Queen of Copy

Do me a favor....

2010-05-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

A SWEET FAVOR!

Candy Bar Buffets are the latest trends, not only for weddings, but for showers, birthday parties, graduations, and more! Not only is it the favor, but also the decoration! Here are a few tips on do it yourself buffets. Don't forget, rent your containers from Pineapple Party Girl Rentals!

Before designing your candy buffet, an important aspect to remember is that candy all alone is inexpensive; however, creating the buffet can add up to a significant expense that you may not have included in the planning of your wedding budget.
First and foremost, buy enough candy! Some articles say to buy a certain number of ounces per guest but some of the most successful displays are planned by the size of the table and containers that will be on the table. A suggestion would be to buy 5 to 10 types of candy that you want to display and purchase 15-20 pounds of each of these candies. This may seem like an over abundance of candy, but a large table overflowing with candy has a presence at your wedding and does not look like something you threw together at the last minute. As well, make sure you have enough candy for the buffet to be refilled. This will guarantee that all of your guests have the same opportunity to enjoy your special treats.

Now, what kind of candy should you buy for your delectable buffet? It really depends on the theme that you are going for. Do you want a buffet that matches your color scheme or the specific theme of your big day? For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you can select a candy such as saltwater taffy.
Now, decide how you would like to display the candy. Fun and interesting containers in different shapes and heights is the most popular way to go. Make sure to use containers that are wide enough for a candy scoop to fit inside and that are clear so it is easy to see the candy. A suggestion to make the whole look pop is to raise some of the containers, giving your buffet height. You will also need to ensure that the containers are easily accessible even when raised up. As a finishing touch, make it personal! Think about adding some flowers, pictures, the logo of your wedding, or candles to match your theme with your candy.
One last item to consider is how your guests will take the candy away from the buffet. Whether it is a cellophane bag or a take out box, make sure it matches the theme you are going for.

Purchasing candy in bulk and discount stores, such as WinCo, or online sites help keep the cost down. Don't have the time or creativity? Hire me to put together your table for you! Favors can cost from $1-$5 per person!

Mother's Day Tea Centerpiece

2010-04-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous arrangement featuring a variety of colorful flowers displayed in decorative tea tins. {via Martha Stewart}

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL...cupcakes?

2010-01-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Aren't these awesome? Shhh...Please don't tell anyone at my Super Bowl party that this wasn't my idea...

To Make These Cupcakes:

Bake a batch of chocolate cupcakes and ice them with white frosting.
I purchased the football paper at Michaels - it actually feels like plastic, which makes it more durable.
Make a pattern for the cupcake wrap by wrapping white paper (or cardstock) around the cupcake and trimming it to fit.
Place the cupcake wrap pattern on the football paper and cut it out.
Cut 4 vertical slits into the front of the cupcake wrap for the laces. Make 2 slits on top and 2 slits on the bottom as in the picture.
Insert the shoelace tip into a top slit from the backside of the cupcake wrap and gently pull it through to the front (think sewing!). Pull the lace almost to the end leaving about an inch tail.
Then, insert the shoelace tip from the front-side of the cupcake wrap into the other top slit that is horizontally across from the first slit and pull the lace through.
Repeat the lacing that you just did for the remaining 2 bottom slits. Then bring the lace under the wrap to the front and thread the lace under the horizontal laces that are on the cupcake wrap so it resembles a football.
Bring the excess lace over the top rim of the wrap and tape all lace ends into place on the backside of the cupcake wrap. Trim off the excess lace. (Tip: Use the shoelace tip as if it were a needle as the slits can be tricky to thread. If you accidentally cut off the tip, just wrap scotch tape around the shoelace to make the lacing process easier.)
Wrap the cupcake in the football wrap and tape the back to keep it closed.

By Jeanne Benedict
Celebrations Expert

Red Velvet Peppermint Cake...Yum!

2009-12-17T10:20:00.001-08:00

I made this cake for our family progressive dinner, and it was so yummy!

