DIY Mason Jar Holiday Luminaries

Light up your front entranceway, holiday tablescape or Christmas mantle with these DIY Mason Jar Luminaries. Perfect as a rainy day craft, teachers gift or simply to enjoy my mason jar luminaries will cast a warm glow on your holiday home.

Made with supplies found around many homes like epsom salts, craft glue, saved ribbons and natural twine these luminaries can be made in many different themes in less than an hour.

Line your walkway for a Holiday gathering to light your guests path or group them with pinecones on a mantle to welcome Santa on Christmas Eve.

For step-by-step instructions to make my DIY Mason Jar Luminaries, watch my LIVE segment on WLFA.com today with Gayle Guyardo’s #GaylesGuideToPinterest – Wednesday December 7th at 11am and 4pm. And be sure to Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see the replay when it is posted today!

MASON JAR LUMINARIES SUPPLIES

mason jars – clean and empty
craft glue
foam brush
Epsom Salts
scissors
ribbon
twine

baking sheet

INSTRUCTIONS

Spread a thin layer of craft glue on outside of mason jar. Place jar over baking sheet and begin to cover glue area with epsom salts. The baking sheet will catch excess.

Allow to dry for 1 hour.

Wrap colorful ribbon around the out side of the jar and attach an ornament or garden clipping.

Drop a self-contained votive into the jar and light to enjoy the glow of your new Mason Jar Luminary!

July 3, 2014July 9, 2014

Passion To Print: Final Days of Kickstarter Campaign

A heartfelt thank you to you all for your support of the Kickstarter project! We are heading into our final 8 days of pledging and we are currently 65% funded towards the $5,000 goal.

{are you a backer? Proudly share this image along with the link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/286026825/an-appealing-plan-the-book}

As I mentioned, we are shooting the last of the sections of the book this month and a few days ago I brought together friends and their families for a summer gathering on the river complete with crabs, corn, craft beer and a selection of summer berries. The day was perfect, the shoot was a success and we ended the day on a boat ride on the river. Read more about the day on the post page here.

Writing and shooting for this book have reinforced my love and passion for celebrating everyday, for gathering friends and truly connecting with each other and my surroundings. This is part of the journey I did not expect, but am blessed to be able to experience it.

Thanks to all your support, we’ve raised over $3,000 and have the best backers I could ask for however, we still have a way to go to reach our goal of covering the cost of the first printing – as you know we need to raise the full $5,000 to receive any funding at all. This means we only need to sell 52 more books! I know we can do it but I need your help, if you are considering supporting the book please head over to secure your pledge today. If you have already pledged, can help us by sending the message to just one friend or family member who you think would be interested in pre-ordering of the book. I believe we can easily reach our goal by getting message out there this week!

Thank you for your support and for believing in this book {and me for that matter}. I appreciate everyone of you and feel as if we are on this journey together!

Thank you again!!

XO- Krayl

Looking for more ways to share the message? Head over to the Social Share Library.

December 30, 2013February 3, 2015

Festive Decorations for A Holiday Table

During the holiday season it’s nice to have decorations out that are festive for the entire season. In this video for eHow.com, I show you two different ideas that you can use for centerpieces. The first is going to be one that you can leave out during the entire season, and then the second is for a special gathering.

White + Silver Ornament Centerpiece

SUPPLIES:

Long Silver Tray
Large White Christmas Balls
Small Silver Christmas Balls

DIRECTIONS:

Begin with a clean long tray then begin to add large the larger balls as the base for the centerpiece. Add the smaller silver balls in groups of three on top and in the sides.

And as I mentioned, this can be left out all season long on your dinner table, or perhaps an entrance way table, and just place those in there. And this can be left out really through New Years, ’cause as you can tell, it’s not really red or green, and so that’s really nice on a beautiful entrance way or down the center of your table.

