Sunday, December 30, 2012

New Years Eve Tablescape - going Nostalgic

I'm getting ready for the New Year!

I work in retail service for a toy company - we work a lot of overtime right up until Christmas, so I never have as much time as I would like to get ready for Christmas.  (Not to mention it takes all the fun out of the season when you spend so much time in the middle of the shopping frenzy)  But since all that is behind of us for this year, I am looking forward to the start of the New Year.

I wanted to do something a little bit different for New Years this year.  This all started when I found these adorable little clocks at Pier One.   I put these clocks on my Christmas list and hoped that Santa would be good to me!!  and he was!!   I was inspired to set my New Years Eve table with these little clocks that have a bit of an old world look to them.   So instead of doing the usual Silver and Gold glitzy New Years Eve - I did a bit of a Nostalgic New Years Eve Table.

I just loved these little clocks.  The off white, gold and red clocks came from Pier One and the black clock is from World Market.
My husband surprised me with the plaid red, ivory and black plaid dessert plates for Christmas - they went so well with the clocks - I went from there.  I had purchases the clock kraft paper for wrapping gifts but I liked it so much - I didn't want  to use the whole roll up.  Good thing I didn't!  I think it made a nice runner.

I decided to make headbands for the women and use small hats for the men's place settings.  I made some scrap paper embellishments for both the headband and the hat.
Using black tulle, scraps of ribbon, lace trim and eve some small faux pearls,  I made a garland to lay around the pillars holding the clocks
and what is New Year's Eve without the Champagne!  I know nothing about buying Champagne, I bought this bottle because it matched my table and it wasn't expensive!
We will be ringing in the New Year with a little fun.
I wish you all a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Have Fun!
Be Safe, Don't Drink and Drive!

Sources:
Clocks - Pier One and World Market
Black Chargers and White Dishes - Pier One, earlier this year
Black and White Check Plates - Marshalls, earlier this year
Clock wrapping paper - Marshalls
Black Plastic Champagne Flutes - Party City
Small Hats - Pat Catans (in doll aisle)

I will be linking to the following parties:
Seasonal Sundays @The Tablescaper
The Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
Monday MakeOver @ A Humble Creation
Table Top Tuesday @A Stroll Thru Life 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Kraft Paper Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

I've been busy this weekend with all the fun things of Christmas like trimming the tree, wrapping gifts and baking cookies!

I have done several posts on wrapping gifts with Kraft paper, so I thought it would only be fitting to do one on wrapping Christmas Gifts with Kraft paper.

I started with gifts for the guys, using regular Kraft paper that is sold year round in the packaging section of most of the big box stores.  I would then try to personalize the gifts with the trimmings trying to stay masculine with the packages. 
For the Brother-in-Law, I know I got him something he will like and use!!  So taking a saying I see on Pinterest - I knew I  "nailed it!"

Two of my favorites are for my Son-in-law who is a nature loving kind of guy!  I used natural materials like jute and a cork star ornament.  Then my older son, Shawn, is a no fuss kind of guy - so I kept it simple by using a scroll stamp and cutting his name out on my Cricuit.
The one that wins best package around this house though, is the gift for my youngest son who is known for his mustache - or for those who really know him- I should say - lack of mustache!
I printed out the words for this mustache tag and the "Nailed it" tag using my computer, printing them on card stock, added the embellishments and then cut the pieces to size.  I used a corner punch for this one to give the tag a little more character.

For the women in our lives, I went a little brighter, adding in some color!



I found a nice roll of red kraft paper and of course I went back (Walmart) to get more - it was all gone.

Kraft paper, Burlap Bow and Bling?? Yep!!  It turned out to be one of my favorites!
I used a flourish stamp and added some rhinestones, my daughter will appreciate the sparkle.
Most of these where made from things I already had in my basement.  That is the nice thing about making gift tags, it is a good way to use up some of those little scrap pieces I had saved from other projects.  I did purchase a couple of the rolls of ribbon from Michaels.  


Oh, yes!  I did mention baking Christmas Cookies at the beginning of this post!   My mom, sister, daughter and I have a tradition of one full day of baking cookies every Christmas.  This is from our day of fun yesterday! 

I hope your Holidays are as sweet as all these cookies!

I am linking up at the following parties:
Sunday Showcase @Under the Table and Dreaming
Metamorphosis Monday @Between Naps on the Porch
Tip Me Tuesday @ Tip Junkie

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas Tablescape Red and Silver

My Christmas Tablescape is full of sparkle this year!

