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Archive for the ‘Decor’ Category

Memorial Day Tablecloths and Decorations

Posted in Decor, memorial day, outdoor parties, summer parties, table decor, tagged , , , , , on May 21, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. We also celebrate the beginning of summer. We tend to have nice weather (we hope!) so we can enjoy the outdoors while honoring those whose lives were lost.

Here are some red, white and blue ideas to celebrate the day and make it special:

The checkered cloth tablecloth and cloth napkins are a classic for Memorial Day. It’s bright and bold colors of red and blue checkered are patriotic, classy and fun.  They are also popular for July 4th, summer parties, picnics, weddings etc.

red-and-white

 

The Galaxy Vinyl Tablecloths are great for summer parties as well. Easy to wipe clean and loads of colors to choose from this makes a great outdoor tablecloth.

Royal blue vinyl tablelcoth

Still some time to make a decoration or two! I loved this cupcake liner wreath idea from the Gunny Sack. Check out her tutorial of how its done http://www.thegunnysack.com/2014/05/patriotic-cupcake-liner-wreath.html

1-patriotic-wreath-decoration-idea

I also loved the Flip Flop wreath from mamadanddaboyz.com. It’s amazing how many inexpensive items you can find to create beautiful, creative designs.

4-patriotic-wreath-decoration-idea

Let us know if you have any good ideas-we would love to hear from you! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

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St. Patrick’s Day Fun Facts

Posted in Decor, fun facts, St patricks day, tagged , on February 25, 2015| 2 Comments »

Did you ever wonder about St. Patrick’s Day and how it started? Did you ever wonder about the color green used in the celebration? Here are some St. Patrick’s Day Fun Facts in honor of the upcoming holiday!

Most people know that St Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, but did you know St. Patrick was not Irish?

Saint Patrick (known as Magonus Socatus before sainthood) was born in 5th century Roman Britain but was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16. He escaped, but later returned as a missionary and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. It is believed he died on March 17th, 461. For hundreds of years he was forgotten, but then resurrected as the Patron Saint of Ireland in the early 17th century, hence the celebration of St Patrick’s Day on March 17th, the day he died.

st patricks day hat

Shamrocks refer to many plants not just one.

There still is no scientific consensus as to the precise botanical species of clover that is the true shamrock. The word shamrock refers primarily to the young springs of white or red clover, but sometimes the term is applied to a variety of three-leaved plants found in Ireland. The shamrock was originally associated with the Goddess of Ireland, Ana, but over time it became associated with St. Patrick’s Day because it is believed that Saint Patrick used the three-leafed clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. For good luck, the shamrock is usually included in an Irish bride’s bouquet and the boutonniere of the groom regardless of the day they marry.

St Patricks day pancakes

The color of Saint Patrick was blue not green.

A particular blue hue was known as St. Patrick blue and for hundreds of years it was this blue that was associated with the holiday. However, green became the dominant color of St Patrick’s Day over time as the holiday was used to highlight Irish nationalism against British rule in the 1790s. Now, the color green is often associated with the other more poetic name for Ireland, the Emerald Isles.

The St. Patrick‘s Day parade was invented in the United States.

On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English army marched through New York City. The parade and accompanying music helped the soldiers celebrate with their Irish roots, as well as reconnect with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.

Kelly Green Tablecloth

Chicago dyes its river green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Yes, for decades, Chicago has turned its river neon green every St. Patrick’s Day. At first I was horrified, but then I happily learned that the city uses natural veggie dye. The practice started in 1962 when city workers started using dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye would be a unique way to celebrate March 17th in this very Irish city. During their first attempt, they released enough green vegetable dye (100 pounds) into the river to keep it green for a week. Today, with an eye towards environmental caution, only 40 pounds of dye are used, and the river turns green for only several hours.

