Thanksgiving Tablescape and Hostess Gift featuring Apples and Pears
Nov 11, 2020, Updated May 19, 2021
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This post is sponsored by Sage Fruit.
The holiday season is here! You’re probably already planning the menu, but have you given any thought to your tablescape? You’re probably already ordering gifts for your family, but have you remembered to plan for hostess gifts? Don’t worry if these two to-do’s slipped your mind. We have two simple ideas for you using affordable fruit — yes, fruit!
Apples and pears are in season year-round but they are especially delightful during the holidays. Not only do they taste great, they have an elegant and festive appearance. Stock up on apples and pears for easy tablescapes and hostess gifts too!
Easy, Rustic Tablescape Featuring Pears
It doesn’t take much effort to make a beautiful guest-ready table. Fresh cuttings of fall foliage from the backyard make a colorful backdrop. Add a pear to each place setting with a name card attached. Try using gift tags tied around the stem to create the name card.
Bosc pears are in season and add a warm, rustic feel. However any pear will add an elegant appearance. Also consider red d’anjou or forelle for more pops of color.
Each guest can enjoy their pear with dinner or take it home to enjoy later. If your guests leave their pears behind — save them to make a savory pear salad with bacon and toasted pecans or pear ricotta pancakes.
Hostess Gift: Apple Streusel Bread
Apple Streusel Bread literally tastes like the holidays! This quick bread recipe features Fuji apples, cinnamon, and apple cider. It comes together in a snap yet it tastes like a labor of love. It will put a big smile on your hostess’s face.
Once it comes out of the oven, let the bread cool completely. Remove the bread from the pan and wrap in plastic wrap and adorn with a festive bow. For a more elaborate gift, purchase a new bread pan and wrap the bread in the pan. Attach a wooden spoon along with the recipe to the outside and finish with a bow.
Apple Streusel Bread also makes a great gift for teachers! Attach a tag that says something clever like, “I couldn’t have picked a sweeter teacher” and then have your child sign his name.
Apple Streusel Bread
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 cups Fuji apples grated
Steusel
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk in butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and apple cider. Fold in grated apples. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and flour to create the streusel. Cut in the butter until pea-sized balls form. Spread half of the streusel in the bottom of the pan. Pour the batter in the pan. Top the batter with the remaining half of the streusel.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted in the center and comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before removing from the pan.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Remember, the holidays don’t need to be complicated to be special. Much of what you need to celebrate is waiting for you in the produce department! Be sure to pick up apples and pears this holiday season to complete your tablescape and fulfill your hostess gift needs.
How will you be using apples and pears this holiday season? Share your favorite festive recipes or unique uses in the comments below.