I received several red candle sticks and pillars for Christmas last year and decided to use those along with some of the silver candle sticks we used at our daughter's wedding to create this year's Christmas table. 
These beautiful Christmas scene plates are from Marshals.  I knew the minutes I saw the plates that I had plates with a black checked edge that I thought would go nicely with them. 
 I used a mix of white plates, a cheapy red charger and some not so cheap silver chargers from Pottery Barn for the full stack.
I tucked a sparkly silver sprig into the napkins and tied with a pretty sheer red bow.  

I  really liked the mix of the mercury glass candle sticks with the glass candle sticks and all of the different textures in the variety of candles, good thing - then I didn't have to go buy a bunch more candles, I had most of these in my stash.   

I had some fun with editing my pictures in ribbet.  I learned about the editing site named ribbet from one of our fellow bloggers and now use it all the time. I can't wait to use this effect on my Christmas Tree (which of course is not up yet - a whole separate story!)
It is called bokeh-ish.

If you are editing your photos in ribbet - it can be found under the featured effects.  I added a little sparkle to this one.
I hope you are able to add a little sparkle to your Holidays this year!

Sources:
White Plates - Pier One earlier this year
Christmas Scene plates - Marshalls
Black Check plates - actually have roosters on them - Marshalls
Red Chargers - sorry don't remember - but Michaels has them for $2
Silver Chargers - Pottery Barn earlier this year
Flatware - World Market earlier this year
Napkins - Home Goods last year
Little Silver Trees - Marshalls last week
Table Cloth - don't remember - I have had it for a while
Most of the Candle sticks and pillars where gifts
*******

I am linking up to the following parties - come check them out by just clicking on the link!
Tablescape Thursday @Between Naps on the Porch
Fethered Nest Friday@French Country Cottage
Better Late than Never Christmas Inspiration@The Everyday Home

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas Mantel- Let it Snow!

 My Christmas Mantel - Let it Snow!
Welcome to the start of my Christmas decorating! 
I have a snowflake theme going on in my family room with my mantel.
It all started when my girlfriend Alicia and I were shopping in Amish Country and we stumbled upon these red shutters.  They called out to us!  Just like the honey graham pretzels they sell at the bulk food store!
 
Next it was the bolt of red plaid burlap ribbon that spoke to us!

I used these giant snowflakes that I had hanging in my foyer last year as my big statement on the shutters which kind of created the theme.

I decided since I had just bought new stockings last year - I had to use them again, but I wanted a little bit different look.  So I used some of that plaid ribbon along with two other ribbon trims I found at Michaels.
Using my sewing machine I layered the three ribbons to make a wide band for the cuffs.  Then I just hand basted them onto the fur trim.  This way if I want to change them out for something different next year it will not be difficult to remove this trim.

All of my greenery is fake stuff.  I tried to layer it with different types of needles to make it look a little more real.  I tucked some in smaller snowflakes, pine cones, berries, a little ribbon and then also sprinkled everything with fake snow when I was done.

The wood trees are from Pat Catans, 

and the two big red lanterns anchoring the ends are from Kohl's.  

Now that I have started this room with a bold red and white theme, I will go from here to decorate the rest of this room.  Watch for more to come!

In the mean time I am linking this one up to:
Saturday Night Special @Saturday Night Special
A Homespun Christmas @ Savvy Southern Style
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
Holiday Home Christmas Mantel Party @The Lettered Cottage
Christmas Mantel Link Party @52 Mantels
Tis the Season Party @Embracing Change

Monday, November 12, 2012

Thanksgiving Table-Not the only Tom at the Table

Ahh!  Thanksgiving!  The Turkey is taking center stage this year.
 Well - don't tell him but he is not the only Tom at the Table, he will be sitting with my husband, Tom, and our youngest, who we lovingly refer to as T.R.  -  also a Tom.
 I will have to admit right up front - I have never cooked a turkey!!  I have no longing to cook a turkey and I am fine with never having had to cook a turkey thus far in my life.  Oh sure, maybe some day - but my wonderful mother-in-law is only 20 years older than me and has always hosted Thanksgiving for our family.  That is just one of the many things I am thankful for!  Working in retail service for a toy company has me very busy this time of year.  I work very late on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and also get up early to work on Black Friday the next morning.  So cooking a huge meal and hosting this holiday has never been top on my list of must do's!
Although, I may not cook the dinner,  I do love setting the table!  As a child that was always one of the chores I never minded doing, especially for the holidays.  This was one of the few times my mom used her "good dishes"!  There was always something about the gravy boat that I loved!!  Weird, I know!
My dad and uncle always went pheasant hunting on Thanksgiving morning.  Hunting, fishing and growing our own food were means of many meals back then.  
If that were still the case - I would probably go hungry! Now the meaning for hunt is looking for a good recipe on Pinterest!
I picked a few mums from my garden for this beautiful fall ceramic piece that I just had to have because it matched the dishes!!  I wasn't sure if I was going to fill it with mashed potatoes or broccoli - but I think I like it filled with flowers even better.

