel cookies to make and to share
11 // Stacks of scarves to layer and love.
12 // Find your fall faves everywhere…

Kyle and Laura's niece Logan on Bid Day at FSU in 2009 {Kyle became president her senior year and Logan was on her exec board}

Kyle, Mary Parker and niece Logan at middle daughter Sara Kate's Bid Day at FSU in 2012

This year is was Laura's youngest daughter's turn. Mary Parker spread her wings and decided to be the only Johnson daughter to go away to college - so off to Auburn she went. Everyone assumed Mary would go Greek, but we were almost certain she would break tradition again and find her home somewhere other than Pi Phi.

You have to understand that it’s a tradition in the Johnson family to be present on Bid Day, although normally it would just mean heading across town to FSU’s campus, as opposed to a 3-hour drive to Auburn. Laura had convinced Mary that they weren’t making the drive… Pi Phi or not. Mary Parker was not so thrilled...

Needless to say, Mary Parker was shocked to see her Mom, sisters and cousin there and her reaction was well worth the trip!

Mary Parker... Full Shock!

After visiting with the newest Pi Phi the family all headed home… Very content and sure Mary Parker had found her home away from home.

Coton Colors couldn’t be happier to add another angel to the family! PPL {pi phi love}

Gathering together with family and friends always inspires her Coton Colors creations… Her gift-giving is no different.

Spending time in the Christmas kitchen with her three daughters is a tradition at the Johnson house. It’s a chance for the ladies to join forces, creating delicious foods and thoughtful gifts at the same time while having a bit of fun too!

Each holiday season, Laura challenges the girls to contribute their own tastes to Christmas, which sometimes leads to full-blown laughter as they try out the recipes of their choosing. {Of course, there have been a few flops along the way.}

This year, the chosen recipe for their tasty tidings was from our very own Visual Design Manager’s mother. As pretty as they are delicious, we decided to feature these Sugared Ginger Cookies in our The Happy Everything Cookbook.

So make your list, check it twice and spread some Christmas cheer with sugar and spice! Both fragrant and festive, these magical Sugared Ginger Cookies are like none you’ve ever tasted!

Download the recipe here. After making {or buying} your ginger cookies, you’ll need to assemble your gift of good taste. Here's what you'll need...

Materials:
· Sugared Ginger Cookies
· White Paper Containers
· Ribbon
· Wax paper
· Sugared Ginger Cookie Sticker Printables

Our adorable white paper containers are from a chic little website - ThinkGarnish.com {order containers here}. Garnish is a fantastic site that offers stylish food packaging products. Just add a little creativity and transform these couture containers into haute gifts. The best part… You can order exactly the quantity that you need!

As a side note: It may seem early, but now is the perfect time of year to stock up on gift-giving essentials. With a seemingly endless series of fall and winter holidays around the corner, avoid the frustration of missing supplies {and the mad dash that ensues the night before… or let’s get real, the day of} to pull together pieces from the picked-over offerings at your local store.

Now is the time of year when craft and gift supply stores start to carry seasonal merchandise and unique wrapping supplies. Keep a watchful eye and snag the goods now, so when the holidays come, they’re actually fun! You’ll be able to focus on baking, making and gifting with less stress and more success.

Steps:

1. Cut wax paper squares and stack between cookies.
2. Place the cookie stack into a white paper container.
3. Cut a length of ribbon to wrap around the container, but not overlap.
4. Secure the ribbon in place with our Sugar & Spice Sticker Printable.

Simply download our free Sugared Ginger Cookie Sticker for an easy DIY. Print our template with your home printer using 2.5” round sticker labels {Avery 5294}, and then adhere sticker to the top of the white container securing the ribbon in place. Download the Sugared Ginger Cookie Sticker printable here.

So butter them up with sugar and spice!

Let’s be honest. For some of us back to school is a blessing. No crazy camp schedules, no “mom, I’m bored” and no debate over where they’ll be or who they’ll be with. For others it’s a time to mourn little ones leaving the nest again. Think back to kindergarten if you need to relive the mixed bag of emotions that accompanied dropping off your peanut for their first big day. If you haven’t had to do this yet, get ready… The tear fest is almost unavoidable. 

Your school might even have the boo hoo or woo hoo breakfast depending on your state of mind. If not, you may recommend they start one. It’s a great way for both camps to receive the support they need. Just throw in coffee and nibbles for the grown-up version of a back to school bash.

