Tag Archives: Creative

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Tablescape Décor Ideas Evoking Love’s Pure Light

December 13, 2016 Leigh 1 Comment

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with tablescape décor ideas evoking Love’s pure light. Placing a nativity as a Christmas dinner’s centerpiece places the message of Christ into the center of the Christmas celebration itself. It’s a beautiful way to remember the greatest gift of truest love.

“Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!”

The focal point of the centerpiece vignette is a gilded nativity sculpture ensconced within a sheltering angel’s wings inset with shimmering glass mosaic. A gilt cross is placed as a reminder of the resolution of the ultimate gift. Beaded tree forms stand in deference to the difficult journey made to Bethlehem.

“Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!”

A golden polyptych rising as the gates of Heaven reflects a glimmering mosaic Holy Family sculpture and presiding angel aglow with proclamation. Glories stream as jeweled fabric swirls from a beaded wreath representing He that is all seeing.

“Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!”

Radiant light reflects as the looming dawn from a large beaded ornament poised over the nativity. Reproductions of renaissance art featuring Madonna with child are exhibited with various gilded crosses in the background.

“Silent Night, Holy Night Here at last, healing light From the heavenly kingdom sent, Abundant grace for our intent. Jesus, salvation for all. Jesus, salvation for all.”

Ornamental golden levels rise as the stairway to Heaven whose path may be traversed by means of the prayers of the faithful and Love’s pure light, symbolized by lit votive candles of golden beads and frosted glass.

“Silent Night! Holy Night” Sleeps the world in peace tonight. God sends his Son to earth below A Child from whom all blessings flow Jesus, embraces mankind. Jesus, embraces mankind.”

Heavenly blessings as signified by vintage gold embroidered tulle envelop the earthen colored cloth. Gold-leafed chalices bear remembrance to Holy sacrament.

“Silent Night, Holy Night Mindful of mankind’s plight The Lord in Heav’n on high decreed From earthly woes we would be freed Jesus, God’s promise for peace. Jesus, God’s promise for peace.”

Brass utensils with wooden handles echo tools suggesting earthly toil and mankind’s plight. A simple wooden plate hearkening to the apostles’ era is ringed by a halo of righteousness in the form of a golden charger. Christmas messages of “hope” and “joy” mark handcrafted napkin rings which encircle cloth napkins implying the fabric of humanity.

^“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 KJV

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Though there are actually several versions of “Silent Night, Holy Night”, I have quoted the most complete translation of the original German Hymn (whose words were written by Rev. Joseph Mohr in 1816, and music composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818).

P.P.S. Print free nativity Christmas cards and learn how to easily make the coordinating napkin rings here: Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Free Printable Nativity Cards and Easy Craft Tutorial for Hope & Joy Napkin Rings for Christmas Dinner

Arts & Crafts

Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Free Printable Nativity Cards & Easy Craft Tutorial for Hope & Joy Napkin Rings for Christmas Dinner

December 13, 2016 Leigh

Easily craft beautiful hope and joy napkin rings for Christmas dinner with this quick tutorial, and then send free printable nativity cards that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. In this way you may offer the message of abounding hope and joy for the Christmas season.

In order to make the napkin rings, you will need a wired ribbon of 1.5 inch width. Choose any pattern of colors to coordinate with the table linens you plan on using. You will need to cut a 6 inch strip for each ring you plan to make, and then you can use the leftover ribbon for coordinating wreaths or packages. You’ll also need miniature word ornaments or scrapbooking embellishments. (This ribbon was 40% off at Hobby Lobby, as were the adornments which were available in various metals and words.) You can also go a step further by bending wire to form a cursive word… but on this day I was going for a quick and easy 5 minute project!

Place a line of glue along the decorative side of the short end of the ribbon. Slightly overlap that edge over the other, and press firmly for lasting adherence. (Use a silicone finger guard to protect yourself from the heat while pressing.)

Flatten the rings with the seam centered on the underside. Use a glue like E6000 to adhere the metal to the glittered ribbon, as it grips unlike surfaces well. Just use a dot of glue at the center of the word. Let them dry overnight.