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Winter Fun Facts

Posted in Decor, Home and Garden, winter decor, winter fun facts, tagged , , , , , on January 14, 2015| Leave a Comment »

The colder parts of America can be challenging in the winter. There are months that are snowy, windy and brutally cold. Feelings about winter are divided. Some people embrace the winter. They love the serenity, the peace and quiet that comes along with winter. The comfort of being indoors is an opportunity to develop close relationships with the people around us. Relax indoors with some hot soup and tea by spreading out a lace tablecloth (or any white tablecloth) that is snow white for a nice winter effect.

heirloom white tablecloth

Some people like to brighten things up. They see winter as dark and dreary and love to bring some color indoors. Calming colors such as blue and green are great mood enhancers. A place mat or a table topper in such a color will certainly brighten up those days!

Elizabeth Placemat

Here are some interesting Fun Facts for Winter:

A single snowstorm can drop 39 million tons of snow, carrying the energy equivalent to 120 atom bombs!

Snow comes in a variety of colors, yellow, orange, green and even purple. Actually, it’s colorless but it can contain dust or algae that give it different colors. Orange snow fell over Siberia in 2007 and pink snow (watermelon snow) covered Krasnodar (Russia) in 2010. Watermelon snow is common in mountains and has a sweet smell and taste.

Pink snow, watermelon snow, may be pretty and sweet smelling, but it frequently contains nasty algae that will make you sick. Source: Wikipedia

It was believed that Eskimos had dozens of words for snow. However, some linguists showed that they have the same number of root words as English. Then other linguists showed that they really did seem to have more words. Now there is a hot debate about snowy words.

The Inuit/Eskimos should get together with snowboarders. Skiers are always using different words, such as “pow pow,” “mashed potatoes,” “champagne snow (powder),” “cauliflower,” “sticky snow,” “dust on crust” to describe the snow.

According to Guinness World Records, the largest snowflakes on record were 15 inches (38 cm) in diameter and 8 inches thick. They fell on Fort Keogh, in eastern Montana on 28 January 1887. Nearby ranchers described the flakes as “larger than mild pans” and measured them; “8 inches thick”.

Let us know what you think-do you enjoy the winter or just can’t wait for spring?

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Fun Last Minute DIYS for New Years

Posted in Decor, New Years, new years party, tagged , , on December 31, 2014| 1 Comment »

Getting together for New Years is a fun and exhilarating celebration. We are excited about starting a new year, starting our new years resolutions that we are committed to and hopefully keep for a while. While some go outdoors to celebrate, some prefer that the party comes to them! By decorating your home festively and having tasty treats you and your guests will surely go into party mode!

new years clock

Frost twelve cupcakes and decorate the tops with numbers. Place on a pretty cake tray or platter. Add two clock hands by placing pretzels or chocolate in the center. Let the countdown begin!

Here is a fun game to play while waiting for the clock to strike twelve. Make a New Years Bingo game with fun symbols like party hats, champagne glasses, 2015, and see who gets the first row.

New Years Bingo

Hang balloons from the ceiling with string for a party look. Craftibilities.com has a super fun activity were you insert a note into a balloon and pop the balloon at a designated hour with instructions. http://www.craftibilities.com/2013/01/best-new-years-eve-ever-fun-games-and.html

Place a sparkly tablecloth on the table or a nice solid color tablecloth such as black and bring out the glittery party favors for a stark contrast. Place your appetizers, cocktails, and games on the table. Invite your friends and family. Now you’re ready to party! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

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Holiday Party Ideas

Posted in Christmas, Decor, Home and Garden, tagged , , on December 8, 2014| Leave a Comment »

This is delightful time of year! We decorate to put us in the spirit and everything shines so bright The walls, the ceilings, and the tables as well. Will it be Red and Green? Gold and Silver? Blue and White? Here are some great suggestions:

The Burlap Damask table runner is printed on 100% Jute (Burlap) in a choice of gold or pewter. Everyone will just love this classy and pretty addition.

Burlap Damask Gold

Place your favorite Christmas tablecloth on the table and add a Glisten Round Table Topper to enhance it. Glitter is applied to the snowflakes to give it a glittery shiny effect. You can also try a Glisten Table Runner instead for a snowy Holiday look.

Glisten Table Topper

Don’t neglect the rest of your home! Add lots of greenery, ribbons and streamers to your staircases, mantle, and around picture frames. By spreading the exciting decorations all over your home you will be spreading holiday cheer to all those that see it!

