Creating A Green + Grey Entranceway For Spring
How To Make Your Own Nautical Centerpiece.
Did you know that the glass floats we love to use in our summer decor were originally used in the 1930’s by fishermen in many parts of the world to keep their fishing nets, as well as longlines or droplines afloat. In fact they were so abundant you can still find them floating in the seas today. Original Japanese glass fishing floats, as they are also called, are now popular collectors’ items and can be found in vintage stores or as reproductions in design stores.
Collect a few glass floats in different colors from your local vintage store and pair them with a handmade rope wrapped vase filled with flowers and use them to create your own nautical centerpiece.
Mixing in vintage nautical pieces with some items that you may find in your local stores is the perfect way to create a nautical centerpiece. For this particular tablescape, we are going to start with a singular clear vase. I like to use square or straight side vases, as this ensures the ribbon will go up smoothly. If your vase has a slight tilt to it, it may change the way the ribbon lies.
We’re going to begin by placing the rope ribbon around the edge and measuring for length. Once you have the ribbon wound around, about twice, then apply the glue. Apply the glue, just to the edges, as you won’t need very much. Press down the edges and ensure that they are secure.
Fill with water and place blue and white flowers in the vase.
To complete your centerpiece, top your table with either a large a fishing net or bunch it in the center for a more casual feel. Group the nautical glass balls around the floral and finish it off with coordinating nautical style votives.
This centerpiece is ideal for summer parties, beach weddings or simply to decorate the table for the summer season.
How To Decorate A Dining Hutch.
If you love dishes and glasses as much as I do, you will quickly find you run out of spaces to hide them, but you can also incorporate them into your decor by using open and glass front hutches.
In this short video for eHow.com I discuss incorporating your collections in to you home decor and decorating.
Many dining hutches have a glass front area as well as an enclosed area. When displaying items in the glass front area, it’s nice to group them into categories. Even though I have a collection of mismatched champagne glasses, organizing them together in one area creates a very nice display. Use the second shelf for other items that have a little bit more colorful design or are pitchers and stoneware. Use cake plates to add height for your smaller items.
Adding taller items to the top of this hutch, creates height as well as allows for space for those numerous glass vases that we have all acquired.
On the center shelf area, add personalized items such as ceramic bowls or fondue pots from your childhood.
In the enclosed area, you can hide votives, napkins and other accessories that don’t need to be as organized quite as well. There’s really no wrong way to display these items but by grouping them into collections, you will find it really creates a more appealing look.
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How To Make Centerpieces for a Beach Themed Gathering
Beach themed events are always in style and centerpieces that bring the allure of the beach right to your table are perfect, whether you’re in the city or actually on the beach. In this video for eHow I show you how to make a centerpiece that can be used for an elegant gathering or placed on your hallway table as a seasonal display.
To start the video click the image below or click here.
Centerpieces that bring the allure of the beach right to your table are perfect, whether you’re in the city or actually on the beach.
SUPPLIES:
- Round Glass Vase
- Sand or Crushed Oyster Shells
- Miniature Adirondack Chair
- Seashells in Various Sizes
- Dried Coral
Begin by putting the crushed shells in the base of your vase. You can also use sand, if that’s more readily available to you. Place the Adirondack chair inside of the vase, settling it just as you would on the beach. Next, place the shells in, grouping them naturally as you would see them on the beach.
Add any other items that you have found at the beach, such as this dried coral and place it right inside.
This Beach Themed Centerpiece is are perfect for weddings and gatherings that are fun and casual, or elegant and romantic. Use your theme as a guide when you create your centerpiece.
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Easy Spring Jelly Bean + Birds Nest Centerpiece
Is it me, or are jelly beans a sure sign of spring and that Easter is on it’s way! Create these fun jelly bean bird nest centerpieces using green moss, and other hints of spring, such as bunnies and butterflies. In this short video for eHow.com I show you how to easily make a jelly bean centerpiece for your spring tablescape.
EASY BIRDS NEST CENTERPIECE
For this centerpiece you will need:
- Tall Cake Plate
- Moss
- Moss Runner
- Jelly Beans
- Small Birds Nests – two sizes
- Faux Butterflies
Begin with two different size bird’s nests. I like to use different sizes because they add a little bit of variety and also are great cups for the jelly beans. You’re then going to have two different types of moss, one is a flat moss and is actually a live moss, and the second is a table runner that you can cut into two different sizes. You’re going to spread out the table runner, the length of your table or just right in the center. Place the cake plate right on top. We’re going to next put the singular moss piece right on the top of the cake plate to start to create a moss bed.
Bring in the small and large bird’s nests. Layer them slightly and put them on an angle to add a little variety. You can also add one to the base right on top of your table. Begin placing the jelly beans inside of the nests. Each nest will hold a variety of colors and amount. Once you have the jelly beans in place in their nests, you can start to add in the different elements. Here we’re going to add in a little butterfly. You can then bring in other items that are spring themed, such as a larger bunny or any other items found around your house.
