An apple a day, or so they say! It seems that in our hurry for all things FALL, apples get forgotten. Now I’m all for pumpkin spice, tasty and nice, but I also enjoy a hot cup of cider, as well as caramel apples, apple muffins, and of course, apple pie a la mode. YUM! Going to a pumpkin patch is so much fun, but have you ever gone apple pickin’ or toured a cider mill? How about an at home family apple festival? Here are a few ideas to get your apple juices flowing.

• 

A caramel apple bar is sure to draw a crowd! You can make your own caramel sauce or buy it already made. A variety of toppings isn’t necessary, but they sure are fun! As an alternative, apple slices with toothpicks make a wonderful snack.

• 

Apple decorations will add to the festivities. You can use apple dishes… found at thrift stores, often for $1 or less. Banners always add excitement to the occasion. This apple banner can be made using a hand drawn pattern, old clothes for fabric, cardboard cut into little stems, and the apples filled with dryer lint stuffing. Hot glue holds it all together.

• 

Speaking of apple decorations, I am quite the collector. My students gifted me with the first few, and my orchard just seemed to keep growing over the years! The kitchen is a great place to decorate using an apple theme. A hutch filled with apple dishes and decor is yummy to the eyes.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Did you notice the coffee bar in the kitchen? Caramel apple lattes are delicious!!! You can even make homemade stovetop syrups using sugar, water, and various flavors from candy, like cinnamon red hots. YUM!

• 

• 

Have you ever played the game Apples to Apples? It’s a must for a family gathering or game night. Serve up some apple snacks during the game, and everyone will be happy.

• 

Homemade apple cider is just so easy to make. There are tons of recipes online. Using a variety of apples makes the best cider. Don’t forget to add oranges for the zing. Apple cider simmering in the crockpot makes the whole house smell yummy!

• 

• 

Once you start brainstorming, the ideas for this theme seem to drop like apples from a tree! Whether simple or elaborate, being together is the ultimate goal… making others know they are the apple of your eye!🍎🍏