Tag Archives: Kid Friendly

Spicy Guacamole Shooters / Avocado Appetizers Recipe (Allergy-Friendly & Nightshade Free = No Red Pepper or Tomatoes)

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This allergy-friendly guacamole recipe has no nightshades like red pepper or tomatoes, but it still has a spicy kick which makes is the perfect party appetizer that everyone can enjoy. It contains my secret Tex-Mex trick for adding creaminess, which also serves to keep the avocado from browning during the festivities. Serve it rustically in chunky form or blend it into creamy perfection. I can be served with any variety of veggies, chips, or even as a sauce for a meal. Think beyond taco pairings, and embrace it as dressing for your veggies. The heart-healthy avocados make this a guilt-free food, even though it tastes like a special treat, so enjoy!

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Ingredients:

  • 3 large avocados (add more if using small ones)
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice)
  • 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened coconut yogurt (or use plain yogurt, or mayonnaise, or veganaise)
  • 1 diced leek (or use onion or spring onions)
  • 2 teaspoons dried cilantro (add more if using fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground black peppercorns
  • 1½ teaspoons sea salt (or no salt seasoning)
  • Dipping Foods: veggies for crudité or chips (pictured are pomegranate potato chips)

Instructions:

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First, gather all your ingredients. Using bottled citrus juice is perfectly acceptable, just make sure that it is pure juice and not the fake variety… or else your guacamole will brown. I’ve used Haas avocados for this recipe. Ensure that they’re ripe by gently squeezing the outside. If they give in a bit, then they’re ready to eat. If not, then store them on the counter until they are.

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Wash the outside of the leeks, cut off the excess green tops, and then slice them in half. Wash the insides of the two halves, and then dice them. (I really like the flavor leeks add to the mixture, and they won’t make you cry!)

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Mix all of the herbs into the lemon juice to allow them time to soften while preparing the avocados. Adding yogurt or mayo is the secret Tex-Mex trick to making smooth and creamy guacamole. Both this and the lemon juice will keep the guacamole a lovely shade of green during your party.

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Wash the outsides of the avocados before cutting into them to avoid transferring bacteria. Whack the avocado seed with a knife, then twist it a half turn to remove it. Slice a grid pattern into the green flesh. Use a spoon to scoop out it out, or just squeeze the rind to squish it into the bowl.

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Mash and mix everything together. I use the back of a serving spoon to smash the avocado against the side of the bowl. You can serve it in a bowl rustically like this…

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…or you can use a blender to smooth the guacamole into a perfect concoction. (Find a powerful one at Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Blendtec at the link in the side bar.) Made in this way, there are no chunks of leeks or clumps of herbs, but all of the flavors are equally distributed. (I grew up making traditional guacamole with a molcajete, but I used an immersion blender here… which I admit is much faster and easier.)

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Spoon the spicy guac into shot glasses or individual serving cups.

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Add any variety of veggies or chips, from matchstick cut carrots (for Easter) to Fritos (for Cinco de Mayo).

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On this day, I used pink pomegranate potato chips from Simply 7 to coordinate with my Candyland party theme. They are so yummy by themselves, but are really amazing when combined with the spiciness of the guacamole.

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The little avocado shooters fit perfectly into the treat towers I crafted to match my theme. (I’ll be posting the tutorial on this very soon.)

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You can also serve my Heartbeats Veggie Chips made from beet root with the guacamole, or try the Lettuce Turnip the Beet Dip I made to accompany it. It is a pink savory herbed avocado dip that I made for Valentine’s.

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Faithfully Yours,

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Quick & Easy Candyland Confection Ideas: Pink Almond Milk Juice “Recipe”, Cotton Candy “Cream” Sodas, & Gingerbread Peep Pops

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These Candyland party confections are so simple that I thought I’d just combine them into one article… if only to pass along a few easy ideas that can be prepped at the last minute. The versatile juice milk is a great way to colorize and disguise calcium while adding a flavorful kick, which is great for anyone with a picky eater. While sugary cotton candy isn’t known for its health benefits, it is a yummy once in while party-treat that looks adorable when served as ice cream sodas. And Peep pops are the fastest pop you can prop into a candy buffet! Just look for the sugar-free varieties if diabetic or avoiding corn syrup. They’re still just as yummy and cute!

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Pink Almond Milk Juice Ingredients:

  • ½ gallon Silk almond milk (or any variety of milk like cashew, hemp, rice, oat, soy, or even cow’s)
  • 17 ounce bottle lingonberry juice concentrate (or any pink juice like pomegranate, black cherry, raspberry, cranberry, etc… or try blueberry, grape, or even orange for a liquid creamscicle!)
  • Optional: agave to taste… if needed to sweeten the more acidic juices, because it mixes well into cold liquids & is low glycemic

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Pink Almond Milk Juice Instructions:

Gather any variety of pink juices and your choice of milk to test which combination you like best in a small glass. I quickly realized that I preferred the lingonberry and pomegranate juices with the original 60 calorie per cup Silk almond milk. Though I typically love the black cherry concentrate, I did not care for it when combined with milk. I also didn’t care for the combo with the 30 calorie Silk, but it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to cut the numbers. Use your own taste buds to discern your favorite, and let me know what you came up with!

