Orange & Mint Tablescape

The gorgeous Summer-like weather we’ve been having in NYC is most certainly a reason to celebrate. I created a relaxed tablescape inspired by my nectarine & mint crostinis.

Using craft paper as a tablecloth not only allows for easy cleanup, but a fun way to assign seats for your guests.

An orange Sur La Table Ikat napkin with a stem of mint mimics my nectarine crostinis. A basic wooden clothespin holds everything in place and gives off a rustic feel. Using clothespins is such a simple idea, but it’s those small extra touches that  adds something special to your table. If mint doesn’t work for you, use your favorite flower. I promise that your guests will be very impressed.

Crisp green tea infused with mint is the perfect Spring/Summer beverage. This drink paired with my easy to make nectarine, goat cheese and mint crostinis are the perfect way to kick off the Spring season.

Spring Has Sprung

Seeing that yesterday was officially the first day of Spring, I was inspired to create some thrifty Easter decor that would not break the bank. I’m proud to say that I spent a total of  $14 on my Spring tablescape. Here’s how.

I got the idea of using bunny ears as place cards from my own bunny (my French Bulldog, Chip) with his little set of bat ears. Why not take advantage of this iconic Easter symbol by putting those vertical ears to good use? I created my place cards by using things I had around the apartment: white closepins, construction paper, scrapbook paper, markers and a hot glue gun.

Simply create a bunny ear stencil of your own like I did or use one of the many templates you can find using our friend Google. Cut out your ears, hot glue them to your closepins so they hold your place card in place. You have complete artistic freedom with your place cards. I personally went with monograms and played with stencils.

Nothing says Spring quite like Daffodils.Besides the flowers, candy and green grass I had everything else in my apartment. A soft linen tablecloth works perfectly for Spring. My recycled candle holder and painted mason jar act as nests for my chocolate eggs. I also reused my St. Patty’s Day paint sample napkin rings as well as my pink paint sample dot confetti.

 

It may not be the classiest tablescape in the world, but it reflects what Spring means to me. It’s pastel, pretty and playful.

5 New Gifts

A gift from my boyfriend: The Arcadian French Bulldog stamp.A gift for my apartment: An English bar cart. I won a serious bidding war on Ebay for this bute. A last minute at the register gift: Kitsch Hair Ties. I fought it as long as I could. I refused to buy these trending hair ties seeing as I could easily make them myself, but I’m a sucker for good marketing and when I saw them next to the register, I threw them in my shopping cart without thinking twice. 
A Gift for my guests: Chalkstock labels.A gift from my mother: Orange coasters for a pop of color.

Heart-Shaped Grilled Sandwiches

Everyone should go into the weekend then with a few party food tips
under their belt. Here’s a look inside the grilled goodness of the heart-shaped sandwiches I made for The Bachelor Finale this past Monday. 
I don’t own a heart-shaped cookie cutter and all my local stores were out due to last month’s Valentine’s Day rush. After calling 5 stores (including Williams-Sonoma) I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own cookie cutter using instructions from  MyPaperCrane.com. 
1. Strawberry & Goat cheese. I added some greens, walnuts and drizzled a little honey on top for added sweetness.  2. Caprese: Mozzarella, tomatoes, red roasted peppers and basil. 3. Peanut butter, banana and chocolate. I used my chocolate peanut butter sauce from Stonewall Kitchen and added some chocolate chips. You can never have enough chocolate. 
Cook on the stove top like you would any grilled cheese and pop in the oven covered with foil to keep warm until your guests arrive. Whether your friends drop by for some pre-party cocktails or you’re just snuggling on the couch with your boyfriend these grilled sandwiches are easy, affordable and always a crowd pleaser. 

DIY Napkin Rings

My desire to create something for St. Patrick’s Day without breaking the bank lead me to create these paint sample napkin rings. I know I’ve been a little paint sample obsessed these days, but there’s just so much you can do with these free little color palettes.

I played with a variety of different colored samples and sizes.I cut my napkin ring to be about 3/4 of the original size to get a better overall look. 
Using my Martha Stewart Diamond Ring Pattern All Over Punch I added a little something special to the end of each napkin ring.Using scissors cut a slit halfway up one side of your paint sample. Then do the same on the alternate side cutting in the opposite direction. Once this is done fit the two slits together until they look like the photo above. You can play with length, color and pattern.These napkin rings could work for any occasion  The pattern looks delicate like lace and also childlike like a butterfly. I could see it working from everything from a child’s birthday party to a rustic farm wedding. 