Red Velvet Peppermint Cake

Yield: 1 (3-layer) cake
Ingredients

* 1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix
* 3 egg whites
* 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 (9-ounce) package yellow cake mix*
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1 large egg
* 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
* 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
* Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
* Garnishes: Holiday Trees, 6 (5-inch) red and white peppermint candy canes, crushed; 12 (5-inch) green candy canes, broken; 12 round peppermint candies

Preparation

Beat first 4 ingredients according to cake mix package directions.

Beat yellow cake mix and next 6 ingredients according to package directions. Spoon red batter alternately with white batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Swirl batter gently with a knife.

Bake at 350° for 22 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

Spread Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. (Cake may be chilled up to 2 days or frozen up to 1 month.) Garnish, if desired. Serve within 2 hours.

*1 3/4 cups yellow cake mix may be substituted

NOTE: For testing purposes only, we used Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe White Cake Mix, Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix, and McCormick Red Food Color.

If cake is frozen, thaw completely before garnishing to prevent crushed candy from running. Do not refrigerate after garnishing.

Peppermint Frosting ~

Yield: about 5 cups
Ingredients

* 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1 (2-pound) package powdered sugar
* 2 teaspoons peppermint extract*

Preparation

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating at low speed until smooth. Add extract, beating until blended.

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract may be substitute

9 Great Christmas Entertaining Ideas While Staying on a Budget

2009-12-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

by Marley Majcher – (a.k.a. The Party Goddess)

1. Think like a Beatle.
Or at least his wife. Currently Yoko Ono has a “Wish Tree” project installed in cities around the world because when she was a child in Japan she used to write wishes for the coming year and leave them in the temple. Why not create your own wish tree? Cut out squares of paper and pre-string them. Invite guests to write their wishes for the new year on a card and place them on your tree (or in a vase). Then, when the holidays are over, save the cards and put them in a scrap book to whip out the following winter.

2. Get personal.
Place card holders should be fun and festive enough to glam up the table while also letting guests know where they will be sitting (think individual snowflakes, ornaments or even mini evergreens tied with beautiful ribbon scraps and each person’s name).

3. Collect it yourself.
Take a nature walk and pick up fallen branches, evergreens and pinecones. Take interesting branches and evergreens and “flock” them using the store bought canned stuff or spray paint pinecones silver. Don’t forget to use spray adhesive to add a little extra glittery fascination. Create a centerpiece or buffet decor with what you found and adorned.

4. Repurpose what you’ve got.
Tired of your old holiday gear? Why not just switch it with a neighbor. You deliver two boxes of ornaments or supplies to them and they deliver two boxes to you. That way the house will feel totally festive and no one has spent a cent!

5. Or just reorganize your manpower.
Don’t feel like switching with a friend? Then why not simulate your own version of Trading Spaces? Pull out all of your usual holiday decorations and have a few close friends or family members decorate your place using your own stuff (then of course you do the same for them!) Tuck things in unexpected places like the bathroom windowsill or even the counter of the master bath. You’re guaranteed not to get stuck in your same old holiday decorating rut.

6. Spell it out.
Create unique and memorable place cards for your guests by using seasonally inspired “Thank You/Gratitude” cards. The hostess (or family members or dinner guests) should jot down on the card why they are thankful for that person. Place the card in its envelope (the envelope can also be seasonally decorated if you enjoy creating paper crafts) and with a calligraphy pen (color coordinated with the predominate color from your holiday decorating palette or gold), write their name and place the gratitude card at their assigned seat.

7. Be healthy, drink tea!
Tea has gotten a big boost in the media lately for its healthy properties, but it’s also easy to make and a really inexpensive addition to your bar menu. Get creative with options like Sweet Tea with Rum and Funky Tea-tini’s that will get your buzz on and keep you cancer free (well sort of.)

8. Back to the basics.
The really basic, like 1950’s basics. No one believes me but casseroles are fabulous. They are so inexpensive to make, can use leftover ingredients, freeze well and will KNOCK YOUR GUESTS SOCKS OFF. Guaranteed!

9. Create edible centerpieces.
Individual sweets on a pedestal in the middle of each table double as décor and dessert. Example: Picture candy apples dipped in caramel or chocolate and then individually wrapped in cello with beautiful ribbon and nested among evergreen sprigs. Not only will the centerpieces look festive and different, guests can either eat their candy apples for dessert or take them home as favors at the end of the party.

