10 ideas for unique centerpieces
via MSN Living
Zen sand garden
Find your center of peace with this serene and simple display. Pour sand into a large wooden tray and smooth until level. Place three river rocks (three being an auspicious number) in a pleasing arrangement. Using a wide-tined wooden salad fork, rake sand around the rocks and along the length of the tray in unbroken lines. That’s it. Without flowers to fuss over or candles to worry about, tranquility should set in shortly.
Literary origami
Actually, it’s not that complex — just begin by removing the cover from an old book and folding the pages. For a book pillar, fold each page in half (parallel with the spine) and glue the first and last pages together. Fold pages diagonally or cut the book with a band saw for more creative silhouettes. Both hardcover and paperback books will work, but more pages (300+) give it a fuller look.
Statue of imitations
Whether your hospitality personality is Downton Abbey formal or downtown boho chic, garden statues and sculpted busts adapt to both styles. Displayed among river stones, artificial moss rocks, greenery and loose informal bouquets, they evoke an English manor house. Mixed with mirrored balls mounted on black or silver mercury candlesticks, upholstery samples in rich jacquards and satins with black-flocked designs, shiny baubles and votive candles, they look decadent. Drape with vintage rhinestone necklaces for more eclectic glam.
Shore leave
Bring the romance of oceanside dining to even the most landlocked home. Fill the bottom third of a clear glass cylinder vase or fishbowl with sand, place a candle in a glass votive holder inside, then arrange shells, sea glass and other beach treasures in the space in between. If your “beach” sand isn’t white enough, use table salt instead.
Chalkboard wine bottles
Don’t recycle that empty wine bottle. Give it four coats of chalkboard spray paint and make it your new tabletop BFF. For a dinner party, inscribe your menu or list each course on a different bottle. Display table numbers for a wedding. Place it next to a cheese board to distinguish Havarti from jalapeño cheddar. When your guests remark on how clever you are, chalk it up to your repurpose-driven life.
Feather your nest
Bird’s nest centerpieces are a perennial favorite, but they can feel too rustic for a sophisticated table. For a more elegant interpretation, use a feather wreath as the “nest.” Attach a glass plate slightly smaller than the wreath to a silver candlestick, using a generous amount of adhesive putty. Cover the plate with a layer of Spanish moss, spray painted the same color as the feathers, and lay the wreath on top. For the eggs, spray paint wooden or paper maché balls silver, or use decorative spheres like sola crepe balls.
Balloon luminaria
Metal topiary
The topiary of Hampton Court Palace are hundreds of years old, but it takes only minutes to “grow” a faux one. Using a tall conical metal topiary frame, and working from the bottom opening, lay sheets of moss inside the structure interspersed with reindeer moss. Stuff the rest of the opening with Spanish moss. Turn the frame right side up and fill in the gaps with additional reindeer moss. Tuck in sprays of artificial florals such as ivy, wisteria, gardenia or miniature roses.
Wine glass lampshades
A yard sale or dollar store wine stem looks like it came from that frou frou wine bar when you top it with a colorful paper shade and drop a tea light inside. Scrapbook paper lets you coordinate your homemade shade with your décor and change it up for holidays and special occasions. The results belie the humble materials used. Chic doesn’t get cheaper than this
Glowstick faux firefly jar
Edible Gifts for the Holidays | Photo Gallery
Gift giving requires a certain art and balance. Presents should be thoughtful, personal, but never showy … it’s no wonder the holidays are so full of stress. Luckily, make-at-home, edible gifts are the perfect solution for any stumped giver — they’re thoughtful and personal by definition, and who doesn’t love something to eat? ‘Tis the season of giving and eating. Why not combine the two?
via Shine
I’ve never been a huge fan of white chocolate, but when it’s combined with something salty — like pretzels, or the salted peanuts in these snowflakes — I can be swayed! - Merrill
Makes about 40 snowflakes
1 pound white chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup salted roasted peanuts
1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. …
Quick And Decadent ~ Cotton Candy + Champagne = FabuLuxe
New Years Eve: Fill glass with pink cotton candy and slowly pour champagne over it. Such a beautiful beverage. Make it kid friendly by adding sprite in place of champagne.
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