To see more of my paint sample DIY check out:

Will You be My Valentine?

Something Crafty

All That Glitters is Gold & Pink

Heartbreak and Grilled Cheese

Last night was the finale of one of my favorite reality TV guilty pleasures. The 17th season of The Bachelor wrapped up last night when the beefy Sean choose the vivacious Catherine. Naturally I threw a small soiree in honor of their “engagement”. Heart shaped grilled sandwiches seemed fitting for this Winter finale.
The 3 options included a peanut butter, banana & chocolate combo for something sweet, a classic Caprese sammy for something salty and finally, a strawberry & goat cheese combo. 
Red roses in redneck mason jar glasses wrapped with polka dot ribbon seemed fitting for the bachelor’s Texas background. 
Using the paint samples left over from my Valentines I quickly created some sandwich labels. A delicious feast for some delicious drama.

Linen Enlightenment

Recently I’ve realized the importance of linens in your home. A beautiful set of placemats can completely transform your dining room table. A patterned table cloth is not there just to shield your table from crumbs, but brings texture and energy to your space. When the inspiring team over at Celina Mancurti reached out to me about featuring their textiles on my blog it was a no brainer for me. I think these photos speak for themselves. Celina Mancurti is an Argentine textile designer leaving in the USA with an extensive background in the textile and fashion industry. In 2009 she branched out on her own to begin her own textile company and we’re thrilled she did! Her eco-friendly linen collection includes fabrics, kitchen linens and other linens for the home, all of which are handcrafted and hand-screen printed. Every detail down to the last button is special and unique. You can also order custom made lines that are the perfect fit for your wedding, birthday or any of the other special events in your life. 
These linens would make excellant housewarming, bridal or engagement gifts. I personally will be purchasing some new lines in order to customize some upcoming events on my calendar. I strongly encourage you to check out Celina’s website and Etsy Shop so you can bring these stunning linens into your home.

All that Glitters is Gold & Pink

I’ll use any excuse to get crafty and decorate, but a best friend’s birthday means going above and beyond. This past weekend I channeled my inner girly girl and created some pink and gold birthday decorations for a very special birthday girl.

Tissue Paper Banner: Using multicolored tissue paper and ribbon I was able to create a simple and festive birthday banner. Learn how to create your own tissue paper fringe banner here. Polka Dot Confetti:I traced and cut circles out of Benjamin Moore paint samples and scrapbook paper to create shades of pink & gold table confetti.Fringe Cake Toppers:Using the leftover tissue paper from my banner I made matching fringe pom-pom cake toppers. Learn how to make your own here.

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I might not be the biggest sports fan, but I’ll use any excuse to entertain. My mother, on the other hand, is a gigantic football fan. A Bostonian, she was naturally thrilled about last years football festivities. Although the Patriots were not victorious my mother showed her dedication to the team through creating this game day tablescape. Using a green plastic tablecloth, colored tape and Sugar Daddy’s as field goals she was able to create an elaborate and, might I add, a very accurate football field table.
I may not be making an elaborate tablescape like my mother, but I will most certainly be eating. Here are three “lighter” appetizer recipes that I’m itching to try this Sunday.

Goat Cheese and Roasted Garlic Dip via Spry:

Greek Turkey Meatballs via SkinnyTaste:Crock Pot Three Bean Turkey Chili via SkinnyTaste:What will you be eating this Sunday?

Tissue Paper Banner Tutorial

What You’ll Need:

• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Begin by removing the tissue paper from its packaging. Lay 3-5 sheets out on your workspace and fold in half so you can maximize the amount cut. Be sure to cut vertically with the folds so you don’t end up with dented fringe.I’ve seen numerous ways to create a tissue paper banner. I cut my paper into individual long shreds because I didn’t have a paper trimmer, but if you do have a trimmer this might be an easier way to cut your paper.Once you’re finished cutting, group the strands according to color. Once my pile was to my liking, I began carefully twisting the paper to create a loop. I secured my loop by tying it with a piece of gold ribbon.String each fringe cluster on your ribbon and you’re ready to hang.Tada! An inexpensive and easy to make banner for any occasion!