*****

More info on Marley:
Leading Entertainment Expert, Entrepreneur, TV Personality, Coach, Author and Sought After Speaker, Marley Majcher is CEO of The Party Goddess! and publisher of the ezine, “How To Be A Party Goddess.” If you are ready to take your career or business to the next level, make more money and just be happier with your work life, then get your free tips on how to be a rockin’ event planner at www.howtobeapartygoddess.com.

Happy Birthday America!

2009-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

There is just something about the 4th of July that makes me so excited! I'm not sure if it's the thrill of seeing how many different things I can do with the colors red, white, and blue, or maybe it's the thought of BBQing with friends, the smell of burgers on the grill, sticky watermelon faces, or my hubby buying hundreds of dollars of fireworks, and praying he doesn't set himself, the kids, or anything else on fire. :) Whatever the reason may be...I love celebrating the 4th of July!

Most of the decorations for this holiday are outside, and for the most part...SIMPLE!

These pictures were from a 4th of July table at our Southern Living at HOME convention a few years ago. They simply used different fabrics for the tablecloths, and then used 3 Cinnibar Vases, and tiered the flowers with blue agapanthas, red roses, and white posies. Add some flags, and it's a perfect centerpiece!

Want to designate an area for drinks or food? Use your drink buckets as stands, and insert a PVC pipe, tie ballons together and it makes a cute canopy!

And don't forget...food is always a great decoration!

I loved this simple idea from www.marthastewart.com. Fill different containers with sand, and add fun pom-poms attached to skewers for a fun sparkler effect!

Also using layered colored sand makes a fun statement, and if you are not a perfectionist...a great thing for kids to help with!

Happy Birthday AMERICA!!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Mower Fathers Day Ideas!

2009-06-11T13:55:00.001-07:00

These sweet lawn mower cupcakes are a cut-above choice for Father's Day.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Chocolate-frosted cupcakes
Coconut, flaked
Green food coloring
Hershey's Nuggets
M&M's
Frosting
Black licorice laces

1. For each cupcake, mix a handful of flaked coconut with a few drops of green food coloring. Press a chocolate-frosted cupcake into the coconut to cover.

2. The mower is made with a dark chocolate Hershey's Nuggets body, brown M&M's wheels, and a red M&M's engine, held in place with dabs of frosting.

3. Shape the handle from a piece of black licorice lace, then insert the ends into the cupcake.

It will leave him wanting MOWER! :)

(Familyfun.com)

Graduation Caps

2009-05-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

These are so cute!!! By using Reeses Peanut butter cups, Godiva or Andes mints, and then sour straws for the tassels...how sweet is that!!!

Creating an Outdoor Room

2009-04-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

With more and more people staying home these days, dining in has become extremely popular.
Most of us in California and other warm states can comfortably eat outdoors March through the end of September. Why not maximize your space by creating an outdoor room? You'll save money and won't have to worry about overstaying your welcome at a restaurant with time constraints.

The first step is to clean your patio. Power wash if you need to. Next, visit Target for a neutral-colored outdoor rug. This will create the illusion of another room. Imagine having another family room! I found beautiful patio furniture last year on sale at Target. The base is a chocolate-brown wrought iron and the cushions are a peppery terra cotta. I picked up a few inexpensive cushions in fun accent colors to complete the look. Add some pizazz with glimmering hanging lanterns.

Now, I did keep my tried-and-true (ugly and outdated) outdoor table. I gave it a quick makeover with a pretty tablecloth. In the center of the table, I used a wrought iron round tray. Inside I placed a pretty flower pot and $6.99 gorgeous hot orange flowers from Trader Joe's.
Stunning hanging baskets - Wisteria Planters with Hangers from Southern Living at Home - tied everything together. I attached three to my overhang. Because they are high, I used red faux geraniums from Joanne's ($9.99 each). I am a stickler about faux flowers - they have to look real. There's nothing worse than cheap, plastic flowers. However, these ones really do look real and come in baskets of red and white.

To complete your look, add artwork outside. I picked up a city-chic painting of the Eiffel Tower last summer at Target. Last week I found a black, wrought iron stand at Ross for Less for just $19.99. When guests come to visit, I place the painting on the stand and crank up my favorite Parisian cafe CD.

