Holiday Cones

Today I'm guest posting for Kenzie at Life and Lemons.  It's her birthday week.  Stop by or tweet her.  I'm know it'd brighten her day to see a happy birthday wish from you.

This is a guest post that I wrote last week while she had company.  I thought that you might like the opportunity to read it too.  Stop my Jessica's blog The Lily White English Rose.  She has some really great reads.

Hello there.

My name is Danette and I blog at All My Love for All My Days.  Jessica asked me a group of us to guest post for her while she was hanging out with her friend and I was happy to post.  

Thank you, Jessica, for the opportunity.

Today I want to share a craft with you that can be used for many different occasions.  With the holidays quickly approaching this I know this could knowledge could really come in handy.  It seems to me that the little details are what make events over the top special.  This one will help put your table scape or party favors or guest rooms over the top.

Here's what you need.

• random but coordinating colors/patterns of 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper
• glue
• scissors
• hole punch
• embellishments
• juke, yarn, or ribbon

Step #1--Line one side of the paper with glue or double side tape.  I chose Elmer's Glue Spots.  They're permanent and very convenient.  There's no dry time.

Step #2--Roll the paper, starting on the corner opposite your tape.  Roll into a cone.  It will be very similar to an ice cream cone.

Step #3--At this point we need to clip the tail off of the cone.  If you would like, leave the tail on and fold over the opening of the cone.  This might would come in handy if you are filling the cone with small objects such as nuts.

Step #4--Punch holes on the side and run your jute/yarn/ribbon through.

Step #5--Personally, I find this last step to be the most fun.  Embellish your cones.

And voilà!  There you have it.

Thank you again, Jessica, for the opportunity to guest post.  I know I appreciate the opportunity.  If you're looking for more ideas on Holiday entertain read here, here, and here.  Oh, and I have a giveaway happening right now.  Enter here.

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Front Porch Problem Solving

My house is in a state of total upheaval.  We're remodeling.  This presents several problems.  Here's a list of a few of the problems and the solution that I decided to go with.

Problem:  There's NO place to seat or talk or entertain.

Analysis:  This is not good especially with the holidays approaching.  Guests will be coming.

Solution:  Create a warm and inviting outdoor environment outside the home.

Problem:  It has the potential to be a little chilly.  

Analysis:  There's no guarantee on the weather.  This is Oklahoma.

Solution:  Add candles, pillows, quilt, and rug.  If their needed, great.  If not, they look good.

Problem:  Just because these guests may choose the quieter location to gather does not mean that they wouldn't love a beautiful and inviting place to visit.

Analysis:  Because it's Oklahoma, planting flowers can present a problem.  There's always a chance of frost.

Solution:  Choose a flower, plant, or bush that is resistant to low temperatures and add a banner because everyone knows that a banner just makes everything prettier. 

Results

I'm in a mad rush to get as much done as possible.  For now, Jackson and I are enjoying the front porch.

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Fall Decorating: Pumpkins and Other Things

It's that time.  Yes, grab those kiddos and head to the pumpkin patch and apples orchards.

Traditionally, we would just grab a few pumpkins, gourds, hay bails, and cornstalks and call it good.  But that simplicity is a thing of the past.  I recently heard that, with the exception of Christmas, people spend more money on Halloween than any other "holiday."  I, personally, am not into Halloween.  I prefer to just decorate for fall in general, but it all goes hand in hand.

In a effort to save money, buy transition pieces that could work for eitherHalloween or Thanksgiving.  For example, I picked up this little beauty at a craft supply in town.  The colors work with my decor in the room and will work for any season.

But everyone knows if you're serious about fall decorating you must have pumpkins.  

Here are a few examples of some very beautiful, interesting, or just plain fun pumpkin decorating ideas I found to share with you today.

1.  Unexpected Colors

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2.  Unique Idea

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3.  Add Some Sparkle

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4.  Light up the Night

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If you're looking for inspiration, check out this pinterest board.  I'll be added more pins to it all season, I'm sure. 

Have a pleasant day and get out there and have fun with your family.  While you're at it, why not make your life more beautiful in the process?

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Sitting Pretty

I've always been fascinated with beautiful tables adorned with dinnerware finery and since fall is quickly approaching if is now time to pull out the fallware.  (Do you do that?  Do you have different tableware for the seasons?)

It's true that not all of the tableware settings below are fall, but all a pretty, at least to my eyes.

I hope these table setting tips are helpful.  Your table is your canvas and your plates, knives, and goblets are your paints.  Go create.

1. When setting a table, start with a theme.

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I love this setting because of the colors, but I also love the use of the succulents in the table decor.  In this picture the peacock feather is obviously the theme.  While the peacock feather theme is slightly overused, there are few natural elements with such use of color.

2.  Don't forget the simple things.  Simpler can be better.

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When it comes to most things in life, I would never say that simpler is better.  I mean, seriously, I'm a southern girl with big hair and bling on every item of clothing I own, but there is something to be said for the simplicity of this color combination.  Chromatic colors can be better as long as they fit with your theme.

3.  When decorating a table, build volume in the middle and really all over the table.

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Create layers.  Add depth.  Experiment.  If we're thinking in the terms of art, the more layers a canvas holds the more dramatic a piece appears.  The same true with a table.

4.  The beauty is in the details.

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Just forget that saying about the devil being in the details because that's not true.  It's the little things that make your guest feel important, needed, and wanted.  More than anything your table should invite your guests and you to enjoy the entertainment and the relaxation that comes with the company of friends and family.


Thank you for taking time to read this post.  If you'd like to see more tables settings that I love right now, here is a link to my pinterest board.  Oh, and don't forget the giveaway.  It's a good one.

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