My free printable card is a great way to send Christmas blessings celebrating the true meaning of the holiday to everyone on your list. Print out the exact number you need, when you need them, without having to go back to the store for extra boxed sets. It’s much simpler and far less expensive to buy bulk boxes of envelopes for year round use. (Check my arts & crafts webpage or index webpage for my ever-growing selection of free printables… free for noncommercial personal use only!) To print the cards, simply right click on the image above and select print. One page equals one 5×7 card… so choose the number you want to make, and select color and photo quality settings.

Cut along the colorized edge of the rectangle and fold in half. If you really want to make the card shine, spread opalescent glitter glue over the halos and stargazes, and then let them dry overnight before sending. (In person, the dramatic difference is worth the 10 seconds per card.) You can handwrite a line of scripture (like the one below), or use a dollar bin stamp as an easy way to add a special Christmas message of your choice to the inside of each card. (Le fidèLe Designs affiliate store Michaels offers these often.) This is a great project to involve the whole family with an assembly line of printing, cutting, folding, stamping, glittering, and then group signing. You spend less money, and the hand crafted card is appreciated more by the recipient (at least from what I’ve experienced.)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 KJV

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. See the napkin rings within a Christmas dinner setting in my article here: Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas with Tablescape Décor Ideas Evoking Love’s Pure Light

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Taffeta Fabric Napkin Rings & No Sew Tablecloth Craft Tutorial & Free Printable Easter Egg Card or Invitation

March 6, 2016 Leigh

Easily craft these DIY napkin rings and no sew tablecloth from taffeta fabric, and make elegant Easter egg cards or invitations with my free printable in this tutorial. They’re an easy way to create a one-of-a-kind celebration for your next Easter family gathering.

To make the tablecloth, begin by folding one corner of the fabric over onto itself in a triangle shape. Cut the fabric along the edge of the folded section. When it is unopened it will make a perfect square. Slightly fold over the outside edges, and hot fabric glue them into a hem. (Iron the folds before gluing to achieve a perfect no sew hem.) Lay this cloth over another coordinating tablecloth for a lovely layered look. (Check out my Capiz Easter Egg Tablescape for more of these projects in action.)

To make the matching napkin rings, cut strips of fabric 2 inches wide by 6 inches long. Fold over the edges on the long sides, and hot fabric glue them under. Next, glue one short side over the other, slightly overlapping them. (Note that the underside of the taffeta is suitable to use also, for a more casual look.)

This is a great project to use up any leftover fabric from other DIYs, especially if you want to coordinate linens with your drapes or upholstery.

It’s also great to make these with end-of-bolt clearance sales, if you like the look of high end fabric yet have budget constraints. (And if you don’t… clearance shopping allows you to allocate more funds to charity. Double-win!)

Now print out Easter egg cards and invitations using my free printables. (Note that these are free only for your personal use and not for commercial purposes.) Simply right click on the image above and select print. Choose the photo setting, and print 1 full page for each card you desire. Print them on thick cardstock paper for the best quality card. Cut out the color image, and fold one end over the other. (Boxes of card sized envelopes are quite inexpensive, or you can make your own. Look for my tutorial on this in the future.)

Hoppy Easter to all you creative chicks!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Rainbow Napkin Rings Tutorial & Free Sky Printable Card / Invitation Craft for All Occasions Including Parties & St. Patrick’s Day

February 17, 2016 Leigh

This easy DIY rainbow napkin rings tutorial is perfect for many types of parties including St. Patrick’s Day, and my free printable all occasion sky card is a great craft for making matching invitations. The card can be made with or without the addition of a rainbow, and so it’s useful for many other purposes… such as sympathy, get-well, congratulations, good luck, missing you, birthday, et cetera. Is there ever really a bad time to send a rainbow as the symbolic harbinger of hope?!

Let’ make the rainbow napkin rings first. To begin, you’ll need a pale color base ribbon and a sheer rainbow ribbon for the top. I used a vintage soft pink satin for the base, because it really brought out the rainbow’s beauty. Just make sure both types of ribbon are the same width.