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Mix a crowd sized amount in a jug, and test the flavor before pouring into individual servings. The easiest one to one ratio was the Silk’s half gallon and Ikea’s 17 ounce lingonberry concentrate, but I realize this taste profile isn’t for everyone. The most liked version does seem to be the orange creamscicle.

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For the Candyland theme, I served the juiced milk in these super cute jugs with washable reusable straws. Another adorable option would be to use trendy jars as drinking vessels. (Find some at Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Ball Fresh Preserving Store at the link in the side bar.)


Cotton Candy “Cream” Sodas Ingredients:

  • 1 package of readymade cotton candy (with sugar & not corn syrup that color coordinates with your theme)
  • small vessels that resemble soda glasses or ice cream dishes
  • 1 package of theme coordinating paper straws (or thick half straws as pictured)

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Cotton Candy “Cream” Sodas Instructions:

This is the cutest and easiest way to serve cotton candy to a crowd… which is the perfect last minute fill-in for a Candyland theme. Find the yummy stuff packaged anywhere from convenience stores to grocery marts. (You can even find some at Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Cost Plus World Market at the link in the side bar, they even have solid colors like a green in watermelon flavor.)

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Starting with clean and well dried hands, pinch sections of cotton candy large enough to fit into the base of each dish. Keep layering until you reach the top, and stick a straw (or one cut in half) into the side of it. Take a section of cotton candy and gently ball it into a rounded mound to set on top. Gently tap it into place. (Your hands will be coated in spun sugar… but I’m thinking that’s where the phrase “finger lickin’ good” came from!)

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These are especially adorable when perched atop a treat tower, like this one I crafted for the Candyland theme.


Gingerbread Peep Pops Ingredients:

  • 1 package of gingerbread peeps (or any theme coordinating variety, note that the sugar-free varieties don’t have corn syrup)
  • 1 package of color coordinated paper straws

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Gingerbread Peep Pops Instructions:

It literally takes 2 seconds to make a Peep Pop, so it’s a last minute treat that looks absolutely precious. You can find so many varieties of the darling confections just about anywhere (and online year round), so it’s easy to add them to any candy buffet.

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Simply poke a hole in each peep base with a skewer or toothpick, and wiggle it side to side to widen that hole. Slowly push in a straw until it feels securely held, yet doesn’t disfigure the peep.

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Prop it into a cake pop holder or vessel filled with non-sticky candy like gumballs or jellybeans.

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See more Peep Pops in action from another themes by clicking the following link: Chalkboard & Glitter Hearts Themed Valentine’s Day Party Buffet Décor Ideas (+ DIY & Printable Links)

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For a tasty yet healthy snack to add to your Candyland theme, try my Spicy Guacamole Shooters / Avocado Appetizers Recipe (Allergy-Friendly & Nightshade Free = No Red Pepper or Tomatoes).

Faithfully Yours,

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St. Patrick’s Day Party Tablescape Décor Ideas (with Rainbows, Shamrocks, Money Tree, & Printable Card & Invite)

Discover what is really at the end of the rainbow with these St. Patrick’s Day party décor ideas. A centerpiece filled with pots of gold will prove that money does grow on shamrock laden trees! This colorful tablescape is quick and easy to achieve with inexpensive materials and my Quick & Easy Metal Napkin Rings Tutorial, Money Tree + Rainbow & Shamrock Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day Party Décor article to guide you, and use my free printable card to invite your friends to join you for a wee bit o’ whimsy this holiday.

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This celebration, I really wanted to indulge in a pure state of whimsicality. I envisioned leprechauns dining in Seussville… and this vibrant tablescape is what resulted. This may of course be toned down for your own home, taking just an idea or two if you like… but as for me and mine, it’s whimsy all the way.

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I began with a crisp green field of tablecloth topped with chargers of golden coins. This was layered with green plates and rainbow colored madras plaid napkins ringed in green glittered metal.

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(See how to quickly make your own napkin rings easily here.)

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Utensils were adorned with metallic green washi tape, just as I had previously done for Mardi Gras. (See more on this here.) Basket gilded glassware contributed to the theme as well. (See these in a Thanksgiving tablescape here.)

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The table was strewn with green pom-poms plus mylar and glitter shamrocks as confetti. (The glitter varieties were actually individual stickers that can be used to adorn something later, because their backings remained intact.)

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At the table’s center was a money tree with shamrock leaf ornaments, coin-studded branches, with gold and green lights.

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Rainbow archways and pots of gold were held in its arms, and its trunk was festooned with more polychromatic splendor. (Find instructions for all of this year’s St. Pat’s crafts here.)

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The base of the tree was encircled with a multi-hued feathered boa and apropos greeting. Around that were glowing votive holders and more pots of gold, some complete with their very own rainbows.

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A chair for the guest of honor was draped with a rainbow sash, green sequin tiara, glitter shamrock wand, and metallic beads in various shade of green. This was a device with which to further invite whimsy, because who could maintain a serious façade when someone so adorned is seated across from you? For your celebration, this spot might be reserved for the smallest family member. I confess that I have a lot of fun dressing my grandmother in such crazy holiday attire for her parties at the senior center, and it garners her much attention.