Cranberry + Birchwood Votive

SUPPLIES:

Birchwood Container
Fresh Cranberries
Small White Glass Votive Candle
Filler for Bottom of Container: Stones or Bubble Wrap

DIRECTIONS:

Begin with an empty Birchwood container and place stones, pebbles or other to fill the bottom. Place glass votive in so that top of votive is still slightly above the edge of the container. Pour Cranberries around the votive making sure to remove any that may fall into the glass votive.

Use as a single display or create 3 to place down the center of your table.

Which centerpiece did you prefer? Let me know in the comments below. LIKE + SHARE this post. and sign up for updates below.

{This video series was filmed at Datz Dough in Tampa, FL. For more information on the restaurant and private rooms visit: DatzTampa.com}

December 19, 2013December 30, 2014

A Posh New Year’s Eve Entertaining Tablescape

New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite holidays and the perfect excuse to set a festive table. Whether you are hosting a dinner party for 20 or preparing a romantic dinner for two, a perfectly set table will set the tone for the entire night.

My White & Metallic tablescape was featured in Tampa Bay METRO magazine December/January 2014 Holiday Entertaining Inspirational Settings pages.

Metallics mixed with Black + White is an elegant and classic combination for this yearly celebration. Mix various size vases down the center of your table, filling some with silver beads, others with noise makers or curled ribbon. To keep the floral minimal as well use only one or two colors per vase.

Don’t be afraid to mix your plate patterns, especially if they have metallic accents. Pull it all together with a solid black napkin wrapped in silver beaded garland.

Just add champagne and celebrate in style!

Where are you celebrating New Year’s Eve this year? Let me know in the comments. LIKE + SHARE this post. And of course…sign up below to receive updates to your in-box!

December 16, 2013April 12, 2022

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!

December 13, 2013December 13, 2016

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.

December 10, 2013December 10, 2013

Decorating Christmas Tree Ornaments with Glitter. {DIY}

In this video for eHow, I show you how to decorate plain Christmas ornaments found in your local craft store with glitter. These are fantastic teacher gifts, hostess gifts or use them on your tree!

Click the image to start the video or if the image does not appear CLICK HERE.

Create your own glamorous glittering Christmas ornaments this season to give as hostess gifts or to place on your tree. This craft is perfect for snow days or a girls holiday get together. So grab your glitter and let’s get to it!

SUPPLIES:

Plain Ornaments
Craft Glue
Glitter in various colors
Dampers (to apply the glue)
Scrap Paper
Ribbon
Scissors

Starting off with a clean and dry ornament place on pre-folded piece of paper. Begin creating your design with the glue on the ornament with dampers or paint brush. Begin to sprinkle glitter over the glue area. Be sure to keep away from the paper or other surface until the glue has dried. Tap to remove excess glitter.

If you are using two colors, let the first color dry over night before applying the glue pattern for the second color.

Once glue has dried and the glitter has attached it is time to add your ribbon. This can be decorative or functional to hang from your tree. Slide the ribbon through the top loop and tie it as a bow, or as a loop through.

What is your favorite color combination these days?? Let me know by sharing in the comments below. Like & Share this post with your friends and sign up for FREE updates to your in-box.

November 15, 2013November 16, 2015

Easy Placecards for Your Thanksgiving Table

Using hand stamped gift tags for your dinner place cards is an easy and fun way to add style to your Thanksgiving tablescape.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Hand Stamped gift Tags
Corn Husk Ribbon
Pen to write Guests Names
Napkin
Plate

Using your guest list write the names of your guests on the back of a stamped gift tag. Thread ribbon through punched hole and tie around napkin.

Place napkin on plate making sure it lays flat and the ribbon bows are in order.

{these hand stamped gift tags are available in our Esty Shop. Visit it by clicking here now!}

When you will set your table? The day of or the night before? Let me know in the comments below. Like & share!

