Who says that a wreath has to hang outside? There are a number of fun and creative ways to make DIY wreaths that bring the beauty of fall indoors, and many of them don’t cost a dime to make. Here are three great wreath tutorials for you to try this weekend at Avana Grove.

DIY Apple Wreath [thewoodgraincottage.com]
While an actual apple wreath would likely be too heavy to hang, this one uses faux apples from the craft store to achieve the same effect. All it takes is some hot glue, a Styrofoam wreath mold and some burlap to hang it.

Glitter Wreath [homemadebyjill.blogspot.com]
If you’re looking for a fun wreath project that the kids can do, too, this one is a great choice. They’ll enjoy cutting out the small leaves from heavy cardstock, and they’ll enjoy it even more once it’s time to sprinkle glitter all over.

Fall Wheat Sheave Wreath [bhg.com]
If you prefer something with a more natural look (and a quicker preparation), this tutorial is one of the simplest you’ll find. Simply gather some dried wheat and tie it together with a piece of oversized ribbon in a fall color, then attach the whole thing to your door (or anywhere else that can use a bit of decoration).

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr garryknight

Williams Confectionary Crafts is one of those special places that almost everyone seems to love. Perhaps it's because Joyce Williams, the retired school teacher who has run the family business for years, aims to recreate a dining experience that reminds everyone of a home-cooked meal.

Regulars call Williams Confectionary Crafts the best breakfast in town, particularly for its homestyle biscuits and gravy and stuffed omelettes (breakfast is served all day long!). Food critics have lavished praise on Williams’ chicken-fried steak, while Yelp reviewers cheer the smothered pork chop special served on Thursdays. Make sure to leave room for dessert, as the display case full of pies, cakes, and other treats is sure to beckon.

Located in Live Oak, Williams Confectionary Crafts is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Williams Confectionary Crafts
121207 Toepperwein Road
San Antonio, TX 72833
(210) 967-5200
www.yelp.com/biz/williams-confectionery-crafts-san-antonio

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr palewire

Carving a pumpkin may seem like a fun, relaxing autumn activity that you can do together as a family, but if you’ve ever actually attempted to carve a pumpkin, you know that this isn’t always the case. Carving the perfect pumpkin is possible, however, and these simple tips can help you get there safely and without too much stress.

1. Start by choosing a pumpkin with a flat bottom so that it won’t roll around while you try to carve it.
2. Cut the top of the pumpkin on an angle, so that once you scoop it out and replace the stem it won’t drop down inside.
3. Soak the pumpkin in a bleach solution for one or two hours before carving to lengthen its lifespan. After you carve it, dry thoroughly and rub the edges with some petroleum jelly to prevent it from shriveling.
4. While it may seem like a waste of money, it’s very helpful to purchase a kit of knives designed especially for pumpkin carving. Using a common kitchen knife that is too big or not sharp enough can be dangerous for everyone involved.
5. If this is your first time carving a pumpkin, choose a pattern with bold features and large details to make it a bit easier.
6. Cut out your stencil and either trace it directly onto the pumpkin or tape it on with clear tape before carving.

8 Pro Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin [Good Housekeeping]
Pumpkin Carving Tips – How to Carve a Jack-o'-lantern [About Food]
How to Carve a Pumpkin [Martha Stewart]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Tim Evanson