One year during my childhood, my mother asked me to be in charge of the centerpiece for Christmas Eve dinner. Nearly 20 people were coming - including my grumpy uncle - and my mother's centerpieces always wowed them (well, except for the aforementioned grumpy uncle - but nothing really "wows" him) so the pressure was intense. I decided to go a bit of a... non-traditional route and created a geometric 3d sculpture with candles, vases with different color marbles, and my multitude of beta-fish pets that I'd accumulated during our many trips to Walmart. Do I recommend the flaming, fishy centerpiece... well, only if your family has a sense of humor (and doesn't bang the table when they eat or argue.) But I do recommend taking a tour down the path of non-tradition. I wouldn't say my grumpy uncle was "wowed," but he stared at the fish so much that it was the quietest I think he'd ever been. Thankfully, I'm not the main source of creativity around Finders Keepers Furnishings. Here are seven of Betsy's ideas to help you make spectacular centerpieces a snap:
* Fill a basket with fruits and nuts. Scatter some of the nuts around the basket on the table.
* Make an arrangement of different sized pumpkins, gourds and squash. Scatter a few leaves around the centerpiece and add orange, brown or dark green candles.
* Cut the tops off small pumpkins and scoop out the centers. Place votive candles inside and make a grouping.
* Make a bed of pine needles in the center of the table. Fill a basket with pine cones and tie a brown plaid taffeta ribbon on the handle.
* Make floating walnut candles: scoop out the meat from walnuts and set aside the shells. Melt the stubs of old candles in a coffee can set in a pan of water on the stove. If you place the shells in a pan of sand it will be easy to fill each one without dripping wax on your hand. Use a short wick and hold upright in the center of each shell as you fill it with the melted wax. Float the candles in a pretty bowl filled with water.
* Fill a bowl with water and float the tops of flowers such as chrysanthemums or marigolds. Surround with fall colored candles.
* Instead of a centerpiece, create a tiny arrangement of fall flowers in little vases, cups or glasses at each person’s place. Use fall colored napkins & tie each one with ribbon. Tuck a flower under each ribbon or bow.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fall Fashion Guide 2010
It’s a good thing that a picture is in fact worth a thousand words, because this season’s fashion favorites come to you from across the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s the back story: for Bonnie’s (owner and fearless leader of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores) 29th wedding anniversary, she and hubby Parke hopped the big blue pond and spent two weeks touring Italy. She came back inspired – and with about ten pounds worth of Italian Vogue Magazines for me to devour. I definitely can’t read or speak Italian, but fashion, my fabulous friends, is universal. Analyzing each image without the guidance of expert commentary was both daunting and liberating. And “liberated” is an essential word not only in European fashion but also in this season’s style on this side of the pond. Smart, strong, structured, and sexy, this fall's fashion is a head-on collision of Madonna and Marie Antoinette. While their many differences could span the Atlantic, both controversial, capable icons could totally rock a corset. Leather and lace, texture and tulle, details and drama, welcome to Fall 2010.
Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)
Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”
Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.
Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.
Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.
Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.
Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.
Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.
Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)
Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”
Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.
Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.
Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.
Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.
Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.
Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.
Fall Fashion Guide 2010
It’s a good thing that a picture is in fact worth a thousand words, because this season’s fashion favorites come to you from across the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s the back story: for Bonnie’s (owner and fearless leader of Finders Keepers Consignment Stores) 29th wedding anniversary, she and hubby Parke hopped the big blue pond and spent two weeks touring Italy. She came back inspired – and with about ten pounds worth of Italian Vogue Magazines for me to devour. I definitely can’t read or speak Italian, but fashion, my fabulous friends, is universal. Analyzing each image without the guidance of expert commentary was both daunting and liberating. And “liberated” is an essential word not only in European fashion but also in this season’s style on this side of the pond. Smart, strong, structured, and sexy, this fall's fashion is a head-on collision of Madonna and Marie Antoinette. While their many differences could span the Atlantic, both controversial, capable icons could totally rock a corset. Leather and lace, texture and tulle, details and drama, welcome to Fall 2010.
Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)
Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”
Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.
Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.
Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.
Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.
Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.
Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.
Legs: From the ‘that’s-right-I-did’ mini shorts and dresses to fishnet tights to boots, boots, and more boots, fall’s fashion themes pull out all the stops to accentuate, decorate, and celebrate your legs. For those of you who gulped at the end of that sentence, remember that those legs of yours work hard, so they should play hard too. Experiment this season and see where an inch or two of liberation leads you. (Hey, there were a few pictures in the Italian magazines where models ONLY wore shoes, so take a deep breath and a baby-step out of your box.)
Purple: That rich, satisfying color is back this season. From jewelry to shoes to dresses, purple made its mark on fall fashion runways. Italians seemed to like purple so much that it was one of the few English words in the entire magazine. In fact, one issue had an entire section devoted to purple, which was curiously titled: “Purple Haze Lyric.”
Mini: Fall’s teacher’s pet is quite a sassy student: mini-length leather shorts go the distance – from work to weekend wear and everything in between. Not so sure that leather shorts will play well with others in your closet? A button-down blouse and a chic blazer add structure and style, and I’d bet they’re pieces you’re already comfortable wearing.
Boots: Stilettos have taken a back seat to boots this season. And in perfect harmony to the mini-length of shorts and skirts, over-the-knee boots are fall’s most coveted footwear. But booties would not go quietly, and are still making noise on this season’s scene. If boots just aren’t your thing, opt for clogs or wedges.
Texture: You know when you feel it – when what you’re wearing says something about your insides that words just won’t do justice. And this season’s fabrics and details make you want to reach out and touch them: fur, feathers, fringe, lace, netting, leather, darts, tiers, tulle, beads, silk, and sequins, to name a few. The textures of fall pay tribute to the fact that fashion at its core is truly a work of art.
Wild: Wildlife is often a major player in a designer’s inspiration, and this season was no exception. Zebra and leopard lead the way in the jungle’s takeover of fall patterns. From insect-inspired pendants and broaches to full-length feathered gowns, nature gives a nod to fashion pieces of all sizes.
Neutral: A focus on neutrals is spring’s gift to this season’s style. The structure and hues of last summer’s safari trek forward into fall. Cream, gray, ivory, chocolate, khaki, cinnamon, and more delicious colors make for a smooth, sleek look and are easy to accent with splashes of jewel tones or metallics.
Bejeweled: Big, bold, beautiful necklaces step into the spotlight as the must-have accessory of the season. And you better scoop up a couple of them, because a single strand simply won’t do. Mixing and layering statement necklaces take last fall’s trend a step further this year. And this season’s neutral stage is a perfect back-drop to show off your bejeweled neckline.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tip of the Week: Mirror, mirror
"Mirror, mirror on the wall..." Group mirrors of various sizes and shapes into a pattern as you would with paintings. If you have interesting antique or vintage frames you can easily have mirrors cut to fit them. This creates a fascinating effect in a room. It also reflects light down a darkened hallways by hanging them opposite each other down both sides. Whether your theme is fun and funky or modern and clean, mirrors fit in well with any interior design.
Happy Decorating!
Happy Decorating!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Staying Cool - Furniture Care Tip
Keeping cool this summer doesn't just apply to people. Treat your outdoor furniture just like your car. Use automobile wax on any metal or plastic frames of your sun-worshipping decor. On these extra steamy days that added layer will protect your investments from the effects of sun exposure and inclimate weather.
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