Summer Table

Aug 1, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Summer Tablescape -garden flowers in vintage bottles under glass cloches create a simple, easy summer table for entertaining.

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I love summer entertaining. The produce is at it's best, the weather is great, and best of all those so many pretty flowers! We picked some flowers from our garden for this pretty summer tablescape. This neutral loving girl, got swept up with gorgeous colourful summer blooms and embraced all the colour of the season.

Summer Tablescape with Garden Flowers

The flowers are all from our garden, and it was so much mixing and matching them, picking them, and arranging them. The flowers really were the inspiration for the whole table.

I used some pretty little vintage jars and made simple groupings of blooms.

For our flowers we used a combination of zinnias, cosmos, bachelor's buttons, black eyes susans, and cone flowers that where all blooming in the garden.

They look so pretty and special under these glass cloches. I just shopped my house and used a few that I already had.

Mixing and matching the different sizes of cloches was really fun too, and added interest to the table.

I used a simple and summery white linen runner on the table, and added in some pretty candles for a little candle light. The finishing touch was a few pretty cosmos flower petals scattered here and there.

Place Settings

For the place settings, I used my everyday white dishes, but dressed it up a little with pretty gold cutlery and glasses for this summer tablescape.

The simple paper napkins make entertaining easy and add a little more colour and pattern.

It's all finished off with a pretty individual zinnia blossom at each place setting. I think zinnias might be one of my very favourite flowers.

We grew these from seed, they're just an annual and so easy to grow. And the more you pick them the more they bloom, so I'm picking away and enjoying them inside.

I love the ease of summer entertaining, and creating simple centre pieces right from our own backyard flowers. Do you grow your own flowers? The farmer's market is a great source too.

With a pretty summer tablescape like this one, life really is a party!

You might also like our 3 Steps To An Easy Summer Table here.

Also check out our Geometric Pink and Gold Tablescape here.

You might also enjoy our Summer Dinner Party here.

Cozy Boho Summer Living Room

Jul 26, 2018 · 2 Comments

Cozy Boho Summer Living Room: lots of white textured pillows, white lanterns, candles, twinkle lights and woodland touches give this living room the perfect summer neutral boho look.

Today I'm sharing our cozy boho living room refresh for summer. Although you tend to think of spending cozy nights down there with a movie and the fireplace on during the winter, it's actually perfect for summer.It's always so nice and cool and the perfect spot to beat the heat in the summer, especially after a long fun day in the sun. It's a great spot to retreat too when it's just too hot outside, or for the evening after enjoying the sun all day.

This room really is one of my favourites. It's the first room in this house that I really designed myself. I worked with my brother-in-law from Benjamin Woodworks to design the fireplace and he brought it to life. I still love the wood and concrete we used almost 10 years later. Back then wallpaper was just beginning to emerge again, and I used some wall decals to add the birch. I still love the birch detail on the back wall, and it inspired this design.

Birch, Woodland, and Ferns

After adding lots of plants other places in the house, I knew I wanted to add some plants into this space. But with the birch it seemed like succulents and palms weren't really the right fit. I took my cue from the forest, and added some ferns for a summer woodland feel.

I was going for a kind of boho, summery, white, glamping kind of a vibe and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Adding Boho Inspired Pillows

To freshen up the space I added in some boho inspired textured pillows. There's a combo of some I made -see the tutorial here, some plain linen, some really textured ones with lots of fun pom poms and fringe. I kept it all white and cream, and I mostly used cotton and linen so it would feel a little lighter and fresher for summer. It's amazing what a difference pillows can make to a space.

This really looks like the perfect spot to curl up and beat the heat with a movie and a bowl of popcorn in the afternoon.

Coffee Table Wonderland

On my coffee table/toy chest I created a little twinkle light, candle, lantern wonderland.

I used a combination of old lanterns, and lacey tea light holders.

Then I wove a string of wire mini-lights around them. It's like a magical fairy campground, but with no mosquitoes. So pretty much perfect.

The Fireplace

Over on the fireplace mantel, I kept my deer head friend, and added a few twinkle lights to his antlers.

On the shelves there's a combination of lanterns and candles that I already had.

The fact that they're all white really brings the space together.

I added in a new set of little mushrooms. I love the combination of the wood and concrete, and mushrooms fit the forest woodland feel perfectly.

The fern garland is a real favourite in the room.

I made it with a couple stems of faux fern. I cut them down into individual pieces using some wire cutters, and used simple jute twine to tie them into a garland.

So simple, and so perfectly summer forest feeling.

I added in some real white hydrangeas and ferns from my garden.

But all the other ferns are faux, so supper easy, and no need to worry about watering during summer vacation.

With a Cozy Boho Summer Living Room, life really is a party!

You might also like our Summer Home Tour here.

Also check out our Late Summer Home Tour here.

You might also like our Mustard Yellow and Pink Summer Home Tour here.

Mustard Yellow and PInk Summer Home Tour: a neutral space gets some colour with yellow and pink decor including candles, flowers, pillows, and new art.

Brown Butter Raspberry Tarts

Jul 24, 2018 · 1 Comment

Brown Butter Raspberry Tarts: the perfect combination of gooey sweet filling, and tart fresh raspberries, with a really easy pastry. Great for a beginner.

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These brown butter raspberry tarts are a little hard to describe. They're sweet and gooey, a little like a butter tart, but then the raspberries are the perfect tart balance to the sweet. I'd say they're pretty much perfection. These would be the perfect addition to a tea party, or a sweet tray. They'd make a lovely lunch or dinner dessert. They're absolutely perfection along side a cup of coffee or tea.

They're sooo good.

The first time I had them, I kept thinking about them and just how perfect they are. A brown butter raspberry tart and cup of tea, is pretty much what dreams are made of.

how to make Brown Butter Raspberry Tarts

Ingredients

Pastry

This is actually a pretty easy pastry recipe, because it's done in the mixer, almost like a cookie recipe. This is a great recipe for a beginner and makes a lovely sweet pastry perfect for tarts.

Filling

This filling is very similar to a butter tart -if you're Canadian you know exactly what that is. If not, it's a bit similar to the filling in a pecan pie -without the pecans.

Browned Butter

Browning the butter gives it a nutty flavor and depth. When the butter is browned the milk solids caramelize and it adds so much to this recipe. It's definitely worth the trouble.

Fresh Raspberries

The combination of the sweet filling with the tart raspberry in this recipe just cannot be beat. The whole greater than the sum of its parts. Fresh is best for this recipe.

Instructions

To make the tart dough, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until light and fluffy and pale yellow.

Add the eggs one at a time and beat until fully mixed.

Add the flour and sugar-egg mixture, and mix until it forms a dough.

Gather the dough into a ball and chill.

Dust the work surface with flour, and roll out dough with a rolling pin and cut out into tart shells. Press dough into a tart pan. Prick tart shells with a fork before baking.

Preheat the oven to 350, and position rack in the center of oven. Bake the empty tarts for 7-8 minutes, until the tartlet cases are lightly golden.

To make the filling, melt butter in a heavy small saucepan over medium high heat, and cook butter until the butter is a deep nutty brown and there are brown flecks on the bottom of the pan. The browned butter will foam up and then settle, and have a nutty aroma.

Whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt together in a bowl. Whisk the flour in gently, then pour in the browned melted butter in a steady stream continuing to whisk constantly.

Place 2 -3 raspberries in each tart shell, and pour filling over top.

Bake the tarts at 350 for 10 minutes until they are golden brown and the filling is set.

Let cool in the tart pan on a wire rack. Remove from the pans, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Makes 20-22 tarts. Best eaten the day they are made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.

Substitutions

You can use frozen raspberries for this recipe if you can't get fresh. You want to be careful not to add liquid though, so be sure to add the raspberries while they're still frozen or thaw and drain them first.

Storing The Tarts

These really are best eaten right away. On the first day when they're fresh baked, the pastry is perfectly crisp, and the filling is perfectly gooey. It's a good idea to bake this tart recipe the day you need them.

The good news is, you can get ahead by making the dough the day before and wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge to roll out and bake the tart crust the next day. You could also make the filling the day before. Mix it up in a mixing bowl, and cover tightly and refrigerate. When it's time to assemble the tarts, pre-bake the tart shells, add the deeply-flavored filling and the raspberries, and then bake again.

If you do have leftovers store them at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I use frozen tart shells?

We love these easy pastry tart shells, but if you're in a rush you can substitute frozen pastry shells. Defrost them, prick them with a fork and pre-bake the tart shells, just like in the recipe.

Can I use this recipe for one large tart?

The quantities in this recipe are perfect for individual tart size. We've never tried to adjust the recipe for one large tart. We recommend making the smaller individual tart size with this recipe.

Can I use a different fruit?

We love the contrast of the tart raspberries with the sweet filling. If you want to try a different fruit, try to use something not too sweet like a sour cherry. Blueberries or strawberries might be too sweet. We haven't tried substituting the fruit, but please comment below if you try it.

Raspberry Tarts with browned butter filling

Recipe

Next time you're looking for a great tart recipe to make, give these a try. I know you'll be glad you did as soon as you bite into one.

With Brown Butter Raspberry Tarts, life really is a party!

More Recipes You Might Like

You might also enjoy our Butter Tarts with Raisins recipe here.

You might also enjoy our Nectarine and Blueberry Galette recipe here.

Nectarine and Blueberry Galette: literally make in minutes with frozen puff pastry, so easy and the perfect way to enjoy fresh nectarines and blueberries.

Homemade Scotch Eggs Recipe

Jul 19, 2018 · 1 Comment

Scotch Eggs Recipe: How to make home made Scotch Eggs, the perfect British snack or picnic food. Hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and breaded.

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Scotch eggs are the perfect snack or picnic food. Traditional scotch eggs are a hard-boiled egg surrounded in a sausage meat mixture that is lightly breaded and fried. It's perfectly portable and delicious served warm, room temperature or cold.

I first had a Scotch egg years and years ago, when I lived in the United Kingdom. I was studying there. A British friend invited me and another international student to her parents house for Easter break, since we couldn't make it home. While we were there we went on a picnic one day, and my friend brought some homemade scotch eggs.

I'd never had a Scotch egg before, but was delighted to meet its acquaintance. I thought the whole idea of a delicious hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage and breaded was pretty much brilliant. Perfectly portable and so delicious. And they are certainly a wonderful choice for a picnic. They are also a popular British snack. And they're also great served warm for breakfast.

I make this scotch egg recipe for picnics and tea parties, and knew they'd be great addition to recent British Picnic. I shared all the details of our British Picnic here, so be sure to check it out for some great ideas.

Hard or Soft Boiled Eggs

When I've had scotch eggs, they've always been hard boiled with firm egg yolks. This version makes them a great portable food to eat on the go. You can also make them with a soft boiled egg. The soft boil version is usually done when they're served warm. Obviously this makes them a little more messy for eating and you will need a plate and knife and fork to enjoy the soft-boiled eggs version without making too much of a mess with the runny yolk.

Sausage Meat

I used a mild Italian sausage for my scotch eggs because it's readily available where I live. Honey garlic sausages would also be a good choice and are easy to find at the grocery store here in Canada. You can use beef or pork sausage for this recipe. Really any sausage meat you like best, you can use for this recipe.

The last time we made Scotch Eggs I included them as part of the charcuterie board for our Spring Tablescape someone requested the recipe so this time I took photos so I could share with you.

wrapping a hard boiled egg in sausage to make scotch eggs

Frying Your Eggs

I used a frying pan and about an inch of oil to pan fry my scotch eggs. It's not necessary to get out the deep fat fryer and deep fry this recipe. But you can make them in the deep fryer if you prefer to. Heat the oil temperature to 350 degrees F. We finished our pan fried scotch eggs off in the oven, but if you're cooking them in a deep fryer you can skip the oven and just make sure the sausage meat is fully cooked through before removing them from the hot oil.

You can also use an air fryer to make scotch eggs. Spray them well with oil, and cook at 375 degrees for about 6 minutes, then turn them over and cook an additional 6 minutes until they are golden brown and the sausage meat is fully cooked through. The best way to test if your sausage meat is fully cooked is with a cooking thermometer. Ground pork, or ground beef is fully cooked when it reaches 160 degrees F. Be sure your sticking the thermometer into the sausage meat only and not the cooked egg when you're checking it.

These Scotch eggs are so perfect for summer picnics and eating on the go. If you're making them for a picnic you can make ahead of time and store them in the fridge so they're ready for a picnic the next day. Store them in an airtight container or plastic wrap.

Recipe

Scotch Eggs

Hard boiled eggs coated in sausage meat and breading pan fried to golden brown.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: British

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 368kcal

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

Instructions

Begin by hard boiling your eggs. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for 10 min. then remove them, run under cold water and remove the shells.
For the sausage layer, first remove the casing. Then use one sausage per egg. Flatten the sausage mixture, and wrap it around your cooked peeled eggs. Make sure your eggs are dry, because if not they sausage meat won't stick well and might come off later when you fry them.
Next is breading the sausage-wrapped eggs. Place your flour, egg and water mixture, and bread crumbs into three separate bowls. Dip them first in flour, then in the beaten egg mixture, and then into the bread crumbs.
To cook your Scotch eggs, pan fry them on each side until a deep golden brown in a frying pan with about a half an inch of oil over a medium-high heat. Turn the egg to create a crispy crust on all sides.
Once the Scotch eggs are browned all over use a slotted spoon to place your fried scotch egg on a baking sheet and finish in the oven at 350 for 10-15 min. until the layer of sausage is fully cooked.
Serve warm, room temperature or cold.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

I hope you'll try them and enjoy them. This is one of those classic recipes that you will use again and again. It's a real crowd pleaser too..

With home made Scotch Eggs to enjoy, life really is a party!

More Recipe Inspiration

You might also like our Irish Ploughman's Lunch here.

Also check out The Perfect Club Sandwich here.

You might also enjoy our Homemade Onion Rings recipe here.

British Picnic

Jul 17, 2018 · 2 Comments

British Picnic: our romantic English inspired British picnic food menu includes tea sandwiches, home-made scotch eggs, scones and cream, shortbread, empire cookies, custard creams, vintage decor and lots and lots of tea.

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This summer I'm excited to share a series of picnics inspired by amazing food from different countries. The first in the series is our British Inspired Picnic, with a great British picnic food menu.

Who doesn't love a tea party, and what could be better than a tea party in the most beautiful outdoor picnic setting?

British inspired picnic tea party beside a river

The Setting- By The River

As I set up the picnic our girls were "paddling" in the river. A very British term for wadding in the river, although ours were actually swimming in the end. They had so much fun exploring the river, and playing. And it also meant that no one was begging for food while I set up. 😉

I set everything up on the bank of the river. I started with some pretty vintage wool blankets -perfect for picnicking on. And I layered on a pretty vintage table cloth picked up at the thrift store. A British Picnic is the perfect excuse to bring out all the pretty, and vintage pieces you have.

It is a bit of a luxury to bring along pillows and cake stands, but so worth it for the perfect pretty picnic. 😉

British Picnic: our romantic English inspired picnic food menu includes tea sandwiches, home-made scotch eggs, scones and cream, shortbread, empire cookies, custard creams, vintage decor and lots and lots of tea.

We used our wagon to transport everything along the path through the woods to our perfect little spot. It was fun to use all my pretty bits and pieces.

A real favourite are the wicker picnic baskets. Most have been picked up at thrift stores over the years. What could be more British feeling than a perfect picnic hamper?

British Tea Party Picnic Food Menu

Tea Sandwiches

cucumber sandwiches
egg salad on a mini croissant
scotch eggs -recipe here
mini sausage rolls

We started out with tea sandwiches.

I made easy cucumber sandwiches, and egg salad on mini croissants.

Picnic: our romantic English inspired picnic food menu includes tea sandwiches, home-made scotch eggs, scones and cream, shortbread, empire cookies, custard creams, vintage decor and lots and lots of tea.

Paper bakery boxes made transport easy. I also used a few vintage enamelware refrigerator boxes that I had. The sausage rolls are from a local favourite bakery, and perfect for a picnic.

We also made some homemade scotch eggs. Scotch Eggs are traditional British picnic fare. They are basically hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat. They're perfectly portable and so delicious. Find the recipe to make the Scotch Eggs here.

English inspired picnic food menu includes tea sandwiches, home-made scotch eggs, scones and cream, shortbread, empire cookies, custard creams, vintage decor and lots and lots of tea.

Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

We had to have the traditional scones and clotted cream too. We made the scones -see our recipe here, and brought along some jam and clotted cream. The cream can be hard to find. My local grocery store is stocking it these days, or you can use whipped cream in a pinch.

English inspired Picnic tea party scones and tea

British Picnic Drinks

tea
lemonade

We couldn't have a tea party without tea of course. We made a thermos of tea and enjoyed it with our sweets all afternoon long. I used some mismatched teacups, again picked up at thrift stores over the years. They weren't precious ones, just incase something got broken, but they added so much charm to our picnic!

For the girls, and because it was a hot day, I also brought along some lemonade.

The re-usable bottles are perfect for picnics. And instead of an ugly cooler, I used a pretty galvanized bucket filled with ice, which worked perfectly. The cold drinks were very welcome on a hot day....although after spending hours in the river the girls might have preferred hot chocolate at the end of the day.

British Picnic Desserts

fresh strawberries
empire cookies
shortbread cookies
homemade custard creams -recipe here

For dessert, we had to have some fresh strawberries. What is an English summer without strawberries?

There were also lots of baked treats. When I picked up the sausage rolls at my favourite local bakery I also picked up some Empire cookies -a real favourite of mine. And here's a great tip for your picnic planning -make it easier on yourself by picking up some of the food and not making everything yourself.

Another store-bought treat were some shortbread cookies.

And probably everyones favourite were these homemade custard creams. You can see our recipe here. They're so perfectly buttery, creamy, and not too sweet but sweet enough. Pretty much best friends with a cup of tea. 😉

Picnic tea party homemade custard creams

All these goodies, some of our favourite people, and the loveliest setting made for one of the nicest afternoons that I've had in ages.

Summer Picnics

Quite awhile ago, I asked some of my readers over on Facebook "what keeps you from entertaining more?" The most popular response was "my home". Some people felt they didn't have enough space for entertaining, others felt like their house needed some fixing up and renos before they'd feel comfortable entertaining, and others said it was just too much effort to get the house all clean and "company ready". All very understandable reasons. And it got me thinking about how you can entertain outside of your home.

Picnics are the perfect summer solution.

This summer I hope to share a variety of picnics inspired by some of my favourite international cuisine. Some will have lots of homemade treats and recipes, but others will be mostly store bought and much easier to put together. I hope to inspire you -not necessarily to put on a big extravagant picnic -unless that's your thing in which case send me your photos ;), but more just to get us all connecting with friends and family over food, slowing down, and enjoying beautiful and all too short summer weather. It can be as easy as picking up a pizza and heading to the beach with friends or as fancy as our tea party and everything in between. Hope we've left you feeling a least a little inspired. We'll be sharing a new picnic with you every two weeks, so be sure to look out for them.

With a British Picnic to enjoy along the river, life really is a party!

Black and White Garden

Jul 8, 2018 · 6 Comments

Black and White Garden -an old garden is refreshed with a new pea gravel seating area, and lots of black and white accessories and plants, including a garden of all white plants.

This black and white garden refresh was a labour of love. It was over grown, and needed attention.

The Old Garden

About eight years ago now -boy time flies, we did some work on our backyard. The kids were little and we decided it was worth spending what we might have spent for a nice one week vacation on the backyard instead, since we could use it everyday. We had a beautiful pergola built with a patio underneath of it for a dining area. We also re-did our deck railing and added wide stairs to open the whole deck up more and connect it with the rest of the backyard. And in the space between the pergola, the deck, the house, and the fence I created my white garden. It almost feels like a little courtyard.

All White Garden

When I created the white garden I got the idea -I don't even remember where, that it would be fun to create a garden that was all one colour and I choose white. Sometimes they were called moon gardens because the light of the moon could reflect off of the white flowers at night. It really was a favourite space of mine. And when my girls were little, I spent many nap times out there on my own weeding and puttering with the baby monitor in hand. The other side of the yard was their play space with play houses, swings and a play structure, sand box, and kiddie pools in the summer, but the white garden was my little spot.

The Pathways

For the bones of the white garden I create two intersecting paths. One connected the pergola with the back gate, and the other intersected it. The paths created four quadrants and I filled them with perennial white flowers.

Over the years though, one of the paths had become quite over grown.

Unfortunately I laid the one path of large flagstones surrounded by small river rocks without any weed barrier underneath. Shortly after laying it, I realized the mistake I'd made and thought someday I'd have to fix it. Over the years, this path has required a lot of weeding. Also over time the river rocks had worked their way into the soil and were mostly buried in the dirt.

As well, everything in the garden has grown tremendously. Somethings have flourish... ie started to take over, and others have died out. Everything was just looking a little tired. And since I haven't puttered away during nap time for quite some years (my girls are now 11 and 13) the whole area just needed some attention.

The Black and White Garden Refresh

This spring my oldest daughter's Mother's Day gift to me was to help me fix up the white garden. Our biggest project was to re-do the old path. It was a big job, not difficult, but very time consuming. We had to lift all the small river rocks from the path, dig them out of the dirt, and then wash them off. We then lifted the large stepping stones, and laid the missing weed barrier cloth. Then we had to relay all the rocks and stones.

It took an extra long time to do, because we stopped part way through. I had an injury on my leg and had to wait about 3-4 weeks for it to heal, so our spring project stretched well into the beginning of summer and into the heat wave last week which meant we could only work in the morning hours when it was shady.

If you've been following along on Instagram Stories, you've seen my progress day by day. If you love to see behind the scenes and don't follow me on Instagram yet, make sure you do. You can see exactly what I'm up to with all my little projects.

new flagstone and river rock garden pathways

The New Seating Area

It wasn't just the path ways and plants that got a refresh. We also decided to add a little sitting area in the white garden. It really is such a lovely little garden, and in the morning it is nice and shady from the house.

pea gravel seating area in a small garden

Our yard is very sunny, and despite trying to grow vines over the pergola for the last eight years, we haven't managed much shade yet. We've tried all sorts of different vines, and had lots of damage over the years from the wild rabbits from the forest behind our house that love to come into our yard and snack on my garden. We feel like the grape-vine and the wisteria might just give us some real shade soon, and we've become more and more diligent about adding chicken wire to them in the fall and winter to protect them from the rabbits. Here's hoping they really grow this summer!

pea gravel seating area in a small black and white garden

So I thought it would be nice to add a little seating area to an area of the garden that's already shady -at least in the mornings and create a spot to enjoy our morning coffee this summer. To create a seating area, I had to expand the pea gravel path into a little patio area. I removed some of the garden beside the old path, added more weed barrier cloth, and then added more pea gravel to create the little patio area. It was really pretty simple to do. I actually wish I'd done it sooner.

It was a bit difficult to find the perfect little love seat for the spot. I found everything here in Canada that I liked was out of my price range. We ended up picking up this one at Target. I was cross border shopping with my family and spotted it, but we didn't have room in our car to bring it home. We thought we'd order it and have it delivered, but when we got home we realized this piece isn't available for shipping to Canada. After looking around here I decided to make the 2 hour drive back to the US and pick it up. We got the second last one in the store, since it went on sale.

I have to say it was worth all the trouble. It's the perfect size for the space. I love the scandi design.

And it's supper comfortable -nice and deep and cozy. Also the price was right, even with the drive, and paying customs at the border, and the exchange rate.

While I was at Target I also picked up the great black and white pillows.

I already had the beautiful water feature, but it was in a different location, and this spot defiantly shows it off more.

I also added in this pretty little garden bench turned coffee table. It was a rough piece picked up at a garage sale, but we've given it the prettiest makeover, that I'll be sharing with you tomorrow. On top, a little roasting pan is full of hens and chicks.

I wanted to carry the black and white and boho feel from inside my house into the garden so I also made a few fun tassels. I picked up a little black and white yarn at the thrift store, and made this easy garland of tassels and another of pom poms in the pergola space. The yarn should do fine outdoors all summer, and it's such a fun and easy way to add a little boho vibe to the space.

The Pergola

The pergola got a little sprucing up too. The only new additions are the pretty hanging lanterns. They're from IKEA. They're made of fabric so they can withstand the rain, and are solar for the prettiest little glow at night.

On the table a pretty new tablecloth from H&M Home. I love more of that boho black and white feel. I got the table all set up for a perfect snack.

It's such a lovely space for entertaining.

I love to start a party off out here in the garden with appetizers, while we bbq, and then move into the air conditioning later for dinner.

The Deck

I've carried the black and white up onto the deck too.