Whatever your take on their return to campus, you can still look forward to an A+ year. To help get ready, our adorable printables make the grade. 

For teacher, may we recommend a more sophisticated approach to the time-honored apple? After all, if your student is going to be the teacher’s pet, a little nudge never hurts. Start their day with a delicious, easy to make apple muffin from our very own The Happy Everything Cookbook. Seriously… so easy! You don’t even use a mixer or preheat the oven. Download the recipe here. After making {or buying} your amazing apple muffins, you’ll need to assemble your sweet treat for teacher {and maybe some office staff too}.

Here's what you'll need...

Materials:

• Apple Muffins
  
• Chinese Take Out Gift Boxes
  
• Paper Shred
  
• Ribbon
  
• #2 Pencils
  
• A+ Apple Sticker Printables

Use a simple Chinese Take Out Gift Box. They come in a variety of happy hues and punchy patterns. Simply check out the gift-wrap section of your local craft store or order online. Fill it with paper shred {also available at most craft stores}. Tie two #2 pencils to the box with ribbon. This cheeky decorative twist mimics chop sticks and supplies a classroom staple. Bonus: they’re easy for little hands to carry! For the finishing touch, add our A+ Apple Sticker. 

Simply download our free A+ Apple Stickers for an easy DIY. Print our template with your home printer using 2.5” round sticker labels {Avery 5294} and then secure sticker to gift box. A+ for adorable and affordable! Download the A+ Apple Stickers printable here.

Christmas in July has the Coton Colors Crew thinking about how to create fun and festive décor that works for every occasion. This time of year… We’re feelin’ felt ball garland!

Celebrations are the perfect time for a colorful expression and felt garland is the perfect go-to décor accessory. Felt is cozy and colorful, eye-catching yet affordable. With seemingly boundless color options, you can easily customize your palette for any occasion.

String it in a tree, swag it on a table or tastefully top windows and mantles. No matter where you drape, dress or display this fuzzy felt adornment, it feels effortlessly chic. Our fave… Replace ribbon and give gifts a vibrant punch of glam!

Let’s get started!

Materials:

• 2cm sized felted wool balls {available online at sites like Etsy}
  
• Embroidery thread
  
• Large sewing or embroidery needle
  
• Tape measure
  
• Scissors
  

Instructions:

1.  Cut thread to desired length. 
     Note: We used 100 inches of thread. This length allowed us to use100 felt balls.

2.  Thread the needle.

3. Securely hold a felt ball and push the needle through the center continuing to push the felt ball down the length of the thread. Leave approximately 12 inches at the end to create the loop. Once created, this will allow you to hang it on the tree with ease.

4. To create the loop, thread the needle back through the ball in the opposite direction leaving approximately 2 inches of thread for the loop. To secure the loop in place, tie the tread into a knot.

5.  Continue adding felt balls until you’ve reached your desired length. 

6.  Leave enough string to secure the last ball in place prior to creating your knot and loop.

7.  Repeat the loop-knot process from step 4 to finish the garland. Trim any excess thread.

Whenever you get ready to set the table, it’s always best to start with the right ingredients. We recommend you start with pattern, mix in utensils, add splashes of colorful linens, and a serving of functional and stylish serveware.

Not sure how to get stated? Try our Design Your Table feature to create a just-right-mix of style that’s uniquely yours. It’s a simple way to play matchmaker with our Swap Tabletop Dinnerware patterns. Create a look that’s bold and bright (think Bargello Mix), or keep it classic with natural neutrals (Cobble anyone?).

Once you’ve picked your perfect swaption, spice it up! Add Swap Utensils, Linens and Serveware so you can effortlessly transition from countertop to tabletop.

Tailor your table to create savor-worthy settings for everyday… 

 … or holiday. {Betcha can't wait for the NEW Christmas plates to arrive. Look for them in September!}

Like any great recipe, the best ingredient is inspiration. So get started swapping. Then share your custom creations with friends and family. Bon appetit!

Watermelon… I mean really, who doesn’t love summer’s favorite fruit?

After all, watermelon is an American classic. Delightful and refreshing, it seems to be a staple at most July 4th celebrations. It’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser, perfect for guests of all ages and easy to serve at BBQs, picnics, pool parties or even the beach. But this year, we recommend kicking it up a notch with, shall we say, a more adult flavor. 

