Tabletop Trends: Christmas

Let me take you back a minute to my thanksgiving post on Tabletop Trends.

Alright, now that you're caught up.. lets get started with the Christmas version of that post.

Entertaining seems to be a prerequisite for the holidays. Whether you're hosting your family's Christmas feast, or you're just having a holiday dinner party with your girlfriends - Here's a few tricks and tips that'll have everyone noticing the table! [not to mention they'll notice your craftiness]

 Use extra ornaments to create a unique centerpiece like this.

 Spray paint pine cones for a centerpiece.

 Have extra boxes laying around that your not wrapping presents with? Wrap them up anyways and place them on the table as another type of centerpiece.

Speaking of extras... Wrap some candles up with candy canes and ribbon for table settings.

 Paint everyone's name on an ornament and use them as name tags for seats & place settings.

Turn wine glasses upside down and tie holiday ribbon around the stems for a simple place setting.

 Modern & Traditional ways to hold silverware settings.

[1] Cut a tree out of construction paper or felt to hold silverware

[2] Tie up a napkin and silverware with festive ribbon or twine

Already have plans for the table? Tie some extra large ribbon around the chairs with a bow in the back to make them more festive for the holidays!

For more ideas check out my [Winter Wonderland] pinterest board.  It has everything you could possibly think of for holiday decorating!

xo,

Sunglasses & Snowmen

Today I'm very excited to bring you this DIY holiday project that I whipped up in a few short hours with minimal supplies.  Last night I attended a holiday meet-up with the local charlotte bloggers and it was so much fun. But when I heard it was an ornament exchange I got all giddy with the thought of being able to get creative and crafty for it.

So, I rounded up a few extra pairs of sunglasses my roommate had laying around (she has boxes of these things!) And then I broke out my sorority happy box from college...

As you can see, this thing has EVERYTHING a DIY-er can dream of inside it.  [not to mention it weighs about 50 lbs.]

Don't get intimidated here, there are only a few supplies needed: 

cheap/ old sunglasses

white acrylic paint

ribbon of choice

black fabric paint [could also use a paint pen]

clear glitter fabric paint

quick hold super glue

mod podge

small buttons [optional]

Steps:

[Watch this carefully... this is so easy it will be over if you blink]

Paint the lenses white

Draw the face with black paint/paint pen & a smile made of 'coal' [like the song]

Glue on the buttons  OR draw them on if you don't have buttons!

Tie the ribbon around the nosepiece | glue in place

Glue the hanging ribbon in place and the top ear section [pictured]

Seal with mod podge | let it dry

Put the lenses back in after everything is dried completely! [I let mine dry overnight to be sure] I also added a small, sparkly bow to the top of my 'snowgirl' to make her more feminine

This ornament was a hit at the blogger ornament exchange! I was so nervous it was going to be lame, wondering if I should have just bought an ornament.  Well, I worried for no reason because everyone loved it and Jaime of Sunflowers and Stilettos is the proud owner of my handmade ornament :)

[So happy to meet all of these amazing ladies last night! Can't wait for the next meet-up!]

Would you make this for your tree this holiday?

Burlap & Bows

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Besides my obvious shopping filled weekend [refer to my last post] I managed to squeeze in some minor crafting to continue the never ending design of my bedroom.

Here's what I got carried away with this weekend:

With a roll of burlap from the ever so trusty Michael's Craft Store [the closest hobby lobby was a far drive and too much traffic - and those who know my love affair with "hob lob" know I'm dying inside] and a fired up hot glue gun - These [once hideous] lamp shades got the most adorable makeover!

All in all, my ultimate announcement would be that it's official. I'm becoming a southern belle. [kinda]  While my northern style of aggressive driving habits has yet to change, my bedroom now includes an oversized monogram [see post here] and bows.