This centerpiece will be perfect for a baby shower, Mother’s Day or Easter brunch tablescape.
Just for you! My Spring Entertaining Checklist. Download, print out and make your next gathering as enjoyable as a spring breeze.
Read more about creating jelly bean centerpieces and search my other videos on my YouTube Channel.
DIY Garden Themed Centerpieces
Garden theme centerpieces are perfect any time of the year as they can reflect what’s going on in your own garden so they can be used summer, spring, winter or fall.
To view the video click on the image or click here.
SUPPLIES:
- floral oasis
- fishing line
- water
- sheet moss
- floral sticks
- garden sheers
- dried craft mushrooms
- decorative butterflies
- 3-4 flowers stems
To cut the oasis, use the fishing line to draw a straight line down the center. Once you have this cut it will fit nicely into your container. If you need to take additional off the sides, just use your fishing line to make it the size that works for your container. Place the moss on top.
Once you have your moss in place use your floral sticks to place the mushrooms. Your floral sticks come in varying lengths. Cut them to size depending upon the height of your container. Place them in the oasis, leaving a little bit on top sticking out. Start to place the mushrooms on top of the sticks. The mushrooms should have a hollow center which allows them to sit right on top of the sticks.
Fluff up the moss as needed then continue to place the different colored mushrooms on top of the sticks. Push them down a little bit further if needed.
Once the mushrooms are in, use the floral sticks to create a hole to push your flowers into. The sharp end works really well. I also recommend using flowers that have a stronger stem. They will push easily into the oasis as opposed to a loose stem which will not. Start to place your flowers into the wet oasis and then move the box around filling in.
Create a natural look by grouping the flowers together. Once that is done you can start to bring in other woodland or garden items.
This garden inspired centerpiece will bring the garden into your home and table.
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Go Ahead Play With Your Food. Super Bowl Dip Centerpiece
“Go ahead… Play with your food! Super Bowl Dip ideas.” Tweet this.
What do we love more than the actual Super Bowl? Super Bowl food of course. Show your spirit on your table creating centerpieces made with food. This spin on the traditional guacamole dish pairs well with the always popular Blood Mary Bar! Mix in your team color to show your spirit!
To see this video on eHow.com visit this link: CLICK HERE
Super Bowl Centerpieces Made With Food — powered by ehow
SUPPLIES:
- Rectangular Dish
- Large Serving Platter
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sliced Olives
- Sour Cream
- Tomatoes
- Tortilla Chips
Begin with a clean rectangular glass Pyrex dish. Place guacamole in dish, spreading it out in the center, leaving the edges and sides empty so you can place the salsa in there. Place salsa on one side or “end zone”, spreading it out. Do not to push it over the edge into the guacamole. In the other end-zone place the sliced olives.
Use the sour cream to make the lines on the field. To create straight lines put the sour cream into a pastry bag, or a Ziploc bag. Push it to one end and simply cut the corner off, and that creates your own piping bag. Now, take your piping bag and put it down right down the center. Place several lines on the field, and then put in your players. In this case we’re using cherry tomatoes, but you can really use any item.
Once you have your players in place, put dish on top of a larger platter. This will allow space to add your chips.
Keep in mind that you can always add your teams colors to the end zones by using different vegetables in your team colors. Most importantly – Have fun!
Looking for more Super Bowl Entertaining Solutions? How about 10 tips for a Super Bowl buffet! or Highend Tailgating Ideas.
Connecting Over Coffee. Stress Free How To.
A coffee party is a great way to get friends together that maybe you haven’t seen in a long time, or at the office, or perhaps for a girl’s get together.In this video for eHow.com, I discuss what items you will need to set up for your next coffee talk session.
Watch the video below or click here to view.
SUPPLIES:
- Regular and Decaf Coffee
- Creamers, soy milk, half and half
- Sugar
- Sugar Alternatives
- Baked Goods – Muffins, Bagels, Interesting Donuts Varieties
- Coffee pots {one for each variety}
- Small Pitchers for each creamer variety
- Tags or labels for pitchers {optional}
- Vessel for Packets or Loose Sugar
- Mugs for Coffee or Espresso
- Paper Cups for To-Go
- Small spoons
- Cake Plates
- Small Service Plates
- Forks, Knives as needed
- Napkins
Be sure to provide a variety of coffees as well as baked goods to your guests. You may also provide bagels, cream cheese, fresh fruit, and any special items that you know your guests will like.
You know I love china plates so stay clear of the paper version there but…napkins are a different story. This is where you really can have a little bit more fun, and bring in the theme of your party. Perhaps it is for a bride and groom, maybe you’re having a post-wedding coffee party, you can have little napkins that have their name on them, as well as maybe it’s a spring gathering, a little flower napkins, or great summer coral napkins. Or you can go with a solid coordinating color to your theme or decor.
