Tis the season for pumpkins! If you are looking for quick ways to decorate pumpkins without the mess of carving, here are some great ideas that use materials such as ribbons, an apple corer, and a clay loop in place of traditional carving knives. Click on the pictures below for specific instructions.
Pumpkin Centerpiece by Good Housekeeping
Floral Inspired Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens
Polka-Dot Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens
Chinese lanterns have been a popular way over the last several years to decorate a party space. I love the Fall twist Martha Stewart gives these lanterns, making them into seasonal, festive pumpkins. And they look super easy to make, too.
via Better Homes and Gardens
A beautiful glass cloche covering springtime emblems makes a simple, gorgeous statement on an Easter table. An egg cup, some pretty spring flowers, a strand of ribbon, and a few personal trinkets come together in a beautiful composition. Incorporate spring colors that reflect and complement your home decor. Make it personal and your own!
Here are three sources to get the process started:
glass cloche bell from Wisteria
Classic Egg Cup from Crate & Barrel
peach organza ribbon from M&J Trimming
I love this idea for Fall wall hangings that look like pages from an encyclopedia. Pressed leaves, cardstock, a few twigs and voila! Instant, nature-inspired wall art! They’d also make a great accent resting against the wall on top of a sideboard at a Fall dinner party.
Leaf wall hangings via Better Homes and Gardens
I popped into Anthropologie yesterday looking for some Christmas gifts. No luck on the gifts, but I did fall in love with their display in the front of the store featuring playing cards as holiday decor.
Punched cards were used as garland, gift tags, and even sewn together as a runner. So clever — and inexpensive to re-create at home!
playing card garland draped across the "fireplace"
garland adorns the tree
playing cards cut into circles are sewn together with red thread to make a simple garland
a playing card accompanies a "to/from" gift tag and red bow -- great for topping a present
playing cards sewn together to make a runner
Wreaths are a beautiful way to decorate one’s home for Christmas. There are plenty of store-bought options out there, but why not try to create one yourself, customizing it to your home and decor? Click on the photos below for DIY instructions on how to make each lovely, festive wreath!
pom pom wreath, via twig & thistle
jingle bell wreath via Martha Stewart
moss wreath, via Martha Stewart
cedar wreath chandelier, via Martha Stewart
ornament wreath, via Better Homes & Gardens
Whether you are a bride hoping to save money by doing flowers yourself or a newlywed wanting to dress up yournest for the holidays, one of my favorite DC-area floral design studios has the perfect solution: fabulous and fun workshops!
Petal’s Edge recently announced the following upcoming floral design classes. To register call 703.518.8488. Space is limited so reserve your spot soon!
Petal's Edge centerpieces from a Rex & Regina wedding; photo courtesy of Chris Baltazar
Bridal Bootcamp. Want to save money but feel insecure about your ability to provide a professional look to your wedding flowers? Join this intense one-day, weekend workshop and learn how to arrange flowers with industry experts. Course covers flower selection and care, design tips, and common mistakes. $150 per person, which includes the cost of flowers and box lunch.
Flower School. Love flowers and want more experience? This series of classes takes place over three evenings and is appropriate to the person who wants to learn about how to buy, care for, and arrange flowers. Several methods of flower arranging will be covered. Classes are hands-on with flowers that students take home after class. $250 per person. Wednesday – Friday, December 2 – 4 or December 9 – 11. 6 – 9 pm.
Winter Workshop. Join us for holiday-inspired flower arranging projects. Take one class or both. Course includes the cost of flowers, all supplies, and a holiday masterpiece to take home. $100 per session or $150 for two.Floral Topiary: November 30, 6 pm. Use an uninterrupted mass of carnations to create a festive tabletop tree. Dining table centerpiece: December 7, 6 p.m. Winter fruits and vegetables add a conversation piece to this unusual pairing of flowers and holiday greens.
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.