See? It doesn't have to expensive. A few quick tricks will help you to save money, dine in, relax and enjoy your favorite people just a little bit more.

written by Antonia Ehlers
SF Budget Decorating Exhaminer, fellow SLAH sister, and friend!

All-Natural Egg Dyes

2009-04-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to bhg.com for this great "green" idea!

Pink
1 cup pickled beet juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Lavender
1 cup grape juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Brown
1 cup strong coffee and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Blue
Cut 1/4 head of red cabbage into chunks. Add cabbage to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove cabbage with a slotted spoon.

Bluish-Gray
Mix 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 cup water. Bring to room temperature. Remove blueberries.

Dark Pink
Cut 1 medium beet into chunks. Add beet to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove beets.

Yellow
Remove the peel from 1 orange. Add peel to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove orange peel.

Have a colorful Easter!!!

Cake Balls...the newest crave!

2009-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

These have got to be the cutest thing-on-a-stick I have ever seen! I am going to attempt to make something like these for the kids on Easter. I got the recipe from www.bakerella.blogspot.com

Wish me luck!

Cake Balls Recipe:

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can frosting (16 oz.)

Wax paper

Yellow candy melts (1 lb. pkg.)

Lollipop sticks

Edible ink pens
After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)

Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)

Melt chocolate in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)

Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)

Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up. Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don't tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.

Place in a styrofoam block to dry.

Once dry, draw faces with an edible ink pen and allow ink to dry!

Note: I think cake pops are a little more difficult to make than the cupcake pops because of trying to get the candy coating smooth. So, If you haven't made them before, check out this post for red velvet cake balls and this one for cupcake pops.

Here's what I used to decorate:Pink Candy Melts Yellow Candy Melts White Candy Melts Pastel Confetti Sprinkles Sanding Sugars Light Corn Syrup Paper Lollipop Sticks Styrofoam Block Paramount Crystals

Small Paintbrush

Toothpicks

To decorate:
Shape the cake balls into an egg shape.
Dip in candy coating color of your choice.
Let sit in the styrofoam block until dry.
When dry, use a small paint brush to paint on a thin layer of corn syrup in a line around the egg. Do one line at a time. Right after you paint on the syrup, sprinkle on one of the sanding colors until all of the corn syrup is covered. Use a bowl sprinkle over.
Repeat with varying designs and colors.
You could probably also do this with the melted candy color, but this time I was experimenting and tried the corn syrup.
For the confetti sprinkles, either dab a little bit of the candy color with your toothpick and glue on the sprinkle shapes or use a little bit of the corn syrup to act as the glue. The corn syrup will take a little longer to dry. Dry completely.

Going Green....

2009-03-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

I just love the month of March! The hints of spring, flowers blooming, and the smell of fresh rain, it's just so refreshing! What better time to "go green", and bring some of the outdoors, indoors! Not only is it economical....it always freshens any room! It's also amazing how long fresh cut branches last! Combine a variety of leaves and branches, or just make a statement with a single blooming branch.

Using fresh fruit for centerpieces always is stunning! Whether you use a few lemons, or cut them and add flowers, the citrus scent is always so nice! My favorite fruits to use are: lemons, limes, oranges, cranberries, and apples!!

Flowers are always a nice "pop" of spring, but you don't always need to buy bunches at the store! Visit your local Lowe's or Home Depot, and check out the variety of 6 pack annuals. Keep them in their plastic container, and just line your container with plastic wrap, and top with moss. This is always a great, and unusual centerpiece that lasts much longer than store bought flowers!

March 26-27, I am having a Spring Fling Decorating Event at my house! Come get decorating tips, and see first hand decorating ideas! I will be having prizes as well as specials on your favorite Southern Living at HOME products! Contact me for a personal invitation! Friends are welcome!

Southern Living at HOME fresh ideas!

2009-02-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I attended an event in Concord, CA, and got so many new ideas for our new Spring line of products! It's so awesome to be able to get so many creative ideas! Thanks girls for letting me copy! ;)

The art of the Throw

2009-01-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing warms a chair, bed or sofa like an artfully arranged cozy throw. Here are some Do's and Don'ts to make your throw look just right....