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Halloween Party Decor

Posted in crafts, Decor, halloween, Napkins, Table Linens, Wedding and Parties, tagged , , , on October 14, 2014| 1 Comment »

Halloween is a busy day. There’s the costumes, Trick or Treating and Halloween Parties. Decorating the the house with Halloween Decor does not have to be complicated. It can be fun and simple. After spreading out your favorite tablecloth, preferably black, white, orange or grey, and decorate with a Spider Web  Table Cloth or Spider Web Table Topper and give the house a spidery appeal. You may want to consider putting on a vinyl tablecloth so there will be an easier cleanup  when the party is over. Fold some cloth napkins and make some fun spider napkin rings. This is something you can make in advance with the children. Made with felt, black pom poms, and pipe cleaners is it fun and inexpensive and is pleasing for children and adults alike. Here’s how its done:

http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/how-to-make-spider-napkin-rings/index.html

Spider Napkin Rings

 

Create a witches place card and invite all your friendly witches inside. Get the children involved by asking them to go outdoors and collect the branches. Personalizing the place cards makes everyone feel special. Click on the link to show how its done:

http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/witchs-broom-halloween-place-card-holders/index.html

Witches Broom Placecard

 

This Halloween Pinata may take some time to put together-but a fun activity with candy? What can be better than that?! This bright candy corn pinata is a great colorful decoration as well. There’s still enough time! Lets roll up our sleeves and take out our scissors and glue. We may still have some time for some Halloween desserts as well!

http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/how-to-make-a-candy-corn-pinata-for-halloween/index.html

Candy Corn Pinata

 

 

 

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What is a Merrowed or Hemmed Edge?

Posted in Decor, Home Makeover, Napkins, Table Linens, tagged , , , on October 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever wondered how a tablecloth or cloth napkin is finished on the edge? There are two ways it can be done: Merrowed or Hemmed.

merrow

A merrowed edge finish is the standard finish for all table linens. A merrowed edge finish is done on a surging machine, typically with a matching thread. It can also be done with a contrasting color if preferred for a dramatic look or to match a color theme. The merrowed finish seals the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying.

hemmed edge

A hemmed edge finish gives the cloth a more formal look than the merrowed edge finish. A hemmed edge finish is when the seamstress folds over the edges of the fabric and sews the fold down like the hem on pants. It is done only on some of our cloth napkins and tablecloths.

Majestic Antique Rose

Hemmed edge finish is not available for round and oval tablecloths or more delicate fabrics. The hemmed edging on these shapes and fabrics don’t look as clean as a merrowed edge finish.

 

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Autumn Decor to Brighten your Home

Posted in Autumn, crafts, Decor, Fall, halloween, Home and Garden, Place mats and table runners, Table Linens, Wedding and Parties, tagged , , , , on September 16, 2014| 1 Comment »

Decorating for Fall doesn’t have to be costly. There are so many items available at our fingertips that celebrate the Fall season. About a Mom posted a pretty Pumpkin Flower Bouquet that is so easy to make. You can use a few small pumpkins as centerpieces or one large one as decoration. Slice off the top of the pumpkin, scoop out seeds and add fresh Fall flowers. Click on the link for more info:

http://www.aboutamom.com/how-to-make-a-simple-fall-centerpiece/

Pumpkin fall decor

Brighten your kitchen and dining room areas by adding Fall table runners, leaf place mats, and bright autumn color tablecloths and cloth napkins to add beautiful autumn decor to your home.

orange tablecloth

Decorations though are not just for the living and dining room areas. Bring serenity into your bedroom by making this creative wall art out of leaves. Use pressed leaves and tape them to crafting paper. Hang a few rows with removable adhesive strips for high impact above a bed or sofa.

http://www.midwestliving.com/homes/seasonal-decorating/easy-fall-decorating-projects/?page=12

Fall Wall Art

As mentioned in our previous post, pumpkins and apples (and of course colorful leaves!) are bountiful this time of year so we can make good use out of them and enhance our surroundings.