This area has our Muskoka chairs on it and a nice outdoor rug, which is so soft underfoot. The pots are all old enamel ware and metal pails, and washtubs. I love their aged vintage feel. We added holes to the bottoms for drainage and planted them up with black and white and white annuals. I love how the black and white plants look together. So simple, and so striking.

Years ago we invested in a simple, easy to install deck irrigation system. You can read all about how we installed it here. The plastic pipes run around the edge of the deck and the system is set on a timer. Every morning at 7 am ours runs for 10 min. You can set it for when ever and how ever long you like. Now I never have to worry about forgetting to water the pots. How many times did I invest in gorgeous annuals for the deck and then end up forgetting to water them? Or going away and them all dying or half dying and looking horrible?

This system is so worth it for me. In the fall we just put the timer away, and blow out the water lines so they don't freeze. In the spring we set it up again. I really could not be happier with it.

So that's my black and white garden refresh. It was a big job, that ended up taking ages to finish, but I'm so happy with it. We're already enjoying coffee on the new love seat most mornings since finishing it. We also have an upcoming party next weekend that I'm so glad the space is all ready for. It really wasn't an expensive refresh, just a few new pieces, and lots of work -but so, so worth it!

You might also like our Summer Deck Makeover post here.

Also check out our How To Make A Fairy Garden House post here.

You might also like our DIY Cement Garden Markers post here.

S'more Kits

Jun 28, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Smore Making Kit -use a picnic basket to store everything for s'more making. Add different flavours of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers.

I love giving kits as gifts. This smore making kit is perfect for summer gift giving, or just for your own family to keep everything you need for smore making nice and handy!

Today is the last day of school for my daughter and she's giving her teacher this smore making kit as a little end-of-year gift. I think it would be perfect for any gift giving this summer. Like how about as the ideal hostess gift for someone that's invited you to their cottage this summer?

Last year for end-of-the-year teacher gifts my girls gave their teachers Ice Cream Sundae Kits. You can read all about them here and see what we included.

This year when I saw Brooke from Nesting with Grace share her sweet S'more Kits in a vintage picnic basket on her Instagram Stories, I thought it was the such a great idea for gift giving. So here's my spin on her amazing idea.

Smore Making Kit Baskets

Start with a basket. A vintage picnic basket picked up a thrift store is perfect for this project. We had a few to choose from, my daughter liked the open on for her teacher. I love the idea of everything being all contained in the basket for gift giving, but also for actually using and storing it afterwards too. I think one with a lid is great for that part.

Once you have the basket it's time to fill it with all the s'more essentials -marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate!

Marshmallows

We started out with the marshmallows. I had this project in mind when I was cross border shopping so I picked up some fun flavoured marshmallows at Target. For my fellow Canadians, I saw some cool flavours at my Asian market too. These square flat regular ones are perfect for s'more making.

Graham Crackers

Next you need the traditional graham crackers. I found Vanilla, Chocolate, and regular also in the USA. If you can't find the different flavours in Canada though, how about including some different kinds of cookies? Chocolate digestive, chocolate chip, shortbread, oatmeal? The possibilities are endless and they would all be so, so delicious!

Chocolate

For the chocolate we picked up some milk chocolate Hersheys, and also some almond Hershey's. Just for fun we also included some peanut butter cups, and some individual containers of Nutella. My girls thought these would be perfect for s'mores. You might also consider some mint chocolate, dark chocolate, cookies and cream chocolate bars, or caramel filled chocolate bars. Again the different options are endless, and every one of them sounds amazing to me.

A Few More Things

I picked up some great marshmallow roasting forks in the dollar spot at Target. You could also find them at the dollar store and they're a great addition.

Brooke from Nesting With Grace also included some wet wipes in her kits for sticky fingers -I forgot to pick these up but they would be a really great addition too.

Free Smore Making Kit Printable Labels

We made a few fun labels for some of our items. You could also include some mason jars and use the labels on them. This is a great way to store everything in your basket once everything is open.

Isn't this idea great? So fun, simple, and perfect for gift giving. I hope you like my little spin on it with the free printable card and labels. My daughter drew the sweet little images. You can download them by clicking here, and print them out for gift giving.

With a S'more Kit for gift giving this summer, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also like our Cottage Hostess Gift idea here.

Also check out our Breakfast In Bed Gift Basket here.

DIY Mermaid Crowns

Jun 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment

DIY Mermaid Crown: use some shells, faux pearls, hair bands and hot glue to create your own beautiful Mermaid Crown. Perfect for dress up, or as part of a Mermaid Party!

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We made an easy and fun DIY Mermaid Crown for our Mermaid Birthday Party. They were the perfect mermaid accessory and the girls loved making them and wearing them.

These are great for dress up. These are the perfect finishing touch to your mermaid costume. And for any mermaid themed party, a mermaid tiara is a perfect alternative to a birthday party hat or plastic crown. These would also make great gifts to any mermaid lover. We included ours as party favors for our mermaid themed party. Our little mermaid loved them!

These are really fun mermaid crafts to do with older kids. We used hot glue gun, so this is best done with older kids, or an adult helper for a little girl. If you did want to use this as kids' craft ideas, you might want to use low heat glue guns.

You can pick up most of the supplies at the dollar store, making this a really inexpensive craft to make. We used an assortment of shells. If you want more exiotic pieces like sea glass or small sand dollars which would both be a great addition, you might need to look at a craft store. It's good to incorporate shells of different shapes and sizes for interest. The Unicorn horns shells are a great to add some height to your crown design.

Materials:

sea shells
hair bands
hot glue
pearls

How To Make a Mermaid Crown:

We started by laying out a design of sea shells. It's a great idea to pick a focal point for the center, and then fill out in a symmetrical pattern, repeating the pattern on each side.

When we were happy with the design we hot glued them on to the hairbands. Adding in some smaller shells, and smaller pieces like pretty faux pearls as the last step.

Keep in mind that you don't want anything poking downward at the base of your crown, that would be uncomfortable when you're wearing head band. Also, when you're making your own mermaid crown you want the crown to be able sit on your head without tipping over and falling off, so keep your design balanced at the front of the crown. The shells can get kind of heavy.

Also you can decide whether you want the hair band worn further back on your head and the design on the very top, or the hair band worn more forward and the design angled to sit up slightly like a mermaid princess crown.

Recipe

DIY Mermaid Crowns

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Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Equipment

hot glue gun

Materials

assorted sea shells
hair bands
hot glue
pearls

Instructions

Lay out a design of sea shells. You may choose a focal point for the centre, and create a symmetrical pattern, repeating the pattern on each side.
Hot glue the sea shells the head band, starting in the middle and working your way out, with the large shells first, and then filling in with smaller shells and faux pearls. Take care that nothing is poking downward, and that the crown will balance and not fall off your head when it's finished.

Optional: Finish off with some faux gemstones and glitter for a more sparkly look.

Experiment a little and see what you like. 😉

More Options

More great options are to add a little sparkle to your crown. You could do this by incorporating in some sparkly pipe cleaners, or some small plastic gems and glitter for more of a princess look to your own crown.

We had so much fun creating these fun crafts. These crowns were one of the best mermaid crafts we've done. They were such a fun addition to our mermaid party. And the best part has been the added bonus of using them for dress-up play afterward.

With your own beautiful DIY Mermaid Crown, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

If you'd like some more mermaid ideas, check our our Mermaid Party Activities:

You might also like our Mermaid Party Foods:

Also check out our Aqua Themed Pool Party here.

Mermaid Themed Party Food Ideas

Jun 13, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Mermaid Party Food: Inspiration for a Mermaid Beach Picnic, with a themed Mermaid Dessert Table full of mermaid treats like eatable driftwood, pearls, treasure, and coral.

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We had so much fun at our Mermaid Theme Party. Yesterday I shared the Mermaid party activities from the party. Today the best part of the party -the Mermaid Themed Party Food including the Mermaid Dessert Table.

We set everything up on the beach for our picnic, and all the rest of the activities that we shared yesterday were set up around it. It was so much fun, and the birthday girl loved it. We had lots of yummy food, and I'm excited to share all our mermaid birthday party food ideas with you today.

Mermaid Picnic Table

To set up our picnic area for our mermaid themed birthday party, we started with the table. It was a party table that has legs that screw on. Instead of screwing the legs on, we used a couple of crates underneath it to create the perfect low picnic table, which was such a fun idea for the kids to sit it.

Around the table we set up some picnic blankets to sit on and lots of cozy cushions for lounging. On the table I used a pretty aqua table cloth, and then we layered all things mermaid. We found a little driftwood on the beach and then added some shells. We also used some rustic rope. For a centerpiece we used some aqua candle holders with some pretty beach pebbles inside. This was the perfect centerpiece for our mermaid birthday party theme.

The rustic signs that we used for all the party activities were made from some old wood. We used chalk to write the words on them, and then went over it with white craft paint. These were such a great idea to add a little rustic charm to our mermaid party.

Over the table we made a cluster of pretty paper lanterns and hung them from the over head tree. These looked so gorgeous over the table, and were a nice alternative to balloons, with no danger of popping, or need to pick them up at the last moment at the party store.

mermaid party food ideas with mermaid lunch boxes

Mermaid Picnic Lunch

Individual Lunch Boxes

One of my favorite mermaid party ideas was our individual picnic boxes. For our picnic lunch, we made the cutest individual mermaid lunch boxes out of white gable boxes.

individual mermaid picnic lunches for a party

Everyone's lunch box had an aqua napkin and a cute wood spoon from the dollar store. We used the end of a pencil to stamp some aqua dots on the spoon ends to create the perfect polka dot wooden spoons. If you didn't want to stamp the ends, more of the mermaid washi tape on the spoon handles would be cute too. Love is in the details. We started with the white boxes and added some mermaid details with pretty mermaid washi tape, and some DIY tassels.

Mermaid Party Food: Inspiration for a Mermaid Beach Picnic, with a themed Mermaid Dessert Table full of mermaid treats like eatable driftwood, pearls, treasure, and coral.

For drinks we used our refillable glass bottles and made lemonade for everyone. We put them on ice and guests could help themselves.

Inside our individual picnic boxes were our mermaid lunches.

Mermaid Lunch Box Menu

ham and cheese sandwich
shell pasta salad
chips

We wanted a simple lunch that everyone (or mostly everyone since kids are a little tricky sometimes) would enjoy, that included some healthy options, before our mermaid dessert table. I made ham and cheese sandwiches on croissants, and I had some condiments of the side for anyone who wanted them. We also served a pasta salad -with shell pasta because that is definitely what mermaids eat. 😉 There was also a paper bag of potato chips for everyone too.

Everyone having their own little box made it really easy, and then after lunch they could use the empty box to hold all their party favors. They added their craft, mermaid crowns, water squirters, and candy to the boxes to take home.

Mermaid Dessert Table

After lunch it was time for everyone's favourite aspect of the party -the Mermaid Dessert Table. What little girl won't love their choice of fun mermaid sweet treats.

Mermaid Dessert Table Set Up

We used a card table to set it up our sweet table. The backdrop is made from some really inexpensive Ikea net curtains that we already had. We hung the netting from a tree branch above the table. To add the shells to the curtain we hot glued some little pieces of bendy wire to the back of each shell so we could hook them onto the net curtain and remove it afterward. It worked great, and the shells looked so pretty hanging in the curtain.

Since it was the beach we kept things pretty simple but totally fun for dessert.

Mermaid Treats

mermaid cupcakes with chocolate seashells
blue macaroon cookies
mermaid chocolate bark

We made some pretty seashell cupcakes. I think cupcakes are a great alternative to a mermaid cake, since they're the perfect single serving size for little party guests, and you don't have to worry about needing to slice a mermaid birthday cake or about needing little mermaid plates and forks.

The cupcakes were really easy to make and the star of the show. We topped each one with blue icing and a chocolate shell to fit our sea theme. I made the chocolate shells with a shell shaped chocolate mold. To make them we used white chocolate and candy melts in aqua, blue, pink, and purple. And we added a few "pearl" inspired sprinkles too.

We also made some homemade macarons with raspberry filling. These adorable cookies were so delicious and making them from scratch meant we could use food coloring to make our mermaid cookies match our party color scheme.

As well we included our mermaid bark. It was so pretty and so easy to make -find the mermaid bark tutorial here. It's a good idea to keep the chocolate as cool as you can before serving. We kept ours in a cooler until it was time to set up the desserts, and that worked really well.

Sweet Mermaid Food Ideas

We also thought it would be fun to include a whole bunch of mermaid inspired foods. This is such a fun addition to any mermaid birthday parties.

Mason jars made it easy to transport and set up this part at the beach. Small bowls would work great too. We used chalkboard labels to add mermaid names to all our sweet favorite mermaid party food ideas. We included some little candy bags on the table so everyone could help themselves and take any extra home with them. I have to say the girls loved making their own candy loot bags with all their favourites this way, adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The make your own candy bag was a huge hit and lots of fun for the little party guests.

Mermaid Candy Buffet

Here's what we included for our sea party food ideas:

Life rings -peach rings

Sharks -gummy sharks

Mermaid Treasure -chocolate coins

Mermaid themed Party Food dessert and candy ideas

Coral -sugar rock candy

Pearls -gum balls or white sixlets

"Sea"cret Wishes -blue cotton candy

Driftwood -pretzel sticks for a salty snack

and there was also some

s'more goldfish crackers, because mermaids and fish.

The Mermaid candy buffet food table was such a hit. The girls loved it, and loved being able to take some treats home for later too.

Other ideas that would be great to include with your mermaid themed food are:

blue jello
Swedish fish
chocolate mermaid tails
blue jelly beans

We had so much fun enjoying our Mermaid party food with a picnic and finishing up with our Mermaid Dessert Table. This was one of the best mermaid parties ever, and I hope the ideas help you have the best party you've ever had. These mermaid food ideas would also be great for a little mermaid movie night. Add all the mermaid themed snacks to your popcorn for the perfect themed movie night.

With Mermaid Picnic Food, life really is a party!

More Mermaid Ideas

Need some more Mermaid Party inspiration? Check out our Mermaid Party Activities from yesterday's post, full mermaid birthday party ideas you'll love like mermaid outfits, mermaid decor, and activities

You might also like our DIY Mermaid Crowns, our DIY mermaid tiara tutorial.

DIY Mermaid Crown: use some shells, faux pearls, hair bands and hot glue to create your own beautiful Mermaid Crown. Perfect for dress up, or as part of a Mermaid Party!

Be sure to check out our Beach Activities post too.

Mermaid Party -The Activities and Games

Jun 12, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Mermaid Party Activities and Games: ideas for your mermaid themed party like dressing up, a craft, sandcastles, and a water fight.

Mermaid party activities at a mermaid themed beach party.

We were celebrating my oldest daughter Paige's 13th birthday. Perhaps we're at the end of themed parties now. As she gets older I'm sure her and her friends ideas of fun will change and might not include themed birthday parties, but as they were all 12 and younger, we snuck in one more beautiful themed party for them. Keep them young. 😉

My daughter loves to swim and so this beach themed party was absolutely perfect for her. It was so much fun planning it and even more fun at the actual party. I hope you find some of these mermaid birthday party ideas helpful.

Beach Location

We live on the shores of lake Ontario, just outside of Toronto. We're about a 10 min. drive away from our closest beach. In the summer we love to go down to the beach for a walk or swim. And summer holidays usually involve at least one beach day a week for me and my girls, since there's so many nice lakeside parks and beaches near us.

For this party we scouted out a perfect spot with a few picnic tables in the morning, and got everything all set up early. The girls came around 11, and we had a great time playing and enjoying a beach picnic lunch together, and enjoying some themed games and activities.

If you don't live near the beach a pool party would be a great option for a mermaid theme party too.

Mermaid-Themed Party Decor Ideas

The colour scheme for the party was aqua, Paige's favourite colour and the perfect colour for a mermaid party. Choosing aqua also made it easy when we went looking for mermaid party supplies. We hung up some beautiful bunting, and a lots of paper lanterns over the picnic party table hanging from the tree branches.

We added in some garden flowers and weighed down our vases with beach rocks, which looked so pretty and kept them from tipping over in the breeze. And we sprinkled sea shells all around too, that I picked up at the local dollar store.

There's lots more details about the picnic table set up here in Part II of the Mermaid Party -The Food.

Rustic Mermaid Signs

We also made some simple signs out of some old rustic boards for our mermaid themed party. To make them, I wrote the words first in chalk and then with some white craft paint. These rustic signs looked so beachy and added so much to the party area. We used them to mark out different stations for the activities, which is always fun for a kid's party so that the kids can have an idea of all the fun activities you have planned for them.

Mermaid Party Activities and Games

Get Your Mermaid On Outfits

We made fun seashell mermaid crowns before hand -find the easy tutorial to make mermaid crowns here.

Mermaid necklaces or bracelets would have been a great addition too. If you're planning something similar you could set up a craft area with some beads, shell charms, and letter beads where the girls could create their own mermaid necklace or bracelet to include with their outfit too.

One tip is to bring a small mirror so that the girls can see themselves in the different crowns. The crowns are such a fun twist on traditional birthday hats for a party.

Everyone got to pick one to wear for the party. After the party they could each take theirs home with them. We also had a mermaid tail beach cover up for everyone. I found these on sale at an outlet mall, and grabbed 7 of them. I thought they were absolutely perfect for the party, and great party favors for the guests. These were such a great way to get all the guests excited about the mermaid theme as soon as they arrived.

Painting Mermaid Peg Dolls Craft

This was a great activity for a party with guests of different age groups. My daughter and her school friends spent a long time painting theirs with lots of details on their little mermaids, and chatting away as they worked. The younger guests were done a bit more quickly and moved on to another activity, so this was a really good idea for a party with more than one age group.

After the paint dried, I put each one into the girls party bags to take home.

I love having lots of different activities where everyone can find something they love and your little guests can play the afternoon away at whichever themed activities they like best.

Sand Castle Building Mermaid Party Game

The kids could make whatever sand art they wanted, like sea creatures or a castle. Again, some girls worked for a long time creating their perfect castle, adding a layer of seaweed, wishing stones, shells, and flags and others prefered to swim or play.

You might also want to make this into a great game with small prizes for the best sand castle or sand creation. You could adult volunteers judge, or have the kids themselves vote for a winner. If you're giving out prized, you might store them in a treasure chest to fit the theme, and let kids pick their favourite.

Water Fight Mermaid Party Game

We had a lovely lunch -which you can read all about here in our Mermaid Party -Part II. Then it was time for a fun water fight! We bought some really fun water blasters from the dollar store that everyone could use for the party and take home after. This was a really fun mermaid party game. The girls split themselves into teams. They had a great time squirting and chasing each other in and out of the water.

I hope some of these amazing ideas inspire your own fun mermaid games and activities, at your next mermaid party. I hope they make it the best mermaid party ever.

With fun Mermaid Party Activities and Games, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

Spring Table Decor Ideas

May 29, 2018 · 2 Comments

Spring Table Decor Ideas: this spring add some pink, marble, statement cutlery, gold and brass, and the mix of rustic and luxury.

I wanted to share this pretty spring tablescape with you and some sprint table decor ideas.

Spring Table Ideas

Now is the perfect time of year to gather some spring flowering branches and set a pretty table for spring entertaining. I love how this table turned out and thought it might be fun to share a few ideas for your own spring tables.

Pink

I'm a big fan of pink and it's especially perfect this time of year. I like it mixed with lots of neutrals so it's not too sweet. Here I've used pink in the napkins -un-ironed for a rustic feel, and the large pink glass vase. I've added touches with the flowers or cupcakes too.

Marble

We've seen lots of marble in home accessories over the last while.

I've added some marble to this table with these fun marble enamelware tin plates. I love the pattern they bring to the table and the black and white is perfect.

Statement Cutlery

If you're a regular reader of mine, you know how much I love this trend toward statement cutlery. It really is like jewelry for the table. We've seen gold, copper, black, and a mix of all of them. This white and gold cutlery has to be some of the most beautiful I've ever seen. It has the perfect weight, and as soon as you feel it in your hand you feel the craftsmanship. It's also available in pink. Be still my heart. It's an investment to be sure, but if cutlery is your thing... it is a truly beautiful set.

Mix of Rustic with Luxury

I love the mix of the rustic frayed linen on the table and even the enamel plates, and the informality of no table-cloth juxtaposed to the luxurious glassware with gold accents. Don't be afraid to really mix and match, because it adds interest and depth to a tablescape.

Brass and Gold

We've see the rise of gold and brass metals in home decor the last few years and it's still going strong. I've included a pretty brass candle on this table. The gold cutlery and gold on the glasses adds some warm sparkle too.

With a pretty Spring table decor ideas, life really is a party!

More Table Decor Ideas

You might also like our Rustic Casual Tablescape here.

Also check out our 3 Steps To An Easy Summer Table here.

Three Steps to an Easy Summer Table: learn how to start with the basics, add items for interest, and look in unexpected places to set the perfect table.

You might also enjoy Yellow and Pink Picnic Tablescape here.

Easy Chicken Salad Toast Cups

May 17, 2018 · 1 Comment

Chicken Salad Toast Cups: use store bought rotisserie chicken and regular old white sandwich bread to make these easy and delicious tea sandwiches. Perfect for a tea party, picnic, or as an appetizer.

Chicken salad in a toast cup with onion sprout garnish.

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Little cups made out of toast and filled with fresh chicken salad are a great party food to add to your tea party, luncheon, or picnic. The crunchy toast cups are made out of regular white bread and a muffin pan. And the fresh chicken salad is quick to make with a rotisserie chicken. If you're a chicken salad fan, you will love this easy chicken salad cups recipe.

Love chicken recipes? You might also like our Honey Garlic Chicken Wings.

These little chicken salad bites are a real favourite of mine. I've been making them for ages, and they're an old standby for tea parties -and yes, we are those people who seem to have tea parties on the regular, lol.

They're really easy to make, and they always impress guests. They're also so good! You will want to make them the next time you're having a tea party. They are perfect as part of the savory main course, along with finger sandwiches.

Memories of Girl Guides and Tea Gardens

The first time I had these little toast cups way back when I was a Girl Guide -which is the Canadian equivalent to a Girl Scouts.. I loved Girl Guides growing up. It was such a great part of my life.

One of the things our unit did to fundraise was an annual bazar. There were tables for shoppers to visit, like the plant table, the bake sale table, and the white elephant table. There was also aways a tea garden. We had a little menu of tea, tea sandwiches, and sweets and us girls with the help of our leaders were the waitresses.

We always used to serve these toast cups with assorted salads in them -egg, tuna, or chicken. And they were always a hit with customers -ie. our moms and grandmothers, haha. I remember so fondly being in the back kitchen making more toast cups with my leader as we served.

I don't think I ever made them at home growing up, but at some point I was hosting a tea party as an adult and remembered these. I've been making them ever since, and everyone always loves them.

Chicken

The ingredient list for these chicken salad toast cups is quite simple. I like to use a store bought rotisserie chicken to make my chicken salad. It'a quick and the rotisserie chicken is always nice and moist. I remove the bones and skin and cut the whole chicken in to large chunks. It does make a large amount of chicken salad. So if you want a smaller amount you could cook a chicken breast at home. You could also make this chicken salad recipe using leftover chicken.

Toast Cups

The toast cups are made out of regular sliced bread. I usually make them out of white bread, but you can do with with whole wheat if you prefer, or do a mix of both. One slice of bread makes one toast cup. I always use real butter for making the toast cups. The flavor of the real butter really comes through. I won't use margarine for this recipe, but you can use it if you prefer.

store bought rotisserie chicken salad recipe

Storage and Serving

This is a great make ahead. Make your chicken the night before serving and store in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Right before serving stir the chicken salad and if it's become a bit dry add a little more mayo and stir to mix it in.

The toast cups will stay nice and crunchy for a day or two in an airtight container before you stuff them.

Add the chicken salad right before serving. I like to garnish the chicken salad cups with some onion sprouts, or alfalfa sprouts. You could also use some green onions or chives for garnish.

If you have a gluten free guest you could use lettuce cups to serve the chicken salad as a gluten free option. Or make your toast cup out of gluten free bread.

You can also use these toast cups in different ways to serve egg salad, or tuna salad, but chicken salad is our very favorite way to fill these cute cups. They're perfect for a tea party on a special occasion or as easy appetizers, or a great idea for a picnic.

My favourite is to have these toast cups with chicken salad, but you could use tuna if you like or egg salad as a vegetarian option.

These are perfect for a tea party, and would even be great for a picnic -just pack the salad and toast cups separately and assemble at the picnic.

Chicken Salad Toast Cups tea party sandwiches

Yesterday I shared my spring tea party and these were part of the tea party menu.

