No matter what size your kitchen or Thanksgiving gathering is, having a plan can make the days leading up to Thanksgiving—and the day of cooking— so much easier. These free Thanksgiving planning printables will help you stay organized, prep ahead, and keep track of what needs to be done and when.

Free Thanksgiving Planning Printables

These printables are helpful whether you are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you're a seasoned cook who just wants an easy way to keep track of everything.

Thanksgiving Shopping & Prep Checklist

Having a Thanksgiving shopping and prep checklist can help you plan what to buy early and save on items as they go on sale. You can stock up on pantry staples and hosting essentials ahead of time, then shop for fresh ingredients closer to prep and cooking days.

Use the My Buy-Ahead List at the bottom to jot down anything else you want to purchase before Thanksgiving week gets busy.

Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline

The Thanksgiving cooking timeline has suggestions for what you can cook or bake and prep in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, what you can get done the night before, and what to tackle Thanksgiving morning.

It also breaks down tasks for while the turkey cooks and before dinner, with space at the bottom to create your own Thanksgiving Day cooking schedule.

Download Free Thanksgiving Planning Printables

2-Page PDF Instant Download

How to Use These Thanksgiving Printables

Print the pages and keep them somewhere easy to reference, such as on the refrigerator, kitchen counter, or inside your holiday planner. Check off tasks as you finish them and use the blank schedule area to plan your Thanksgiving Day cooking timeline.

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe.
• Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

Need a Complete Thanksgiving Meal Planner?

Shop the 20-Page Thanksgiving Meal Planner

If these two free pages help, the complete planner includes menu planning, grocery lists, guest lists, potluck planning, prep schedules, recipe pages, and more. Click the button to find out more!

Helpful Thanksgiving Cooking & Hosting Essentials

More Thanksgiving Ideas

• Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
• Free Printable Leftover Labels
• Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Bread
• 15+ Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

The post Free Thanksgiving Planning Printables – Shopping Checklist & Cooking Timeline appeared first on Dear Creatives.

Christmas Home Decor Ideas

Whether your holiday style is classic, modern, or minimalist, let these Christmas home decor ideas inspire you and make decorating a little easier. Looking for inspiration beyond the holidays? Browse more [Home decor ideas] for every room and season.

Classic Christmas Entryway

1. Pre-lit Christmas Wreath with frosted berries and clear lights to hang in the entryway or on the door.
2. These brass lantern candle holders (set).
3. A 4-foot potted, pre-lit pine tree.
4. Get a non-slip Christmas doormat for all those muddy shoes and boots.
5. Add a touch of class by adding an indoor/outdoor layering rug.
6. Not shown: a very pretty pre-lit berry garland to decorate with.

Modern Christmas Living Room

1. Get a set of ceramic Christmas tree decorations to display.
2. Chunky knit throw blanket for the couch or reading chair.
3. For a touch of mood lighting, an Alabaster Candlestick like this can be added to tables or side tables.
4. Checkered knit Christmas stockings in red and cream or green and cream.
5. Glass ornaments like this or natural ornaments like this.
6. A beautiful set of ceramic pre-lit Christmas trees.
7. Add a rattan Christmas tree collar for a contemporary look.
8. This beautiful Christmas tree is perfect for all your decorations.

Elegant Christmas Mantel

1. Arched mirror for the mantel.
2. Decorate it with a pre-lit garland like this.
3. Add pretty Christmas stocking holders like this or these brass deer stocking holders to the mantel or a shelf if you don't have a fireplace.
4. Pair them with Christmas stockings like these or these glam Christmas stockings.
5. A trio of mercury glass light-up Christmas trees will look so pretty glowing at night.
6. What is Christmas without jingle bells? Hang these brass jingle bells from the mantel or a doorway.
7. And this brass candle holder is perfect for the fireplace mantel or table.

Modern Holiday Bar Cart

1. Modern bar cart in brass or black.
2. Coupe glasses for wine or champagne…
3. A beautiful brass cocktail shaker.
4. Whiskey glass set; this is so pretty! I don't even drink whiskey and want it. It would make a great gift too.
5. Lighted ceramic Christmas tree; find them in white or other colors and sizes.
6. Everyone needs a glass beverage pitcher. They are perfect for entertaining. Serve water with fresh fruit, iced tea, wine, or other beverages

Which Christmas decorating style is your favorite—classic, modern, or minimalist?