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Glittered holiday signs strewn with rainbow streamers fill the window in the background. Believe it or not, I actually held myself back from adding many more rainbows… using the rest of my 81 foot roll of crepe paper would have mummified the window blocking out all sunlight!

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My free 4 x 6 printable card may be sent as an invite when details like time and place are added to the inside, but it is also serves as a lovely remembrance for any one that’s cared for. The Irish blessing on the card reads, “For each petal on the shamrock. This brings a wish your way, Good health, good luck, and happiness, For today and every day.”

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Simply right click on the small image, and select print. Then print it using the color and photo settings on cardstock. Here, I’ve printed them on both plain white stock and a parchment variety so that you may see how paper choice can alter the look of your card. You can also print it in black on green paper. (I’m offering it, along with my other printables free for your personal use. I just ask that my work not be used for commercial purposes.) You can even embellish it for a personal touch with glitter glue, stickers, ribbon, etc. The shamrock stickers I used on the card here are the same kind seen in the tablescape as confetti. A dab of quick dry tacky glue adhered a bow with the same ribbon used on the pots of gold.

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I will leave you with this lovely St. Patrick’s Day toast, “May the sound of happy music, And the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.”

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Faithfully Yours,

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Quick & Easy Metal Napkin Rings, Money Tree, + Rainbow & Shamrock Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day Party Décor

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with rainbow filled party décor. Make pots of gold for a centerpiece to prove that money does grow on shamrock laden trees! These colorful crafts are quick and easy to achieve with inexpensive materials like metal ribbon for napkin rings and crepe paper for rainbow arches and votive holders. Find my free printable card & invite at the article for St. Patrick’s Day Party Tablescape Décor Ideas, along with how to complete the rest of the celebration.

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Top o’ this morning’s question is how to fill a party with rainbows without breaking the bank. The answer is with crepe paper streamers in a rainbow print… 2 dollars will purchase 81 feet of decorating power! The trick is to use it in the same way you would utilize ribbon.

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It only took a few inches of crepe streamer to adorn each of the slim handles of glittered baskets, taking them from Christmas to St. Pat’s in a flash. They only needed a few dots of glue to adhere each underside edge to the other, and it only takes a tug to remove the paper and reuse the baskets for the next theme. “Gold” coins atop gold gift bag stuffing complete the pots at the ends of the rainbow.

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Some of you may have seen my last Mardi Gras Party article where I wrapped gold glitter votive holders with an amazing tri-color tinsel ribbon. I used those very same glittered holders and wrapped them with crepe rainbows for St. Pat’s. A tiny piece of transparent tape makes them reusable for another celebration, because nothing is attached that will pull the glitter off. A final touch is to add a piece of shamrock confetti using tape that’s been doubled over.

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I purchased the confetti at half-off for 50 cents, and had more than enough to spread around, so I decided to decorate little Halloween cauldrons as pots of gold. I took a hole-punch to the shamrocks, and then I attached them with strips of two-toned green Christmas clearance ribbon. All they needed to complete them was a bit of green gift bag stuffing and some more gold coins… yes, those are the same ones that functioned as doubloon décor at Mardi Gras.

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Some of these little pots dotted the table, and some sat perched in the shamrock leaved money tree.

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Also gracing the glowing tree were rainbow arches made with the same crepe paper used earlier. I just cut a corresponding length of floral wire and taped it to the center of the underside. This provided a posable structure with which to bend the rainbow to my decorating will… which happened to be filling in some empty space between the branches.

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The tree is the same gilded metal one I used for Mardi Gras, but was filled this time with different branches, lights, and shamrock ornaments. I used holographic branches that were 34 cents each, from last year’s St. Pat’s clearance sale. I filled in with a mylar leaf studded vine that I cut into sections. I found it along with the gold and green lights after Christmas for 90% off.

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The holographic shamrock ornaments were dollar bin finds, but the glittered wooden varieties were made from a party store sign for a few dollars.

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All I needed to do was cut them apart and add ribbon loops as hangers. For a future holiday, I can add rainbows or coins for a completely new look.

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This metal tree has been painted different colors and adorned with a complete range of décor to suit every holiday.

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For this one, I just wrapped the trunk in more rainbows and laid a green feather boa at its base. This too was found post St. Pat’s for less than 2 dollars.

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If you plan your theme a year ahead, it’s easy to gather all the material you need for the cost a burger out. Then you can spend your cash on quality ingredients for a fabulous dinner menu!

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The last, and most fabulous, craft is how to make your own metal napkin rings. These aren’t just for St. Pat’s but will work beautifully for any occasion. This is because you can find its base of decorative metal ribbon in a wide variety of styles and colors. For this party, I wanted to use the green glittered variety to encircle my rainbow colored napkins. Because I found the material on clearance, I made all 6 of them for only 50 cents.

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First I needed to cut 6 inch metal strips. If you have any trouble cutting though yours, just cut a line into the metal with clippers, and then bend each side of it back and forth until it breaks free. This is much easier on the wrists than brute force. Then bend each strip into as much of a rounded circle as you can get it, and overlap the 2 edges a wee bit. Then glue those edges with E6000 in a well ventilated space.

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Just let them cure a couple of days before sliding your pretty little napkins through them!

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May all your crafting days be filled with the luck of the Irish!