Recipe

Chicken Salad Toast Cups

Crispy and buttery toast cups filled with creamy chicken salad.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sandwich

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 50

Servings: Toast Cups

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

▢ 1 whole rotisserie chicken chopped
▢ 2 stalks of celery diced
▢ ¼ red onion diced
▢ salt and black pepper to taste
▢ ¾ cup mayonnaise or miracle whip
▢ ½ cup onion sprouts for garnish

For the Toast Cups

▢ 1 loaf white sandwich bread
▢ ½ cup butter softened

Instructions

To make the chicken salad, start by cutting up your whole rotisserie chicken and removing all the bones and skin. Dice any large pieces of the chicken and place in a large mixing bowl.
Chop red onion, and celery. Place in the mixing bowl with the chicken.
Add salt and pepper and mayo or miracle whip and stir through the chicken mixture to create a moist salad.
For the toast cups, butter both sides of a slice of bread, cut off the crusts with a sharp knife.
Push the bread into a muffin pan, by placing one finger in the middle of each side. This will create the little flower/cup shape.
Bake the toast at 350 for 20-30 until golden brown and toasted.
Let the toast cups cool. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Will keep for a day or two if sealed.
To serve, fill the toast cups with chicken salad and garnish with some sprouts.

Notes

Feel free to add chopped radish to the chicken salad, or add chopped apple and walnuts for a different version.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

With homemade Chicken Salad Toast Cups, life really is a party!

More Tea Party Recipe Inspiration

You might also enjoy our Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Mayo here.

Also check out our Easy Food Processor Scones recipe here.

Easy Food Processor Scones: easy and quick to make in your food processor, these flakey scones are perfect for a tea party, breakfast, or snack.

You might also like our Shortbread Cookies recipe here.

Spring Afternoon Tea Party and Plant Swap

May 16, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Spring Tea Party and Plant Swap: celebrate the beginning of gardening season with a spring tea party and plant exchange.

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The Victoria Day long weekend is the traditional time to start planting outside where I live. I look forward to getting into my garden over the long weekend every year. I love to get my planters planted on my deck, and put in our little veggie patch. Over the years, it's become a bit of a tradition to kick off the season with a little spring tea party and plant swap over the weekend too. My girl friends love it and look forward to it too. It's such a perfect way to celebrate the new season together.

The Tea Table

I set the table for our spring tea party with a white color scheme in mind. I layered my vintage lace tablecloth, and then added lots of pretty white spring flowers in vintage bottles, and white dishes. Look for pretty vintage pieces like the tablecloth at the thrift store and antique store. They add a lot of charm to the table. We set the table with small plates to enjoy our dainty meal together. Dessert plates are perfect for this. I like to keep the number of guests for this party quite small and intimate. So we set up this get together in the kitchen, but for a larger group you could use your dining room, or if the weather is warm enough you could host this party outside.

white spring flower arrangements in vintage glass bottles

Such a simple and pretty spring centerpiece with some of the fresh flower arrangements from my garden. It's the perfect time of year to pick spring blooms from your own garden to use on your table, and add a real feeling of springtime.

Party Favor

I thought it would be fun to do a little party favor for my guests to take home from the spring afternoon tea party so I made some little tiny bottles of wildflower seeds.

I found an inexpensive box of mixed wildflower seeds, and then used a funnel to put them into these sweet little glass bottles with cork tops.

The labels are made from simple brown paper. I put one at every place setting and everyone loved them this great idea. Just a few easy steps to make the perfect little take home party favor.

The Tea Bar

This year I set up the sweetest tea bar in the kitchen so guests could help themselves to their favourite tea.

There was classic English Breakfast, and Earl Grey tea bags. There was also Chamomile Citrus, Green Tea with Pomegranate, Lemon Ginger, and Pure Green Tea. I had a variety of different tea pots and the kettle boiled so we could make various kinds for everyone, and keep those hot cups of tea coming throughout the afternoon together

Of course we also had some traditional tea accompaniments; milk, sugar, honey and lemon.

I used my vintage milk glass pretty tea cups. Sometimes it's nice to get a little fancy with a pretty tea set, and tea party is perfect occasion for it.

white milk glass tea cup with tea steeping

Everyone had so much fun choosing their tea and trying different flavors throughout the afternoon.

Tea Sandwiches

We started our tea party off with some savory treats. It's traditional to begin an afternoon tea with tea sandwiches. For our spring tea party we had:

cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches
egg salad with lettuce on mini croissants
chicken salad in toast cups with onion sprouts -recipe here.

For the tea sandwiches we began with traditional cucumber and cream cheese.

I love to make these and cut off the crusts for a dainty high tea treat or little finger sandwiches.

mini croissants with egg salad and lettuce tea sandwiches

We also had some egg salad sandwiches on mini croissants.

My favourite little tea sandwich though had to be the homemade chicken salad in toast cups. You can find the recipe for these Chicken Salad Toast Cups here. Every good tea party starts with some delicious little tea sandwiches.

scones and tea party desserts on tiered tray

Scones and Clotted Cream

Years ago, I got to live in England for 8 months. One of the delights I'll never forget was going for a cream tea. A cream tea consists of a beautiful pot of hot tea, and scones with butter, jam and clotted cream. Scones are the traditional second course in an afternoon tea. This sweet treat, just might be everyone's favorite party.

It's hard to find clotted cream over here, but sometimes you get lucky. If you can't find any you can always substitute some whip heavy cream, it's not quite as special but works in a pinch.

The Sweets

And every tea party should finish with some sweets. Make your own, or pick some up at your local bakery, or do a combination. It's nice to offer a varitey. We had

cherry strudel slices
pineapple angel food cupcakes with whipped cream
raspberry thumbprint cookies

I made a beautiful cream cheese and cherry strudel.

We also had some little pineapple angel food cakes.

Aren't these tea cup cupcake holders the cutest? And we topped them off with some whipped cream. A little cupcake is always a great addition to a tea party menu.

There were also some delicious almond thumbprint sweet little cookies. We served lots of the sweets together on a tiered tray, which we made by stacking two matching cake stands together. We used the larger cake stand as a little base, and then stacked the smaller one right on top, which worked perfectly. It's a lovely idea to have a variety of small items, so that guests can try a few different things.

It was such a lovely afternoon together drinking many, many cups of tea and enjoying all the food. It was tea time afterall.

The Plant Exchange

After our tea party, it was time to head outside to the garden for our plant swap.

The idea of plant exchange is to all bring one another a perennial plant from our gardens to share with each other. You bring one plant for everyone and get to go home with as many new ones as well. Some years everyone has had established gardens and shared some of their perennial babies or divided up a large perennial. Other years, people with less established gardens have come and just picked up a new plant for everyone at the garden centre or even a package of seeds.

I always try to invite a mix of old and new gardeners. The new ones are full of enthusiasm and the old ones are full of wisdom.

I made a simple name tag for everyone with some cardboard tags and twigs. This just makes it a little easier to arrange everything as everyone arrives with their plants to share.

As everyone arrived for the party, they added their plants to everyone's little groupings. This is such a great way to share plants.

We had so much fun enjoying an afternoon of exchanging plants, sipping tea, and enjoying treats together. If you are a gardener, or your friends are, you might want to make this into a new tradition too. I hope this gives you lots of sprint tea party ideas to use for your own spring tea parties.

With a lovely spring tea party and plant exchange to celebrate the beginning of gardening season, life really is a party!

More Tea Party Inspiration

You might also like How To Throw An Afternoon Tea Party For Adults here.

Also check out How To Throw A Garden Tea Party here.

You might also like How To Host A Tea Party here.

Modern Boho Master Bedroom One Room Challenge Reveal

May 9, 2018 · 40 Comments

Modern Bobo Master Bedroom: Black and white, lots of texture, and a mix of modern and traditional help give this room a European Modern Boho feel.

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I'm so excited to share my Modern Boho Master Bedroom One Room Challenge Reveal with you today. I've been working on this room for six weeks, and I'm so glad it's finished. You can check out past weeks here to catch up:

The Before and The Plan / DIY Concrete Side Tables

There's always that point in a makeover when you question yourself and wonder if it's going to work out how you hoped and if it was worth all the effort. I'm happy to say at the end that I'm so glad I did it.

I said at the very beginning that I wanted to fall in love with this room again. I honestly didn't know if I could.

We had to work around the large four poster bed. I had made a little deal with my husband when we got married that he could pick the bedroom furniture if I could pick the living room furniture. He loves traditional furniture and picked out this bedroom set. I liked it, but never loved it. Seventeen years later he still loves it, so it had to stay.

My work around was to treat it as a star of the room, to showcase it, and add contrasting modern furniture around it. I thought of the way Europeans decorate with old heirloom pieces mixed with modern cool pieces. That was my inspiration. I was going for a European, Scandinavian, black and white, boho kind of a feel to the room. And I think I got there in the end with my Modern Boho Bedroom.

Let's start with the walls. We got rid of the tired beige walls and partnered with Para Paints to paint the room Cloud White WH03 (formerly JoJo Whitewash). It made the room feel light and bright, and so much bigger, and perfect for my black and white boho master bedroom.

Now onto the bed. I love the finished look with all the new bedding! It's so cozy and pretty. I partnered with HomeSense for some of the accessories in the room, including the beautiful new bedding. You really can not beat their quality, selection, and price. They always have the latest, trendiest looks and the price is always amazing. I had so much fun shopping for all the new pieces.

traditional four poster bed with modern pillows

I picked up some gorgeous Tommy Hilfiger sheets, and the Nicole Miller 100% linen duvet cover. A linen duvet cover has been on my wish list for awhile now. I love the softness, and feel of the linen. We already had a white duvet cover but the linen is a definite upgrade. A tip for making a traditional bed look a little more modern is to try monochromatic bedding.

The bed is layered with lots of yummy pillows. I used the beautiful linen pillow shams that came with the duvet cover and then layered in these gorgeous grey Euroshams. The sutle pattern on them, and the grey helps break up all the white.

I also picked up this long bolster pillow at HomeSense. The texture is great, and the tassel ends help add some of the boho vibe. I love this Anthro look at a fraction of the price.

The two front pillows are a real favourite of mine. They're both from Bobbie Made, a local maker with a shop on etsy. They are so beautiful. They add so much texture to the room and definitely some of that boho charm. The cream one is woven and full of beautiful detail. The black one is partly mud cloth. I love the contrast of the cream and black and all the fringe. These two pieces are so cool and a real cherry on top to the bedding pillowscape. (Is pillowscape a word? It should be.) They really create the modern boho master bedroom feel I was going for.

traditional four poster bed with modern concrete side tables

Beside the bed are my amazing concrete side tables. You can find the tutorial on how to make the DIY concrete side tables here. These were the big project in the room, and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. We partnered with Home Depot to make them, starting with their amazing pre-made metal legs. We painted them black and made the concrete table tops. This is a great little DIY project for anyone who is a fan of concrete. The contrast of the modern tables beside the traditional bed is perfect for my modern boho master bedroom.

I really love how they look next to the traditional bed -so much contrasting goodness.

It's always fun to add a little vintage to any room. I wanted the styling in this room to be a little on the masculine side and I thought a collection of vintage alarm clocks would be the perfect addition to a bedroom. It was a lot of fun finding them, and I'm sure I'll add some more along the way. They really do remind me of being a little girl in my parent's bedroom. Every week night before he went to sleep my Dad would set the old alarm clock for work in the morning -not sure what he uses now, probably an iPhone, but these are sure full of charm.

Over on the other side, another fun vintage find. I picked up this old telephone at my favourite antique shop.

The greatest unexpected pleasure -the sound of the ring. Every time I hear it, it makes me smile and remember my childhood. And my 11 year old thinks dailing is so much fun, lol.

For more of the boho feel for our modern boho master bedroom, I wanted to add in lots of plants. You might remember my recent refresh in the master bathroom, right beside this room, where I added lots of new plants. I'm an aspiring plant lady. But, I honestly don't have a great track record with house plants. The perfect solution for the look without all the work and risk of real plants was to use some amazing faux plants.

I partnered with Afloral for all the beautiful faux plants in the room. They look and even feel so real.

The detail on them is amazing.

Grouped together they give an instant jungle feel -in a good way. The plants are amazing, and so are Alforal's selection of pots and planters. I love how the cement ones look next to the side table. Some of the plants I choose were potted already, and some were branches that I put into a planter with some floral foam and some moss on top. My biggest tip for ordering would be to use a measuring tape since it's hard to get the scale right on-line, and try to vary the final heights and leaf textures for a grouping.

If you've ever worried about investing in a fiddle leaf fig and feared you might not be able to keep the finicky plant alive, or worried about the mess of watering and leaves on carpet, then these realistic faux ones are the perfect solution. And the investment in great faux plants soon pays off after buying, killing, and then replacing a few real ones. 😉

I also added in a new chair on this side of the room. We'd always talked about a leather chair for reading here, but never got around to adding one in. When I decided to makeover the room I knew I wanted to finally add the perfect chair to the space. I went with this faux leather modern wingback. I liked the way the leather wingback was a nod to the tradtional furniture in the room, but I loved the way the grey and the really modern design with the exaggerated wings made it really modern.

The layered pillows on the chair are from Amara, and the velvet one matches another on the bed. I love the tassels and texture on the front pillow, and feel like it adds more of the boho feel to the room.

Modern Bobo Master Bedroom: Black and white, lots of texture, and a mix of modern and traditional help give this room a European Modern Boho feel.

In the background are the perfect curtains.

I tried a couple of pairs here and landed on these because they're airy and light, and add the perfect little bit of pattern with their black strip. These curtains are from Homesense, where they have such a great selection at such great price points. It honestly has me thinking about replacing the curtains in a few other rooms now too.

Modern Boho Bedroom: Black and white, woven wall hangings, a modern gallery wall, lots of plants, boho string lights, and tons of textured pillows give this room its European Modern Bohemian vibe.

At the end of the bed, between the door ways to the closet and the on suite there is a little wall that needed some art work.

bedroom art grouping with woven wall hanging

The nude is another great piece from Minted. I love how elegant she is. And Bobbie Made sent me the most beautiful little woven wall hanging. The detail is stunning.

Over on the other side of the room, is the dresser.

It had to stay too, but it looks so great with the gallery wall above it now. I took the large matching mirror off the back of it, and leaned it up against the wall on the other side of the room. Breaking up the set helps it feel a little less traditional.

I worked with Minted for a lot of the pieces in the gallery wall.

Modern Boho Bedroom gallery wall art grouping

I also added in one new piece, a beautiful Ferrari print from Auto Artwork Shop. My sweet husband is a huge F1 Ferrari fan. When we got married he had some expensive prints of red race cars. For the most part they've found a home in his different studies over the years, but when he gave up his study for me to have an office to blog from a few years ago, those red Ferrari pictures never found a new home. They're not really my aesthetic, but I found this one and it was perfect to include in the gallery wall. The black and white photo of a vintage Ferrari car fit perfectly. And he loves it.

If you watch me on Instagram Stories you 'll know I had trouble deciding on this vintage fan. At first I thought it was too big, but then I realized that with the scale of the bed the large size was actually a plus.

It was a splurge, and I'd seen it in a little antique shop about an hour from home, but I couldn't stop thinking about it. When I finally decided to get it I phoned them and it was still there so my girls and I made a road trip day out of it and had a great time.

On the dresser there are a few more treasures from Amara including the cute modern alarm clock, the copper glass box, and the pretty hexagon white tray.

I am so very happy about the room and how it all turned out. But I want to tell you there were a few compromises along the way. I had hoped to add in a vintage feeling traditional rug in grey and white with a little black. I just couldn't manage to find one I loved, in my price range, that shipped to Canada. It would have added some more pattern, texture and layers to the room. But I also know that rugs over carpet can be a pain -getting wrinkled and tripped over. So I left it out for now. If I do find the perfect one I may add it in later.

The other big disappointment was that at the last minute I couldn't replace the light. I found the perfect one and was so excited when it arrived. But unfortunately it was wired for the UK and won't work here in North America. There wasn't time to find another one so we left the chandelier up. It's a beautiful light and goes perfectly with the bed, but I do think a really modern one would have really helped with that modern / traditional contrast I was going for. So I'll be on the hunt for the perfect light over the next little while.

I share these two compromises with you only to help us all remember that making over a whole room in six weeks is challenging, and doesn't always come together exactly how we imagined. This isn't some quick tv makeover show, it's real life where we run into problems sometimes, and out of budget sometimes. Real life decorating tends to take time. And while I really love the challenge of getting a room all done is six short weeks, sometimes that means a few compromises. And I'm ok with that. Just keeping it real.

I really do love the room again. And....it has me thinking about and energized to take on some more room updates. At the end of the day I'm always amazed what some paint and new accessories can do for a space. So I hope you're encouraged to tackle a makeover you've been thinking about for a while too.

I really could not have brought this room together without some amazing sponsors. A special thanks to

Home Depot, Wayfair, HomeSense, Afloral, Amara, Para, Minted, Bobbie Made, Benjamin Wood Works, and Auto Artwork Shop. All opinions are my own, as always. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Life is a Party possible.

I'm joining over 200 Guest Participants in the One Room Challenge so be sure to check out all their room reveals here.

With a new Modern Boho Master Bedroom, life really is a party!

DIY Concrete Side Tables

May 2, 2018 · 20 Comments

DIY Concrete Side Table: this sleek, modern concrete side table is an easy DIY project. Store bought legs and a poured concrete top create a custom look.

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If you love simple, modern, clean lined concrete tables, but not the price of them in designer home decor stores, then you'll love this DIY version. Create the look for a much lower price tag.

When decorating my bedroom for the One Room Challenge, I wanted to add some more modern elements to the room to juxtapose the traditional four poster bed. When I couldn't find the tables of my dreams I decided to make some by doing this DIY concrete project. I worked with Home Depot to create the concrete side tables of my dreams! This DIY project turned out so well, I'm really in love with the new DIY concrete table.

One Room Challenge

It's Week Five of the One Room Challenge, and next week is the big final reveal of the room. Today I'm sharing my favourite project of the challenge. The DIY Concrete Side Table turned out so great.

Miss any updates of our progress? You can check out all the One Room Challenge weekly updates here:

The Before and The Plan / Modern Boho Master Bedroom Reveal

Materials:

Steel Furniture Legs
Matte Black Spray Paint
Concrete Mix
Melamine Board
#6 Wood Screws
Saw
Silicone Caulking
Diamond Sanding Pad
Lead Anchors
Drill
1" Pan Head Wood Screws
PL Premium Construction Adhesive
Concrete Sealer

How To Make A Concrete Side Table:

My amazing brother-in-law Shaun of Benjamin Tile Works is so good at any tile, wood, or concrete project. He's helped me make so many DIY ideas come to life. I really can't thank him enough for helping me bring my vision to life on these tables. I usually come up with a concept and challenge him with how we can make it -and by we I mean I usually end up taking pictures while he does all the real work.

He's done some concrete work for me in the past -he created my amazing basement fireplace surround, and even made these little concrete houses for me in the past. He did a great job on these tables, and with these step by step instructions of what he did, I think any DIYer could make them.

Making The Concrete Forms

The first thing you need to create is your forms for the concrete table top. We made our side table tops 24" by 17". The length was based on the size of the legs. We wanted the legs to be flush with the concrete top. The forms were made from a piece of melamine. It's nice and smooth and creates a really nice smooth finish on the table top, compared to regular wood forms. We highly recommend using melamine for the forms for a beautiful finished table top as your end result.

We made our tops 1 ½" thick, the same thickness as the table legs for a cohesive look.

Begin by cutting the edges for the form. We made two tables at once, so we cut three 17" long strips, that were 1 ½" thick. We made our two forms together so the long sides edge pieces were just over 60" to accommodate two 24" sections, plus the thickness of the form edge.

Next lay out the first long side of the mould and drill guide holes through the form edge and right through the bottom so that you can screw it together from the back side with #6 wood screws.

Use a square clamped into place to make sure your corners are perfectly square for your concrete mold. Pre-drill and screw into place the rest of the form edges.

Caulking The Forms

Now to finish the moulds, caulk the inside seams with the silicone caulking, applying a silicone bead around the edge, and then smooth out the edges. Since whatever you leave on the inside of the concrete form will transfer into the finished concrete top impression, take some care to make sure it's as smooth as possible on the seams. The silicone caulking will need at least three hours to set.

Preparing Your Concrete

Now you can mix your concrete. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the bag of concrete. Mix well, this step is very important. We used a drill attachment, and mixed our concrete in an empty bucket. The drill attachment is the perfect tool for this process, since the concrete is heavy and hard to mix thoroughly by hand. Make sure you get all the way to the bottom of the bucket when your mixing.

Because our tables were quite small we mixed the entire thing at once, but you could do it in small batches and do one table at a time if you wished.

Pouring Your Concrete

Fill your moulds with the wet concrete mixture. Use a trowel to smooth out the top. Use a rubber mallet to gently give the sides of the form a good tap, to help get rid of air bubbles in the concrete mixture.

how to get the air bubbles out of concrete

The next step, another trick (Shaun knows all the tricks) is to use a palm sander or orbital sander along the edges of the top of the form, just for the vibrations to also help get rid of the air bubbles in the cement mixture. Be sure to smooth the top and get it as level as possible.

Let the concrete tabletop set for 3 - 5 days.

Removing The Form

Remove the form edges by removing the screws and gently prying it off the melamine. Take care not to force it, since it could crack or break still at this point. Use a wet diamond sanding pad along the edge to smooth it a little bit around the rough edges, if needed.

Preparing The Steel Legs

For the legs, wipe them down with varsol to remove any grease. Spray paint the table base with several coats in matte black.

Applying The Legs To The Table Top

To attach the legs to the top piece, first mark out the screw holes on the bottom of the concrete table top. We only used the holes furthest from the edge to lessen the chance of cracking the concrete.

Drill holes for the lead anchors into the concrete, taking care since it's still fragile at this point. We were a little worried as we drilled the holes into the concrete. Ours wasn't quite set enough, probably because of colder night temperatures when we made it. If you let is set the whole 3-5 days though it should be fine. Of course do this part carefully though, you don't want all your hard work to be wasted by cracking anything here.

Then cut the tops off the lead anchors to make them shorter, and use the PL Premium Construction Adhesive to glue them into place in the drilled holes.

Next, add some PL Premium Construction Adhesive to the top edge of the table leg, and then glue and screw the leg into place. Again, take care since this is another time when you could crack the concrete. Then add the second set of legs and set up your table. It's very heavy.

Sealing The Concrete Tabletop

The final step is to apply a sealer to the concrete tabletop. Let the concrete cure for a full 28 days and then apply the clear coat sealer to the top of the table. (I haven't sealed it yet, but I will once the cure time is up.)

Recipe

DIY Concrete Side Tables

DIY Concreate Table With Steel Legs

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Course: DIY & Crafts

Cook Time: 5

Additional Time: 5

Total Time: 5 5

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Equipment

Saw
Drill
Caulking Gun
Sander

Materials

Steel Furniture Legs
Matte Black Spray Paint
Concrete Mix
Melamine Board
#6 Wood Screws
Silicone Caulking
Diamond Sanding Pad
Lead Anchors
1 " Pan Head Wood Screws
PL Premium Construction Adhesive
Concrete Sealer

Instructions

The first thing you need to create is your forms for the concrete table top. We made our side table tops 24" by 17". The length was based on the size of the legs. We wanted the legs to be flush with the concrete top. The forms were made from a piece of melamine. It's nice and smooth and creates a really nice smooth finish on the table top, compared to regular wood forms. We highly recommend using melamine for the forms for a beautiful finished table top as your end result.

We made our tops 1 ½" thick, the same thickness as the table legs for a cohesive look.
Begin by cutting the edges for the form. We made two tables at once, so we cut three 17" long strips, that were 1 ½" thick. We made our two forms together so the long sides edge pieces were just over 60" to accommodate two 24" sections, plus the thickness of the form edge.
Next lay out the first long side of the mould and drill guide holes through the form edge and right through the bottom so that you can screw it together from the back side with #6 wood screws. Use a square clamped into place to make sure your corners are perfectly square for your concrete mold. Pre-drill and screw into place the rest of the form edges.
Now to finish the moulds, caulk the inside seams with the silicone caulking, applying a silicone bead around the edge, and then smooth out the edges. Since whatever you leave on the inside of the concrete form will transfer into the finished concrete top impression, take some care to make sure it's as smooth as possible on the seams. The silicone caulking will need at least three hours to set.
Now you can mix your concrete. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the bag of concrete. Mix well, this step is very important. We used a drill attachment, and mixed our concrete in an empty bucket. The drill attachment is the perfect tool for this process, since the concrete is heavy and hard to mix thoroughly by hand. Make sure you get all the way to the bottom of the bucket when your mixing.