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe.
• Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

More Christmas Ideas

1. Christmas Decor—Holiday Decorating Guide
2. Christmas Wreath Ideas
3. Last-Minute Christmas Decorating

The post Christmas Home Decor Ideas For Every Style appeared first on Dear Creatives.

Not an Amazon Prime member yet? Eligible customers can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days to enjoy Prime-exclusive deals, fast free shipping on eligible orders, and more. Membership automatically renews at the current rate after the trial ends unless canceled. Terms and eligibility apply. Find out all the details.

My Favorite Amazon Finds For The Home

This list includes products we own and love, along with a few additional finds from my Amazon wish list at the end of this post.

1. This easy-to-open and close step ladder with 3 steps is perfect for the kitchen and home. Safe for climbing and holds up to 330lbs.
2. Scalloped Wicker Organizer Basket Set with wood handles. Perfect for holding extra toilet paper and other things. It comes in two sizes. Pretty enough for living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas of the home.
3. I'm always running out of storage on my cellphone. What about you? Take a lot of photos and videos? Get this SANDISK 256GB phone drive with a dual iPhone USB-C/Lightning connector.
   This flash drive is for iPhone, iPads, Mac, and USB-C devices; iPhone-certified.
4. I finally decided to get a Stand Mixer Slider Mat and love it. Now, I don't worry about my countertops.
5. Cooyes Shelf Liner (18 patterns and various sizes and roll sizes): We redid our kitchen, and I lined every shelf and drawer.
   Shelf Liner Non-Adhesive EVA Cabinet & Drawer Liner 11.8″ x 240″ Premium Waterproof Shelf Paper. This is not only pretty but stays put. (The prettiest lined shelves I have ever had!)
6. If you need putty for the house, use GreenFix Sticky mounting putty like this for shelves; use sticky tack for wall-hanging photos, posters, and prints, crafting, attaching your car accessories, trinkets, tissue box, keeping valuables, and collectibles in place. And other projects.
7. I still love the Ravinte solid brass cabinet pulls, 5-inch cabinet handles; they come in other sizes. I picked them for the kitchen cabinets! They look pretty and are easy to keep clean.
8. SDlumely 11.8-ounce glass plant water sprayer.

Pet Beds We Love

Of course, I couldn't leave out our pets! We love these pet beds, and our pets do too.

1. This sofa-style pet bed, a pet sofa in corduroy fabric, is available in 2 sizes and 6 colors.
2. For cats or small dogs, this cozy donut bed comes with a matching blanket (and the blanket is waterproof). It is also available in a large size pet bed with no matching blanket.
3. And for our two kitty cats who can't make up their minds, this small/medium pet bed is available in 13 different colors and prints. We got two and put them side by side on our coffee table.

Yes, we spoil our pets! Do you?

More Amazon Finds For Home, Tech, and Cleaning

1. Amazon Echo Show 21 (newest model) in 2 sizes, Full HD 21″ kitchen hub for home organization, with built-in Fire TV, designed for Alexa+
2. Fire TV Stick with 4K Plus home entertainment
3. Apple AirPods tech and gift pick.
4. Bissell Little Green Machine, perfect for cleaning upholstery, cleaning after pets or kids, and spills…
5. Ring Battery Doorbell (new)

Looking for more ideas? [Browse my Amazon shop] for favorite craft supplies, home finds, and more.

Which one of these finds would you pick for your home?

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe.
• Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

The post Favorite Amazon Finds For Everyday Living appeared first on Dear Creatives.

If you have an abundance of garden tomatoes (from your small or large garden) or bought some from the farmers' market or the grocery store (even if it's the end of the season), this simple oven-roasted method is a delicious way to use them. I'll show you how to make a flavorful no-peel tomato sauce with very little hands-on work.

Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Sauce

• 5 to 6 pounds of ripe tomatoes, such as Roma, cherry, and slicing tomatoes (enough to fill two large colanders).
• 1 large White onion
• 2 Bell peppers
• Garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• Fresh Oregano Sprigs
• Spices: garlic, pepper, salt blend
• Jalapeño peppers or Italian peppers, seeded and sliced (optional)
• Olive Oil
• Water as needed for thinning the sauce.