Cut 6 inch lengths of each type of ribbon for every ring you want to make. Next, hot glue the short ends only. Make sure to press the ribbon ends together firmly before the glue dries… using silicone finger protectors of course. Now glue one short end to the other, overlapping them slightly. Again, press them together firmly.

These rings are so quick and easy to make that they can be crafted at the last minute before a gathering. Who said procrastinator’s can’t have fabulous decorations?!

Let’s make the sky card now. You need to print one page for every card you wish to make. I like to make extras during each crafting session, in case I have an unexpected need for a last minute card. (Note that my free printable is for your personal use only… not for commercial purposes.) If you want to add a rainbow, you can use any variety of colorful ribbon you like… striped, thin, checked, thick, solid, translucent, plaid, paper, plastic, or gossamer fabric ribbon like this one that I found on clearance. You can even use a pretty washi paper tape if you like.

Simply right click on the small image above, and select print. Be sure to choose the photo setting for the finest image. It’s best to use a thick cardstock to make a nice card.

Cut out the rectangle with the logo and sky image together, and then cut out the cloud image. If you want to add a rainbow, cut a 5 inch length of ribbon on the diagonal (like this /__/ ).

Next, fold the rectangle in half to form the card. Add the rainbow by gluing the ribbon down to the top left corner, and then attach the other end. You can either glue the cloud on top of the ribbon directly, or use dimensional foam stickers to add height to the cloud. Try to place it under the sunrise just above the card opening.

The perfect St. Patrick’s Day greeting card contains a classic Irish blessing such as this one:

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

♣ Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!)

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. See more of the rainbow napkin rings in action here: Meet me at the End of the Rainbow Tablescape Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Party Décor!

Arts & Crafts

Traditional Chinese Good Luck Knot Craft Tutorial with DIY Plaited Napkin Rings & Washi Tape Decorated Chopsticks for Chinese New Year

January 29, 2016 Leigh

This craft tutorial for traditional Chinese good luck knots makes the perfect adornment for DIY plaited napkin rings which set an elegant tone for Chinese New Year along with quick washi tape decorated chopsticks. The knot demonstrated here is known by various names among diverse Asian cultures… Good Luck, Auspicious, Chrysanthemum, and One Mind. As a traditional Chinese folk art, decorative knots have been made in the same manner for well over a thousand years, though they originated in prehistoric times. These creations have been used to decorate homes, jewelry, clothing, and have functioned as stand-alone gifts as good luck charms. Knot, 中国结 or Jie in Chinese, translates as vigor, harmony, and unification. Therefore, they have been regarded as a token of blessing when gifted for friendship or love and for special occasions like weddings. This sentiment has led to many being passed down through the generations. As the Chinese New Year is a time for provoking good fortune, and yellow is regarded as a lucky royal color as it was once reserved only for use by the emperor, a yellow gold cording was chosen for the napkin rings so that guests will dine as royalty in the burgeoning of a prosperous year.

Begin by purchasing enough cord in silk or satin (in a “rattail” width) to complete the project. You’ll need 21 inches for each plaited ring (126” for 6) and 26 inches for each good luck knot (156” for 6)… totaling 47 inches for each ring with knot (almost 4 feet) or 182” for 6 (23½ feet). (I got mine inexpensively in bulk size from Fire Mountain Gems, whose sale link is in the sidebar, which is a great source for all types of cording in varying quantities.)

I’m demonstrating the good luck knot here by pinning the cords to a cork plant saucer, because it makes clear photography of the process easier. You may find it easier to make a symmetric knot this way, but it can be easily made without pinning anything down. Don’t get discouraged if your first knot looks askew, just untangle the cord and try again. It will get easier with each knot you make. Practice does indeed make perfect!

Start by cutting a 26 inch length of cord with sharp scissors to prevent fraying. Fold this in half to find the center point, which becomes the middle of the top loop (pinned in purple). Fold the left strand to find its center which becomes the middle of the left loop (blue pin). Repeat this on the right strand (red pin in the next picture). Note that I’ve pinned the very center in neutral white to keep the central points flat. The cording should resemble a cross at this point.