Because our tables were quite small we mixed the entire thing at once, but you could do it in small batches and do one table at a time if you wished.
Fill your moulds with the wet concrete mixture. Use a trowel to smooth out the top. Use a rubber mallet to gently give the sides of the form a good tap, to help get rid of air bubbles in the concrete mixture. The next step, another trick (Shaun knows all the tricks) is to use a palm sander or orbital sander along the edges of the top of the form, just for the vibrations to also help get rid of the air bubbles in the cement mixture. Be sure to smooth the top and get it as level as possible.
Let the concrete tabletop set for 3 - 5 days.
Remove the form edges by removing the screws and gently prying it off the melamine. Take care not to force it, since it could crack or break still at this point. Use a wet diamond sanding pad along the edge to smooth it a little bit around the rough edges, if needed.
For the legs, wipe them down with varsol to remove any grease. Spray paint the table base with several coats in matte black.
To attach the legs to the top piece, first mark out the screw holes on the bottom of the concrete table top. We only used the holes furthest from the edge to lessen the chance of cracking the concrete. Drill holes for the lead anchors into the concrete, taking care since it's still fragile at this point. We were a little worried as we drilled the holes into the concrete. Ours wasn't quite set enough, probably because of colder night temperatures when we made it. If you let is set the whole 3-5 days though it should be fine. Of course do this part carefully though, you don't want all your hard work to be wasted by cracking anything here. Then cut the tops off the lead anchors to make them shorter, and use the PL Premium Construction Adhesive to glue them into place in the drilled holes. Next, add some PL Premium Construction Adhesive to the top edge of the table leg, and then glue and screw the leg into place. Again, take care since this is another time when you could crack the concrete. Then add the second set of legs and set up your table.
The final step is to apply a sealer to the concrete tabletop. Let the concrete cure for a full 28 days and then apply the clear coat sealer to the top of the table. (I haven't sealed it yet, but I will once the cure time is up.)

Table Base Options

Aren't these side tables amazing looking? I really love how they turned out and what they add to the room. We have a really large bed so I used the regular table height 28" legs, but the legs do come shorter if you need something to be in scale with a regular lower bed, or a sofa. The smaller ones would work great for living room side tables too. You could also leave the legs as un-painted steel and just seal them for a more industrial look instead of painting them black.

I think the steel legs add to the industrial feel of the concrete tables that we were going for. You could create a wood base for your tables. This would reduce the cost of this DIY. Check out this post where we made a large outdoor concrete table with wood legs for more inspiration.

Hairpin legs would also be another great option for this projects.

This table top is very heavy, so whatever you choose for your base, it definitely needs to be quite sturdy.

Can I Use This Table Outside?

Yes, you can use this table as an outdoor concrete table. In order to maintain an outdoor side table, make sure that the concrete is sealed. Also make sure the that the steel legs are painted with exterior paint so that they don't rust. We recommend covering the table in winter to protect it from snow if you live in a cold climate. Make a lower version of this table and use it as a beautiful outdoor coffee table.

This post is sponsored by Home Depot Canada. As always all opinions are my own.

I really could not have brought this room together without some amazing sponsors. Check out the finished room reveal here. A special thanks to

More Inspiration

You might also like our DIY Outdoor Concrete Table here.

DIY Concrete Outdoor Table: make your own high-end outdoor patio table from cedar and concrete for a fraction of the price of buying one.

Also check out How To Refinish Your Dark Wood Veneer Table here.

Also check out How To Paint A Buffalo Check Feature Wall here.

Vintage Milk Glass Collection

Apr 14, 2018 · 11 Comments

Milk Glass Collection: Vintage milk glass collected from thrift stores, garage sales, and antique shops used for a spring tea party.

Where To Find Milk Glass

I've been collecting milk glass for years. If you've been around here for awhile you'll know that I'm very frugal. I usually only buy it at thrift stores and garage sales, but occasionally I splurge for a piece at an antique store.

Why Not Use It?

I have the table set up for a little spring tea party. It was all inspired by the idea of planting some pretty white spring blooms in some of my milk glass containers.

How to display your milk glass collection.

I picked up some white tulips, english daisies, and little pansies at my favourite local nursery. The succulent is actually a faux one.

Don't worry about using your vintage milk glass collection. It's quite sturdy stuff. And it's very easy to clean, since it's like glass. If you plants stain your milk glass collection at all, just clean it with some house hold cleaner.

The runner for this table is actually a piece of wrapping paper, and I love the way it looks with all the white milk glass.

Ideas for using your milk glass collection.

What's Your Favourite Pattern?

There are so many pretty patterns of milk glass, but a favourite of mine is the hobnail.

Still Quite Inexpensive

Most of my pieces have been under $5 finds and I love hunting for them. Although I feel like I have so much now, that I usually don't buy it unless I really love it.

The bud vases are probably the very easiest to find. These were a real go-to for florist in the 50's and 60's, which means there's lots of it around today still.

I find that milk glass is great for entertaining too.

I think my favourite pieces are these footed vases/candy bowls.

There's lots more pieces available than vases though, like this little serving plate.

Mix In Reproduction Pieces

My footed cake stand is actually a reproduction, although there are vintage ones out there too.

Ideas for displaying your milk glass collection.

The pretty tea cups are delicate and perfect for a tea party and another real favourite set of mine.

With a pretty milk glass collection, life really is a party!

You might also like our White Hot Chocolate Buffet here.

Modern Boho Bathroom Refresh

Apr 7, 2018 · 4 Comments

Modern Boho Bathroom Refresh -fresh white paint, a DIY tub tray, beads, candles, and lots and lots of plants turned this bathroom from boring to boho in just a few days.

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Modern Boho Bathroom Refresh -fresh white paint, a DIY tub tray, beads, candles, and lots and lots of plants turned this bathroom from boring to boho in just a few days.

I'm so excited to share my Modern Boho Bathroom Refresh. As spring approaches, it seemed time for a spring clean and a bit of a refresh. Inspired by one of my favourite instagramers, Dee Campling's bathroom, I wanted to add in lots of plants and a few boho touches like the antique mirror, belly basket, hanging pots, and new rug.

It was a pretty quick refresh. I shopped a little ahead of time for some of the new plants and pots. The rest came together over the long weekend.

Here are a few before pics. A typical boring beige bathroom, full of kids toys, and bath products and tired decor.

The Before

It's a room rarely seen my anyone and largely ignored. But as house plants become more and more popular these days, I knew it was the perfect spot to try my hand at becoming a plant lady. The windows make it a bright, sunny spot. We have a forest behind us, so no neighbours to worry about out these windows, and no need for curtains. The area around the soaker tub is the perfect spot for plants.

The Refresh

Our house is about 12 years old, and the house has settled. So before I painted I needed to patch the cracks in the wall and paint the room. We used my very favourite JoJo Whitewash by Para Paints. I love how fresh and clean it turned out.

It took me two days to paint the room, Friday and Saturday. Saturday night I picked up the materials for my DIY Tub Tray, such an easy and inexpensive project. I'll be sharing a tutorial for it soon.

Sunday was Easter so no work on the room, but my mom who really and truly is a plant lady, visited and brought me some plants.

Easter Monday I worked on the finishing details, and repotted the plants into some beautiful pots.

I also did a couple of hanging pots.

And I was able to put together my tub tray.

Also, I gave the room a proper spring clean too. So it really was a pretty quick refresh.

I love the room now, and I'm reminded again what a difference a fresh coat of paint and some new styling can make.

When we first moved in I just loved the big soaker tub, and the amazing windows in this room, but their charm had worn off, and the bath had been mostly filled with toys and used by kids for years.

The refresh has made me fall in love with this room again. And I count myself lucky -especially from a spot in a hot bath with the candles lit. 😉

I hope you're reminded, like this refresh did for me, that with a little attention, a few days, and small budget you really can fall in love with your home again. As I begin the bigger makeover of my master bedroom that this bathroom is attached to for the One Room Challenge, I'm feeling encouraged and energized about loving that room again too.

With a newly refreshed Modern Boho Bathroom for spring, life really is a party!

Master Bedroom Makeover -Spring One Room Challenge 2018

Apr 4, 2018 · 38 Comments

Modern Boho Master Bedroom Makeover: modern neutral boho bedroom makeover with lots of texture, a mix of modern and traditional, some DIY touches, gallery wall, and lots of plants.

It's that time of year again, time to take on one room of my home and make it over in six weeks, with weekly updates here. I'm excited to be a guest participant again in the Spring One Room Challenge. This time I'm taking on my Master Bedroom makeover and transforming it into a Modern Boho Master Bedroom. You might remember last time we did our Kitchen, and I love it so much now -see the reveal post here. The time before that we did our living room and eating area -see the reveal here. And the first time we did the ORC we did our dining room -see the reveal here.

Modern Boho Master Bedroom Makeover: modern neutral boho bedroom makeover with lots of texture, a mix of modern and traditional, some DIY touches, gallery wall, and lots of plants.

The Before

We bought our house about 12 years ago now, and at the time we painted our bedroom a nice warm beige. Our bedroom furniture was one of our first married couple purchases 17 years ago. My husband LOVES it. It's a little traditional for my taste, but was part of a compromise at the time -I got to pick the living room furniture and he got to pick the bedroom furniture.

His love for it hasn't faded, so it has to stay. I did convince him to let me replace the bedside tables for something more modern -although we'll really miss the storage.

Speaking of storage...all those clothes on the floor are mine. There's a mix of seasons and sizes. It's definitely past due time for a purge and to get organized so that will be part of my makeover agenda this time as well.

We'll get rid of this old tv too. It was great when my girls were little and they'd crawl in bed with me in the early morning, or someone was sick. But now a days everyone watches tv on their laptops so there's no need for it.

Over here on the other side, I'm hoping to add some nice large plants by the window. And the chair will be replaced too and relocated to the slanting wall at the end of the bed, I think. The gliding rocker was nice for a nursing momma years and years ago, but it's sure lacking in style.

I'm also hoping to do some fun art work in the room and a gallery wall on one of the walls.

The room will be painted a nice crisp white, and the light carpet and white bedding and new white curtains should add an airy feel.

The Inspiration

Here's my mood board, to give you an idea where I'm headed.

I'm continuing with the Scandinavian feel that I've been using on the main floor. This room though will showcase the traditional bed juxtaposed to modern pieces. It won't be quite so minimalist. I'm hoping for a Modern Boho Master Bedroom feel to the room, with lots of black and white. I hope it will have a collected European vibe when I'm all done.

It's definitely challenging to work around an old piece, especially when it's the centre piece of the room. Maybe some of you can relate, and have to work around existing furniture too? I'm hoping that by contrasting the traditional bed with really modern pieces that the bed will feel show cased in the room. I'm taking some inspiration from one of my favourite instagramers here -Dee Camping.

Her room is very different from mine, but I'm inspired by the real mix of old and new, all the plants, and the simplicity of the room. I'm missing the old floor boards, and the qusint English setting, but I shall do my best. Think I can get there?

The Bedroom Makeover Plan

So here are my plans:

paint the room white
DIY some concrete side tables
create a gallery wall
add a new chair
add lots of plants
get my clothes organized and purged
add some new accessories
replace the tradtional light for something more modern

If you'd like to see more of my inspiration, check out my Modern Boho Bedroom Pinterest board.

I'm so excited to get started and fall in love with this room again. Is your bedroom kind of a neglected space too? Hopefully a few new pieces can really make it feel special again. Be sure to follow along with all the amazing One Room Challenge makeovers. Last time there were over 200 guests participants and tons of inspiration! Be sure to check out the other rooms here.

With a new Modern Boho Master Bedroom Makeover, life really is a party!

Want to see how it all came together now that it's finished? You can check out all the One Room Challenge weekly updates here:

The Before and The Plan / Gentle Purging and Decluttering Clothes / DIY Concrete Side Tables / Modern Boho Master Bedroom Reval

I really could not have brought this room together without some amazing sponsors. A special thanks to

Home Depot, Wayfair, HomeSense, Afloral, Amara, Para, Minted, Bobbie Made, Benjamin Tileworks, and Auto Artwork Shop. All opinions are my own, as always. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Life is a Party possible.

Faux Concrete Finish Bunnies

Mar 27, 2018 · 4 Comments

Faux Concrete Finish Bunnies: These dollar store bunnies get a concrete look easy makeover and now look like expensive garden concrete bunnies.

How to paint your ceramic bunnies to look like concrete.

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This idea is so simple, inexpensive, and looksreat so it's ticking all the boxes. I used inexpensive dollar store ceramic bunnies and gave them a makeover with cement look paint. These faux concrete finish bunnies couldn't be cuter.

I love the look of cement these bunnies have now. They look like pretty garden ornaments for a fraction of the price.

Materials:

dollar store ceramic bunnies -or anything else
Folk Art Painted Finishes Concrete Two Stage System

How To Create A Faux Concrete Finish:

I saw this Folkart Painted Finishes Concrete set on-line and ordered it to give it a try. I really like how it turned out.

The paint is quite thick, and kind of gritty. It's applied it in a kind of dapping way. There are two coats of the lighter base colour and then I added some of the darker colour in a few areas.

I liked how these turned out so much that I started painting some other dollar store ceramics. I also had a ceramic mushroom that I thought could do with a makeover too. The possibilities are endless. I just might me giving everything a concrete makeover. 😉

With faux concrete bunnies, life really is a party!

More Easter Inspiration

You might also like How To Make Cement Easter Eggs here.

Also check our our Nail Polish Marbled Easter Eggs here.

Nail Polished Marbled Easter Eggs: easy water marbling with nail polish is the perfect modern touch to your Easter eggs.

You might also enjoy our Black and White Easter Table here.

Nail Polish Marbled Easter Eggs

Mar 22, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Nail Polish Marbled Easter Eggs: easy water marbling with nail polish is the perfect modern touch to your eggs, use any colours.

How to marble paint Easter eggs with nail polish.

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This year for Easter a made these DIY nil polish marbled Easter eggs and they turned out so great. The nail polish creates such a cool effect, and you probably already have some in your beauty stash that you can use for this project. Once you get the hang of it, it's really easy to do and a lot of fun.

I loved trying my hand at water marbling with nail polish for these Valentine's Day Hearts. For Easter this year I knew I wanted to use black and white and thought these marbled eggs were the perfect addition. If you're looking for fun Easter projects to try this year, this is one of the best ways to decorate Easter eggs.

Kid Friendly

These are really simple to make and fun craft to make with the kids. It is a little bit messy, You definitely need gloves for everyone, and probably to cover you table. But other than the mess, it's very kid friendly and they'll loving seeing the cool effect. Don't be surprised if they start thinking of other things they want to do this marble paint effect on. Any teen girls probably have lots of fun colors of nail polish to contribute to the crafting too.

Nail Polish Marbling

There are several different ways to marble Easter eggs. You can use whipped cream, shaving cream, food coloring, or dye to create your marble effect. I really like the nail polish method. Nail polish comes in so many great colors, and has a great sheen that looks great on the matte eggs. It also creates a beautiful marble look, with many stripes of color and distinct patterns that's hard to achieve with the other methods.

Choosing Colors

I really love how these turned out in black and white. You could make them in any colors like a bright and colorful combination, or in traditional Easter pastels. When your buying new nail polish for this craft feel free to pick up the really inexpensive nail polish from the dollar store. The only thing that matters when you're choosing the nail polish is that you like the colors. We used just black and white, but if you're using different colors you can use several together to create a more colourful almost tie dye effect if you wish. Try different color combinations to create an Easter decoration look you love.

Eggs

For this paint effect we choose to use white plastic craft eggs. Look for them at the dollar store or the craft store. I like them because they're inexpensive and have a matte finish on them that takes paint very well. Because they're plastic, you can reuse them year after year. Since nail polish isn't edible, I won't use this method on real hard-boiled eggs. I won't use real blown out eggs for this craft either. Because the nail polish floats on top of the water and you dip the eggs to create the marbled look, the eggs have to go in the water. Blown eggs have holes in them, and they would fill up with the water and be hard to work with for this craft.

Recipe

Nail Polish Marbled Easter Eggs

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Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Materials

plastic craft Easter eggs
disposable container large enough for the eggs to dunk completely into
disposable gloves
nail polish
toothpick or wooden skewer
old newspaper to cover the table

Instructions

To make the eggs, fill your container with water.
Add a few drops of nail polish onto the water's surface (since it's oil based it will not mix with the water, but float on the surface of it). Next, add your second color of nail polish to the water.
Use a toothpick to swirl the colours of the nail polish together and create the marbled effect.
Dip the eggs in and then let them dry. If the whole surface isn't marbled after the first dip, once the eggs dry, you may dip the other side again.

Tips:

Be sure to wear the disposable rubber gloves and cover your table, and line your bowl, or use a disposable one. Nail polish is messy and hard to get off, so it's much easier to protect the surfaces where you don't want it.

Work Quickly. The nail polish will start to dry as soon as it hits the surface of the water, and it will become more and more difficult to work with. The faster you can mix your colors together to create the swirled effect, the better. It's better to work in small patches, dip on side, let the egg dry and redip the other side.

This craft is very forgiving. The swirls tend to look really great on the egg, even if they didn't look so great in the water. Remember as well, that you can redo a section, so don't be concerned about covering the whole egg in one go.

?The craft eggs that I bought had little cardboard pieces to use for drying the eggs on. If you don't have these you can use an empty egg carton, just try not to let the painted part rest on the cardboard or it may stick once it dries.

YouTube Video

Sometimes projects like these are easier to see than explain, so here's a short video of how to make them.

These nail polish marbled eggs will be a great addition to your Easter decor this year. I think this is my new favorite way to decorate Easter eggs. This fun method makes a beautiful egg. These would look great in Easter baskets, or hanging on a branch. This is a great craft that's so much fun to make.

If you're used to doing traditional egg dyeing, why not give this simple Easter egg marbling technique a try. Younger kids will love it, and it's a great way to spend time with friends or family this Easter. It's a good idea to help get the teenagers involved as well. And the best part is how great the finished eggs look, and that you'll be able to enjoy them year after year.

With Nail Polish Marbled Easter Eggs, life really is a party!

More Easter Inspiration

Also check out our Black and White Easter Table here.

You might also our Black and White Easter home tour post here.

Also check out our DIY Black Paint Dipped Brass Candlesticks here.

Black and White Easter Table

Mar 7, 2018 · 2 Comments

Black and White Easter Table: black and white Easter eggs, bunnies ears and tails, and forced spring branches create the perfect modern Easter tablescape.

Black and white Easter table decor and ideas.

Non-Traditional Black and White Easter

This black and white Easter table is pretty perfect. At first I wasn't sure about straying from the traditional pastel Easter palette, but I really love how it turned it. I you're looking for something a little different for your Easter decorations this year, than this might be for you as well. Black and white is one of the latest trends, and I love how it looks for our Easter table.

Bunny Ears and Tails

It all started with these adorable bunny ears and tails. I picked up the little sets at the dollar store. I used all white, but if you were doing pastels for Easter then you could grab some with pink inside the ears, or more colourful ones.

This was so simple, and it's truly one of my favourite ideas ever. All I did was wrap the ears around the dinner plates, and slide the tails (they're on an elastic piece already) over the chairs. The plates look like the cutest bunny head. And the chairs are so cute with their little Easter bunny tails attached.

Is this not the cutest ever?

Simple and Monochromatic

For the rest of the table, I kept it pretty simple. I used my DIY macrame table runner down the centre. It's always good when you're going with a really simple colour palette or a monochromatic one to remember to add texture for interest. This runner adds lots of great texture.

Easter Egg Centerpiece

For an Easter centerpiece I did a mix of Easter eggs in an antique wooden box. The box is one I found at an antique store and I love how the long narrow box, echos the long table. The rich and rustic wood tone also helps add a little warmth to our black and white color scheme. The box was filled with moss first. I used mainly green moss, but there's also a few pieces of grey moss. Then I layered in an assortment of Easter eggs, and just a few feathers. I love how fun details like a few feathers add to the depth and interest in a display like this one.

The white eggs, and some of my DIY Cement Easter eggs -check out the tutorial for them here, were the first ones I added to the display. I also spray painted some of the white craft eggs with a matte black. For a few of them I added some pattern to plain the white craft eggs with a simple sharpie marker.

My favourites are the black and white marble eggs.

Check here to see a tutorial of how I made the Black and White Marble Easter Eggs, including a video. They're so simple and are made from black and white nail polish. There are some natural wood eggs, as a couple pastel eggs as well. I also added a string of fairy lights for a little added sparkle. I used this as a centerpiece for the table but these eggs would make beautiful black and white easter decor anywhere in your home.

Spring Branches

Instead of flowers I used a some spring branches. This is actually magnolia and I'm hoping it will be blooming by Easter.

They take about 4 weeks in the house to force, so you might want to pick some now too. 😉 Or ask your florist if they have any ready to open. In the between time while I wait for them to bloom, I love the rustic feel they give, and their fuzzy buds. I put them in a old vintage black enamelware coffee pot I found at the thrift store. And, I'll be trying really hard to check the water every few days.

Another fun DIY on the table, are these cement looking bunny rabbits -click here for the tutorial. They're actually inexpensive ceramic bunnies from the dollar store who got a makeover to look like cement. They would also be really cute on your porch as Easter door decor.

Place Settings

For the actual place settings, I kept things really simple. I used my everyday white dishes, and everyday water glasses. The black and white striped napkins add a little pattern to the setting. Buffalo check napkins would be a great choice too. The black cutlery is like the jewelry of the table and adds a little modern sophistication to my quirky Easter table.

I love how the black and white decor in the dining room turned out and how simple it is. Don't forget to grab your bunny ears and tails at the dollar store while you can still find enough matching sets for your whole table, or order them online so you have them in time..

With a black and white Easter table, life really is a party!

More Easter Inspiration

Love this black and white Easter tablescape? Check out my spring home tour for even more ideas.

Also you might like to check out these Green, Black, and White Easter Table Ideas here.

Green, Black and White Easter Table: 8 different place settings to give you lots of inspiration for setting an extra special Easter Table.

Spring Farmhouse Decorating Home Tour

Mar 5, 2018 · 42 Comments

Spring Farmhouse Decorating Home Tour: Black and white spring home tour with some pops of pastels and rustic farmhouse style.

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Temperatures were spring like last week for a few days, and I even managed to get out and collect some pussy willows and a sweet little abandoned nest from last year. I'm so excited to have my house looking a little spring like too, and share with you. This year I stuck with my black and white base and added a few little hits of pastels. I love how it turned out. The black and white feels kind of crisp and fresh and with lots of fresh greens (and even some faux greens and flowers) it's very spring-y too.

When I was a child I really didn't see the point of gardening, and thought it was such a waste of time. But as I get older, I just can't wait for spring and to see what's coming up in the garden. I don't have quite as much time as I'd like to keep my garden perfectly weeded, but I do love to see what's blooming and growing. And there truly is nothing quite like vegetables right out of the garden.

Spring Farmhouse Decorating in the Dining Room

My little console table and bar cart are just inside the door in the dining room, so we'll start our home tour there.

I tried to keep things quite black and white, so I made some black and white Easter eggs this year.

The table is set the for Easter, and I'm sharing all the details of the Black and White Easter Table here.

black and white Spring farmhouse decorating

I wasn't 100% sure about a black and white Easter table, but I LOVE how it turned out.

Favourite detail ...has to be the bunny ears and tails. More details on Wednesday, but seriously, how cute! 😉

And this simple centrepiece full of my DIY'd black and white Easter eggs. I'll be sharing a video on the nail polish marbled eggs soon. The others are simple black matte spray paint, and drawn on with a black sharpie. You can find the tutorial for the cement Easter eggs here.

black and white modern farmhouse spring home tour

Black and White Buffalo Check Wall

My black and white buffalo check wall got a fun update for spring too. See the tutorial on how I painted the Black and White Buffalo Check Feature Wall it here.

I used simple faux flowers -just lily-of-the-valley and white tulips to create some 3-D wall art.

It was really simple to do and adds so much drama to the space.

The flowers are held in place with a simple straight pin, and then there's a little washi tape making them look taped to the wall.

I did start out with just washi tape, then added clear cello tape underneath for more strength, but they kept falling down. My sister had the great idea to use pins, and it worked perfectly

And a few more black and white touches.

Now from the dining room into the living room.

The Living Room

I've carried the black and white check into here as well, but there's a few little pastel pops of colour too.

Spring Farmhouse Decorating on The Mantel

I started out with the fireplace mantel. It's quite simple, but I really like how it turned out.

I started out by adding the feathers. They're strung on simple thread, and hung from a branch. They make a perfect spring backdrop.

I love the simplicity of it.

On the couch, more black and white, and that little pop of pink.