My prayers continue to be with my friends on the east coast, still unsettled from Sandy and the storms following.  I hope all of you who stop in to read my blog now and then know how grateful I am for your friendship and how much I enjoy your comments.  I have a lot to be thankful for! 
 I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sources:
Dishes - tii Collections - Dol Harvest Leaves- from Butterchurn Kitchenware in Walnut Creek Ohio- a real deal at 40% off!!
Chargers - Better Homes and Garden- from Walmart
Flatware and amber water goblets- from World Market several months ago
Napkins - I made
Stick table runner - from Target last week
Giant Acorns with gold glitter - from Marshalls last year
Turkey - from Butterchurn Kitchenware in Walnut Creek
Wood Candle sticks and brown candles from Michaels

I will be linking with the following parties:
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Baby Gift Wrapping - More Girls!

Seems all of my daughter's good friends are having babies!!  No pressure Allie! You know I am dying to become a grandma, but all in good time!  
I enjoy shopping for baby gifts and love to try different ideas for wrapping them.

These happen to be for a sweet baby girl named Charlotte!  
These will be mailed out of state - so I wanted some decorations that would pack in a box without to much destruction.  I loved the soft color pallet of the scrap paper I had with soft pinks and greens.

I started with a neutral roll of off white paper, I purchased this roll at Michaels.  I figured I would use this for some of my Christmas gifts too. (I say that as if I have actually started my Christmas shopping!)
But with adding some rick rack and ribbon I made these very baby appropriate!
Can you tell I love buttons?
The flower below is made by using three different flower stamp and then cutting each of the flowers out by hand. I then layered the flowers and tucked some punched leaf fonds in for a little more interest.  These are one of my favorites to do.

I love the big thick chenille rick rack on this one too! It was just a left over scrap from another project- glad I am a bit of a hoarder, that jar of scraps comes handy sometimes! The pink and green behind the chenille are strips of scrap paper, I used a scallop punch along both edges.  
I wish baby Charlotte and her family wonderful healthy and happy times ahead!

I am linking to the following parties:
Overflowing with Creativity @ It's Overflowing
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
 Busy Monday @A Pinch of Joy

Friday, November 2, 2012

Thanksgiving Mantel

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I figured it was time to clear off the cobwebs left from my Halloween Mantel and do something more appropriate for the season. 
 So here is my Thanksgiving Mantel.

I think it looks much warmer and more welcoming with all of the candles lit!

I was inspired by an idea I saw on Pinterest of a Thanksgiving banner made from scrapbook paper.
The source of this beautiful banner is Stampingpro.com
I just loved the mix of colors and patterns and 
 wanted to incorporate this idea with using my little wood ladder.


Sticking with a fall color pallet of muted greens, oranges and browns, I made the tags and letters using my Cricut.  Most of the papers I used in this project were from a stack by DCWV called Rustic.

Below my Give Thanks Banner, I placed some small pillar candles in some glass dishes with white beans, and added more pillar candles and varying heights.



I found these acorn pedestals at Marshalls to anchor one end of the Mantel.  And at the other end  I used some ceramic pumpkins bought at Kohl's several years ago. 
I had to make sure that my candle flames were far enough away from my paper tags so that the whole thing didn't go up in flames!!  My father, a retired fireman, would not go for this at all.  But as always, use caution when burning real candles!
We have a lot to be thankful here in our household, we thank God everyday for our blessings, but it is nice to set a special day aside just to celebrate this occasion.

I am linking up to the following parties:
Thursdays are your Day @ 52 Mantels
Feathered Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage
Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Strut Your Stuff Saturday @ Six Sisters Stuff
Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table and Dreaming
Busy Monday @ A Pinch of Joy
Your Gonna Love It @ Kathe with an E