Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a sweet DIY project to create a paper heart wreath. A heart-shaped punch from a craft supply store is critical for this one!
paper heart wreath via Better Homes & Gardens
At our recent New Year’s Day brunch, we set out a bellini bar for our guests to enjoy. Bellinis are a perfect brunch beverage and setting up a make-your-own bellini station allows guests to create the drink to their taste.
I followed Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe for the fruit purées and offered peach, strawberry, and blueberry. A note to those who may wish to try this — blueberry was not very popular! I’d suggest blood orange or lemon as an alternative.
Set out a little sign indicating what the bar is and how to create the drink, and put labels in front of each purée so guests know what they are pouring. Many thanks to Jennifer Olmstead of Deleted Space Creative for the design of the sign and labels.
Cheers!
I hosted a little New Year’s Day brunch at my house to welcome in 2012. I had a lot of fun putting it together — especially the dessert bar. The bar included chocolate-cinnamon mocha cake, pistachio cake, pumpkin spice cake, pizzelles, coconut macaroons, rosemary lemon bars, cafe au lait pudding, and banana pudding with.
Thanks to Ellinée, you can make New Year’s Eve party hats just in time for the big night. These look simple to make — and so festive!
free party hat printables from Ellinée
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
J-O-Y cookies via $5 Dinners
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Alphabet cookie cutters + sugar cookie dough + tissue paper + cute box = JOYful gift!
Ring in 2012 with style using these creative New Year’s entertainment ideas! Serve drinks with a fun tinsel stirrer to add some sparkle and shine to your party.
Tinsel Drink Stirrer by Martha Stewart
For dessert, try making these fun ball drop cupcakes or arranging a cheescake bar buffet with an assortment of sauces and toppings.
Ball Drop Cupcakes
Cheesecake Bar Buffet by Southern Living
These free retro printables from Ellinee can enhance your festive party decor.
Retro New Year's Printables by Ellinee
Retro New Year's Printables Template
For easy noisemakers, fill clear ornaments with colorful foods such as popcorn, jelly beans, or pink peppercorns. Noisemakers can be placed in a bowl or vase to serve as a centerpiece until the countdown to the stroke of midnight begins.
Ornament Noisemakers by Rachel Ray
Here is a roundup of free gift tag printables that will dress up your holiday gifts this year! Click on the pictures below to view websites with links to the templates. Enjoy!
Typographic Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Holiday Gift Tags by Jones Design Company
Rustic Wood Type Holiday Gift Tags by Ellinee
Holiday Gift Tags by Whisker Graphics
Holiday Gift Tags by PaperSeed
Holiday Gift Tags by Domestifluff
Holiday Gift Tags by Paper Crave
Instead of bringing the standard bottle of wine to holiday parties this year, try some of these unique hostess gift ideas that will surely brighten up the season!
Holiday Spreaders from Williams-Sonoma
Holiday Banner Cookie-Bar Pan by Crate & Barrel
Four Seasons Dishtowel Set by Terrain
Antique Soap Dishes by Pottery Barn
Moroccan Lantern Candle Holder by Paper Source
Vintage Silverware Magnets by Ballard Designs
Wine Thermometer by Sur la Table
Knit Cozy Mugs by Leif - perfect when paired with hot chocolate mix!
Want to add some festive flair to your holiday gifts this year? Here are some creative packaging ideas from Martha Stewart that promise to do just that!
For packaging holiday cookies and other baked goods, try making these easy envelopes and tins using the clip-art templates provided (click pictures below to open links).
Cookie Envelopes
Doily Tins
Recycle last year’s holiday cards by transforming them into colorful gift box toppers.
Cheerful Gift Boxes
Instead of ribbon, try embellishing gifts with decorative tape made from traditional Japanese washi paper that comes in a variety of fun graphic designs. Tape can be purchased online from happytape.
Decorative Holiday Tape
Personalize gift cards with these fabric-covered envelopes and onament-shaped holders.
Gift Card Holders
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.