The coffee table is a collection of pretty little things.

I love creating fun little groupings like this. And the one little lily-of-the-valley, helps tie back to the feature wall in the dining room.

Over on the side table stumps I couldn't resist this little chick who looks like he's just hatched from one the eggs.

And from the living room, it's into the kitchen.

The Kitchen

We updated our kitchen in the fall for the One Room Challenge, and what a difference it has made. An unexpected pleasure has been decorating the open shelves for each season.

black and white kitchen with open shelving

They got a few Easter updates with some pretty pastels.

It all started with this perfect little black and white striped container rom HomeSense that I added to our coffee station.

And then I remembered these cute little spring watercolour cards that I bought years ago. They were in silver frames so I switched them to black and think they look so sweet on the shelves.

And then I found one more cute little striped bunny at HomeSense.

Such simple little additions, and so perfectly spring!

Over by the sink I added some more pussy willows.

Over on the other side of the room there are a few spring touches too.

Spring Farmhouse Decorating in the Eating Area

The table is looking so sweet.

And some spring cookies too!

And on the wall, an update to my macrame wall hanging -see how I made it here.

I added in a few florals and some faux succulents for spring.

Underneath, another little spring vignette. My favourite is the little silver trophy cup filled with pussy willows.

Thanks for joining me.

With spring farmhouse decorating, life really is a party!

Cruising With Your Anxious Child

Feb 24, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Cruising With Your Anxious Child: lots of kids struggle with anxiety, here's 6 tips to help them deal with their anxiety on a cruise ship and help you enjoy your vacation.

We've just returned from a family cruise vacation on board Royal Caribbean's beautiful Anthem of the Seas and I wanted to share some tips for cruising with your anxious child. We've been on quite a few cruises with our kids over the years. I feel like I've learned a few things that might be helpful to some other parents traveling with their anxious child.

1. Prepare them for what to expect -but try not to worry them.

It's always a fine line with anxious children. You want to prepare them well, but not give them so much information that they're worried.

We find that rehearsal is a great technique for helping your anxious child know what to expect. Online you will be able to find photos and videos of the ship. You could see what a room will look like, see sample schedules for the day, learn about the kids clubs and what they have to offer, and even see the dining room menus. Depending on what your child is anxious about these could be really helpful. Anxiety is often driven by fear and by feeling out of control so knowing what to expect can really help.

The Apple Doesn't Fall To Far From the Tree

I found over the years that an anxious child often has an anxious parent -often undiagnosed. So, although giving info on what to expect can help prepare them, we want to be careful not to give them anything to worry about. We also want to be really careful that they don't pick up on anything we're worried about. Are you concerned with your luggage getting lost, missing the cruise ship, or getting sick on vacation. The list could go on and on. Try really hard to keep those worries to yourself. You don't want to give them something to fixate on.

Often things that seem harmless to an adult, like the emphasis on hand washing to keep everyone from spreading germs and getting sick (be prepared to see hand sanitizer everywhere, and sinks you must use on your way into the buffet) could really cause the worry wheels to start turning for a child who struggles with anxiety. As their parent, you know better than anyone what their triggers are. Be prepared to reassure and redirect attention when needed.

Cruising With Your Anxious Child: lots of kids struggle with anxiety, here's 6 tips to help them deal with their anxiety on a cruise ship and help you enjoy your vacation.

2. Remember there's no vacation from anxiety for you or for your anxious child.

It's your vacation, and you're looking forward to relaxing with no work while someone else cooks and cleans for you. The good news is you don't have to make dinner. The bad news is you're not on holiday from parenting an anxious child. In fact, their anxiety is likely to be worse than at home since breaking routine, and dealing with new things is often a trigger for anxious kids.

Don't forget to keep doing all the things that help at home. As much as possible keep to a routine. I know you're on vacation but it might really help your child to not mess with bedtime, bedtime routine, meal times and familiar foods as much as possible.

3. Keep them as physically comfortable as possible.

There's a lot of physical environmental changes on a cruise ship. There's the sensation of being on a boat -so remember to bring some motion sickness medicine with you and make sure it's the children's chewable kind. I'll never forget trying to make my nauseous anxious child swallow a pill for the first time -disaster.

Another thing that might seem little but for some kids is a BIG deal is the comfort of their clothing. We've found that buying second hand clothes for a spring break trip works really well. Where we live there aren't really summer weather clothes in the stores yet, and over the winter your child will most likely grow out of their summer clothes from last year. Second hand clothes are generally softer and more broken in than brand new clothes and I've found my anxious child likes that so much better.

Formal Wear

Also there is the formal wear. Not every kid likes to get dressed up, and often formal clothes are a lot less comfortable. Here are my tips. Try to find things that are dressy but still comfortable, made of soft fabric.

For Girls

For girls that might mean dresses made of t-shirt material, avoiding something like tulle or crinoline, and sparkles or sequins because they're often scratchy and uncomfortable. I've found soft velour, or cotton jumpsuits are helpful since some girls find dresses in general uncomfortable -or adding leggings under a dress. I'm also really careful about the formal footwear. I try to find something that's a little more dressy, but my main priority is comfort since I don't want to have a fight about it after she's had them on 10 minutes and never wants to wear them again.

For Boys

For boys, perhaps a tie is just too restricting, and so is a jacket. A collared polo shirt might be a good compromise, or a jacket made with a stretchy material.

Also keep in mind that there are no formal wear police. The most dressed up people are usually first time cruisers. Over many cruises I can say that there are people in gowns and tuxedos all the way to jeans and EVERYthing in between. People are especially gracious of children, so I really won't worry about it if it's a big deal to your child. Another option also is to eat in a more casual setting like the buffet on the formal night and not worry about it, or even feed the kids there and then send them to the kids club and go to the dining room without them that night.

New Foods

Some kids also really have issues with new foods. The cruise staff is AMAZING and they will truly bend over backwards to try and accommodate you. There is a children's menu even in the main dining room. Feel free to order from the kids menu or the adults menu for your child. Also feel free to make requests like no sauce or something on the side, or to change the sides. When my girls were little and ordering off of the kids menu, I'd always request an extra plate of cooked vegetables for them, since everything came with fries. I'd also sometimes order from the adult menu, roast turkey for example, and then split the adult meal between them.

I think the waiters would do basically anything within reason that you requested. If your child didn't like their dinner they'd be happy to bring something else for them to try. Also, if you had to deal with any special dietary restrictions you just let them know and they can accommodate you.

Up at the buffet there is a huge variety of options, and I'm sure you could find something suitable for anyone. If you're worried about the food in port, return to the ship for lunches, and carry some suitable drinks and snacks from the ship with you. We always used to bring some ziplock bags with us just for that purpose when the kids were little.

Your Anxious Child Isn't Trying To Be Difficult

Remember too that your child isn't trying to be difficult or ruin your vacation. They wish they had a vacation from anxiety too, but it just doesn't work that way. Congratulations for making the decision to vacation with them even though there may be some challenges. I remember long ago determining in my own mind that I refused to let anxiety rule our family. At some point you have to decide that even though it will be hard, you will not let anxiety be the reason your family misses out. Sometimes your own determination to not give into it and give up and just stay home will inspire your child that they don't have to be held captive to it either.

Having said that I also try to remember to always be kind and have mercy towards my child. It can be difficult when they're having a meltdown, but try to remember they don't want to be having the meltdown either. My anger tends to only ever escalate the problem. I have to try to stay calm and de-escalate the situation when I can. Comforting them, downplaying, distracting and helping them refocus are all good strategies, and ones you've probably used a hundred times on land and they'll help at sea too.

4. Try to create some alone time and space for them.

Our last cruise was 12 nights. That's a long time for an introvert to be in one room with their family 24/7. Near the end of the trip we invested in the internet package. I think it really helped for my daughter to FaceTime some of her friends at home and have a little break from us. One night she didn't join us in the dining room for dinner, and many times during the day she found a quiet spot to read, watch tv, or draw on her own.

Provide Some Things To Do On Their Own

I have always made sure to bring enough things to help to create their own little space. When they were very little we brought their portable DVD player and headphones, cards, and colouring all to the dining room. That way, when they'd mentally had enough, they could literally just watch the movie while the rest of us enjoyed our dinner. We also always brought with us from home life jackets, water shoes, and beach toys for our beach days. It was worth it to us to carry it because we knew our kids would be happier and more comfortable on the beach and then we in turn would be too. Make them as comfortable as possible and then you get to be as comfortable as possible too. 😉

Small Spaces

Just all being together in one tiny room for that long can be a lot for your anxious child. On our last cruise we were on the bed for the kids was a double for them to share. In the past we've always had separate pullman bunks for them above our bed. This one was a pull out couch trundle-bed. At first we thought it was way better and more spacious for them. But then the fighting started. Our first idea was separate duvets which helped but didn't entirely solve it. Next I had one change direction in the bed so they weren't "breathing" on each other. Near the very end of the cruise we realized that the trundle could be left on the floor to create two heights and essentially two twin beds. This was the best solution.

5. Feel free to ask for accommodations.

The staff really want to help you to have a great vacation. The staff for the children's programs are all trained children's workers and generally happy to help your anxious child feel better. The first day of the cruise the children's space is open for tours and you can go in and talk to the workers about any concerns. We've been on cruises where my older daughter was allowed to join in with the younger group to be with her sister.

Pagers

Also, there are pagers you can use that they supply so that if your child wants you, you can be reached. As the kids get older there is an option to allow them to sign themselves out from the program and leave at any time , which might help your older child feel a little less trapped. For my kids I usually made it a rule that they had to go to the kids program a few nights to give it a try and then after that it was their choice if they wanted to go. Telling your child they only have to go for one night might help with anxiety about not wanting to try it out. More often than not once they were there and playing they wanted to stay.

Be Sure To Ask For What You Need

One other time, after a very long day of travelling and flying into the port we had just boarded the ship and it was time for the muster drill, where they bring you to your gathering place in case of an evacuation and count you and instruct you in case of emergency. It's mandatory to go, and I took my very tired, and somewhat cranky 5 year old as required.

Out in the sun, and the wind, and with the noise of the alarms she went into full meltdown. I was literally afraid she was going to kick someone as she flailed around on the ground. The older people around me where very sweet and kind about it, but I was embarrassed. I wish I'd known that I could have just told a crew member and excused us. Lesson learned. Feel free to tell someone that your child struggles with anxiety and ask for what you need, they're generally more than happy to accommodate.

6. Try to Relax and Enjoy

After all I've said it might make it sound like it's not worth it, but I promise it is. I've grouped together all I've learned and therefore lots of mistakes I've made after 7 cruises with my kids. I haven't told you all the fun it is, and all the amazing memories we've made. I also think that I've helped my anxious child to know that even though anxiety can be a challenge we're not going to be captive to it, or let it keep us from having amazing experiences in life! You are helping them to learn now how they're going to deal with this challenge the rest of their lives. And since it's often coming from one parent, you get to take all you've learned about dealing with your own anxiety in the best possible way and model it for them.

You Only Take Your First Cruise Once

One of the reasons we've done so many cruises is because a familiar vacation helps an anxious child feel less anxious. They know what to expect after that first one, and that calms them down -ALOT. My advice, start young, and make travel a normal part of their lives if you can.

We love that all the Royal Caribbean ships are very similar. Although they'll have some differences they have a lot in common including the general ship layout and the names of things. This really helps. Even in the children's club after their first cruise your kids will know the names of the games and activities, since they're common to all the ships. Also each night you will get a schedule of the next days activities in the kids club so they know exactly what to expect when they go, and can even pick and choose what ones they want to go for.

There was a time in my life that I thought to myself "why are we taking the same vacation over and over"? But then I shifted my thinking a little. It's the vacation that works for us. The kids are happy and familiar and even looking forward to it because they know what to expect. Even if we've been to the same Caribbean islands lots of times, there's always a different beach or restaurant to try. I started focusing more on who I was with. I started enjoying family and friends and letting that be the part of the trip I looked forward to the most.

Changing Cruise Locations For A Change

Next year, after 7 Caribbean cruises with the kids, we are planning on visiting Europe. We hope to spend a week maybe in France, but we'll end with a cruise. It will be really different from a Caribbean vacation, and I'm sure a little challenging for my anxious child. At least she'll be looking forward to the familiar Royal Caribbean ship at the end. And I know that will help.

With these tips in mind, even when your cruising with some one who struggles with anxiety, life is really a party!

Disclaimer: I received some perks from Royal Caribbean in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for the supporting the brands that make Life is a Party possible.

Marbled Hearts

Feb 8, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Nail Polish Marble Hearts Valentine's Day Craft: use nail polish to water marble wooden hearts for Valentine's Day in any colour combination you like!

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These nail polish marble hearts are the perfect touch for Valentine's Day. They're so fun to make, that once you start you're going to want to marble everything -at least I did!

I was inspired by the water marbled pumpkins I saw this fall and wanted to do a version with pink and white for Valentine's Day.

At first I thought that styrofoam 3D craft hearts would be perfect, but after a little research I discovered that styrofoam and nail polish don't mix. So I found some simple wooden hearts at the craft store and they were perfect!

For this water marble technique, you float some nail polish on the surface of some water and dip the object in to paint it. It really is addictive!

Nail Polish Marble Materials:

wooden craft hearts
nail polish
a small disposable container to hold the water
drill
twine

How to Water Marble:

Start by finding a disposable container large enough to freely dip the hearts. Fill it with luke warm water.

Drop spots of nail polish onto the surface of the water. We used white, light pink, and a little hot pink.

Take care to use a nail polish that IS NOT quick dry, since it will dry too quickly and not work well. There was a little trial and error for us. Our first attempt didn't work very well. I think we took too long working with our nail polish at first and it began to dry and got all clumped up. Be sure to work as quickly as you can for the best results.

Once you have your nail polish on the surface of the water, use a tooth pick to swirl it around and create your marble pattern.

Dip your hearts carefully into the paint and through it.

The nail polish that was floating on the surface of the water will transfer to the wooden heart.

Let the nail polish fully dry. Drill a small hole in the top of each heart, and then string the hearts onto twine and tie each one to create a garland.

how to create a marble effect with nail polish and water

I really loved doing this craft -see me in action and catch my enthusiasm over on my Instagram stories in the highlights.

These little hearts are the perfect addition to your Valentine's Day decor. You could make them in any colours to match your decor. Next I might try some black and white ones.

I used my marbled heart garland on my Galentine's Day Bar Cart -read more about it here.

With Nail Polish Marble Hearts for Valentine's Day, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also like our 3D Origami Hearts here.

Also check out our Yarn Hearts here.

You might also enjoy our Valentine's Day Wreath Ideas here.

Dirty Shirley Temple Cocktail Recipe

Feb 6, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Galentine's Day Cocktail and Bar Cart -invite your girlfriends over and celebrate with a pretty Valentine's Day Bar Cart and Galentine's Day Drink. A Dirty Shirley is the grown up alcoholic version of your favourite girlhood drink!

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t's almost time for Galentine's Day and that calls for a fun cocktail and a cute bar cart to celebrate love with your girlfriends! We made a grown-up version of our childhood favourite Shirley Temples. It's the perfect Valentine's Day drink. These Dirty Shirleys have all the sweetness and fun of your girlhood memories, with the addition of a shot of vodka to make them an adult cocktail. They feel festive and fun for a special occasion and perfect for a girl friend get together for Valentine's Day. But they're also been called the drink of the summer. We think they're pretty perfect for any time of year. This is a sweet drink, with just a few ingredients, that you can easily find in any grocery store and an easy recipe making them such a favorite.

Galentine's Day Bar Cart

I used my bar cart and decorated it for Valentine's Day. Every Galentine's Day needs pretty flowers, some candy, and some great girly drinks -check, check, check.

Happy Galentine's Day Cocktail and Bar Cart

The heart garland is a DIY marble -see how I made it here.

Bar Cart decorated in pink ready for Galentine's Day

On the wall above I used a sweet X and O balloon. We could all use a little kiss and hug, right? Pick them up at the party store. They're filled with air and hung on string so they're really convenient since you don't need helium.

Galentine's Day XO balloons, heart garland and pink roses

On top of the bar everything is set up for the signature cocktail of the night -our Dirty Shirleys. We're all set for happy hour.

The Dirty Shirley

The original classic Shirley Temple mocktail is named after the child star. There are various stories of its origin. Most agree that it was a child friendly option with a sweet taste that the famous child actress could enjoy while others had an adult beverage. There are different versions of the drink. Some use ginger ale, other lemon-lime soda, still others prefer club soda and lemon juice. They all contain grenadine syrup and maraschino cherries. Some suggest the adults around here were perhaps drinking old fashions which come with a cherry, when the bartender added extra cherries to the Shirley Temple as well. Some recipes also include splash of orange juice.

The Dirty Shirley drink is very similar to the innocent childhood drink. The adult version of this classic mocktail has the same simple ingredients with the addition of vodka. If you're looking for fun and nostalgic drinks for a party, the boozy Shirley Temple is the perfect choice. The addition of alcohol to this old favorite, turns it into a grown-up cocktail everyone loves.

Cocktail Variations

You can make your dirty Shirley cocktail with ginger ale but we prefer lemon-lime soda like Sprite lemon lime soda or 7-up. It's better for color and for taste, in our option. If you don't want want that familiar childhood sweetness, you could substitute with club soda and add a little fresh lime juice or lemon juice as well.

Adjusting The Sweetness

The dirty Shirley Temple cocktail is on the sweet side. The grenadine will still give the cocktail some sweetness, even if you opt for club soda. You can make it less sweet if you prefer by adjusting the amount of grenadine. For a less sweet version add only a splash of grenadine. Or if you love a sweet cocktail add up to an ounce of grenadine.

Garnish

These are best served over ice in a highball glass with traditional Shirley Temple garnishes of a maraschino cherry -look for the cocktail variety with stems, and lime wedges.

Vodka Options

We prefer these with plain vodka, but you can try flavored vodka for a twist. Cherry vodka is a fun addition.

This is a very easy cocktail to make with just a few ingredients. If you're making the adult version of a Shirley Temple for a crowd, you can easily make a large pitcher.

On the bottom shelf of the bar cart a few more fun options for the night, some rose, and some sparkling wine -because a girl loves choices.

Galentine's Day Cocktail and Bar Cart -invite your girlfriends over and celebrate with a pretty Valentine's Day Bar Cart and Galentine's Day Drink. A Dirty Shirley is the grown up alcoholic version of your favourite girlhood drink!

pink tassel garland on a Valentine's Day bar cart

And how pretty is this velvet ribbon tassel garland? With the perfect bit of sparkle.

I hope you get a chance to celebrate this year with all your girl friends. And I hopefully this fun bar cart and our grown-up Shirley Temples the Dirty Shirley, has given you a few new ideas for Galentine's Day drinks.

Recipe

Dirty Shirleys -Grown-up Shirley Temples

Sweet and fruity, easy to make cocktail.

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 413kcal

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

Instructions

Fill your glass with ice.
Add grenadine, using ½ to 1 oz depending on how sweet you like it.
Add 1 oz. vodka.
Top up your glass with sprite.
Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

With a Galentine's Day Cocktail and Bar Cart, life really is a party!

More Valentine's Day Ideas

You might also enjoy our Valentine's Day Pizza Party here.

Valentine's Day Pizza Party -DIY decorations, heart shaped pizza, mocktails, and a dessert pizza recipe make this the perfect family celebration.

Also check our Valentine's Day At Home Spa here.

Valentine's Day At Home Spa: surprise your tween or teen daughters with face masks, manicures, fancy refreshments, candles, and a bubble bath.

You might also enjoy our Heart Shaped Chocolate Pavlova recipe here.

Individual Heart Shaped Chocolate Pavlova: Easy recipe, perfect light, sweet dessert.

Neutral Valentine's Day Decor Ideas: Home Tour and DIY

Feb 1, 2018 · 41 Comments

Transform your home with simple neutral Valentine's Day decor that feels romantic without the traditional red and pink overload. This full home tour shows you how to create a soft, sophisticated Valentine's aesthetic using whites, creams, natural wood, and just a touch of blush pink in every room of your house.

Neutral Valentne's Day home decor ideas.

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Quick Look

🎨 Style: Neutral farmhouse with soft pink accents
💰 Budget: Under $50 using DIY projects and thrift finds
🏠 Rooms Decorated: 7 areas (dining room, living room, couch, coffee table, mantel, kitchen, table)
💭 Top Tip: Shop your house first and add just a few new Valentine touches to your existing neutral decor for a cohesive look!

Why You'll Love This Neutral Valentine Decor

Works with your existing decor. No need to completely redecorate or clash with your everyday neutral palette.
Budget friendly approach. Most items are DIY projects or thrifted finds that cost pennies.
Soft and romantic. Create a cozy atmosphere without bright colors screaming Valentine's Day.
Modern farmhouse style. Perfect if you love neutral tones, natural textures, and vintage pieces.

I love Valentine's Day, but I'm not a fan of the traditional bright reds and hot pinks that take over stores every February. Instead, I prefer a softer, more sophisticated approach using neutral Valentine's Day decor with just a touch of blush pink here and there. It really doesn't take much to make your home feel romantic and festive for Valentine's Day when you focus on texture, lighting, and simple heart shaped accents in neutral tones.

This year, I decorated our entire home for Valentine's Day while staying true to our neutral farmhouse aesthetic. I'm sharing a full home tour with all the details on how I styled seven different areas, plus budget tips, DIY project links, and styling principles you can use in your own home.

If you love this approach, you might also enjoy our Valentine's Day Tea Party, Valentine's Day Movie Night, Valentine Breakfast Board, 20 At Home Valentine's Day Ideas, or DIY Valentine's Day Wreaths.

Neutral Valentine's Day Decor in the dining room

Choosing Your Neutral Valentine Color Palette

The key to beautiful neutral Valentine's Day decor is understanding which colors create that romantic feeling without relying on traditional Valentine reds and pinks.

Base Colors (Use Lots):

White and cream for a soft, clean foundation
Natural wood tones for warmth and texture
Beige, taupe, and gray for subtle depth

Accent Color (Use Sparingly):

Soft blush pink as your only pop of color
Keeps the Valentine theme without overwhelming your space

Why Neutrals Feel Romantic: Neutral colors create a calm, cozy atmosphere that actually feels more romantic than bright, loud colors. They're sophisticated and timeless, and they won't clash with your existing home decor. Plus, you can layer in texture through wood, woven materials, knits, and vintage pieces, which adds visual interest without adding color chaos.

My Formula: For every room, I use 80% neutral elements I already own, 15% new neutral Valentine pieces (like wooden hearts or white ceramic bowls), and just 5% soft pink accents. This keeps everything cohesive while still feeling festive for Valentine's Day.

Neutral Valentines Decor in the Dining Room

In the dining room, I couldn't help but use my old favourite wooden bowl full of origami hearts on the dining table. These hearts are so easy to make - you can watch my 3D origami heart video of the instructions here. This is such a great way to turn your regular decor into Valentine's Day decor and add some different textures. I've made them out of different kinds of papers and in different sizes, we even added some pink hearts by watercolouring some book pages. I've got the bowl on a beautiful grey sheepskin and love the cozy hygge feeling it creates. It's one of my favorite Valentine's Day decorations and a great addition to your modern farmhouse decor for the Valentine's Day.

Styling Tip for This Space:
I focused on texture over color here. The sheepskin adds softness, the wood bowl adds warmth, and the paper hearts add a handmade, Valentine touch. This is a perfect example of how you don't need to add pink everywhere - the neutral colors feel romantic all on their own when you layer different textures.

Neutral Valentine's Day Decor -a home tour with simple, neutral, and soft pink decorations for a pretty Valentine's Day Farmhouse inspired feel.

The Living Room

And over in the living room, I've added a little bit of pink. Although I love my white and cozy neutrals, I just can't resist at least a little light pink this time of year to help create a romantic atmosphere. I'm not a big fan of traditional reds, but soft pink goes so well with our neutral theme. You could of course keep it completely neutral too if you prefer.

This chair is a favourite of mine - often my desk by day and my cozy tv spot at night. It's made even more inviting with some pillows.

And nothing says Valentine's Day like some pretty roses - these ones are just from the grocery store, a little treat to myself. The simple heart is one of the easiest DIY Valentine's Day decor ideas. We just strung some little wooden beads on to some wire and shaped into a little heart. I love different ways like this to add a little seasonal touch to living spaces.

Valentine's Day Decor -a home tour with simple, neutral, and soft pink decorations for a pretty Valentine's Day Farmhouse inspired feel.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Fresh flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a Valentine touch. A $5 bouquet from the grocery store goes a long way. The beaded wire heart cost about $2 to make and can be used year after year.