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Faithfully Yours,

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Get your Paw Patrol Party On With Birthday Express!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

Paw Patrol birthday party supplies
No job is too big, no pup is too small!

The Party of the Month is Paw Patrol! And, of course, Birthday Express has all paws on deck to help you plan the pawww-urfect Paw Patrol-themed party. Here are some fun ideas that are sure to get your tail waggin’!

Invitations – Get your guests into the Paw Patrol party spirit with these Paw Patrol Invitations! The package includes 8 invitations (with envelopes) and features all of the Paw Patrol team.

Party Decor – With Birthday Express’ Paw Patrol Scene Setter and Swirl Decorations, your guests will be transported to Adventure Bay with Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Rocky, and the rest of the gang! You could provide each guest their own Paw Patrol Paper Mask when they walk in the door, and there’s even Paw Patrol Ribbons and Medals that can be given away as prizes with your Paw Patrol Party Games.

Food & Drink – The possibilities are endless for food and drink at a Paw Patrol Party. In addition to Paw Patrol Party Games, you could get various-sized dog bowls and use them for chips, dip, candy, and other snacks. You could also make dog bone-shaped sandwiches or cookies! And the birthday boy or girl will love the Party Patrol Birthday Cake Candle Set.

As Marshall says … I’m fired up!!!!! about Birthday Express’ new Paw Patrol theme!
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PAW Patrol Party in a Box – Deluxe – 8 Guests

PAW Patrol Party Favor Box

Dog Bone 18″ Pinata

Chinese New Year of the Sheep / Ram Party Décor Ideas (With Formal Table Setting & Kid’s Table)

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Celebrating Chinese New Year is always fun as each year comes with a new built-in theme to accompany the vibrant traditional colors and motifs. In this way, it’s easy to build on the previous event by adding a few new décor elements each year. Use the elegant formal table setting or the fun and playful Kid’s Table… or a combination as ideas for your own celebration. Spend as much or as little as you like, making the evening a complete spectacle or a simple affair. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of another culture, and the Year of the Ram will only return in twelve years… and well, it’s a really good excuse for having a great time!

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The kids table utilized printables and crafts from my recent articles (Origami Crane Paper Folding Instructions -for Get Well Wishes or Chinese New Year Décor) & (Take-Out Favor Box & Paper Lantern Craft Printable + Bamboo Lantern + Paint to Antique a Lion Fú-Dog -DIY Chinese New Year Party Décor Crafts). The projects are a quick and easy way to decorate while leaving your budget available for all the wonderful food.

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Lanterns are a traditional element of the Chinese New Year because the last day of it is the start of the lantern festival. My printables are an easy way to employ that tradition in your own home. They only need printing, cutting, and gluing. The “Fú” 福 characters, decorating the boxes, have graced the entrances of Chinese homes for many hundreds of New Year’s. It is said to have originated, not just for its meaning of happiness and luck, but also because “upside down” and “to arrive” sound alike when spoken in Chinese, thus making an upside down Fú equate to “good luck arrives”. (For some, however, hanging the Fu upside down is bad luck, so I’ve decided to make the character right side up on my printable boxes!)

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Use the printables as favor containers, table crayon corrals, or cut out the character to make an LED lantern or luminaria. I stacked some of them onto a vintage brass tea-light holder and stuck in paper dragon favor puppets to heighten the spectacle… with no expectation that the centerpiece would stay intact long! Using LED lights insures that no fire will catch the paper, even if knocked over… so they are super kid and pet safe. It’s also easy to use the cut-out character to embellish a bamboo lantern like those I’ve painted in the pictures. (See my tutorial for the instructions on how to complete your own.)

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Origami cranes are a lovely way to bring the kiddos into the party planning while teaching a timeless art to another generation. The historically traditional crane figure is an apropos symbol of hope for the coming year. The Japanese tradition of the “Senbazuru” folding of 1000 paper cranes is said to grant the maker a wish, such as healing for a loved one. The “Tsuru” (crane) is also said to denote happiness and luck, which is the same meaning of the “Fú” 福 character. These can easily be made with anything from wrapping paper to typing paper (see my tutorial for instructions with a picture for each step).

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The powerful guardian lion Fú-dog is a traditional Chinese figure of protection. The one seen here is male because he’s resting a paw on a ball that represents the earth. Usually they are presented in pairs, but I only had one in a bright lime green color. I took this statuette from modern lime lion to antique guardian in a few simple steps (detailed in my tutorial). You can do the same with any accessory that doesn’t quite match your décor. Also set on the side table was a small sheep figure as a traditional way to represent the year. The gilded platter (non-breakable) symbolized the land of the rising sun. A book with more dragon puppets (from Oriental Trading Company, see the side bar for discount links) extra coloring pages, and lucky candy completed the picture.

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Decorating the background were a mix of traditionally made bamboo kites (red phoenix bird and orange karp / goldfish) and modern kites (tiger and panda). Extend the New Year’s celebration to the weekend by letting your decorations fly freely. Having something else to look forward to is a nice way to ease the post-party let down that kiddos sometimes feel. (All of these were found on clearance for a few dollars each at Cost Plus World Market.) Above them hung an inexpensive yet lovely Chinese banner (again from Oriental Trading Company) suspended on simple pushpins.

