Prost to the Host » DIY

Celebrations :: Tulips and Dessert

Alysia — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:36:12 +0000

Hello friends! With summer coming quickly (fingers crossed), spring flowers are fading away and summer blooms will be upon us. Here is a quick tablescape for an impromptu dessert gathering. No need to buy anything, just use items around the house

I am an entertainer, so I purchased 50 of these cocktail plates {Crate and Barrel} several years a go. They were cheap and came in bulk, but C&B has free shipping and I was able to use the coupon when ordering. Also, search for shipping and coupon codes prior to submitting your online order. You will almost always find a discount.

Hit up your local bakery for small delicate treats, like macaroons and jellied treats in bold hues {Pix Patisserie}.

Skip the tablecloth and runner and dig around your linen closet for contrasting place mats and sprinkle dried flower stems for pops of color {World Market}

Beaker vases {CB2} from a previous party were used again to display the purple fleurs. Rearrange them for a different look.

Shop ahead. If you know you will be hosting a BBQ next summer, be sure to stalk the end of season clearance sales. They will be discounted up to 75% at most retail outlets and will save you a pretty penny as you decorate for your next gathering. Cheers!

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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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Real Party :: Ice Cream Social

Alysia — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:34:29 +0000

Kim-Erin celebrated her daughter, Riley’s first birthday with an Ice Cream Social theme. She wanted to have a theme that was unique and not overdone. Plus, who doesn’t love ice cream?! The little details really make this party one of a kind. Handmade yarn balls to replicate ice cream scoops make fabulous and affordable centerpieces. Painted terra cotta pots hold a buffet of toppings and candies. Party favors of stickers and candies wrapped in clear cellophane tease the party-goers. Plates with custom labels flaunt Riley’s name with retro Ice Cream Shoppe font. My favorite detail is the photo ice cream tree. Photo ornaments of Riley and ice cream cones are fastened to the branches and drip with charming appeal. Happy birthday, Riley!

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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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