Cozy Couch

Over on the couch, more pretty pillows. But I didn't start from scratch, I kept all my cozy knit and fur winter decor pillows and just added in a pretty peachy pink velvet one and this amazing rose gold sequin heart shape pillow. Even the couch has received a touch a love, and it's the perfect inviting atmosphere to curl up and enjoy an old romance movie.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Don't put away all your winter pillows! The cozy textures (knits, faux fur) work beautifully with Valentine decor. I only added two new pillows - one with a pop of color and one with a heart shape - and suddenly the whole couch feels festive. This saves money and keeps your space from looking too themed.

Coffee Table

The coffee table is like a tiny stage to dress up for the special occasion. It's full of tiny treasures and beautiful things.

The pretty little wooden heart tray is such a great piece in neutral tones. And the sweet heart twinkle lights add a touch of romance at night.

This little matte white ceramic heart bowl holds a collection of old keys. I've only been to an auction a few times, but this random collection of old keys was part of group of things gathered up together with the item I was actually bidding on. Sometimes you discover treasure in the most unlikely and surprising places. Perfect for Valentine's Day, maybe one is the key to my heart? I love adding old keys and locks as part of my decor items for Valentine's day, and it's an easy way to add interest with some vintage pieces too.
How pretty are the glass cloches? I used them here to display more simple beautiful things -a flower and a pretty candle. Cloches are such a great addition to your home decor.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Coffee tables are perfect for vignettes - small groupings of 3-5 items with varying heights. I used the wooden tray as a base, added the twinkle lights for sparkle, and the cloches to add height and draw the eye up. The vintage keys add personality and tell a story. This formula works for any holiday: base + light source + height + personal touch.

Neutral Valentines Decor Mantel

On the other side of the room, the fireplace has a few Valentine's Day touches with a neutral Valentine's Day mantel. I loved my cozy hygge vibe so much -did you see my tips for hygge living this winter here? All I did was add in some wooden hearts, and bring back the little light up houses from my Christmas decorations last year. After all "home is where the heart is".

If you're interested in the macramé bunting or the tassels they're both DIY projects. The tassel are made from simple cotton string and dip dyed in koolaid -see how I did it here and the macrame bunting is here. Pieces like this are great things to add texture and interest to neutral spaces.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Mantels are all about varying heights and layers. I kept my winter light-up houses and just added wooden hearts. The macrame and tassels add texture and movement. The key is to create visual interest without overcrowding - leave some breathing room between elements.

The Kitchen

I also wanted to add a few touches of Valentine's Day to the kitchen.

kitchen open shelves decorate for valentines day

By shopping around my house I found a few pink pieces that I already had tucked away other places and added them to my open shelving and coffee bar area.

simple neutral Valentine's Day decor in the kitchen

It really doesn't take much to make it feel like a little love has been sprinkled around and add some fun holiday touches.

Valentine's Day Decor on kitchen open shelves

I love all the little pops of pink so much, I will be tempted to leave them out for a long while. The heart garland is made is another easy DIY project. I made it from old book pages cut into hearts, some painted with watercolor, and stitched on the sewing machine into a garland. Find the heart garland tutorial here..

open shelves decorated for valentines day

This is my first time adding a little Valentine's Day decor to the kitchen since the makeover for the One Room Challenge in the fall. It's so much fun to decorate now. See the big reveal, including some before pictures of the kitchen here.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Open shelves are perfect for seasonal decorating because you can easily swap out a few pieces. I literally just moved some pink items from other rooms (shopping my house!), added the DIY heart garland, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels festive. The trick is to style in odd numbers (groups of 3 or 5) and vary the heights.

Valentine's Day Table

And what a great backdrop the kitchen is now for a pretty Valentine's day party tablescape.

I love the idea of a little cozy kitchen party for just us four -my husband and two little girls, and me.

The pretty neutral Valentine's Day tables setting has lots of favourites collected from all different places, most of which I've had for years.

I used some linen for a table runner and layered on some marble cake stands and twinkle lights. On top of the cake stands I used some little vintage bottles and a few pretty flowers for a simple and so pretty centerpiece.

I love this simple and neutral Valentine's Day decor on the table setting. Sometimes keeping it simple really is the very best idea.

neutral Valentine's Day Decor table ideas

conversation hearts in a brown heart box

The little heart chalkboard place cards are a dollar tree find. And the little paper heart boxes have a sweet treat inside.
Kiss Me indeed!

This is the first time adding a little Valentine's Day decor to the kitchen since the makeover for the One Room Challenge in the fall. It's so much fun to decorate now.

The cutlery on this table is old mismatched silverware from my antique and thrift stores. There vintage cutlery adds a romantic ambiance with it's beautiful old tarnished silver. Who knows how many special dinners with loved ones its been used for over the years?

Styling Tip for This Space:
For tablescapes, layering is key. I started with a linen runner, added the marble cake stands for height (they're functional too!), then topped with vintage bottles and flowers. The twinkle lights tucked underneath add that romantic glow at night. The thrifted silverware cost about $1 per piece and adds so much more character than matching sets. Total cost for this whole table: under $20!

Eating Area

And on my little cabinet in the dining area, one more pretty and special Valentine's addition. P.S. I love you, and the prettiest little touch of love with our DIY yarn hearts.

There's a tutorial on how to make the yarn hearts here. They're so simple to make and entirely up cycled made from styrofoam meat trays and thrifted yarn. Perfect for kids too. Handmade crafts always help add a personal touch to your decor.

Styling Tip for This Space:
Small cabinets and side tables are perfect spots for meaningful Valentine touches. I kept this display super simple with just the P.S. I love you art and a few DIY yarn hearts. Sometimes the smallest vignettes make the biggest impact because they feel intentional and curated rather than overdone.

Budget Breakdown for Neutral Valentine's Day Decor

One of my favorite things about neutral Valentine's Day decor is how budget friendly it can be! Here's an honest breakdown of what I spent:

What I Already Had (Cost: $0):

All white dishes, bowls, and serving pieces
Winter pillows (knit, fur, neutral colors)
Wooden bowls and trays
Sheepskin
Milk glass vases and cake stands
Linen table runner
Most furniture and decor

What I Made (DIY Projects - Cost: ~$15 total):

3D origami hearts ($0 - used old book pages)
Yarn hearts ($3 - thrifted yarn and styrofoam)
Book page heart garland ($0 - old book pages and thread)
Beaded wire hearts ($2 - wire and wooden beads)
Kool-aid dyed tassels ($5 - string and kool-aid)
Macrame bunting ($5 - cotton string)

What I Bought New (Cost: ~$45):

Fresh roses from grocery store ($10)
Rose gold sequin heart pillow ($20)
Peachy pink velvet pillow ($12)
Heart chalkboard placecards from Dollar Tree ($1)

What I Thrifted (Cost: ~$10):

Vintage bottles ($2 each x 3 = $6)
Vintage silverware ($4 for the set)

Total Spent: Approximately $50 for the entire home

Most of this can be reused year after year, so my Valentine's Day decorating cost will be even less next year!

Neutral Valentine Styling Tips (My Framework)

After decorating with neutral Valentine's Day decor for years, I've developed a simple framework that works every time:

1. Start With What You Already Have Before you buy anything, walk through your house and gather neutral items that could work for Valentine's Day. Look for white or cream dishes and bowls, wooden trays and candlesticks, vintage bottles or vases, neutral textiles like linen and sheepskin, and any existing heart shaped items.

2. Add Texture, Not Color The secret to beautiful neutral spaces that don't feel cold is layering different textures to make it cozy. Mix soft elements like sheepskin, knit, and velvet with hard materials like wood, marble, and ceramic. Add woven pieces like baskets, macrame, and linen, plus shiny accents like glass, twinkle lights, and sequins.

3. Use the 3-5 Rule For each space, add 3-5 Valentine specific items. That's it! More feels cluttered. For example, on the coffee table I used a wooden heart tray, twinkle lights, and cloches (3 items). On the couch, just 2 new pillows. On the mantel, wooden hearts and a letter board message (2 items). Sometimes less is more.

4. Let Lighting Create Romance Neutral colors look amazing in soft lighting. Tuck twinkle lights into vignettes, add candles on every surface (white or cream), and turn on lamps instead of overhead lights at night for that romantic glow.

5. Mix Old and New Combine vintage finds with new pieces for character and depth. I paired thrifted silverware with Dollar Tree placecards, antique bottles with grocery store roses, and vintage keys with new wooden hearts.

6. Keep Wood Tones Varied Don't match your woods! I love mixing light, medium, and dark wood tones in the same space. It adds depth and keeps things from looking too matchy-matchy.

7. One Pop of Pink Per Space Choose just ONE pink element per area. In the living room, it's roses. On the couch, a pink velvet pillow. In the dining room, watercolored hearts. This keeps pink from taking over while still nodding to Valentine's Day.

Neutral Valentine Decor Shopping Guide

You don't need to spend a fortune to create beautiful neutral Valentine's Day decor! Here are my favorite places to shop:

Dollar Tree ($1-3 per item): Wooden hearts and signs, white and cream candles, heart shaped dishes and bowls, chalkboard placecards, and paper decorations.
Thrift Stores ($1-10 per item): Vintage bottles and vases, ironstone and milk glass dishes, old silverware, wooden bowls and trays, vintage books for crafts, and pink dishes tucked away.
Antique Shops ($5-25 per item): Unique vintage finds, old keys and locks, vintage Valentine cards, antique bottles, and grain sack fabric.
Grocery Store (Under $10): Fresh flowers (especially roses), seasonal blooms, and potted plants.
Target (Under $25 per item): Neutral throw pillows, heart shaped serving pieces, white and cream decor, wooden accents, and linen textiles.
Etsy (Varies): Handmade heart garlands, custom wooden signs, grain sack pillows, vintage fabrics, and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.
Your Own Home (FREE!): This is where I start! Look for items you can repurpose like white dishes from your everyday collection, winter textiles that work for Valentine's, wooden pieces from other seasons, neutral pillows you already own, and candles and vases.
Canadian Shopping Tip: I'm in Canada, so I shop at Dollarama, HomeSense, and local thrift stores like Value Village. The principles are the same - look for neutral pieces at bargain prices!

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors are considered neutral for Valentine's Day?

Neutral Valentine's Day colors include white, cream, beige, taupe, gray, and natural wood tones. Soft blush pink is also acceptable as a neutral accent color. The key is avoiding bright reds and hot pinks in favor of softer, more muted tones that blend with your existing home decor.

How can I make neutral Valentine decor feel romantic?

Make neutral Valentine's Day decor feel romantic by focusing on texture, lighting, and vintage elements. Layer soft textiles like sheepskin and knits, add twinkle lights or candles for a warm glow, and incorporate heart shaped accents in natural materials like wood. The combination of soft lighting and varied textures creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere without needing bright colors.

Do I need to buy all new Valentine decorations?

No! Start by shopping your own house for neutral items you already own. Look for white dishes, wooden bowls, neutral pillows, and vintage finds. Then add just 3-5 new Valentine specific items per room, like wooden hearts, heart shaped pillows, or fresh flowers. This approach costs under $50 for your entire home and works with your existing decor.

What's the best room to start with for Valentine decorating?

Start with the room you use most! For many people that's the kitchen or living room. These spaces benefit most from seasonal decorating because you see them every day. Begin with one surface like a coffee table or mantel, style it with 3-5 items, then move to the next space once you're happy with the first.

Can I mix Valentine decor with my winter decor?

Absolutely! Neutral Valentine's Day decor works beautifully with winter decor. Keep your cozy winter textiles like knit pillows, sheepskin, and neutral throws, then simply add a few heart shaped accents and maybe one pop of blush pink. The combination creates a cozy, romantic vibe that bridges winter and Valentine's Day perfectly.

How much should I spend on Valentine's Day decorations?

You can decorate your entire home for Valentine's Day for under $50 if you focus on neutral decor! The key is DIY projects (under $15 total), thrifted finds ($10-15), a few Dollar Tree items ($5-10), and shopping your own house (free). Invest in items you can reuse year after year like wooden hearts, neutral pillows, and vintage pieces.Y

What are the best DIY projects for neutral Valentine decor?

The easiest DIY projects for neutral Valentine's Day decor include 3D origami hearts made from old book pages, yarn hearts wrapped around styrofoam, book page heart garlands stitched together, and beaded wire hearts. All of these cost under $5 and can be completed in under an hour. They add a handmade, personal touch to your neutral spaces.

How do I style a Valentine's Day table with neutral colours?

Start with a neutral base like a linen table runner, then layer in height with cake stands or candlesticks. Add fresh flowers in vintage bottles, tuck in twinkle lights for sparkle, and use thrifted silverware for character. Keep the color palette to whites, creams, and wood tones with just one or two blush pink accents. Finish with heart shaped placecards or small treats at each setting.

I hope you've enjoyed this neutral Valentine's Day decor house tour and that you're feeling inspired to add a few touches to celebrate love at your house too.

More Valentine's Day Inspiration

If you try any of these neutral Valentine's Day decor ideas or DIY projects, please let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

How To Make Yarn Wrapped Hearts

Jan 30, 2018 · 3 Comments

These DIY Yarn Hearts are the perfect easy Valentine's Day Craft. We used recycled styrofoam meat trays and yarn and to create these fuzzy 3D hearts for Valentine's Day. They look great as part of your Valentine's Day decor gathered in a bowl, or hanging on some branches.

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Why We Love These Yarn Hearts:

We used upcyled materials with the styrofoam meat trays, and thrift store yarn.
They're easy, and a great craft for kids.
They're not messy.
They're inexpensive to make.
The yarn hearts look great and are beautiful decor for Valentine's Day.

We used them for our neutral Valentine's day decor, but you can make them in any color. Hang them from branches, display them in a bowl, or string them as a garland. They also look great with our easy 3D origami hearts and our book page heart garland.

How To Use These Yarn Hearts

I used my hearts as ornaments on a few sticks, but they'd also be great as bowl filler, or strung on some twine as a pretty garland.

I love these yarn hearts as a Valentine's Day craft, but they'd be really pretty anytime of year in a baby nursery, or as part of a winter wedding or wedding shower too. You could make them neutral like mine, or use any colour of yarn to fit your home or party decor. I love how versatile these DIY yarn hearts are.

Easy Kids or Adult Valentine's Craft Idea

The materials and method are so easy, they'd be a great Valentine's Day craft to do with kids or adults

Materials:

Heart Base Material

I used recycled styrofoam meat trays as the base for my hearts. This worked really well. The white color was perfect for making them with white yarn, just in case any of the background color peeked through. The foam was also a great thickness to make the hearts a little thicker. It was also nice and stiff to give a good solid base for wrapping. The foam is also very easy to cut with regular scissors.

Yarn

I wanted my hearts to look really cozy and fluffy and to be made with lots of different kinds of yarn.

I have had great luck finding inexpensive yarn at the thrift store. Look for it in the craft material section. This is the perfect way to get lots of variation in your yarns. The yarn is often sold bundled together. If you end up with a ball of yarn you don't like in your bundle or one that doesn't work color wise, you can just donate it right back. I've found this is usually still cheaper than purchasing it all new at the craft store, and the small quantities you usually find at the thrift store are perfect for this craft.

It's also a great way to use up little bits of leftover yarn in your craft stash, especially if you're a knitter. I think mixing the type of yarn adds interest.

Colors

I love making these yarn hearts in neutral colors, but you can make them in any color scheme. Make them to match your home decor in a favourite color.

Material Variations:

These would also be beautiful in rainbow colors.

We made ours for Valentine's Day so we mixed in the tiniest bit of pink with our neutrals.

You could also do these all in pink or red, or a combination of pink and red.

If you don't have a styrofoam meat tray to upcycle, you can use any stiff material like a piece of cardboard as your base.

Instructions:

1. Start my cutting out a heart shape from your styrofoam tray. I used styrofoam trays that I saved and washed from purchasing meat.

You can mark out your heart first to find a shape and size you're happy with. If you want all your hearts to be the same size, create a pattern or use a heart template for all of them. I kind of like that all my free hand hearts are slightly different shapes and sizes.

2. Once you have your heart cut out, start winding the yarn around it, holding the end of the yarn to start, and securing it as you wind around it tightly with more yarn. You can also use a small piece of tape on the end of the piece of yarn to hold it in place, if you prefer.

Materials for making DIY yarn hearts, including styrofoam tray, scissors, yarn, pencil, and thread.

3. Begin by wrapping the yarn the yarn around the foam, until the whole thing is covered. Wrap randonly or start with the top of one side of the heart, and use the yarn that you've wrapped to hold the next piece in place.

4. Next, wrap the other top side of the heart.

5. Then wrap the bottom section of one side.

6. Next wrap the bottom section of the other side. You may need to add a few layers to the very tip to make sure it's completely covered.

7. Finishing wrapping the top of the heart each side.

8. Lastly, wrap the yarn around randomly a few times to create a more random pattern on top.

9. To finish, tie the end of the yarn in to one of the other pieces tightly to keep the yarn from unraveling and cut off the end.

The cute yarn hearts will naturally be thicker in the center of the heart, making it kind of 3D.

10. If you want to hang your yarn heart, you can add a thread for hanging. Just cut a piece of thread, and thread it onto a needle. Use the needle, and push it through the top fo the heart. Tie the thread together, and snip off any extra thread, and it's ready for hanging.

Adding a thread to yarn heart so that you can hang it.

Hangable Hearts

Expert Tip: I prefer to use a thread to hang it because it isn't noticeable and kind of disappears, rather than a long piece of twine or yarn.

Fequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than the sytrofoam for the base?

Yes, you can use some foam board, or thick cardbard as a base material instead.

What if the base is showing through?

If you're heart base is showing through, just wrap more yarn around until it's covered completely.

Is this a good craft for kids?

This is a great craft for kids to do because it's easy, not messy, and they can choose their own colors.

If you tried this DIY Yarn Hearts Craft or any other craft on my blog please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

Recipe

How To Make Yarn Wrapped Hearts

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 20

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Equipment

scissors
Needle

Materials

styrofoam tray
yarn
thread

Instructions

Start my cutting out a heart shape from your styrofoam tray. I used styrofoam trays that I saved and washed from purchasing meat. You can mark out your heart first to find a shape and size you're happy with. If you want all your hearts to be the same size, create a pattern or use a heart template for all of them. I kind of like that all my free hand hearts are slightly different shapes and sizes.
Once you have your heart cut out, start winding the yarn around it, holding end of the yarn to start, and securing it as you wind around it tightly with more yarn. You can also use a small piece of tape on the end of the piece of yarn to hold it in place, if you prefer.
Begin by wrapping the yarn the yarn around the foam, until the whole thing is covered. Wrap randonly or start with the top of one side of the heart, and use the yarn that you've wrapped to hold the next piece in place.
Next, wrap the other top side of the heart.
Then wrap the bottom section of one side.
Next wrap the bottom section of the other side. You may need to add a few layers to the very tip to make sure it's completely covered.
Finishing wrapping the top of the heart each side.
Lastly, wrap the yarn around randomly a few times to create a more random pattern on top.
To finish, tie the end of the yarn in to one of the other pieces tightly to keep the yarn from unraveling and cut off the end.
If you want to hang your yarn heart, you can add a thread for hanging. Just cut a piece of thread, and thread it onto a needle. Use the needle, and push it through the top fo the heart. Tie the thread together, and snip off any extra thread, and it's ready for hanging.

Video

Notes

If you don't have a styrofoam meat tray to upcycle, you can use any stiff material like a piece of cardboard as your base.

The cute yarn hearts will naturally be thicker in the center of the heart, making it kind of 3D.

I prefer to use a thread to hang it because it isn't noticeable and kind of disappears, rather than a long piece of twine or yarn.

Hygge Living Room

Jan 16, 2018 · Leave a Comment

The Art of Hygge -enjoying life's little pleasures, being fully present, getting cozy, and embracing the seasons into your home.

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I first heard about Hygge a few years ago, and loved the idea immediately. Hygge comes from a Danish word. Pronounced Hue-gah, it's sometimes defined as the Danish art of enjoying life, and life's simple pleasures.

The Art of Hygge -How to add the Danish concept of hygge: enjoying life's little pleasures, being fully present, getting cozy, and embracing the seasons into your home.

What Does Hygge Mean?

I've heard it called the art of cozy. It's become a popular decorating term. But it's even more than pretty candles and twinkle lights (although those can be part of it), it's a feeling, a way of life even. I think it's about being wholly present, and really living where you are. It's about taking time to enjoy the pleasures of life in order to see the beauty in everyday and escape what can be the drudgery of everyday.

Hygge is not just a winter concept.

Although you hear about it more in the winter because the idea of cozy is so appealing then, it's really more of a year round outlook. The Danish do face long, grey winter days -and I as a Canadian can relate. And although you will hear lots about cozying up with sheep skins and candles, and hot chocolate, it's also about getting outside and enjoying the snow and cold and grey too. There's a certain acceptance that Hygge embraces -we live in the snow so let's live in the snow. Let's snowshoe, and ski, and embrace all that winter has to offer. And then let's return to our warm houses and get warm and cozy, and be with friends and family and enjoy life. Have you heard the expression before "there's no such think as too cold to go outside, there's only not being dressed for the weather."? Layer on the cold weather woolies and get outside, and enjoy it. Then come in for a drink by the fire, and a laugh, and cozy night together.

Perhaps it's because Danish weather and Canadian winters have a little in common. Perhaps it's because in my own personal life I've been trying to learn over the last few years how to be more present. I've been trying to show up for my own life more and more. I've been trying to live and not just survive. Perhaps it's for those reasons that the whole idea of Hygge seems so right to me. It's fashionable and lovely, but it's a whole lot more than just a few steps and a few things to buy. Having said that though, our homes are a window into our hearts. And the environment we create can serve to create an environment in our own hearts. There is something to be said for making a cozy home to create a cozy life. So here are some of the ways I've tried to embrace a Hygge Living Room, that might inspire you.

Add Lots of Cozy Materials

You can create a sense of warmth and softness and coziness by using sheep skins (real or faux), lot of comfy knits, and warm snuggly blankets. Add softness to a space by including lots of soft things. It's especially nice in these winter days to have lots of layers of warmth to curl up in.

Keep It Neutral

One of the beauties of Scandinavian design is the neutral palette. Whites, greys, and creams are all I've used in this space. Keep it interesting and not boring by adding lots of textures. There's the cozy textures of our pillows, blankets, and sheep skins, but also the macrame adds to that feeling. Baskets, and patterned rugs add interest. Other materials also keep it interesting like wood, paper, and metals.

Add in Lots of Nature

We're not only embracing getting out into the environment we live in, but bringing the outdoors in. Include natural elements like birch poles, and pinecones this time of year. There's also nothing more scandi than antlers. Plants help create that feeling too.

Include some Plants

Plants add green and create a sense of life. Especially this time of year after Christmas when the house can feel bare, and it's still frozen and snow outside, indoor plants help create a sense of health and add some much needed green to the space. Plants also help with texture -think about the leaves, smooth, feathery, picky, fine, large.

Add some Light

This time of year when the days are short, and the night is long, it can feel so grey and dark and gloomy. Even in the day time it seems like some days the sun is hiding. Add some light to your dull space with lots of pretty candles and twinkle lights. Candles and twinkle lights aren't just for Christmas, and they have a way of instantly making you feel cozy.

Embrace Hearty Seasonal Comfort Food

Winter calls for the foods of the season -warm and hearty stews and soups, oatmeal, fresh bread, and pasta. Rediscover the joy of good seasonal food. It's part of embracing where you live. It's old fashioned because it works. And while you're at it, don't forget warm and soothing drinks like the perfect cup of tea, a beautifully brewed cup of coffee, or a mug of hot chocolate with a marshmallow. Embrace seasonal food and rediscover the joy of cooking, hosting, and eating.

Rediscover An Indoor Hobby this Winter Too

It might be as simple as watching movies, or reading. It might be knitting, or doing a puzzle, or a crossword. How about building computers, or hand lettering? The sky really is the limit here. But it is about really enjoying it, setting time aside for it, and doing that lazy just for fun thing just for the fun of it. Relax with your whole heart. Marathon watch Netflix like a pro, and then do something else -work, sleep, see friends and family, ski, walk the dog. Show up for it all, even your hobby, and really enjoy it -all the pleasure none of the guilt. It's winter, time for some relaxing indoor fun too.

Reconect with Friends and Family

Part of the art of Hygge is to enjoy the company of family and friends. Life is richer when it's shared. Make time to see family and friends over the winter. It's the perfect time to host a get together -think of a sledding party at a local hill and warming up at your house over a big pot of chilli. These things have a way of never actually happening unless they're on the calendar so be intentional about really connecting with family and friends.