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Decorative paper plates and napkins were set onto printed coloring pages depicting all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. Red envelopes containing coin money in even numbers are a traditional gift for children. Colorful punch, lucky candy, paper cranes, crayons, and mandarin oranges completed the setting.

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Orange fruit is another traditional element of the Chinese New Year, so I included them in both tablescapes. It’s an easy way to add color without the trouble or expense of a formal centerpiece. It allows the gorgeous food to remain the center of attention.

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My Quick & Easy Overnight Pickled Cucumbers Recipe was another colorful element to complement the other traditional dishes. (I will be posting more Asian inspired recipes from time to time in the future.)

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Next to it were longevity noodles which symbolize long life when uncut. The dish was topped with prawns because seafood is a Chinese New Year must have. (Just make sure no guest has a shellfish allergy.) A whole fish pointed in the direction of the guest of honor would have been more traditional, but I was out-voted on that menu choice.

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Half-moon shaped steamed dumplings are another necessity for the year’s celebration. (The round shaped variety depicts a life that goes around in circles never completing any goals, so those are considered bad luck!) Check out my allergy-friendly recipe for steamed dumplings here.

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Fried springs rolls are practically required New Year’s fare! Adjacent to those were long beans with a black bean sauce and a prawn vegetable dish served over rice.

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Some of the dishes were set onto wooden stands to both protect the table and elevate the vessels to different heights.

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Each platter should have its own set of chopsticks or spoon. Serving chopsticks are typically longer and more decorative than those one eats with, but I only had one set of that type.

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A lovely soup tureen was set into another platter to catch spills. This also contained a serving spoon and a few fortune cookies… an American tradition only, but why not celebrate the blending of beautiful cultures. Scattered around the center were some vintage boxes containing lucky candy.

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Many Chinese tables are fitted with “lazy susan” turntables at the center so that everyone can reach each dish. I have a couple of these, but opted for a different style of arrangement this year. Hanging in a circle from the chandelier, was another red banner like the one in the other room.

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Down the center of table ran a length of metallic sprayed mesh fabric to coordinate with my grandmother’s china. She actually purchased the tableware when she lived in Taiwan for a time. A simple white tablecloth anchored it all. I was hesitant to use white, because it can be considered a funerary color (yikes), but it was the only thing I had that suited the china… which was incidentally made the year of a ruler’s death, thus the color of the teacups were made white instead of the normal red (according to my grandmother).

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Tea is the drink of choice for such a celebration, and its cup is placed to the right just as in a Western table setting. The bowl for soup or rice goes to the left where a Western bread plate would sit. The flat bottomed spoon is set into that if there is no double rest for spoon and chopsticks. At the top and center is a small rimmed plate for dipping sauce. Usually only one variety is served universally, but I served 3 kinds from which guests could choose from.

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Seated on the side table in the background were three of my grandmother’s dancing statues, an orchid, and one of my painted lanterns.

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Above that were two of her woven hats that she requested I hang on the wall as décor. There really was something here for everyone.

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In celebrating this Chinese New Year (slightly early so that I could post it for y’all), I tried to incorporate traditions and symbols while adding some playful American touches. In this way, I believe we can pay special recognition to the beauty of our blended cultures.

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Faithfully Yours,

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P.S. If any of you live near Frisco, Texas… be sure to check out “Tasty Garden Chinese Restaurant” whose kind individuals would love to make your party preparations easier by adding a beautiful dish or two to complete the setting. Who says you have to make every recipe at the table? They’ve said they would be happy to work with individuals to avoid allergens… which is always appreciated! http://www.tastygardenonline.com/

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Take-Out Favor Box & Paper Lantern Craft Printable + Bamboo Lantern + Paint to Antique a Lion Fú-Dog (DIY Chinese New Year Party Décor Crafts)

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The “Fú” 福 character has graced the entrances of Chinese homes for many hundreds of New Year’s. It is said to have originated not just for its meaning of happiness and luck, but also because “upside down” and “to arrive” sound alike when spoken in Chinese, thus making an upside down Fú equate to “good luck arrives”. (For some, however, hanging the Fu upside down is bad luck, so I’ve decided to make the character right side up on my printable boxes!) Use them as favor containers, table crayon corrals, or cut out the character to make an LED lantern or luminaria. Use the cut-out character to easily embellish a bamboo lantern. I’ll demonstrate this along with how to paint a modern lion Fú-dog statuette to make it look like an antique.

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To make your own favor take out boxes or lanterns, simply right click on the small image and select print. Print them on a photo and color setting. One page makes one box, so just print as many copies as boxes you need.

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Next you need to cut out the black boxes… this is a great time to enlist help from the family!

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To make the paper lanterns, you will want to cut out the Chinese character before gluing the box together. Use an x-acto knife if you’re brave… I always seem to slice my thumb with these so I opt for rougher cuts using scissors. Simply poke a little hole with the pointy tip of a pen, compass point, or scissor tip then use it as a pilot hole to begin cutting each section of the character out. (If you’re short on time, just skip the cutting + vellum part and place an LED tea-light inside an open box. They still look adorable this way.)