The yield is approximately 4-6 cups of sauce.

This recipe is flexible, so the tomatoes do not need to be measured precisely. Use enough prepared tomatoes to fill your sheet pan without overcrowding it. Final yield will vary depending on the tomato varieties and their water content. And for the garlic cloves, add them to your taste preference. For reference, I used at least 6.

This recipe is forgiving and can match your harvest. Or use up tomatoes you have purchased.

Why is the sauce orange? Fresh roasted tomato sauce may look orange-red after blending rather than the deep red of canned tomato sauce. More about that later in the post; see FAQ section.

What are the Best Tomatoes for Homemade Tomato Sauce?

Roma tomatoes are one of the best choices for homemade tomato sauce because they are meaty, flavorful, and contain less water than other varieties. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while larger garden or slicing tomatoes contribute to plenty of fresh tomato flavor.

This year I grew chocolate cherry tomatoes along with another cherry tomato variety. The chocolate cherry tomatoes are unbelievably sweet and have a hint of cocoa (the cocoa hint is undetectable in the sauce). They're the perfect addition to this garden tomato sauce.

You don't need a specific variety—a combination of ripe tomatoes works well. If your tomatoes are especially juicy, the sauce may need a little extra roasting or simmering to thicken it. In my case, I had to add a little water to thin the sauce.

How To Make Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and cut larger tomatoes into quarters and smaller tomatoes in half. Peel and quarter the onion. Wash the bell peppers, remove the stem and seeds, and cut into thick slices.
2. Lightly coat a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil. Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper on the pan. Season the vegetables and drizzle them with more olive oil. Toss gently to coat.
3. Add the garlic cloves and hot peppers to the sheet pan with the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Use as much hot pepper as you prefer, or omit it for a mild sauce. Add fresh oregano sprigs if using them.
4. Roast for 40-50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are soft and the tomatoes have released their juices. The edges of the tomatoes, peppers, and onions should be lightly browned. Begin checking after 35 minutes, as cooking time will vary depending on the size and moisture content of the tomatoes.
5. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly. Carefully transfer the vegetables (I use a large spoon like this) and their juices to a blender or food processor, then blend until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

After blending, use the sauce immediately or allow it to cool before storing. To serve, pour the sauce into a pan and warm it over medium-low heat. If it is thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens. Taste and add more seasoning as needed.

Tips for Making The Best Roasted Tomato Sauce

• Use ripe tomatoes. Any variety will work. Add a variety of tomatoes so it gives the sauce a more balanced flavor.
• Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything roast evenly. Leave cherry tomatoes in halves and cut larger tomatoes into quarters.
• Use a rimmed sheet pan. The tomatoes will release plenty of juice as they roast, so avoid using a flat baking sheet.
• Pepper heat can vary considerably. For the heat, remove the seeds and white membranes; for more heat, leave some intact.
• Don't discard the juices. Transfer the flavorful juices from the sheet pan to the blender along with the roasted vegetables.
• Use caution when blending. Let the vegetables cool slightly, leave plenty of room at the top of the blender when blending, and avoid sealing very hot ingredients in a blender. Blend in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the consistency after blending. Add a little water if the sauce is too thick, or simmer it uncovered if it is too thin.
• Taste before adding more seasoning. Roasting concentrates the vegetables' flavors, so blend the sauce first and then make any final seasoning adjustments.

On the first day, we made spaghetti noodles to have with the roasted tomato sauce. Then on the second day I made eggplant Parmesan! It was so delicious. I hope you get to make some soon.

Yield: 4-6 cups

Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce

No Ratings

Print

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 pounds of ripe tomatoes, such as Roma, cherry, and slicing tomatoes (enough to fill two large colanders).
• 1 large White onion
• 2 Bell peppers
• Garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• Fresh Oregano Sprigs
• Spices: garlic, pepper, salt blend
• Jalapeño peppers or Italian peppers seeded and sliced (optional)
• Olive Oil
• Water as needed for thinning the sauce.