With the art of Hygge, life really is a party!

How are you adding the art of Hygge to your life?

How To Paint a Buffalo Plaid Check Feature Wall

Jan 11, 2018 · Leave a Comment

How To Paint Buffalo Plaid Walls -easy weekend DIY to add drama to any space by painting buffalo check plaid on a feature wall.

How to paint a buffalo check plaid wall.

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I love my dining room and thought it would be fun to add a plaid painted feature wall to create a little drama. I love that this Buffalo Check wall is done with paint, and only took a weekend to create. It adds so much to the room and was a great weekend DIY project. Changing your home decor with a little paint is such a fast, economical way to create a big impact.

Choosing The Colours

About a year ago, I redecorated my dining room and changed all the dark furniture and beige walls to white -read about the big dining room makeover reveal with a before and after here. What a huge difference it made. I painted the room in Para Paints JoJo Whitewash. I have loved the clean white that's made the room feel so bright and airy.

When I decided it was time to add a little more drama to the room, I knew I still wanted to keep the room neutral. I have loved being able to mix and match any colour for any season. I've also fallen in love with this seasons hottest trend -Buffalo Check!

I feel like the black and white plaid painted wall in buffalo check are so fresh feeling. It adds lots of interest and texture but is still neutral and goes with everything. If you're a fan of buffalo check, it a really great way to add some big impact to a space.

When it came time to choose the greys and black paint to go with JoJo Whitewash. In the paint store, I used a fan deck to complete my choice. Para makes it's easy by putting difference shades that go together on the same paint sample. I went with 410B, 410D, and 410G. We kept the white JoJo Whitewash as our base color.

Materials:

PF17 JoJo Whitewash Para Paint
410B Titanium Para Paint
410D Grey Tote Para Paint
410G Raven Wood Para Paint
Painters Tape
Laser Level
Pencil
small roller and tray
paint brush

How To Paint a Buffalo Check feature wall

How To Make Plaid Painted Walls in Buffalo Check

Square Size

1. Start out your plaid painted walls by deciding on the size of your squares -I went with 10 inches because I wanted them to be large and have a large impact. My walls were already painted with Para paint PF17 JoJo Whitewash, but if yours are not, you'll need to start by painting the walls in the white paint as a base coat.

Marking It Out

2. To mark out your buffalo check pattern, use a laser level to make a straight lines 10 inches down from the top of the wall, and used painters tape to mark it out. This will give you a full square at the top of the wall. Remember to put your first piece of tape on the outside of the first line, and then measure down from the top of the tape another 10 inches. Also, remember to push your tape down firmly to help prevent the paint from bleeding underneath.

We used a laser level to place our tape lines. This makes the job so much easier than a regular level would be. We didn't need to mark out a pencil line for ours, which was great because then we didn't need to worry at all about them showing through the paint, or erasing them afterward.

3. Mark the second line with painters tape, taking care to place it on the inside of the stripe. When it comes time to paint you will only paint every other stripe with gray paint, so the tape must be on the outside of each alternating stripe to insure that the strips are even afterwards. It will look uneven to begin with, and you might find it helpful to mark the stripe that is not being painted with an "X" of tape so you don't get confused.

4. Next, you will mark out the vertical lines every 10 inches. I used a pencil to mark these, and then taped them after the horizontal stripes were painted. Start by finding the centre of the entire wall vertically with a tape measure, and then measure 5 inches out on each side to centre your first square. Use the laser level to create a straight line down and mark them on the wall in very light pencil every 10 inches apart.

Let's Get Painting

5. To paint your first stripe, choose your lightest color of grey, Para paint 410B Titanium, stir it well and apply 2 coats of paint with a small foam roller, or small paint brush. Letting it dry several hours in between coats. Remove the painters tape from the horizontal lines.

Waiting In-between

6. I waited over night to let the first stripes dry before beginning the vertical stripes. Begin by adding painters tape to the vertical lines that you've already marked out with pencil, taking care to place the tape on the outsides of the stripes again so that they are even when the tape's removed. Use painter's tape to mark the stripes you are not painting with an "X" again so you don't get confused.

Because the spots where the two stripes intersect will be painted black, for the next step you can just paint the other squares to cut down on the thickness of the paint in those inserting squares. These stripes (squares) were painted with 410D Grey Tote -two coats.

how to paint buffalo check painted plaid walls

7. Let the Grey Tote dry for several hours or over night but do not remove the painters tape. Add tape to the intersecting squares, again on the outside to create the 10 inch squares. Paint these intersecting squares with the final color, 410G Raven Wood. After two coats remove each piece of painters tape, and reveal the buffalo plaid design.

As a final step once all the tape is removed, you may have to do a few touch-ups in any spots where your tape wasn't pushed down firmly enough. Remember though it doesn't have to be perfect. Tiny imperfections won't be noticeable once the whole thing is done and your furniture is back in place and the room is put back together.

Top Tips For Plaid Painted Walls:

Taping

A few little tips I'd suggest -be sure to push down your tape firmly so that the paint doesn't bleed underneath. If you do have a tiny bleed, you can always touch it up with an art brush after the wall is all finished.

Laser Level

Also be sure to use a laser level. If you don't have one, see if you can borrow one from someone for this job. The laser level makes marking out the lines SO much easier than it would have been with a regular level. This is definitely the easiest way to mark out the straight lines of tape.

Helping Hands

And, if you can get a friend to help you it goes so much quicker with two people to mark out the lines. One person can set up the level each time and the other can place each strip of tape, or hold a long straight edge on the wall for marking out the pencil lines.

Marking Your Squares

It really is a good idea to mark the squares you're not painting with a small piece of tape or two to make an "x". It's tricky to keep track of what you're doing, especially after staring at this for hours, so use the little tape trick to keep it simple. You really want to paint in the right place.

Timing and Touch Ups

One other consideration -when you're taping over the fresh paint you want the fresh paint to be dry enough so that it won't be damaged by a strip of painter tape. But you also don't want to leave the strips of tape on so long that it damages the layer beneath it. So it's a calculated risk. Be sure to use actual painters tape and not masking tape to mark out your buffalo plaid pattern. Remember also that you can always do small touch ups if the tape strips do damage the paint underneath at all.

How to paint plaid painted walls with buffalo check

I didn't want to add art that would compete with my new buffalo check feature wall so I decided on a pretty birch branch with lights and yarn tassels. A large mirror would be a great choice too.

How To Make Plaid Painted Walls -add some drama to any space by painting buffalo check plaid on a feature wall, easy weekend DIY project.

One of the things I love about this wall treatment is that it's not permanent. It will be easy to paint over whenever we're ready for a change. I am excited about decorating with lots of buffalo check for the holiday season -see our buffalo check black and white Christmas decor here.

With a Black and White Buffalo Check Plaid Painted Wall Treatment, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also love our Green Feature Wall post.

Green Feature Wall: the perfect shade of green paint, and the hand drawn chevron stencil create the an amazing feature wall.

Also check out Black and White Boho Office Makeover here.

Black and White Boho Office Makeover: whimsical wallpaper, a wood bead chandelier, art, drapes, and lots of plants give this office the perfect boho vibe.

You might also like Rustic Scandinavian Makeover Reveal.

Rustic Black and White Christmas Table

Dec 18, 2017 · 2 Comments

Preparations for Christmas are well underway, and today I wanted to share my Rustic Black and White Christmas Table to hopefully inspire you as you finish up your holiday to-do list this week.

Black and White This years Black and White Rustic theme for the table was inspired by the new buffalo check accent wall in the dining room. I tried not to go over board with the buffalo check, but it is a big element of this pretty table.

Rustic Black and White Christmas Table decorations

I started out with the table runner. It's actually just a piece of fabric, with rustic frayed edges. Then I decided to use my wood round chargers. Mine were made for me from an old log several years ago by my sweet brother-in-law. You could pick up something similar at the craft store.PL

Place Settings

I used my everyday white dishes, and then added some striped Hearth and Hand napkins. The black cutlery looks great on the chargers.

I decided on the place settings quite early on, but wasn't sure what to do for a centrepiece. Flowers, or an evergreen garland with candles would have both been really pretty too.

Birch Yule Log

I decided to try making a yule log, and it became the centrepiece of the table.

I was inspired by this chocolate birch bark -and added it to a vanilla yule log. My daughter Maddie and I made this yule log -but without the chocolate. And then we added these meringue mushrooms.

I used a cutting board to serve the yule log on, and because I wanted it to be the star of the show I elevated it and added some greenery.

The little meringue mushrooms got a sprinkling of cocoa, and the whole cake got some powdered sugar "snow".

More Mushrooms

The mushrooms on the cake inspired the rest of the table centrepiece. I used some mushrooms that I had used for a spring table -see them here. They're made from air dry clay, and they got a little snow added to them for Christmas.

The birch bark on the yule log, inspired me to use birch bark candles.

I love the woodsy feel this table has, it makes me want to go for a lovely snowy walk in the forest.

Black and White buffalo check Christmas Table

With my Rustic Black and White Christmas table all set and ready for Christmas dinner, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also like our Merry and Bright Christmas Party here.

Also check out our Rustic Snowy Christmas Table here.

Rustic Snowy Chrismtas Tablescape: with faux snow, fresh greens, and winter berries and personalized DIY snow globe place cards.

You might also enjoy our Holly Jolly Woodland Kids Christmas Table here.

Neutral Christmas Decor Family Room

Dec 16, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Cozy Christmas Family Room: All decorated with neutral Christmas decor using whites, creams, and lots of different textures for interest.

I'm excited to share my basement family room with you all cozied up for Christmas with lots of neutral Christmas decor. I've added lots of white, cream, and different textures and it's so cozy now all I want to do is snuggle up with my doggie and a cup of tea.

Neutral Christmas Decor Tree

This year I started out decorating the tree with lots of white, including some white fluffy yarn and lots of white ornaments, with some gold and silver.

Next I tucked in these amazing branches. They remind me of antlers, and I thought they were pretty tucked into the tree.

And then I wrapped the gifts in some pretty simple paper, and added some cute embellishments, like this little bead tassel.

Neutral Christmas Mantel

I kept the fireplace mantel quite simple. Aren't these little houses sweet? They're a fun DIY made from some scraps of wood and copper pipe.

I've layered in lots of natural elements, like pinecones, antlers, and a small pine tree.

Coffee Table

Next over on our toy chest coffee table, I've layered lots of simple pretty elements. I love the look of the macrame table runner it adds so much texture.

I also added a fun little flocked tree in a pretty basket. The basket got a little makeover to fit our natural Christmas decor them. I painted the bottom of the basket white, and love how it turned out.

how to decorate for Christmas with neutrals

The simple candle holders are another easy DIY, just some logs with a drilled out hole for a candle, and some gold, silver, and copper leaf on the bottom.

Christmas Vignette

Over behind the little chair, I set up a cute little Christmas vignette.

This little table was a roadside rescue, and using the tray as a backdrop was inspired by my friend Laurie at Vinyet Etc. -check out her home tour for lots of inspiration.

This little basket got a few pom poms added and another little tree tucked inside. The little birch star is made a from some sticks I found on a walk one day. I tied the together with a little wire and twine.

Toy Room

Over on the other side of the room, is my girls little play room area. As they get bigger they don't use it quite as much as they used to, but adding some simple decorations made them want to play back there more.

This is the first time we've added any real Christmas to the play area, and it was partly inspired by the little puppet theatre makeover.

The puppet theatre used to be painted pink and purple but they painted it over with black paint so they can use chalk to decorate it for any play they're creating. I added some snowflakes, and garland for a wintery feel. And we sewed some new curtains to fit our black and white look.

The little table and chairs are holding a few Christmas trees and some more pretty wood bead garland. I actually picked up an old beaded car seat cover at a garage sale a year or so ago. I've used the beads for all sorts of fun little projects.

We're all set to to watch movies, read, and play down here this Christmas.

All I need now is a mug of hot chocolate. 😉

With a cozy family room with lots of neural Christmas decor to enjoy, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also like Green Christmas Decor Home Tour here.

Christmas Home Tour: Rustic Scandinavian Christmas Home Tour, with bit of modern boho.

Also check out Scandinavian Christmas Decor Ideas Home Tour 2018 -Part I here.

Christmas Home Tour 2018 -Black and White Scandinavian design with a little boho. Lots of natural elements, cozy texture and Christmas twinkle lights.

You might also enjoy Scandinavian Christmas Decor Home Tour 2018 -Part II.

Scandinavian Christmas Decor Home Tour 2018 -Part II: Rustic Scandi design, lots of white and natural elements with some vintage Xmas pieces.

Nutcracker Tea Party

Dec 14, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Visit the land of sweets for this Nutcracker themed tea party. It's the perfect party for anyone who loves the classic Christmas ballet. We've got ideas for themed food and decorations.

How to throw a nutcracker themed tea party with food and decor ideas.

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Why We Love This Party

We love the Nutcraker and it's the perfect theme for a Christmas tea party.
There's many fun details like ballerinas, mice, and nutcrackers to inspire our themed decorations and food ideas.
A tea party always feels special, but all our nutcracker details take this one to the next level.
It's perfect for celebrating with little ballerinas.

A Nutcracker Tea Party...what little girl's Christmas dreams are made of! This weekend I had a little Nutcracker Tea Party for my girls, my best friend, and her two little girls. It was pink and pretty, and full of treats -just as a Nutcracker Tea Party should be. 😉 We attended the broadcast of a live version at our local movie theater, it would also be great after seeing a live version or watching Disney's the Nutcracker movie at home, or the Barbie version for very little ones.

We love a good tea party. Be sure to check out all our tips for hosting a tea party for adults here. You might also like our Christmas themed tea party, Winter Tea Party, or Christmas Cookie Decorating Party.

How to throw a nutcracker tea party with a table set with nutcracker inspired decorations and food.

I had so much fun putting this together, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

My friend Heather takes her girls every holiday season to see the Nutcracker at the movie theatre. They get dressed up and watch the Nutcracker being performed in Russia or London all from the comfort of the local movie theatre, for the price of a movie theatre ticket, and with the added bonus of popcorn! If you're interested check out if it's available at a local movie theater near you.

This year we joined them, and I suggested a little nutcracker party to go with it.

Nutcracker theme party table and food ideas.

I really loved creating it, and might have even gone a tiny bit overboard...but what can I say, you know we love a theme around here, and a nutcracker theme is really perfect for a holiday party.

The Nutcracker Themed Party Decorations

Let me start with the table all set for party guests. We set up the cozy little party in the kitchen. I actually did a Christmas Nutcracker themed Bedroom for my daughter years ago, and I still had all the things tucked in a box with other Christmas decorations in the basement. That set the colour scheme for the party -pink and aqua, and I mixed in lots of gold and silver with it.

pink tulle
pink, aqua, gold and silver Christmas trees
twinkle lights
candles
hand painted nutcrackers
stuffed mice
bowls of candy

I picked up some pink tulle at the fabric store and used it as a table runner. It seemed the perfect way to dress the table for a ballet themed party, and reminded me of the ballerinas beautiful pink tutus.

Then I layered on all sorts of little Christmas trees in pastel colors like pink, aqua, gold, and silver. I also used some candles for sparkle, and a string of gold lights.

This table was all about more pretty things to look at, not minimalist in the least. There's also a garland of sparkly stars in there, and then a bunch of pretty nutcrackers and a little army of stuffed mice.

Hand painted nutcrackers and stuffed mice decorations for a nutcracker themed party.

The nutcrackers were a paint your own set, so we just painted them in pink and aqua which worked perfectly with our pink and aqua color palette. My daughter made these ones years ago, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw the little faces she had painted on them when she was little.

This would be a really fun craft to do at the party as well, if you were looking for a party activity, everyone could paint their own nutcracker.

Hand painted nutcracker decoration for a nutcracker themed tea party.

The mice are from Ikea, and they made the perfect little mouse king army.

Stuffed mouse toy used as decoratio for a nutcracker tea party.

Nutcracker Place Settings

I set the table with some pretty snowflake plates, the perfect nutcracker napkins and some fun little Christmas crackers. The Nutcracker is such a popular Christmas party theme that it's easy to find party supplies like themed napkins.

Nutcracker themed place setting at the table.

At each place setting I used some pretty pink tea cups for our tea and found the cutest little nutcracker chocolates as well. The chocolates would also be great party favors too.

snowflake plates
Nutcracker napkins
Christmas crackers
pink teacups
Nutcracker chocolates

How to throw a Nutcracker themed tea party.

The Food

Tea Sandwiches

We started out with some traditional tea party fare -little tea sandwiches and some veggies and dip (in a vain attempt to not just fill the children with sweets).

I made my usual tea sandwiches -egg salad on mini croissants, chicken salad in toast cups -see my recipe here, and cucumber sandwiches.

egg salad on mini croissants
chicken salad toast cups
cucumber sandwiches
pickles
nuts

Since it was the nutcracker, I thought some nuts were in order, and offered some pistachios in one of my milk glass containers.

The Sweets

I also had some snowflake chocolate covered pretzels, and some snowflake gummy candies in pretty milk glass containers.

Nutcracker themed food of snowflake chocolate covered pretzels.

Nutcracker theme party food ideas, snowflake gummies.

I wanted the food to follow our theme somewhat, so this is where I really had some fun.

chocolate covered "snowflake" pretzels
snowflake gummy candies
sugarplum pastries
snowflake sugar cookies
chocolate dipped pink wafer cookies
mouse king chocolates
marshmallow sugarplum fairy wands

Nutcracker tea party food ideas of snowflake sugar cookies, and sugar plum tarts.

Sugarplum Pastries

I wanted to have something "sugar plum" inspired by the sugar plum fairy, and I came up with the idea of sugar plum pastries. I had hoped to use some plum jam with puff pastry, but unfortunately I couldn't find any.

So I looked for some jarred plums and discovered that prunes are dried plums. I bought a jar of stewed prunes and cooked them down with some sugar into a jam.

Then I used it as the filling for these little sugar-plum pastries, and sprinkled them with coarse sugar. They were pretty yummy.

Snowflake sugar cookies decorated with pink and aqua colored icing.

My girls made and decorated some delicious snowflake sugar cookies.

I also made some easy chocolate dipped wafer cookies with strawberry wafer cookies dipped in pink chocolate with some snowflake sprinkles.

Nutcracker Tea Party: Visit the land of sweets -ideas for a Nutcracker Ballet Themed Tea Party with themed food and pink and aqua decorations.

Mouse King Chocolates

For the mouse king we made the most adorable mice chocolates.

We dipped a maraschino cherry with a stem into chocolate and let it set, then added a Hershey kiss, and two little ears made from sliced almonds. There were quite easy to make and so, so cute!

Marshmallow Sugar Plum Fairy Wands

We made some homemade marshmallows too, and used them a couple different ways for the party. I cut some of the white ones into snowflakes and used a candy stick and some edible glitter to turn them into sugarplum fairy wands.

Nutcracker themed foods marshmallow fairy wand.

These marshmallow wands are so fun, and perfect for stirring hot chocolate. There were lots of desserts and sweets on the table, but there was also a little dessert table at the side.

The Dessert Table

Nutcracker themed dessert table at a tea party.

I made the back drop for the little dessert table by hanging some paper stars and paper decorations.

Beneath that was the pretty snowflake ballerinas. I used this tutorial to make them and strung them onto some tassel garland to hang them up.

Nutcracker themed party decorations paper snowflake ballerinas.

Under the ballerinas I hung a little "Dream" banner that I made on my cricut out of gold glitter card stock. Since the nutcracker is all part of Clara's dream, it seemed like the large nutcracker was perfect. If you had a nutcracker collection this would be a great place to include them as decor.

Nutcracker themed party decorations DIY paper snowflake ballerinas.

I added more Christmas trees to this spot and in the larger one is a group of mice, including the mouse King himself, in his little felt crown.

Nutcracker themed party decorations mouse king.

This little area was full of more sweet treats.

Ballerina Marshmallow Pops

I used more of the homemade marshmallows to make some ballerina marshmallow pops. I dipped the homemade marshmallows into some pink chocolate and added some sprinkles. The ballerinas tutu is a small cupcake liner.

Nutcracker themed food ideas marshmallow ballerinas with cupcake liner paper tutus.

Ballerina Cupcakes

I also made some ballerina cupcakes.

We made simple vanilla cupcakes and then added gold sprinkles and the sweetest ballerina cupcake cake toppers.

Ballerina cupcakes with paper glitter cupcake pics with tulle tutus.

We uploaded a ballerina silhouette and used the Cricut machine to cut them out. Then I hot glued a little tulle on for the skirt, and attached them to a toothpick to make the cupcake cake topper. These would be a great alternative to a birthday cake if you were celebrating a birthday party with a Nutcracker themed party.

Nutcracker themed party decor ballerina jewellery box filled with candy.

One more fun detail was using a little ballerina jewelry box to serve some candies. I wound her up and she danced as we ate sweets.

Sugar Cookie Houses

One the sweet table there was also a little group of sugar cookie houses that my girls made.

Sugar cookie house decorated in aqua and pink.

I'm not really a big gingerbread fan, so I love the idea of sugar cookie houses as an alternative, and they couldn't be cuter in their pink and aqua.

Nutcracker themed tea party dessert table and dining table.

Making Christmas Memories

This little party truly was like a visit to the land of sweets right out of the four realms, and so much fun. I loved seeing the girls faces when they all saw it. And they were so adorable all dressed up in their fancy Christmas dresses discussing the ballet and enjoying their treats -making special Christmas memories, and happy holidays. This really is a great theme for any holiday get together.

Nutcracker themed party table and dessest table.

I had such a fun time planning this party it may have to become a yearly tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you prep the food ahead of time?

Yes you can make most of the food ahead of time. We prepped all the sweets, made the sandwich fillings, and set the table the day before the party. On the morning of the party I made the sandwiches and put them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until serving time.

Did you serve the kids tea?

Instead of tea we served hot chocolate for the kids. Make it extra special with pink hot chocolate made with white chocolate, milk, and a little pink food coloring.

Where were the Nutcrakers from?

Look for the unfinished wood nutcrackers that you can paint yourself in craft stores, or the dollar store around the holidays.

More Christmas Entertaining Inspiration

If you try this Nutcracker Tea Party or any other ideas on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

New Year's Eve

Dec 12, 2017 · 9 Comments

New Year's Eve Table Decorations: Be inspired by a disco ball center piece, candles, and a collection of clocks. This elegant table is full of wow factor!

New Year's Eve table decor and party decor.

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Today I'm sharing New Year's Eve Table Decorations.

New Year's Eve Table Decorations

For my celebration, I've put together a beautiful New Year's Eve tablescape. Since it's New Years I added lots of glam -with mirrors, gold, silver, and candle light. One of my very favourite ways to ring in the New Year is at an elegant dinner party. Dress up, cook, order take-out, or ask everyone to bring a dish and avoid the crowds with a beautiful celebration in your own home. And if you're at the kids stage of life, put them to bed -and your friends kids in the spare room, and still enjoy your night.

Mirrored Ball Disco Centre Piece

My table started with the mirrored disco balls down the centre. I collected large and small and medium sized mirrored balls. Lots are from dollar stores, some are from the Christmas decoration section of other stores. Basically you can't have too many, the more the merrier and the more size variation the better. These weren't expensive, most packages were just a few dollars and they have so much impact!

I used a silver table runner under the mirrored balls, and then added in some candles, and some giant gold confetti. I also had a few strands of mirrored garland that I wove in.

For the rest of the table, I used more silver and gold.

Place Settings

The chargers are silver coloured metal, and then I used my white everyday dishes. The gold cutlery is perfect for a little New Year's Eve drama, especially with the incredible glasses.

I love these gorgeous champagne flutes and tumblers. Here I mixed and matched them, but they each come with 8 in a set, and every glass has a slightly different gold design on them. You could assign one design per person, and not worry about anyone mixing up their glasses all night

The table sparkles from all the mirrors, glass, gold and silver.

It's always nice to have something special at each persons place setting, so everyone has a delicious homemade vanilla cupcake, complete with gold sprinkles waiting for them!

New Years Eve Decor

Over on the buffet, I wanted to add some New Year's Eve inspired decor too.

The balloons help set the New Year's feel, and they were just picked up at the dollar store. The number balloons are filled with air and then tied up on a string so they're super convenient for a party -love them!

And under the numbers, a collection of clocks. These are from around my house and a few from the thrift store -and they really are the perfect little New Year's Eve decor.

On the other side, candles for the perfect New Year's Eve glow. I've shared these before - see how I made the paint dipped brass candlestick holders here.

I had so much fun setting up this festive, and sparkly table for New Year's Eve.

All that's left to do now, is pop the champagne and get celebrating!

I wish the you and yours the very, very best for 2018. With beautiful New Year's Eve table decorations like this for celebrating, life really is a party!