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The paper lanterns, with the cut out characters, glow when little squares of vegan vellum are glued to the underside/inside of the boxes. Use the photo to check how the “Fú” 福 character is supposed to look like from the outside, and place that outside edge down onto your working surface. Cut a piece of vegan vellum to fit the box’s side and cover the character completely. Use a permanent glue stick along the edges of the vellum and place it over the character face down. Press it down flat to adhere it fully.

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To make both the favor boxes and the paper lanterns, glue the tabs to the sides with a permanent glue stick. Use the photos as visual reference for how to do this. Note that 2 sides will be wider than the others. These should be glued opposite to each other, so that a narrow side is in between each.

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Glue all of the sides, and leave the top free to be filled with crayons, good luck candies, fortune cookies, LED tea-lights, or even small condiment bowls for sauces… just let your creativity run with these! Just try to let them dry well before loading them up with goodies. I let mine sit overnight, and they became super sturdy.

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I stacked some of the paper lanterns onto a vintage brass tea-light holder and stuck in paper dragon favor puppets to heighten the spectacle… with no expectation that the centerpiece would stay intact long! Crayon filled favor boxes sat at the base of the structure to be used on Chinese New Year coloring pages. (See more from the Chinese New Year of the Sheep / Ram Party Décor Ideas (With Formal Table Setting & Kid’s Table.)

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The top of the tower held an inexpensive bamboo lantern that I painted to coordinate with the theme’s colors.

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Simple red acrylic craft paint covered the whole structure well.

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Gold paint made the handle and base appear as a richer metallic surface.

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I glued a cut out “Fú” 福 character to a strip of vegan vellum with a permanent glue stick. You may use the red symbol cut from the printable, or just use it as a template to draw by with black marker, or cut out a black character from cardstock.

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This strip can then be set into any clear votive cup… lantern or not! It doesn’t even need to be glued or taped. The vellum just expands to fit the glass securely. Using LED lights insures that no fire will catch the paper, even if knocked over… so it’s super kid and pet safe.

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The best part is that I retain the option of removing the vellum strip and repainting the lanterns for a new color scheme in the future. I just love redoing and reusing… it’s so much better than merely recycling!

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I also set a lantern onto the side table of the formal tablescape. (The bamboo lanterns originally came from Cost Plus World Market for a few dollars on clearance. See the sidebar for coupons and free shipping links.)

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The powerful guardian lion Fú-dog is a traditional Chinese figure of protection. The one seen here is male because he’s resting a paw on a ball that represents the earth. Usually they are presented in pairs, but I only had one in a bright lime green color. I simply had to antique it!

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I began to turn the resin into metal by first using a gold Rub-n-Buff paint all over its surface. I gently wiped away the excess and let it set for a couple of days. Then I used a paper towel to rub/shine it up.

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Next I coated that layer with the same red acrylic craft paint that I used on the lantern. I gently wiped off the excess, leaving an interesting pattern of color… green, gold, and red.

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I let that dry overnight, then took some bronze glazing paint (called Elegant Finish by Deco Art) and coated the whole piece. I really gently dapped at the piece in spots to lightly remove some of the paint. For any of you who have ragged a wall, this is similar to that technique. I let that dry for another night.

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The last layer is the one you actually have to pay attention to. It requires plain old black acrylic craft paint and a really messed up “scruffy brush”. Never throw away those brushes that your loved ones mess up, don’t wash well, and leave in a horrible condition… they are your new besties. They’re great if you barely dip them into paint, pounce off the excess onto a paper towel, then “stipple” paint onto your surface. This is a sort of haphazard pouncing of the brush perpendicularly to the piece. It’s the easiest way to paint an antique looking surface… and it’s actually a lot of fun.

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I took this statuette from lime lion to antique guardian in a few simple steps. You can do the same with any accessory that doesn’t quite match your décor, or looks a bit cheaper than you’d like. This is especially great to do when you see a fantastic find on clearance that just has a ding or two… paint it up! You will have created your own one-of-a-kind upcycled beauty that will have people thinking it’s an antique.

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Happy crafting in the New Year!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Quick & Easy Overnight Pickled Cucumbers Recipe (for Chinese New Year or Anytime)

This quick and easy recipe was inspired by a Chinese Travel Website that described the traditional foods of various regions. I was delighted to see that pickled cucumbers were listed… because who in the world doesn’t love a good pickle? Quick pickling makes this a great side dish for any occasion because it can be prepped overnight, and everyone really needs a good last minute dish. Just change up the spices, acids, and sweetener to suit your taste or event theme. It’s perfect for a Chinese New Year Celebration because it’s a light and green food to add to all the traditionally starchy New Year’s foods like longevity noodles, moon cakes, spring rolls, and dumplings. What’s more is that you can control the amount of sodium and sugar you put into it… so that family member with high blood pressure can still enjoy a good pickle without cheating with the jarred stuff!

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cucumbers (I used the English hothouse variety because no peeling is needed.)
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt (Adjust the amount according to taste & dietary needs.)
  • 3 tablespoons Ume plum vinegar (Use any type of vinegar or lemon juice.)
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (Use any sweetener such as honey, agave, stevia, etc.)
  • ~ 1 teaspoon each of various spices (Try ground peppercorns, coriander, marjoram, ginger, etc.)