What is your favorite coffee time? Early morning. Mid Day. After Dinner? Let me know in the comments below. And of course, be sure to share the love… TWEET, PIN + LIKE.
{This video series was filmed at Datz Dough in Tampa, FL. For more information on the restaurant and private rooms visit: DatzTampa.com}
Creating a New Year’s Eve Party Decoration + Favor Display
In this video for eHow.com I discuss how to set up party decorations for New Years Eve or any celebration!
To watch the video click the image below. If image does not display click HERE.
New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite holiday’s. It is the perfect night to host a gathering. Safety first of course! People love to get dressed to the nines on NYE so why not help them put on their final accessories. Creating a DIY display of party decorations and favors for your guests to help themselves to is easy with just a few items. Of course we want to display them in an attractive way rather than a big mess, so lets talk about a few tricks and tips that will help you display the party items.
Before you buy any party decor, I always recommend picking a theme. In this case we’re using gold and silver as our theme.
SUPPLIES:
- Julep Cups – 3 Tall / 3 Small
- Gold and Silver Sun Glasses
- Gold and Silver Streamers
- Silver Ornaments
- Silver Snowflake Napkins
- Paper Straws with Silver Flags from Washi Tape
- Champagne Flutes
DIRECTIONS:
Place Julep Cups on an entranceway table or bar. Place sunglasses in taller cups sorting by color. Continue to place items into tall and short cups. Arrange Napkins and ornaments on the table along with Champagne flutes.
Toast the night away!
How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve this year? Share two ways you will celebrate the new year below in the comments. LIKE & SHARE this and be sure to sign up for updates!
Christmas Table Decorations With Fruit & Nuts
Not all centerpieces need to be made from flowers. During the winter season there are a variety of fruits and nuts that become available in the farmers markets. Combining these natural elements with candles creates a beautiful display that can be made ahead of time and placed on your holiday table to greet guests.
In this video for eHow I show you an easy way to incorporate fruit and nuts in to your holiday decor.
Click on the image to start the video. If the image does not display click HERE to start the video.
I love to create decorations that can be used in multiple locations and that can be left out for more than one day! This fruit and nut display can be placed on your holiday table, mantle, or entrance way table, anywhere that you would like to bring a little bit of a festive feeling to the season to your home.
SUPPLIES:
- Large Glass Cylinder or Vase
- Glass Candle Stick
- Taper Candle
- Cranberries
- Clementines
- Hazelnuts, Walnuts or Mixed Nuts
- Star Anise
Place the small candle stick holder at the bottom of your tall glass cylinder. Beginning with the cranberries, make a small base around the bottom that the clementines will sit on. Add five or six small clementines on top of the cranberries. Sprinkle nuts over the clementines to begin to create colorful layers. Add another layer of the cranberries and drop in the star anise.
Finally place your candle stick in place.
Designer Tip: Stick-um is a great product to use in this situation where the candle may tip over. Simply place a small amount of it in the candle stick and it will hold your candle in place. A little decorator’s tool, and then, that’ll help keep your candle stick straight.
Create a larger display by using multiple vases in different shapes. Place on your holiday table and enjoy the candle light and warm Anise scent.
What are your favorite fruits to use during the holidays? Decorating or Cooking, share two in the comments below. LIKE + SHARE this post with friends and family using the social share buttons below and sign up for FREE updates!
Ideas for Decorating Christmas Evergreen Swags.
Making your own ever green swags is easy and a gorgeous way to decorate an entranceway, bookcase or even a chair! In this video for ehow I discuss how to make and decorate Christmas swags.
Click on the image to start video or watch video here.
Making your own Christmas swag decorations is easy! Clip greens from your backyard, collect them from your local tree stand or pick them up at a market. Once you make one your whole house will be filled with these festive seasonal decorations.
SUPPLIES:
- Evergreen Branches
- Magnolia Branches
- Rosemary
- Unpainted Wood Sleigh Ornament
- Letter Ornament
- Ribbon Cut to Length
- Green Floral Wire
- Scissors
- Garden Clippers
Start by stacking the greens on top of each other. Longer and wider greens should be placed on the bottom, working up to the smaller items.
Tie the top or center of the branches together using floral wire. Be sure to wrap it around several times to ensure it is secure. Loop the end to create a hook to help hang or for ribbon. Attach ornament and initial with a short length of ribbon.
Wrap ribbon around the entire swag and tie it loosely leaving lots of length on the end so the ribbons hang down. If you are hanging on your chair place the swag approximately where you would like it to hang then cut the ribbon to length. Tie ribbon around back of chair. Repeat for each guest.
Invite guest and enjoy!
What other type of decorations do you use on your dinning room of kitchen chairs during the holidays? Let me know in the comments below. LIKE + SHARE.