*Don't fold a throw in half--it looks far too formal and proper.

*A throw is a popular, updated dash of color and texture and should look casual and vibrant.

*The art of a throw is in the actual motion of throwing. Unfold the throw, ridding it of any folds and wrinkles, and find a point just off-center. Do hold the throw, allowing it to hang, and just flick the wrist, tossing the throw on a sofa or chair. Leave the throw just as it landed.

*Do use a throw to cover mars, rips, or other imperfections in fabric. A throw can be a marvelous decoration and covers a multitude of shortcomings.

(Article by Pam Milam... www.reinventedrooms.com)

January Blues...

2009-01-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! There is nothing better than flipping the calendar, and starting a fresh new year! Ok, let me ask you, how many of you took down your Christmas decorations, and forgot where things went? Does it feel a little bare? And I don’t know about you, but after 2 seasons of decorating, I’m kinda in a slump. And then, there is question, how or what do I decorate with? It's too early for spring, not quite Valentines day...so what to do?

Personally I love white! Yes, I know, it's really not a color, but it always seems fresh and new, and CLEAN! If you just can't live without color, red and blues always will do!

Adding things to your decor like little hints of spring...lemons, limes, greenery, etc., always adds a pop of freshness, and life to the duldrums of winter.

We also have our NEW Spring Southern Living at HOME catalog with tons of ideas as well! Feel free to check out my website and view the online catalog! I would love to LIVE in the rooms of these pages!! :)

A Little Something...

2008-12-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for Holiday parties, dinners, and get-togethers. It is always a thoughtful gesture to bring a little something for the host, to show your appreciation. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate, remember, it's the thought that counts!

Hostess Gift Ideas:
A gift for your hostess need not be extravagant, but a little creativity does go a long way toward making the present surprising and special. Here are some ideas:

*A bottle of wine, cider, or Champagne

*An ornament

*Flowers (you can even deliver or drop them off before the party)

*Goodies, Coffee, Tea, etc.

*Dish towels

*Picture frame

*Candle

*Note cards

*CD of party or holiday music - purchase or make your own on iTunes!

*Entertaining items - spreaders, wine corks, napkins, etc.

*Gift Cards

Preparation is the key. Try to have some items in your gift closet, and even wrapped for those last minute dates! The presentation of the gift is also important...remember....ribbon can make anything pretty!

Happy Holidays!

Setting a Table

2008-11-26T07:08:00.001-08:00

The art of setting a dinner table can be a lot easier with some simple instructions. Thanks to eHow.com for some tips!

Step1 - Figure out how many guests will be attending. If several children will be in attendance, consider having a children's table. If you would like the children at the main table, consider booster chairs if the children are small.

Step2 - Determine where everyone should sit. For convenience, the cook may want to sit near the kitchen door. Parents should sit next to their children. If there is a male guest, he is traditionally seated on the hostess's right. A female guest is traditionally seated on the host's right. For large parties, determine who would interact best with each other. Some people like to alternate between men and women, but this isn't necessary. You may want to use name cards to avoid everyone rushing for a seat at the last minute.

Step3 - Decide if you will use a tablecloth. If the tablecloth is white damask, you will need a pad under it to prevent it from slipping. Also, the middle crease should be arranged so that it runs in a straight and unwavering line down the center of the table from head to foot. When the tablecloth is on, it should hang down about a foot and a half if it is a seated dinner. If it is a buffet dinner, it should hang down to the floor.

Step4 - Set the table once you've adjusted the tablecloth. Begin by folding napkins and placing them in the center of each diner's place.

Step5 - Place the large dinner fork to the left of the napkin and the smaller salad fork to the left of the dinner fork.

Step6 - Place a salad plate to the left of the forks. The dinner plate should not be on the table when guests sit down.

Step7 - Place a knife to the right of the napkin, with the cutting edge toward the plate. For chicken or a game bird, you might want to use a steak knife.

Step8 - Put out two spoons if you're serving both soup and dessert. The small dessert spoon should be placed to the right of the knife. Place the soup spoon to the right of the dessert spoon. (You can also wait and bring the dessert spoons out just before dessert.)