 

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Fun Facts and Ideas for Fall

Posted in Autumn, Decor, Fall, Home and Garden, Place mats and table runners, Table Linens, tagged , , , , , on September 6, 2014| 1 Comment »

The wonderful weather this time of year is fabulous for picking apples and pumpkins. The sun is still shinning yet there is a beautiful cool breeze on the open field. As the weather gets a bit cooler we start thinking of some delicious comfort food. Apples and Pumpkins make some great treats. Think warm apple cider and pumpkin pie!

natrual woven table runners

Here are some interesting fun facts about apples and pumpkins:

 Apples

  • The first apple trees were planted by Pilgrims in Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • The world’s largest apple peel was created by Kathy Wafler Madison on October 16, 1976, in Rochester, NY. It was 172 feet, 4 inches long. (She was 16 years old at the time and grew up to be a sales manager for an apple tree nursery.)
  • An apple tree will start bearing fruit 8-10 years after it is planted. A dwarf tree starts bearing in 3-6 years.
  • Apples are not self pollinating. They need bees to pollinate the flowers to form the fruit.
  • Most apple blossoms are pink when they open but gradually fade to white.
  • One apple has 5 grams of fiber, no fat, sodium and cholesterol free. But wait, don’t peel your apple! Two-thirds of the fiber and many of the antioxidants are found in the apple peel.
  • The largest apple picked weighed three pounds.
  • Apples are a member of the rose family of plants along with pears, peaches, plums and cherries.
  • 25% of an apple’s volume is air; that is why they can float. (Ever dunked for an apple?)
  • It takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider.
  • Two pounds of apples make one 9 inch pie.
  • Most apples are still picked by hand in the fall.
  • It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.
  • Apples are the second most valuable fruit in the United States. Oranges are first.
  • The largest U.S. apple crop was 277.3 million bushels in 1998.
  • One of George Washington’s hobbies was pruning his apple trees.
  • A bushel of apples weighs 42 pounds and will yield 20-24 quarts of applesauce.

Harvest Pumpkin Placemat

Pumpkins

  • Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
  • Pumpkin flowers are edible.
  • The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.
  • In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
  • Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
  • The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
  • Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
  • Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
  • Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.
  • Native Americans called pumpkins “isqoutm squash.”
  • Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

For those who don’t go apple and pumpkin picking yet would like to enjoy that warm feeling can experience it with our new Harvest Pumpkin place mats and table runners. These beautiful 14″ x 20″ burlap like place mats will give your table a burst of color with the bright and cheerful pumpkin design. Enhance your festivities and enjoy the Harvest Pumpkin Table Runners as well. Another option is to go with the solid Natural Woven place mats and runners which has the look of natural burlap, but with a wonderful soft feel.

Let’s make sure to enjoy the bountiful fruits, vegetables, gorgeous scenery and all of the blessings that Autumn has to offer.

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How to Decorate your July Fourth Table in Style

Posted in Decor, Fourth of July, Home and Garden, Napkins, Table Linens, tagged , , , on June 19, 2014| 2 Comments »

As July Fourth approaches we like to come up with some new ideas of how to celebrate the freedom we have here in America in style. Since the day is all about freedom we would like to give you some quick, cute and easy ideas so as not to work too hard on a celebratory day!

gingham red and white tablecloth

Traditionally we celebrate with Red, White, and Blue the colors of our Flag and the colors that symbolize our Freedom. Start with spreading out a Gingham Cloth Checkered Tablecloth that’s either red and white or blue and white. For a nice contrast, put blue color tableware and cloth napkins on your red and white tablecloth or red plates, red silverware and red cloth napkins on your blue gingham tablecloth.

Red White and Blue Candle Centerpiece

Decorate your table with DIY Candle Holders. Layer a glass jar with red, white, and blue rice (divide rice in three and then color some rice red and some blue with food coloring) and then insert a candle in the middle. For less of a hassle, layer your jar with kidney beans, (red) baby lima beans or navy beans (white) and black beans (for the blue) and insert a candle.

 

There are many patriotic desserts out there but what about dinner? Try a  layered taco salad layered with tomato, cheese and black beans. You can also try layering a pasta dish with pasta and tomatoes or pasta sauce as the stripes.

fourth of july dinner

 

Have any other dinner ideas? We’d love to hear from you on how you make your Fourth of July a really special one.

 

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