Instructions

How To Make Roasted Tomato Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and cut larger tomatoes into quarters and smaller tomatoes in half. Peel and quarter the onion. Wash the bell peppers, remove the stem and seeds, and cut into thick slices.
2. Lightly coat a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil. Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper on the pan. Season the vegetables and drizzle them with more olive oil. Toss gently to coat.
3. Add the garlic cloves and hot peppers to the sheet pan with the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Use as much hot pepper as you prefer, or omit it for a mild sauce. Add fresh oregano sprigs if using them.
4. Roast for 40-50 minutes, stirring once halfway through until the vegetables are soft and the tomatoes have released their juices. The edges of the tomatoes, peppers, and onions should be lightly browned. Begin checking after 35 minutes, as cooking time will vary depending on the size and moisture content of the tomatoes.
5. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly. Carefully transfer the vegetables (I use a large spoon like this) and their juices to a blender or food processor, then blend until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

After blending, use the sauce immediately or allow it to cool before storing. To serve, pour the sauce into a pan and warm it over medium-low heat. If it is thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens. Taste and add more seasoning as needed.

Notes

• You don't need a specific variety—a combination of ripe tomatoes works well. If your tomatoes are especially juicy, the sauce may need a little extra roasting or simmering to thicken them.
• This recipe is flexible, so the tomatoes do ot need to be measured precisely. Use enough prepared tomatoes to fill your sheet pan without overcrowding it. Final yield will vary depending on the tomato varieties and their water content.
• This recipe is forgiving and can match your harvest.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  ExcelSteel Heavy Duty Handles and Self-draining Solid Ring Base Stainless Steel Colander, 5 Qt, Stainless (Pack of 1)
• 
  imarku Santoku Knife 7 Inch with Sharp Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel
• 
  EDELHAUS Acacia Wood Cutting Boards for Kitchen Set of 3, Juice Groove
• 
  Wilton Platinum Non-Stick Large Baking Sheet, Made Without PFAS, 11x17 in.
• 
  Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 68 fl oz (2 L)
• 
  Vitamix Propel Series 750 Professional-Grade Blender, 4 Programs, Black
• 
  Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 5 Quart Sauté Pan w/Helper Handle & Cover
• 
  KitchenAid KE003OHOBA Classic Basting Spoon, One Size, Black
• 
  Cuisinart Saute Pan, PurelySear Hybrid, Stainless Steel, 5 Qt
• 
  Armrouns Silicone Spatula Spoon, 11.2" Heat Resistan Rubber Spoonula, Black Non-Stick Spootula with Seamless, Flexible Scrapers for Baking Mixing Serving, Stirring. (Large 11.2)

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving Calories 27Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 5mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 1g

Not all nutritional information is always 100% accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tomatoes for roasted tomato sauce?

Roma and plum tomatoes make a thick, flavorful sauce because they contain less water. However, you can use any ripe tomatoes, including cherry, grape, beefsteak, or garden tomatoes. A mixture of varieties also works well.

Do I need to peel tomatoes before making sauce?

No. Roasting softens the tomato skins, and blending creates a smooth sauce without peeling. For an extra-smooth texture, blend the sauce thoroughly or pass it through a fine-mesh strainer.

Can I freeze roasted tomato sauce?

Yes. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze it in portions so you can thaw only what you need.

How long does homemade tomato sauce last in the refrigerator?

Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within four to five days.

Why is my roasted tomato sauce watery?

Some tomato varieties contain more water than others. Note: You can roast the vegetables a little longer or simmer the blended sauce on the stove until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Why is my homemade tomato sauce orange instead of red?

Fresh roasted tomato sauce may look orange-red after blending rather than the deep red of canned tomato sauce. Blending incorporates air and emulsifies the olive oil with the tomato juices, creating a lighter color. The onions, garlic, peppers, and tomato flesh can also lighten the sauce. This is completely normal. The color may deepen as the sauce rests or simmers.

What can I make with roasted tomato sauce?

Use it with pasta, pizza, lasagna, meatballs, chicken Parmesan, eggplant Parmesan, soups, casseroles, or anywhere you would normally use tomato sauce.

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe to get your free printable Recipe Binder and helpful cooking resources—plus easy recipes and new posts delivered to your inbox. After signing up, you'll be taken directly to the Recipe Binder and receive the link by email so you can save it for later. And get the access code to our free Subscriber Library.
• Don't forget to Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

More Recipes With Tomato Sauce

• Ragu Pasta Sauce
• Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
• Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
• Easy Chicken Parmesan
• Pasta Dinner Recipes

The post Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce: The Simplest Way To Use Fresh Tomatoes appeared first on Dear Creatives.