Step9 - Place a bread plate with a butter knife (if you have them) about 2 inches above the forks.

Step10 - Place a water goblet about 2 inches above the knife. To the right of the goblet and slightly closer to the dinner guest, place a wine glass.

Step11 - Place a cup and saucer, if you're serving coffee or tea, to the right of the setting, with a coffee spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Enjoy your dinner!!!

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

2008-11-21T23:58:00.001-08:00

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

2008-11-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

I know that Christmas decorations are hung in the shopping areas, Christmas music is being played on the radio, and holiday ads are upon us...but let's not forget about Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past, and be thankful for our many blessings. I love the simplicity for fall too! It's my favorite time to decorate. I love the comforting colors, the calmness of it all! I have found some simple centerpiece ideas, that are inexpensive, yet beautiful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Many Blessings to you and your families!

Holy Hurricanes!

2008-11-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

If I could recommend one decorative piece...I would recommend a glass hurricane! This is the most versatile piece you will ever own! I am constantly amazed, how you can drastically change the look of them, just by changing their fillers!

Here are a few very low cost fillers to use with your hurricanes this holiday season:

*Popcorn kernels, green peas, black beans - you can also layer these - buy in bulk at discount stores

*Coffee beans - smells great with a vanilla candle

*rocks/pebbles

*fall leaves, dingle balls, pine cones, pine branches - make sure if you use with a candle, that they are far away from flame!

*Fresh cranberries

*Fresh apples, citrus, pomegrante, etc. - leave whole, or float in water

*Artificial snow flakes

*Cinnimon sticks

*Colored water

*Ornaments

*Pumpkins/gourds

*Candy

*Fresh bubs - amarylis, paper whites

*Tiny wrapped packages

*Beverages - punch, eggnog, etc.

*Potpouri

*Sand/Shells

*Miniture Christmas tree

*Picture

Deep Rich Fall Color

2008-10-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, the Fresno Bee Home & Garden features reporter Margaret Slaby published an article about painting your home with rich, warm autumn colors. ( My favorite, and local decorator, Pam Milam was featured in this article. Check below to subscribe to her newsletter...tons of tips!!) Margaret's piece was picked up by numerous newspapers and internet sites around the country, so the topic definitely struck a chord with many readers. If you're looking for a wonderful way to add a touch of fall color to your home, here is Margaret's article. Enjoy!

"In these tough economic times, sprucing up your home might be the last thing on your mind -- or in your budget. However, there's a relatively inexpensive way to give your home a facelift: a fresh coat of interior paint. Depending what you buy and where you shop, for around $2,000 you can get everything you need -- except the muscle power -- to prime and paint using 10 different paint and trim combinations throughout a roughly 2,000-square-foot home."Paint gives you the biggest bang for your buck as far as decorating expenses," says Pam Milam, owner of Reinvented Rooms, a Fresno-based interior design business that offers services that include paint-color consultation. And when it comes to updating your home with interior paint, white is a thing of the past. "Color is in," says Warren Vercher, manager of Kelly-Moore Paints at Blackstone and Ashlan avenues in Fresno. "And people are doing multiple colors in their homes. No one room is the same anymore."In fall, colors tend to be deeper and richer, says Chris Hays of Chris Hays Interiors."Fall colors are all about earthy tones found in nature," she says. "The fall palette is warm-based stronger colors -- the color of fruit such as pomegranate and persimmons and the color of fall leaves."While the fall palette changes subtly each year (as do the spring, summer and winter palettes), basic colors are driven by what's hot in the clothing and home fashion industries. Here are six colors you might want to consider in your home this fall:

Brown - Beige never goes out of style. Deep chocolate is perfect because in traditional decor it can be paired with another earth-tone, such as green, and in a contemporary look, it complements bright aqua blue or purple. It also goes well with camel, antique gold or straw gold.

Purple - It is all about shades of eggplant or plum. These go well with mossy green, rust, camel, antique gold or straw gold.

Orange - Think pumpkin-pie with its brown undertones. It can be paired with camel, antique gold or straw gold.

Red - Hues of deep wine or burgundy pair with camel, antique gold or straw gold.

Green - Shades from mossy to olive work well with camel, antique gold or straw gold.