Instructions:

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Wash your cucumbers well. There is no need to peel English Cucumbers, as pictured here, but the traditional waxed variety can have a bitter peel so it’s better to remove it. (The hothouse types are prettier with the 2 green tones, and we are making quick pickles… so the quicker the better, right?) A traditional looking dish has “cukes” that are split down the middle twice, so that you’re left with 4 long sections. Then cut these into approximately 2 inch chunks.

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Salt the cucumber chunks, and stir them well. Refrigerate them covered overnight.

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Rinse the cucumber chunks several times in water to remove excess sodium. (I just run water right into the casserole dish they’re already in, and place the top back on. I hold the top and bottom together, and turn them to the side letting the water drain out, leaving the washed cucumbers behind. Not having to wash a colander makes quick pickles even quicker!)

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Add your acidic liquid such as lemon juice or vinegar. (I chose Ume plum vinegar because its flavor was a perfect complement for the other Chinese New Year dishes being served.) Also mix in your choice of spices. (After reading through about a dozen of my grandmother’s vintage Chinese cookbooks, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a traditional recipe. Everyone has their own spin, which means that you should feel free to make up your own concoction too!)

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Mix your flavored cukes well, and refrigerate until it’s time to plate and garnish for serving. (The pickles pictured here are garnished with diced spring onions and whole roma tomatoes. Click here to see more of the Chinese New Year Party of the Sheep/Ram.)

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I hereby confess that I don’t actually measure anything when preparing these little gems. I just go with my creative cooking instincts and prevailing mood to judge the flavor… which is exactly what is fun about this. They always seem to turn out just right. I do, of course, use less salt when making them for my grandmother, and less spice for my mother’s bland preferences. So, those pictured here were decidedly less flavorful than what I typically produce, yet they still tasted fantastic. The take home message is this, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor. Have fun and enjoy not only the end result but the process as well!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

DIY Fast & Easy Mardi Gras Glittered Napkin Rings Craft Tutorial (+ Ribbon Votives, Centerpiece, Free Place-card & Invitation Printables)

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Create your own elegant Mardi Gras themed glittered napkin rings for mere pennies with this fast and easy craft. The tutorial includes how to embellish votives to match your theme, free masquerade place-card and invitation printables, plus more details on the centerpiece from the Mardi Gras Masquerade Themed “Fat Tuesday” Dinner Party Tablescape Décor Ideas. These DIY projects are an easy and inexpensive way to bring the look of an authentic Krewe’s fête to your own crew!

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The secret element to an inexpensive napkin ring form is the core of a wrapping paper roll. You can’t do better than free! Mark and cut sections that are smaller than the ribbon you choose to cover it with.

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Then cut lengths of ribbon long enough to wrap around those cores.

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Use hot glue to adhere a strip of ribbon around each core. Here I’ve chosen gold glitter ribbon to coordinate with my Mardi Gras theme. (You can see the same technique used on the rings in my Herb Themed Luncheon by viewing the picture in the Upcoming Projects Gallery in the sidebar.)

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Next, I cut and attached layers of green and purple glitter washi tape in different widths atop the gold base. Layers of ribbon would have also worked well, but I already owned the perfect sized tape.

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Read how to make your own fleur-de-lis shapes with napkins at the article on Mardi Gras Masquerade Themed “Fat Tuesday” Dinner Party Tablescape Décor Ideas.

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I made all six napkin rings for way less than a dollar, in a matter of minutes, and they coordinated perfectly with my theme’s décor… Awesome!

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Now for those ribbon votives… simply start with any type of votive holder or small jar. You can leave them plain or apply glitter paint to them. I went with gold glittered glass. Cut lengths of coordinating ribbon long enough to wrap around them and overlap. You can attach one end to the other with a dot of glue or double stick tape. Because my ribbon was wired, I merely twisted one side over the other like a twist-tie. (See more twisty ribbon action here on my DIY Rusted Rooster Chicken Wire Votive Holder Craft.)

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In this way, I can unwrap the ribbons and reuse both them and the votives for a future holiday in a different way. I think they turned out great, and they literally took me minutes to complete… Yea!

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Create a dramatic centerpiece without a lot of drama by merely starting with a basic tree form from another holiday. (For example, use a black one from Halloween or a white one from Easter.) I used a metal votive holding tree that I had previously painted gold from its earlier pewter and bronze incarnations. (See how to use paint to change the color of metal and to age a piece in my upcoming lion fu-dog décor for Chinese New Year.)

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I wrapped it with trim from my Glitter-ween Party Décor (see it here) then added a few new sprigs.

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I painted simple purple ball ornaments with a glitter mist (not the blast variety) to impart both gloss and glitter shine to the previously satin sheen.

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I set these onto the rings that would normally hold the votive holders. (You’ll likely see these in a future article.)

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I hung embroidered Christmas crown ornaments, snapped up at 10 cent clearance, along with glittered musical instruments, green mirror balls, and a mask garland. I even hung the same sequin fleur-de-lis masks used at each table setting as ornaments. I try to plan all my holiday themes I advance of the after Christmas sales to snag a year’s worth of décor deals at 90% off. I keep my theme collections in labeled bins that I add to as I accumulate finds so that I’m ready to craft and decorate when each holiday arrives.