Grab your moon tea and get ready to delve into these decorating ideas. I put together a list of spellbinding Practical Magic–inspired decor, including flickering candles, decorative cauldrons, decorative witch shoes, spellbooks, and other mystical touches. These finds are perfect for creating a magical fall atmosphere without making your home feel overly spooky.

Blue Moon Tea

Whether you're planning a Halloween movie night or love the cozy witch aesthetic, these enchanting decorations will help set the mood. You can also explore my witch-themed Halloween decorations and find even more crafts, decorating inspiration, and seasonal fun on my Halloween Ideas page. Now, let’s fly over to the witchy finds!

Practical Magic–Inspired Decor for a Magical Halloween

Trio of Ceramic Ghost Decorations with Witch Hats. I have these! They light up, are easy to place anywhere, and are so pretty. I also have the mini cauldron, a witch broom, a green velvet pillow with designs, and the Green Witch Book. My collection is growing. What about yours?

Amazon Witchy Finds & Witch Aesthetic Perfect for Decorating

1. Witch Broom Decor or a mini handmade basom (broom)
   I can't get enough of all the witch brooms I've been spotting so many ideas and styles. What about you?
2. Spell Candles and Vintage-Style Candleholders
   Pick moody colors, aged metals like these candle holders, carved wood, and add candlelight.
3. A Decorative Halloween Cauldron Decor or a Mini Cauldron (cast iron) for Spells. Use it for wrapped candy, dried flowers, or seasonal displays.
4. Display or hang these decorative witch boots near an entryway or incorporate wearable boots into the theme.
5. Don't forget to add apothecary bottles, potion bottles (both with optional labels), and potion jars with cork lids. Style them on shelves, your table, bar carts, or kitchen counters.
6. Celestial Garlands and Moon Decor. Think moon, stars, and shiny, metallic details.
7. Vintage-Style Brooms that you can put by the fireplace or front door make an understated magical touch.
8. Herbs, dried flowers, and botanical decor evoke the Owens family home. Did you grow lavender, rosemary, or have eucalyptus nearby? Get a herb-drying rack like this to hang herbs to dry.
9. Use lace tablecloths, lace runners (love), velvet pillows (I have this one!), and dark floral patterns. Pick black lace and romantic textiles.
10. Get a Practical Magic–Inspired Table or make a reading corner. Create a witchy scene with several magical items placed together.
11. Decorate with and read Green Witch Books, spell books, and other witch books. See the link to our full book list later in the post.
12. Crystals and Stones help you make your witch table (altar) or display by adding earth elements.
13. Midnight Margaritas T-Shirt for Women: Put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up. Or this black movie-style T-shirt when decorating, for viewing parties, heading to the movies, or just to wear.
14. Be sure to hang a witchy sign: Practical Magic Black Wood Sign perfect for the kitchen or this witch's brew stacking sign.
15. Keep all your goodies in a box: Tarot Box or Crystal Box

Shop The Look

Do you love the witch aesthetic? I must admit I love witch-inspired home decor and will totally embrace Practical Magic decor along with the new movie! Have a magical fall and happy decorating!

• New here? Be sure to Subscribe.
• Pin it for Later
• Follow us on Pinterest
• Shop our favorites on Amazon

Pin it for Later

More Witchy Halloween Ideas You'll Love

Make The Look, Decorate, or Read Books

• Make a spellbinding grimoire journal
• Discover more witch-themed Halloween decorations
• Try crafting this easy DIY felt witch hat. They are so easy you'll be making more than one!
• Not only are these adorable, but they are also delicious! Witch Broom Strawberries are easy to make. See how.
• Browse my favorite books about witches: Novels and Ritual Crafters.
  And if you haven't read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, add that to your reading list too.
• Find more Halloween crafts, decor, and party ideas (here)

Halloween Printables

“Planning more Halloween fun? Explore our free Halloween printables, or get the Halloween Countdown + Trick-or-Treat Checklist Bundle from our shop.”

Product offers are temporarily unavailable.

The post 15 Practical Magic–Inspired Halloween Decorations for a Witchy Fall Home appeared first on Dear Creatives.