Looking for other Fall Decor ideas? Check out Decorating with Indian Corn or Decorating Your Entranceway for Thanksgiving

November 14, 2013November 13, 2013

Easy Fall Decor Idea For a Small Space

Adding small touches of Fall Décor around your home can be easier than you think. This small seasonal display can be used in a living room, on a bedroom night stand or to greet out-of-town guests in a guest room.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Mini White Pumpkin
Small Cutting of an Olive Branch
Small Clear Glass Vase
Books for Stacking

Begin by stacking hardcover books on a table or nightstand. A variety of color is nice but stay in the same pallet for a calm visual appeal.

Place Olive Branch cuttings in vase with water. Making sure the bottom is dry. Add white mini pumpkin.

Viola! Instant Autumn!

What small details do you add to your home to bring the season inside? Let me know in the comments below. Like this post? Share with your friends and sign up to receive tips right to your mail box!

November 13, 2013April 12, 2022

Decorating the Front Door for Thanksgiving Harvest

In this video for eHow I discuss how to decorate the Front Door for Thanksgiving or Harvest Dinner. This is something you can easily do even if you live in an apartment.

Decorating your front door for Thanksgiving and harvest is an easy seasonal decorating project you can do to bring the Fall & Harvest season to your entranceway. If your entranceway is smaller this is perfect for you!

How to Decorate the Front Door for Thanksgiving & Harvest — powered by ehow

You may live in an apartment, or may not have a lot of room near your entrance way. There are still things that you can do to decorate the entrance way to make a very festive for your Thanksgiving or your harvest dinner.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Large Heirloom Gourds. If you find large gourds at your local maybe your pumpkin patch. Maybe your farmer’s market or your corner store may have some of these heirloom varieties. I find they actually last longer then some of the conventional large orange ones that you may find. I use these right from the beginning of October on through Thanksgiving. These varieties come in many, many different colors. Blue which I love. And then some of the different green ones, and Mexican hat variety. And really, really brings a lot of different texture and variety to the door if you are able to find a really nice selection.
Indian Corn
Basket with a Variety of Gourds.
If you don’t have a door where you can place a wreath, a sign is nice. You can just prop that up really nicely. Maybe put a little pumpkin in front of that.
Stalks of Wheat. We can just tuck those in. And if you keep them to the side they really shouldn’t interfere with too much with the in and out of the doorway.
Preserved Leaves in various colors. Tuck them in around the larger gourds. Just giving it an effect. If you have a beautiful maple tree outside go and clip those. However, if you live in an apartment this is a great opportunity to use some of the preserved leaves that you may find in your craft store.
White Pumpkins. Leaning and stacking them in a little bit of an angle.

What is your favorite type of gourd or pumpkin in this video? Leave a comment below and share this post with your friends.

December 27, 2012February 2, 2014

A Reflective Holiday Table

Looking to create a tablescape for a special gathering and not sure where to start?

Begin with one item to create your INSPIRATION. It can be a color, a texture, a word, your favorite vase, the holiday itself, anything will work. For this tablescape it was the mirror top of the Antique French dinning table recently acquired and delivered in time for the holiday gathering. Using mercu ry glass vases, bowls and votives to line the center of this long table allowed for each piece and flower to reflect creating an amazing display.

Additionally, the blue paint of the walls of the room was mirrored in the blue of the Seeded Eucalyptus and blue in the large oversized Curtain Call chargers by Wedgwood designed by Barbara Barry.

Varying heights of votives & taper candles in clear crystal and mirror finishes mimic the overhead chandler. Christmas Crackers add a fun touch of whimsy and a conversation starter.

White Tulips add a level of texture and dimensions to the Seeded Eucalyptus bowls. The raised bowl shape is reflected in the table creating the effect of a double arrangement. Test the height of the arrangements by sitting in each chair to be sure the guests will be able to clearly see each other above them. Polished flatware continues the Reflective theme on to the white napkins.

By using one item for inspiration your table will look cohesive and polish {pun intended!}.

Cheers & Enjoy

{Wondering which fork goes where? Learn more…Here. }

Like this information? Be sure to comment below, share with your friends and sign up for Free Updates.