We love the old stand-bys {beer and wine}, but our Watermelon Margaritas will add a little spark and flair to your July 4th affair. Think cool and colorful, simple and scrumptious. Sip, savor, and enjoy the recipe below! Click here to download, and get ready to serve.

Time to GET HAPPY!  Spring has sprung and we are celebrating by throwing a big ole par-tay, Coton Colors style.

Of course, any party that we throw is going to be celebratory, colorful, and full of goodies!  From the limited edition Tervis Tumbler, to the seriously fun beach ball attachment, to the adorably chic Bargello beach tote, it would be a serious party foul to miss this super fabulous, once a year, Spring event!  And because every party needs a pooper, the giveaways will only be around while supplies last. So run, don't walk, people.

The Get Happy Spring Party has ARRIVED…and you’re invited! Get the party started by clicking here!

1.  laguiole steak knives  // 2. kitchenaid mixer  // 3. passport covers  // 4. monogrammed napkins

Our NEW Swap Tabletop collection is no exception - this season's bright trend now has a place setting to match!

It's official... the Swap Tabletop collection has arrived; so ready your registry with sophisticated style in on-trend patterns and head turning hues.  Classic, elegant, festive, bright and functional, our collection of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, mugs, and serveware marry a look that is classic and modern, timeless and chic.  Designed to mix+match, the Swapabilities are endless!

For the traditional bride: Clean lines and a classic color combo combine to make our Cobble pattern the perfect base for the traditional bride.

You may remember Paige from our Oscar party blog post.  Well, Paige is getting married! 

We definitely consider Paige our resident, traditional bride to be.  Paige’s style is understated and elegant. We asked her to tell us a little about why she adores the Cobble Collection…

Paint a picture of your home: My style is definitely a blend of traditional (but not serious) & eclectic (but not wild).  For the most part, my taste in architectural details & furniture is traditional.  However, I love to incorporate unique art, accents, fabrics in all different scales to add whimsy, fun & elements of surprise…color, pattern, textures are all key ways to achieve this.  In my home, I don’t like to decorate just for the sake of decorating.  I like to be surrounded by meaningful things, whether they’re family heirlooms or sentimental things that have a story to go along with them.  

Describe your entertaining style: I usually take the same approach for setting the table – keep the basic pieces simple & add flare in the accents.

What makes this your favorite pattern: I have enjoyed having the cobble dishes because they have been so versatile to mix & match for different occasions throughout the year.  In addition, we have registered for beautiful, yet simple, white stoneware place settings that we’ll be able to integrate in with the Coton Colors dishes.  By choosing simple dinnerware, it allows me to have the flexibility to create different looks by mixing & matching the dinnerware and incorporating unique linens, glassware & serving dishes to tailor the décor for the occasion.

Other entertaining essentials: Fresh cut flowers and/or greenery are a must, especially if we’re having company.  I use lots of cuttings from the yard, but often enhance with store bought blooms.  

Be sure to check out all of the Swap Tabletop patterns here... what's your favorite??

Wedding season is upon us!  And with this wedding season, comes a HUGE announcement.  We are thrilled to introduce our new Gift and Bridal Registry! Don't worry, it's not just for brides - from newly engaged to new bundle of joy, we have everything you need to create a one of a kind registry that speaks to your unique style. 

It's easy to create and find a registry or wish list and even easier to share it. Be sure to say "I do" to our registry today and always get what you want...

We could not be more THRILLED to announce that our very own Kyle Johnson is a featured member of this amazing project. Read the full story here.

As the daughter of our CEO, Laura Johnson, many of us have had the privilege of watching her grow into what she is now; a dynamic, confident and driven member of our team. Kyle is indeed Leaning In! We can't wait to watch her achieve all of her goals at Coton Colors and in life.

Visit LeanIn.Org to meet learn more about the organization, their mission, or to contribute your own story.

Wrap your fudgy goodies in the wax paper, place in the brown bag, fold the top over and staple it closed. 

Use double stick tape to attach the topper to the bag and you're ready to send your sweet thing a smile! These would also work great for classroom treats from your smallest sweeties. Be sure to have them sign the bag before sending. 

For other ideas to give your Valentine a nudge... be sure to visit our Pinterest Board here!