Prost to the Host » DIY Projects

DIY :: Paper Bag Labels

Alysia — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:58:39 +0000

Betsy White of Flights of Fancy whipped up some striking label templates. What is the best part about this template? They are free! ::Happy dance::

Save, print and attach. Voila! Now, you have some lovely labels to gussy up your to-go goodies or favor bags.

Or use them to adorn your napkins at your next celebration {via 100 Layer Cake}

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Celebrations :: Valentine’s Day DIY Tablescape

Alysia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:59 +0000

What do can do you do with crepe paper and candy? Make an easy colorful diy table setting, of course! Kelly Oshiro and The City Sage joined forces to create this punchy place setting for two. Check out the details at The City Sage’s Blog.

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DIY :: Stir Sticks

Alysia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:12:11 +0000

Delightful and decorative stir sticks dress up the simplest of drinks. They are easy to make or cheap enough to keep on hand for a last minute get together.

Happy Hour: Festive mini-mugs atop a swizzle stick keep the theme in place. {Amazon; $14}

Swizzle Stick: Special order these fun stir sticks in your event’s colors to add that extra detail. {Orange1; $8.75}

Liquored Lollis: Custom homemade lollipops slow release fruit flavors into your cocktail. {Martha Stewart}

Sugar Rush: Disintegrate sweetness into your hot coffee drinks or add a splash of panache to your cocktails. {Save On Crafts; $7}

Take it or Leaf it: Reusable stir sticks come in a variety of bright colors. Use. Wash. Repeat. {CB2; $3}

Cold As Ice: Freeze fruit juice or water for a refreshingly chic way to keep your drinks chilled and mixed. I’ve also seen ice kabob trays at Ikea and they are a frugal find. {Sur La Table; $7}

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DIY :: Wooden Cake Stand

Alysia — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:57:28 +0000

Once Wed and Etsy joined forces to create a simply stunning cake stand. Made out of tree slices and parts of a trunk, this nature-inspired pedestal will impress your guests. Follow the link to read the easy step-by-step instructions.

Seems simple enough!

Sweet success!(Photos by Once Wed)

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Holidays :: Gift Tag Templates

Alysia — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:00:05 +0000

There are only 9 days until Christmas! Oh my. If the panic has set in and you are in need of some gift tags. To avoid insanity by shopping at the store, follow these simple steps: 1) click 2) print 3) stick. Voila! You are done.

Festive retro reindeer make any present prettier (Eat, Drink, Chic)

Winter lace embellishes tags for a frosted feel (Martha Stewart)

Bold and punchy red circles will brighten up anyone’s heart (Lauren Makes)

A snazzy purple and blue color palette add a twist to the tradition (Tricia-Rennea)

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DIY :: Felt Coaster Garland

Alysia — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:29 +0000

Being creative is as simple as adding ribbon to a common household item. Vintage Lilly did just that. Digging around your local Old Navy store might give you a headache from the blinding fluorescent lighting, pounding music and people tossing clothes in a disarray, but sometimes it proves to be fruitful. Felted coasters for $4.50 can quickly turn into a festive garland. I would opt for more seasonal colors (if available) or save for the next birthday celebration. Either way, there is an easy and affordable way to jazz up your mantel or entry way.

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DIY :: Party Blowers

Alysia — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:25:54 +0000

Utterly Engaged featured a quick DIY project that is an alternative to flower petals, bubble and other overused celebratory exit items.

Party Blowers! Yay! Coordinate with wedding colors in bright and bold patterns. The guests can use the blowers to help celebrate the moment while the bride & groom exit the ceremony. It will also make for great pictures!

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Holidays :: Thanksgiving Table Ideas

Alysia — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Just last week, the leaves that were golden yellows, vibrant oranges and eye-popping reds. A sprinkling of leaves woud slowly dift to the ground with the slightest breeze. With every step, the leaves would crunch under my shoes. The last of the leaves are holding on with all their strength and soon will be gone. Thanksgiving must be coming. I am beyond excited for the holidays! Feast your eyes on this moodboard that will inspire a DIY budget friendly tablescape.

Dried Goods: In one of my posts, “DIY Projects :: Seasonal Centerpieces“, I featured non-floral centerpieces from Nettleton Hollow. This is a seasonal project that will highlight your Thanksgiving table and help celebrate a bountiful celebration.

In A Nutshell: Faux acorns make an easy and affordable way to dress up your dinner’s surroundings. Fill apothecary jars with seasonal fillers with nuts, cranberries, dried leaves and branches for a striking arrangement. (Pottery Barn; $14)

Perfect Pear: Use seasonal fruit to help guide your guests to their seat. Make sure to wash the pears, in case your guests munch on the place card.

Spilled Beans: An easy DIY project that will have your guests asking you to share your secret. Incorporate the colors of fall when you pair pumpkins with lentils and other dried beans. Candles will also warm the gathering space, so be sure to keep plenty around.

Glorious Gourds: As farmers markets close up shop, be sure to grab some lovely squashes. Place in a neutral bowl to allow the colors of the bounty to pop. Martha also suggests adding kumquats for a splash of citrus color.

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DIY Project :: Customized Fonts

Alysia — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:13:16 +0000

Problem: You have 100+ envelopes to address and your hand is already cramping at the thought of it. In addition, your budget will not allow you to hire a calligrapher. What options do you have? Force your bridesmaids (remember they are NOT slaves) to address your invitations or recruit family members… OR you could make your handwriting in a font! Seems strange…but keep with me. There are various websites that allow you to upload samples of your handwriting and they’ll turn into a TrueType font. The ultimate personalization!

(image from Font for Peas)

You can even add your squiggles, hearts and geometric shapes to “your” font just like dingbats. I haven’t even mentioned the best part. Some sites are free or charge a nominal fee.

(image from Fontifier)

Check out:

FontCapture (Free!); FontsForPeas (Free!);Fontifier ($9);YourFonts ($10)

If you are like me and your handwriting is nothing special. You can always “borrow” and download free fonts from websites listed above or from Da Font or Abstract Fonts to add some panache to your paper.

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DIY Projects :: Dessert Buffet

Alysia — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:12:10 +0000

Together, Bake it Pretty and Inspired Bride created a table full of candy for the eyes and tummy. I can vouch for Bake it Pretty’s selection and quality, as I’ve used their products for most of my parties (cupcake frosting tip, cake pop sticks, sprinkles, cupcake wrappers…oh the list goes on and on). Find all the delicious details (and recipes) for recreating this spectacular table of sweets.

http://www.inspiredbride.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/allbuffet1.jpg

Maddy, from Inspired Bride, use a simple color palette of ice blues and whites to avoid taking the focus away from the display. Check out Maddy’s tips and easy directions to inspire your next dessert buffet.

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