Next, fold the top (purple pin) loop over the left side (blue pin). It should now appear as a person with bowed head and outstretched arms.

Then, take the right loop (red pin) and slip it under the top fold-over (purple pin). It should now give the impression of a windswept girl with arms down at sides.

Now take the bottom two straight strands (no pin yet) and slip them under the fold-over above it (red pin). It should look a bit like a yoga contortion at this point.

Next, fold the left loop (blue pin) over what was once the top loop (purple pin), and then slip it under what was previously the bottom strands (no pin yet). It should now bring to mind a game of twister.

Pull all of the outside loop ends outwardly, a little at a time, until the center is taut. It should look like an upside down cross.

Repeat the previous fold-overs going clockwise. Fold the top loose strands (now a pink pin) over the right loop (blue pin). It should give the idea of a girl with really long hair.

Next, fold the right loop (blue pin) over the loose strands (pink pin). It should bring to mind a girl with really long hair, bowing with one arm outstretched and one crossing the abdomen.

Now fold the bottom loop (purple pin) over the left loop (red pin). It should appear similar to a squashed bug.

Take the left loop and fold it over what was once the bottom loop (now the top, purple pin) and slip under what was once the top strands (now the bottom, pink pin).It should bear a resemblance to an unfortunate wad of hair matted in bubble gum.

Pull the ends straight out from the center. It should form another upright cross.

Lastly for the knot, pull the smallest loops outwardly until it forms petal-like structures of equal size. It should now seem more like a Celtic cross. (If it doesn’t look right to you, just pull the whole thing apart and try again. No harm done!)

For the plaited napkin rings, cut 3 pieces of cord (7 inches long) for each ring. Hot glue one end of each piece together like a tripod.

Clip the glued end onto something sturdy for easier braiding (like a small pail full of pens). Make a classic 3 part braid, and then glue the ends together forming a strand. (A classic 3 part braid is like a simple hair braid… made by folding the left strand over the center, then the right strand over the new center, then the new left strand over the new center, then the new right strand over the new center… over and over again until you get to the end.)

For these napkin rings, the knots will need 4 equal loops. To easily do this, just fold one loose strand over to the underside center until it forms the right size. Cut it to the center of the knots back, and then glue it down. Next, take the last loose strand and fold it over tightly against the knot without any gaps. Also cut this strand at the center-point and glue it down. Now take a braided strand and glue each end to this same gluey underside of the knot (without overlapping the ends).

Finally, flip it over and look at your amazing creation!

I saved the easiest project for last. Any inexpensive chopsticks can be made beautiful in a just few seconds with the addition of washi tape. You can even take some extra chopsticks home for free along with your takeout. (These came from the grocery store sushi counter.) They are disposable like plastic utensils, but are so much more environmentally friendly.

Simply adhere the top corner of a piece of the paper tape to the top of the stick. Wrap it around until it overlaps, and then cut it. Press it down hard to make sure it doesn’t unwrap at the dinner table. Use as many layers of it in as many styles as you like. (I used thick neutral tape twice over which matched my table runner.)

See more of these projects in action in my Elegant Chinese New Year of the Monkey Dinner Party Tablescape Décor Ideas Article.

Kung Xee Fa Chai… Congratulations & may you be prosperous!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Love Letter Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Romantic Date Night, or Anniversary Dinner)

January 26, 2016 Leigh

This love letter themed tablescape make’s the perfect setting for Valentine’s Day, a romantic date night, or even an anniversary dinner. I find that in the modern era of effortless texting, emails, and social networking, that it can be a lovely quixotic gesture to turn back to the sentimentality of a handwritten letter on actual paper. Then to go further back to capture the romanticism of script, drafted with pen and ink well on paper that’s been sealed with wax… so that none other than the intended may lay eyes on the heartfelt content. Call me old fashioned if you will… I’ll just take it as a compliment.

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate:”

Verse spells its way across a love letter inspired cloth is laid upon a greater midnight black tablecloth.

“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:”

Six ravishing red roses rise from a vase overflowing with soft petals. A boundless array of them blankets the table.

“Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed;”

Luminous brass sextuplet candlesticks cast a romantic golden glow over the tablescape. Beneath them lies a once live rose plated in brilliant 14 karat gold. Gilded studs enhance burgundy pillar candles set upon stacked vintage candlesticks that playfully generate light and shadow in the background.

“And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed;”

Encircling tuxedo black napkins are love letter symbolizing napkin rings trimmed with faux wax seals. Golden utensils bearing wooden handles represent the pens of yesteryear. Waiting to be filled are vintage ruby glasses trimmed with rings of gold that are flanked by golden flecked midcentury champagne vessels.

“But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade,”

Beneath a resplendent tree sit black ladder-backed chairs cushioned with sumptuous garnet pillows.

“When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

Italian countryside plates from Mikasa are topped by red dishes resembling wax seals. They obscure all but rings of gold from the gleaming mat chargers below them.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh & William Shakespeare’s 18^th Sonnet

P.S. Click here for my Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Countdown Calendar / Treat Bag Banner & Love Letter Napkin Rings Craft Tutorials.

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Countdown Calendar / Treat Bag Banner & Love Letter Napkin Rings Craft Tutorials

January 26, 2016 Leigh

This easy DIY Valentine’s Day countdown calendar plus treat bag banner and love letter napkin rings craft tutorial comprises three of my favorite things to make… banners, napkin rings, and advent calendars. The latter project arose from the questions, “Why are countdown calendars typically made for Christmas advent and not for other holidays?” and, “Why not expand the celebration with 2 weeks of excitement leading up to Valentine’s Day?” This works well for either children or adults depending on what’s placed inside the bags. As for the love letter themed napkin rings, they perfectly fit a romantic Valentine’s theme… though this one is for adults only!

Let’s begin with the napkin rings. You’ll need a roll of Offray Brand Ribbon in a script pattern. (I purchased this ½ price with a coupon from Joann Craft & Fabric Stores. There’s a link for them in the sidebar.)

You can make 12 rings and still have enough left over for a gift package bow if you like. You’ll also need either hot glue or liquid fabric glue and fabric paint in red (because it works on so much more than just T-shirts).

Measure and cut a 6 inch length of ribbon for each ring you wish to make (use sharp sewing scissors to prevent fraying ends). If using hot glue, bond the ends with one side overlapping the other and press them together tightly. For liquid fabric glue, use a plastic clothes pin as a clamp or secure with a straight pin… and allow them to dry completely.

Next, make a faux sealing wax impression with the red paint. Either use the fabric paint tip to draw a circle and fill it in, or just squeeze some onto a plate and use a brush. Allow these to dry completely before handling. (Hot sauce bottles, glue bottles, and paint tubes placed inside the rings will prevent rolling and paint smears.)

These napkin rings were so quick and easy to craft, and they were a great little touch to add to the Love Letter Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Romantic Date Night, or Anniversary Dinner).

Now let’s make a Valentine’s Day countdown calendar and treat bag banner. (This is an easy enough project for the kiddos in your life to make too.) Begin by purchasing 14 mini clothespins complete with chalkboard hearts (these were 12 for $1 at the Target bargain bins). You can also buy the clothespins plainly and easily attach small flat wooden hearts with wood glue or hot glue… yes, hot glue does work on wood. Then all you need to do is paint the hearts with chalkboard paint. (All of the major craft stores carry the hearts. There are sidebar links for my favorite stores that carry coupon codes with them!)

If you like, paint the remaining portion of the clothespins in your choice of red or pink… though the natural wood tone would look fine with the paper bags if you’re short on time. (I used dark scarlet multi-surface acrylic paint from DecoArt, because it matches my spice racks.) It’s easiest to clip them onto cardboard and just paint one side, leaving them to dry before flipping them over and completing the opposite side.

You have the option of writing the 14 day numbered countdown with actual chalk (so that they may utilized in another capacity after the holiday) or with a permanent chalk marker that can’t be rubbed off.