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Though it’s hard to tell from the pictures, the tree centerpiece actually didn’t obstruct any person to person viewing. This is why I only draped the bottom with some Mardi Gras necklaces and wrapped the trunk with the same ribbon I used on the votive holders.

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The base of the tree was then swathed in the same purple fabric remnant from Glitter-ween’s spooky tree and draped with yards of Mardi Gras trim. (See how to hike up a chandelier to accommodate a tall centerpiece here.)

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Surrounding that are 4 standing glittered metal masks that I scored at a post-holiday clearance sale for less than 2 dollars each… no kidding folks. I couldn’t have made them for less. To do as I did, scope out this year’s merchandise then pounce as soon as it gets marked down. The purple mercury glass crown votive holders were also found this way for less than a dollar for all 3… Score!

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Last but definitely not least, are my free printable Mardi Gras masquerade place-cards which may also be used as invitation cards!

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Simple right click on this small picture and select print. Print these in best color photo on thick cardstock.

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Then simply cut on the solid black lines to separate the images for invitations. For place-cards, use the pictures a guide for how to cut out the top and crown while still making a tent folding card that will stand upright.

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Poke a point into the paper just above the crown with a pointy pen, or compass point, etc. Use that as a starting point for your scissors to cut a V shape above the picture. Then cut one side close to the top and crown next to the image. Don’t cut all the way to the ends. Stop where the curve meets the flat top. Those flat parts are what join the front and back together. Then fold it in half. Cut through both pieces around the image. Again, a picture speaks a thousand words… use it as a visual guide.

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Simply write names on the bottom with a gold sharpie marker or paint pen… Voila!

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See more of my Mardi Gras Masquerade Themed “Fat Tuesday” Dinner Party Tablescape Décor Ideas here for more holiday inspiration!

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Let the good times roll!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Origami Crane Paper Folding Instructions (for Get Well Wishes or Chinese New Year Party Décor)

The timeless art of origami paper folding is an easy and inexpensive way to decorate for a Chinese New Year Celebration. The project also provides a means for quality time in generational bonding. This tutorial for the historically traditional crane figure is an apropos symbol of hope for the coming year. The Japanese tradition of the Senbazuru folding of 1000 paper cranes is said to grant the maker a wish, such as healing for a loved one. (Why not fold and send one in lieu of a get well card?) The “Tsuru” (crane) is also said to denote happiness and luck, which is the same meaning of the “Fú” 福character of the Chinese New Year. My Take-Out Favor Box & Paper Lantern Craft Printable (Chinese New Year Party Décor) also utilizes the symbol which has graced the entrances of Chinese homes for many hundreds of New Year’s.

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There are beautiful origami papers available, but it’s easy to make your own from any inexpensive paper. By cutting them yourself, you can make any sized piece you like… and if you’re a beginner, it’s much easier to fold a larger sheet. Here I’ve chosen gold metallic wrapping paper purchased at an after clearance sale years ago. I used a large T-square ruler to mark 6 x 6 inch sections, and then cut them out.

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Begin by folding the paper in half diagonally then unfold it.

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Repeat this on the other diagonal, thereby creating an X crease on the paper.

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Next fold the paper in half, creating a rectangle, then unfold it.

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Repeat this fold, of a half rectangle, to complete another X crease.

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Now that you’ve made an asterisk * shape mark on the paper, turn a tip to point directly towards you. Take the remaining 3 tips, and pull them over the closest one. The 2 side points will meet in the middle, and the farthest tip will close over those.

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Next take the 2 side points and fold them to meet in a line dissecting the middle of the piece, then unfold it.

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Take the farthest point and pull it toward you to form a triangle, and then unfold it also.

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Pull the upper point away from you while pushing in the 2 side points so that they meet in the middle.

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Push it all down to crease it flat.

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Flip the piece over, and repeat the last step to form a diamond shape.

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Once again, fold the 2 side points inward to meet in the center.

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Flip it over, and repeat the last step to form a much pointier diamond.

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There will be 2 pieces resembling legs that comprise the portion closest to you, take one and bend it up and out on a diagonal… as if it’s making a high kick. Do the same with the other leg then crease both well. Unfold them straight again.

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The next step is the trickiest part, but it can be unfolded and retried until it works out. The legs need to be bent inward in what is called a “reverse fold”. The easiest way that I’ve found to do this is to use your thumbs to sort of pop in the center of the leg toward the center of the piece. The crease you made earlier will be the line it folds according to. Just study the picture and play with your piece until they look similar. Crease it flat once it’s in the correct position. Do this with both legs of the piece which will form the head and tail/feet of the crane.

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Make the wings flap down by folding the farthest point of the upper flap towards you. Flip over and repeat for the other wing.

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The last step is to form the bird’s head by performing a “reverse fold” downward on one of the former legs. Adjust it, if need be, by strengthening your creases and pushing up on the center portion until it sits upright on its own.

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Now what to do with it… write a “Get Well Soon” or “Happy New Year” message on one of the wings and push the crane flat to enclose in an envelope, use a needle and thread to string and hang it, or just set it out on your table for an easy décor element.

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May all your dearest wishes be granted this year!

Faithfully Yours,

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