Gold - The color of straw can be accented with any of the other fall colors.Milam suggests (using a deeper, more dramatic) color in spaces used less often, such as formal dining rooms or powder rooms.

She (suggests using rich color on) accent walls in frequently-used rooms. For trim, baseboards, windowsills and doors, she recommends warm, creamy, off-white; keeping trim the same throughout a house provides a thread of continuity. Still not sure where to begin with color selection? Here are a few tips:

Figure out what you like. This can be as simple as peeking in your closet to see what color clothes you have, Hays says. Or look at other people's homes. But before picking paint, have a color scheme in mind for the room. This means looking at rugs, upholstery fabric and accessories and "pulling out a color" from there, Milam says.
Sample the colors. Go to the store and select several shades of the same color; bring home multiple swatches or small cans of paint. Tape swatches of the same shade together or paint a piece of sheetrock to form about a 3-foot square; pin or prop this against different walls -- and be sure to look at it during various times of the day when lighting changes.

Consider paint finishes. They range from flat (no shine; cannot be washed -- unless it's flat enamel) to high gloss (brilliantly shiny and easily wiped down). Eggshell, which has a little shine and is washable, is the top choice for living rooms and bedrooms. Satin -- a bit more washable than eggshell -- is a good choice for spaces prone to dirt and grime, such as children's rooms or hallways. Semi-gloss is the most popular for kitchens and bathrooms because it's easily washed and has a bit of sheen.But what happens if after painting you feel a bit overwhelmed by color?"Live with it for a week or two," Milam says. "Don't make a snap decision on whether it's right or wrong."Color always can be toned down by hanging art and photos on a wall or placing a large piece of furniture, such as an armoire, against it. And if all else fails, Vercher says, "You can always repaint!""

Subscribe to Pam's newsletter, and view past issues at the following link:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs033/1101438001980/archive/1102099429653.html

Don't forget to let her know I sent you, when you subscribe!!

Voila Vellum!

2008-10-01T13:05:00.001-07:00

(Close up of vellum jack-o-lantern)

Yes, I'm still decorating for fall. I love to decorate for the season, and although I decorate more "fallish" than "Halloweenish", I do like this idea.

Vellum paper ALWAYS seems to make things look a little nicer, whether it's invitations, or even candle holders! This year, I took some vellum paper and cut the paper to the size of the glass. I cut out a Jack-o-lantern face, and then used double stick tape to attach, and wrapped it around the glass container of the Drake Lantern.

I added some fall picks, and it really gives this piece a fun look! It looks cute with a tealight burning through, or you could add Mums, or other fall flowers, or the ever useful....candy corns!

Another idea that I have used before is to print out words on the vellum and attach. I've written "BOO!" in a spooky font, and in my master bedroom, I have our "B" initial for everyday use.

Please let me know if you think of anything else I can copy!! ;)

Happy Fall Y'all!

2008-09-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but as soon as the calendar flips to September 1st, I am in the FALL mood! Maybe it's the warm autumn colors, or the hope of cooler weather, but I can't wait to celebrate fall!

I am posting some great Halloween ideas that I have copied from the Hostess with the Mostess blog. It seems like there are so many cost effective ways of decorating for fall! Candy corn is super cheap, and it comes in so many colors! You can also save them in a ziplock bag for the next year...and it will help you not want to eat your displays, knowing that you have 5 year old candy corns!! ;) What a fun way to serve cupcakes or goodies!!
My Aunt Cheri got me hooked a couple of years ago on this fall treat! There is just something about the salty and sweet! These make great party favors, (watch peanut allergies for kids though) for kids or adults! I love how they added the rhinestone for a little extra bling!

Candy corns, along with autumn leaves, coffee beans, nuts, acorns, etc., make great filler for vases and hurricanes! For use with fresh flowers, place your flowers in a jar, vase, or glass, smaller than the container, and fill with water and flowers. Then add your goodies, and you have an adorable centerpiece! Add ribbon, and you're set!

I'm up and blogging....

2008-09-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to start this new blog for my friends, customers, hostesses, consultants...whoever! I am really going to try to upload great, and simple ideas for decorating for the holidays, as well as gift giving. I am pulling my fall things out tomorrow, so keep checking back!!