While those are drying, decorate your treat bags. (These plain little sacks were purchased cheaply for ½ off, but you can purchase printed ones if you’d like to speed up the process.) I used a red bingo marker to stamp dots in a polka dot pattern. (See more about this, along with other project ideas in my article on Fast & Easy DIY Hand-stamped Polka-dot Gift Wrap & Matching Gift Crafts.)Let these dry completely before the next step. (You also have the option of stamping a pattern onto the bags with ink or paint.)

Next, cut out hearts from black chalkboard paper, or use a paper punch in any shape you like, or speedily use readymade chalkboard sticker labels.

Here is my handy little template to print free at home then cut out to trace around. It’s an easy way to make the same exact heart shape repeatedly. (Just right click the small image above and select print.)

Adhere the paper hearts onto the bags with a permanent glue stick. Then run a strip of matching washi tape along the base for easily added flair.

String the dry clothespins onto ribbon, string, jute, cording, twine, or yarn. (I used yarn that looks like twine because three times the amount can be purchased for ⅓of the price.) Once again, use either permanent white marker or actual chalk to write on each heart.

I chose to write “Be my Valentine!” but “Valentines Day!” or “Happy Hearts Day” would also have fit on the 14 bags. You can also write the names of individual recipients like friends, classmates, or even alternate the names of family members.

Fill the little bags with anything you like… you can make it as inexpensive or extravagant as you like.

For kiddos: try candy, stickers, stamps, tiny toys, erasers, inexpensive jewelry… or silly printed jokes you won’t mind hearing over and over again. On the 14^th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a stuffed animal.

For adults: try printing faux fortunes, poems, romantic quotes, movie or event tickets, or even homemade coupons for “honey-do” chores or special treats. On the 14^th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a dozen roses, box of chocolates… or something uber masculine like the latest power tool at home depot.

This makes a super cute banner decoration as well, and it can be strung just about anywhere using either tape, 2 extra clothespins, or by tying knotted loops at each end of the string.

I ♥ Crafting… Don’t you?!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

A Thanksgiving for True Blue Loved Ones with “Turkey Day” Dinner Party Décor Ideas

November 14, 2015 Leigh

Offer Thanksgiving for those loved ones who have remained true blue through the past year with a dinner party featuring a fresh blue color scheme, ubiquitous holiday turkeys, and modern china that complements family heirloom dishes and crystal. This is the perfect way to symbolically honor ancestral tradition while celebrating present day family as well… because family is made from so much more than DNA.

The beautiful 10 inch antique turkey plates are used as salad plates in this modern setting, though they functioned as dinner plates during the era in which they were made. They are placed upon ivory patterned dinner plates, by Mikasa Italian Countryside, which are technically vintage even though the pattern is modern as they remain open-stock.

The wild tom turkey patterned platter and dishes featuring scalloped edges, by Flow Blue by Ridgeways England, are family antiques made in the late 1800s. They were originally purchased by my Great-Great-Grandmother.

The delicate crystal stemware displays a subtle floral motif that echoes the bouquet border of the dishes. They were inherited from another line of the family.

Stretched across a blue patterned tablecloth is a joyfully patterned runner sporting bluebirds of happiness. This was kindly crafted by my mother who hand-stitched the navy trim border just for this occasion.

Guarding the antique crystal salt and pepper shakers, of yet another pattern, are a blue owl and blue bird handcrafted by an artisan in Chile.

My antique appearing napkin rings are actually modern crafts that were quick and easy to make. They coordinate well with my printed blue turkey dish place-cards hand-scrolled in gold with guest’s names. (Click here to see my article on the napkin ring tutorial and to get the free printable!)

“O Lord that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” — William Shakespeare

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. If you have any trouble identifying your own pattern of crystal or china, there is a reputable company who will identify it by picture for free! Just upload images to http://patternid.replacements.com/ They are researching the stemware seen above for me. I’ll add a comment with the information when I find out!

P.P.S. Also, if any of you out there are interested in purchasing anything you see in my articles, from party supply sets to dishware, just send me a reasonable offer via the contact page!

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Antique Looking Napkin Rings with Crochet Trim Craft Tutorial + Free Turkey & China Thanksgiving Printables (for Place-cards, Hostess Gift Tags, Thank You Notes, Doggie Bag Tags, Food Tent Cards, etc.)

November 14, 2015 Leigh

Easily DIY your own antique looking napkin rings crafted with crochet trim to coordinate beautifully with any china pattern for your Thanksgiving. Then make place-cards using my free turkey and china printables that will double a doggie bag tags when the evening closes. Also, print some to use as food tents cards to identify pies or even as thank you notes or tags for hostess gifts.

To make each napkin ring, you will need to cut 6 inch sections of wide ribbon in a solid color that coordinates with your dishware or linens. (For a 6 place setting that equates to 36 inches, or 3 feet, which is the size of many standard ribbon rolls.) You will need to cut the same size lengths of crochet trim, which may be found in the sewing section of craft stores. (Ivory matches beautifully with most china patterns.)

Next, lay a line of hot glue (or liquid fabric glue) onto all edges of the base ribbon. Lay the crochet trim over it in a way that showcases the pretty edges. (If using liquid glue, let this dry completely before forming the ring.) Then just form a ring and connect the edges with a single line of glue on one side. (Clothes pins will need to be used as clamps when using liquid glue.)

These really look like they could have been inherited, but took mere minutes to make.

The napkin rings serve as a beautiful bridge coordinating my antique china with my modern linens, and they can do the same for you too!

My Thanksgiving printables (free for personal use only) feature vintage dishware and a wild tom turkey in a fresh hued theme that honors the true blue loved ones we’re thankful for this holiday. (See more of my true blue thanksgiving dinner party by clicking here!)

To make your own, right click on the image above and select print. Choose color and photo settings, and print them on sturdy cardstock paper. Cut along the image edges and dotted lines (or coax a relative into helping) then fold in half. Voila!

Use these as place-cards during the meal (to strategically place guests for mealtime peace), and then attach them as labels for individual pie boxes or doggie bags (to ensure the holiday pounds are well distributed).

These also make great hostess gift tags, thank you notes, or even food tent cards (to properly identify the mysterious pie everyone keeps asking about… in my family that would be Chess Pie).

Happy Turkey Day Y’all!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Bavarian Oktoberfest Party Décor Ideas for a Fall Tablescape

September 12, 2015 Leigh 24 Comments

Willkommen to an Oktoberfest party where the tablescape décor will transport you to a fanciful Bavarian hunting lodge straight out of Grimm’s fairy tales. So don your dirndls or lederhosen, fill your bier steins, and raise prost to a chorus of “Ein Prosit” for a wunderbar family folk fest!

Dark brown tablecloths reminiscent of solid Alpine earth ground the tablescape. Nail-head trimmed pewter chargers topped with true blue dishes echo the pewter hinged lids and stoneware glazing of the steinkrugs. A feather motif dances around the edges of ivory salad plates.

Feathers encircle “leather” rings containing lederhosen protecting cloth. (Find the napkin ring craft tutorial here.)

Carved wooden acorns tied with feathers and nametags direct polka dancers to their seats. (Find the place-card craft tutorial here.)

Tiny acorns scatter across the table acting as yesteryear confetti.

An Alpine “horned” tray befits the base of a centerpiece glowing with candles, scattered feathers, and a large vintage steinkrug of gathered fall branches and long feathers. (Find the centerpiece tutorial here.)

Green foliaged trees and a one-of-a-kind European armoire, refit with a placid oil painting, set the background scenery.

A vintage wooden sign carved with a German message of welcome stands in greeting. A carven hare guards an antique pewter pitcher festooned with colorful plumes. A tiny bierkrug sits feather-filled alongside it.

A toast is proposed… may our hearts forever be filled with merriment just as the kartoffelpuffers, knackwurst, sauerkraut, and apfel sauce fill our bellies this very evening! Gemütlichkeit!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Wondering how to prepare such a hearty meal for your own wunderbar gathering? Try my Gluten-Free & Egg-Free Potato Pancake (aka- Kartoffelpuffer, Latke, hash brown cups, etc.) Recipe with Baked & Fried Versions for Oktoberfest!

Living Faithfully ~ Embracing Creativity