More New Year's Eve Inspiration

You might also like our New Year's Free Printable Vintage Postcards here.

Vintage New Years Cards: enjoy these eight free printable vintage New Years cards -just download and print. Post marked 1911 -1917.

Also check out our New Year's Eve Party Decor here.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Dec 8, 2017 · 14 Comments

This Eggnog Bread Pudding is the ultimate holiday dessert. You'll love this rich brioche bread soaked in creamy eggnog custard, baked until golden, and topped with whipped cream or custard sauce. It's the perfect Christmas treat for eggnog lovers and a great way to use up leftover eggnog. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making it great for busy holiday entertaining.

Eggnog bread pudding in a baking dish, ready to be served.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's quick and easy to make -one bowl and 10 minutes prep.
We love this holiday twist to an old classic that makes it extra special.
It's delicious and creamy, and perfect for any eggnog lover.
You can make it ahead of time, and keep in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.

This was delicious! Easy to make and everyone loved it. Better than traditional bread pudding. -Judy, Via Pinterest

This Eggnog Bread Pudding is the perfect festive treat. Easy, delicious comfort food, with a Christmas twist that makes it extra special.

I first had a traditional bread pudding ages ago when I was in my early twenties and living in England for school. It is a classic English dessert. It's so warm and comforting and truly easy to make. It was often made to use up stale bread. This eggnog version is lovely for the holiday season.

The rich buttery flavour of the brioche bread makes the pudding extra special. And the best part of this recipe is that using eggnog as one of the main ingredients cuts down on the ingredients and makes this recipe super quick and easy, but also so, so delicious.

You might also like our Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Easy Bailey's French Toast, or Caramel Apple Trifle.

I love this easy eggnog bread pudding. It's easy enough for any day you'd like to add a little holiday cheer to with simple grocery store ingredients, but special enough to be welcome at any party or special get together this Christmas. This is my favorite way to use up any leftover eggnog or bread during the holidays.

Eggnog Bread Pudding Ingredients

Full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.

Brioche Bread: We used brioche bread for our eggnog bread pudding because it adds a wonderful richness to the dessert. You could also use egg bread.
Eggnog: In place of regular cream or milk this recipe uses eggnog, which adds wonderful flavor to the dish.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These traditional eggnog spices add warmth and a holiday taste to the meal. We've used fresh grated nutmeg which is full of flavour, but regular ground nutmeg is fine in this dish also.

Substitutions

Brioche Bread: If you don't have brioche or egg bread for this dish you and substitute a French loaf or even regular white bread or try raisin bread. The brioche adds a richness to the dish, but it's also delicious made with regular bread.
Gluten Free: If you are on a gluten free diet you can substitute gluten free bread for the bread in this recipe.

Variations

Raisin Bread or Raisins: I also like to make this dish with raisin bread egg bread. A regular raisin cinnamon bread would be a great choice also. You can also add in ½-1 cup of raisins separately. Be sure to soak the dried raisins in some warm water for a few minutes to plump them up, then drain them before adding to the bread cubes.
Pecans: If you'd like to add a little crunch to the dish, you can add ½-1 cup pecans with or without the raisins. Just chop and add to the bread cubes.
Dried Cranberries: To make this festive dish even more festive you can try adding in ½ cup of dry cranberries to the bread cube mixture.

Instructions

Eggnog bread pudding ingredients, including cubed pieces of brioche bread, eggs, and eggnog.

Step 1: To make the eggnog bread pudding, first cut your brioche into one inch cubes.

Making eggnog custard for eggnog bread pudding in a bowl, with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl combine eggnog, eggs, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. (Make sure your butter isn't too hot, you don't want to cook the eggs at all.) Stir the egg mixture well.

Brioche bread cubes in eggnog custard to make an eggnog bread pudding.

Step 3: Add the all the bread cubes into the eggnog mixture in the large bowl, and stir to combine. Optional: add some raisins (or use cinnamon raisin bread) or add pecans, or both to the mixture. Let it sit 10 minutes or a couple of hours so the bread can absorb most of the liquid.

Eggnog bread pudding baked in a square dish with a golden top and icing sugar sprinkled on top.

Step 4: Spray a 9 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray, and add in the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in a 350 F degree preheated oven 40-45 minutes, until set and golden brown on top. Serve hot, warm, or cold sprinkled with a little icing sugar. Serve with whipped cream, custard sauce, or ice cream.

Christmas dessert eggnog bread pudding with whipped cream topping.

What To Serve It With

Whipped Cream: I served the Eggnog Bread Pudding with whipped cream as a holiday dessert. To make it mix heavy cream with vanilla extract, and sugar, you could even add a splash of rum to make it more festive. We served the eggnog warm, but not piping hot. You can serve it hot, warm, or cold.

Ice Cream: It is also really delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream also, or a classic English custard sauce, or even eggnog custard, vanilla sauce, rum sauce, or caramel sauce. You could also dust it with a little powdered sugar before serving.
Sauces: You could also add a little drizzle of caramel sauce or whiskey sauce with your eggnog bread pudding. And for the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top is delicious too.

Eggnog bread pudding scooped out of a glass baking dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this dish ahead of time, which makes it perfect for holiday entertaining. Prepare the dish, but do not bake it, up to a day ahead of time and store the unbaked bread pudding in the refrigerator. Just before your guests arrive, bake the eggnog bread pudding and serve warm.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or in the casserole dish wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature, or reheat in the microwave.

Top Tip: Use this recipe to use up any leftover eggnog during the holiday season.

If you're a fan of eggnog, this dessert is perfect for Christmas Eve, Christmas, or New Year's Day. And if you need to bring a dish to a holiday party, make it this one. With Eggnog Bread Pudding, life is really a party!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use stale bread for eggnog bread pudding?

Bread pudding is often made with stale bread. It's a great way to use up stale bread. But you can also make it with fresh bread.

Can I make eggnog bread pudding gluten free?

Yes, just substitute gluten free bread for the brioche or regular bread in this recipe.

Can I make eggnog bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dish, but do not bake it. Store in the refrigerator up to a day ahead, and bake just before serving.

How do I reheat eggnog bread pudding?

The quickest and easiest way to reheat your eggnog bread pudding, without drying it out, is in the microwave.

Serving of eggnog bread pudding with whipped cream on a plate.

More Dessert Recipe Inspiration

If you try this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!

Recipe

How To Make A Christmas Fairy Garden

Dec 6, 2017 · 12 Comments

How To Make A Christmas Fairy Garden: step-by-step guide to create an indoor Christmas Fairy Garden with real plants.

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I love fairy gardens, and always thought it would be fun to make a Christmas fairy garden. This sweet little fairy home is all decked out for the holidays, complete with real plants. Today I'm sharing how to make a Christmas Fairy Miniature Garden.

I've made lots of fairy gardens in the past -little container gardens for the summer. Check out some of my other fairy gardens here. So this year I thought it would be really great to make an indoor winter version for the holiday season.

I love the little cypress trees that you see this time of year, and they really are the perfect fairy Christmas tree.

Materials:

container
soil
cypress tree
lemon cypress tree
frosty fern
white sand
faux snow
fairy house
garden arch
stepping stones
white rocks
miniature axe
miniature presents
twinkle lights

How To Make a Christmas Fairy Garden

I started with a great container. This one is made from old lath, and made a perfect Christmas fairy garden. Since I'm using it indoors, I was sure to line it with a plastic bag first to ensure that the water didn't damage my table when I water it. Remember though when you're looking after a garden like this though that there is no drainage, so don't over water it.

Winter Fairy Garden Plants

Next I filled the container with soil and added in my plants. I chose a cypress tree, a lemon cypress tree, and a frosty fern. I thought the cypress trees looked like little fairy size Christmas trees, and the frosty fern looked like a frost covered fern in the forest of the North pole. Definitely try to choose plants that look winter-y.

white sand to create a snowy fairy garden

Once the plants were in, I covered the soil in white sand. I didn't really want to use deep artificial snow, since I didn't think it would be that good for the plants. The sand was the perfect solution. I did also sprinkle a little fake snow over top of the sand, but this way I only needed a little. It made the perfect snow globe effect.

DIY Miniature Fairy House

how to make a fairy house out of a birdhouse

Next it was time for the fun part -adding the fairy details. I started out with the house. I've made several fairy houses in the past, with a mini wooden bird house for the base.

To make the bird house into a fairy house, I cut off the bird perch, and created a little fairy door. I usually use a piece of a paint stick, but for this one I used a little birch bark. The house was painted white, with a birch bark door, and roof.

For the roof I created shingles with birch bark rectangles and used hot glue to attach them. I gave the roof a coat of mod podge to help protect it too. The chimney is made out of some very thin wood from the craft store that I just cut with scissors and hot glued into place.

I love my little cotton batten smoke. Can't you just picture the Christmas fairies snuggled up inside beside the fire? I also added a tiny little wreath to the window made from a Christmas ornament.

Christmas Fairy Garden Accessories

Once the house was in, I created a little garden scene around it.

fairy garden house with birch bark shingles

I used a little garden arch and added some real greens to it with a little wire. Once the greens were on I added some little fairy lights, and then wound the rest of the light string around the plants. You could use faux greens instead of real, if you didn't want them to dry out.

I used some little fairy stepping stones to create a path to the front door. You could also use buttons as stepping stones to make a cute path too. And then one of my great ideas was to create a fairy sized wood pile. I used a little axe and some twigs cut with garden clippers to make the perfect little fairy wood pile, to get them through a cold winter.

Over on the other side of the house, I added in a little fence and some presents.

The pinecones are perfectly fairy sized. They're real cones from a cedar bush that I collected in my yard.

This garden really is so sweet, and a nice little twist on the traditional Christmas village. I'm sure the fairies will love it. 😉

With a Christmas Fairy Garden, life really is a party!

More Christmas Craft Inspiration

You might also like our Teacup Fairy Garden here.

Also check out our How To Make A Fairy Garden House here.

You might also enjoy our Fairy Garden Birthday Party here.

Black and White Christmas Decor Home Tour

Dec 4, 2017 · 21 Comments

Black and White Christmas Decor Home Tour -Rustic Scandinavian Black and White Christmas decor with fresh greens and natural elements.

Black and white Christmas home decor ideas.

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I'm so excited to be sharing my black and white Christmas decor home tour with you.

The Front Porch

Let's start outside, at the front door. There's a collection of foraged greens and stumps to welcome guests. Inspired by a rustic winter wonderland, and farmhouse style, I used some vintage containers for the fresh greens. Cutting fresh pine, cedar, and fur branches from the forest behind our house is one of the inexpensive ways to add festive look. And outside, the greens will last all season long in the cold.

I wanted a cozy feel too, so I used my pom pom garland and yarn wrapped twigs -see how I made them here. I even added some faux snow to my lanterns with candles with a snowy look.

how to decorate your front door for Christmas

Now, come on inside where it's warmer, and have a look at our black and white color scheme for this holiday season.

This big mirror is in our entrance way and its reflection offers a glimpse of what's inside.

Black and White Christmas Decor in the Dining Room

This year in the dining room, I decided to add a little drama and turn white walls into a buffalo check feature wall. You can find a full tutorial on how to paint a buffalo check feature wall here.

I love the buffalo check wall, and it really wasn't too hard to create either.

Just inside the door is this little console table, and I've added my vintage white tool box full of real tiny trees. I love how simple it is. And of course, my racoon is looking pretty at-home in this little forest! This time of year I love adding lots of fresh greens to my home. It's the easiest holiday decor to add to your own home, and feels instantly like the holidays.

Christmas Bar Cart

And over on my little bar cart, another pretty real green tree. This one is nestled into my vintage silver ice bucket. There are lots of vintage treasures on the bar cart.

I love collecting at antique fairs, and stores, and thrift shops. The trophy is a recent acquisition, and it couldn't be cuter holding a bottle brush tree. Sometimes the easiest way to add a Christmas feel to your space is to pop a little bottle brush tree or some ornaments amongst your regular decor.

Dining Table

I had fun decorating the dining table with some brass candlesticks I've collected.

They've had a bit of a makeover -see how I made the DIY paint dipped brass candle stick holders here. I love the addition of the black and white colors for a modern feel.

Black and White Christmas buffalo check decor

The table runner is just a piece of buffalo check fabric, I didn't even finish the edges because I kind of liked the rustic feel, and think it will only look better as the edges fray more.

Check out how I dressed up the table as a black and white Christmas tablescape here.

Especially around Christmas, I love the idea of bringing the outdoors in and a woodland theme. This year I added in a pretty birch branch to my feature wall with a few pretty Christmas lights from the dollar store and some homemade black and white tassels.

A Forest of Christmas Trees

My favourite part just might be the little forest of Christmas trees.

I cut one papa tree, one mamma tree, and one baby tree. The vintage galvanized tubs are hiding the tree stands. I love their rustic charm.

I've decorated them in black and white Christmas tree decorations, with some metallic and I love how simple and Charlie Brown they are. I also love that they're grouped between the dining room and the living room, so we can enjoy them from both rooms. They're draped with some simple black and white ribbon as a garland. And the black and white candy canes were the perfect finishing touch.

And under the trees there's a few pretty lanterns, and lots of Christmas gift boxes. The buffalo check wrapping paper was perfect, tied with simple black ribbon.

Black and White Christmas Decor in the Living Room

In the living room I've continued the black and white Christmas decorating ideas and I love it.

I'm excited to be decorating for Christmas in the living room and kitchen for the first time since their makeovers in the last two One Room Challenges -see the living room makeover before and after here, and the kitchen makeover before and after here. I kept the fireplace really simple.

Fireplace Mantel

You can find a tutorial for how I made the macrame garland here. I made the simple hoop wreath out of...a spray painted hula hoop. I was clearing out the garage from summer toys, getting it ready for winter and I saw this hula hoop. It was in the donate bin but then I thought that with a little gold spray paint it would be the perfect big hoop wreath -haha. Upcycling at it's best. ;). I wired on some fresh greens and pine cones, and finished it with some black and white buffalo check ribbons.

I think my favourite part of this black and white colour scheme was finding all the perfect decorative pillows for the couch. I love the mix of textures, and prints all brought together by the simple Christmas color palette of black and white. And since I love black and white home decor all year round, these won't have to be put away after the Christmas season.

Coffee Table

For a touch of holiday on the coffee table bench, I added more natural elements like birch and fresh greens, and some candles on a vintage black and white enamelware tray. And this classic decoration combination is updated a little with the addition of a cute light up clay house.

My little sidekick Oscar wanted in on the fun, and it felt like he was posing for this picture. He's our adorable Havanese puppy, just 1 ½ years old and an amazing addition to the family.

Black and White Christmas living room ideas

This room feels so cozy. Although black and white might not be your traditional Christmas colours, they really do feel so relaxed and easy to live with. And all the greens definitely make it feel Christmas-y. The key to not making this color scheme feel cold is lots and lots of cozy layers, and interesting textures and unique vintage pieces mixed in to all the black and white decorations.

The Stairs

The stairs are dressed with simple evergreen boughs. I normally make garland for the stairs, but these are whole branches. They were perfect since they were growing in this downward way. And I love all the pinecones that were already attached to them.

The living room leads into the kitchen. I'm so excited since we just finished redoing it a few weeks ago and I love cooking in it. We've started our Christmas baking and it's a pleasure to cook in.

Black and White Christmas Decor in the Kitchen

I've added some greens and a few little Christmas touches to my open shelves.

Here's to lots more Christmas baking.

Looking back through the pass through, this pretty evergreen bough adds a festive feel with a few white Christmas ornaments hanging down.

Kitchen Dining Area

And our little eating area got dressed up for Christmas too.

On the table is my little Christmas fairy garden along with a couple pretty copper house lanterns from last year with some fairy mushrooms in them.

You can find a tutorial on how to make a Christmas fairy garden like this one here. It just makes me smile. 😉

I love all the little details.

Black and White Hot Chocolate Bar

And on the little side cabinet we set up a sweet hot chocolate bar.

Black and White Christmas Home Tour -Rustic Scandinavian Black and White Christmas Home Tour inspiration with lots of fresh greens and natural elements.

My 10 year old daughter did the pretty Merry Christmas sign on the chalkboard. The hot chocolate bar is stocked with all the essentials, including more the perfect black and white candy canes.

The pretty tree is one my sister bought for me years ago, and this year I've decorated it with some pretty gingerbread house cookies.

Thanks so much for joining me for a little tour of my main floor all decorated for Christmas. With a black and white Christmas, life really is a party!

More Inspiration

You might also like our Black and White Boho Christmas Mantel here.

Also check out our Black and White Christmas Table here.

You might also enjoy our Christmas Home Tour 2019 here.

Easy Italian Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Nov 28, 2017 · 7 Comments

Stuffed Mushrooms -A simple, go-to, tested and true Italian bread crumb stuffed mushroom recipe that mushroom lovers will love.

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This easy stuffed mushroom recipe is one of my go-tos and has been for years. These Italian stuffed mushrooms are the perfect treat for everyone one who loves mushrooms. If you love Italian food, then you'll love these mushrooms stuffed with breadcrumbs.

These mushrooms are always the first to go at a party, and I'm often asked for the recipe. They are simple to make and really delicious. I like to stuff my mushrooms with a bread crumb mixture and then top them with cheese. The stuffing mix is an easy combination of ingredients made with the mushrooms stems, garlicky breadcrumbs, italian herbs, diced onion, and butter. They have a delicious earthy flavor and they're one of our favorite hot appetizers. I also love that you can make this easy appetizer a little bit ahead of time. Make them in the afternoon, and put them in the fridge in an airtight container. When it's party time, take them out of the fridge and bake and serve hot to your guests. These are the ultimate party appetizer that your guests will love.

Mushrooms

Our stuffed mushrooms recipe uses simple white button mushrooms. These are easy to find at the grocery store and inexpensive, and really delicious in this recipe. Look for medium sized mushrooms for the perfect appetizer. You don't want mushrooms that are too small, because they're difficult to stuff, and you don't want mushrooms that are too big, because this should be around one bite.

There is a. bit of an art to popping the stems out of the mushroom cap in all one piece. Hold the mushroom stem firmly near the base in one hand, with the mushroom cap in the other hand and pop it to one side to remove it. If the stem doesn't come out all in one piece, you can use a small spoon to scrape any remaining stem out of the mushroom cap. Save the mushroom stems for the stuffing.

When you're baking these you want to bake them until the mushrooms are tender and cooked through. Mushrooms have so much water in them. While they're baking they'll release some of the that water and then the baking dish will dry up again, that's a sign that they're done. You can also test their tenderness with the tip of a knife.

Fresh Herbs

Stuffed Mushrooms made with bread crumbs

We've added some fresh thyme to our stuffed mushrooms. Thyme and mushrooms are a classic combination and one I like very much. Fresh parsley would also be a great option for these stuffed mushrooms.

Stuffed Mushrooms hot party appetizer recipe

Cheese

I like to top my stuffed mushrooms with a little finely grated Swiss cheese. If you aren't a fan of Swiss cheese, you can leave it off or switch it out for another type, but I love the little bit of nuty cheesy goodness it adds and best flavor. Other options are using fresh parmesan cheese mixed into the stuffing. Just add ¼ of parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture before stuffing it in the mushroom caps. You could also top these with a little grated mozzarella cheese for a more mild taste and great savory flavor.

These are perfect for an appetizer evening, or as a starter before a special meal. They're one of my favorite dishes for an appetizer night. These are also perfect for game day.

They're a great option if you have to bring a hot appetizer to someone's house. Prepare them at home, and bring them unbaked to the party in a casserole dish, or even disposable baking dish and then bake and serve at the party.

Stuffed Mushrooms stuffed with bread crumbs and topped with cheese

Any mushroom lovers will love these, and they're sure to become one of your favorite ways to serve mushrooms. What could be better than a hot stuffed mushrooms and a glass of white wine as a way to start a great evening?.

These stuffed mushrooms are like little mouthfuls of goodness!

Recipe

Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked mushroom caps stuffed with a bread crumb filling and topped with cheese.

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Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: Stuffed Mushrooms

Calories: 51kcal

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

Instructions

Wash mushrooms and remove stems from the mushroom caps. Finely chop the stems into small pieces.
In a skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add in the finely chopped mushroom stems, and onions, and minced garlic. Add in salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until onion is softened.
Add breadcrumbs and stir well to combine into a stuffing.
Using a small spoon, stuff the mushrooms firmly with the stuffing mixture. You may have a little left over.
Place the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish, place some finely grated Swiss cheese on the top of the mushrooms, and bake at 350 for about 20 min. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

With these delicious stuffed mushrooms for holiday entertaining, life really is a party!

More Appetizer Recipe Inspiration

You might also enjoy our Caramelized Onion and Goat's Cheese Tarts here.

Caramelized Onion and Goats Cheese Tarts: an easy and delicious appetizer for entertaining.

Also check out our Cheese Straws here.

Cheese Straws Recipe: spicy and savoury cheese shortbread straws, perfect for gift giving or as part of a charcuterie board.

You might also like our Potato Soup with Roasted Garlic here.

Little Girl's Christmas Bedroom

Nov 23, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Little Girl's Christmas Bedroom -Add some coziness with warm throws, pom pom garland, and twinkle lights for any little girl's delight!

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Today I'm sharing Maddie's room all decorated for the holidays! We used pretty pink, and mixed in some rich browns for a cozy Christmas bedroom.

Little Girl's Christmas Bedroom -Add some coziness with warm throws, pom pom garland, and twinkle lights for any little girl's delight!

This time of year, it's so nice to add some cozy touches for long winter nights.

We started out with a new set of beautiful and soft white sheets. She loves them and says they're so comfortable. And then we added a couple beautiful throw blankets. They are so soft and cozy...I'm tempted to steal them. 😉

I didn't want the pink to be too sweet, so the addition of some rich browns, plaids, and faux fur along with the greens really helps to balance it out.

Above her bed we decorated her little shelf with the sweetest little village -complete with little battery operated lights for night-time glow.

We hung a pretty little stocking too, and added some garland we sewed together with book page stars.

I think my favourite addition though is the garland over the bed. We used faux greens so that she wouldn't end up with pine needles in her bed and layered on some pretty lights and pom pom garland. (She's old enough that I'm not concerned with the string from the garland being a safety hazard, but if you were using this idea for a younger child you should remove any strings or garlands that could be a safety risk).

We made the pom pom garland and wreath, it was so simple to make and it's so pretty.

On Maddie's bedside table we added a few Christmas touches with some fresh pine and a pretty reindeer. She adores scented candles, but just for the scent -she won't be burning them.

We brought the rocking chair into her room, since winter nights are perfect for curling up with a good book.

On the rocking chair we added another cozy throw blanket, it's so warm and soft to curl up in.

This is the perfect spot for Maddie to enjoy, but it also occasionally does double duty as a guest room for us around the holidays.

Maddie's not the only one enjoying this cozy bed!

Wine and Cheese Basket: Easy DIY Guide

Nov 22, 2017 · 3 Comments

A wine and cheese basket is the perfect gift for any occasion, and making your own lets you customize it while keeping costs down. My secret? Repackaging store-bought items so everything looks cohesive and expensive, even when you've shopped at the grocery store, or bulk store.

DIY wine and cheese basket with wine bottles, wrapped cheese, fruit, nuts and crackers in wire basket.

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Quick Look

🕒Time: 15 minutes shopping + 20-30 minutes assembly time
📋Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
💲Cost Range: $30-60 depending on wine selection
🎁Best For: Hosting gifts, housewarmings, holidays, thank-yous, birthdays

Why You'll Love This Wine and Cheese Basket

Looks Expensive, Costs Less -The repackaging trick makes bulk bin finds and dollar store items look gourmet and curated.
Totally Customizable -Tailor everything to the recipient's taste, dietary needs, and your budget.
Quick to Assemble -Under an hour from start to finish, even with homemade crackers.
Works for Any Occasion -This versatile gift fits holidays, housewarmings, birthdays, or simple thank-yous.
Reusable Container -The basket itself becomes a useful item the recipient can enjoy long after the goodies are gone.

I've been making wine and cheese baskets for years, and they're always a hit. The key is using quality store-bought basics and adding one special touch that makes your basket stand out. If you have an extra 25 minutes, I'll show you how to make homemade gourmet crackers that transform your gift from nice to unforgettable. But even without the crackers, this simple assembly formula creates a professional-looking basket that gets rave reviews every time.

Creating your own wine and cheese basket gives you so much more than buying pre-made. You can customize everything to match the recipient's taste, work within your budget, and add personal touches that show you care. Plus, it's surprisingly quick to put together.

A homemade basket feels more thoughtful than grabbing something off the shelf. You're curating an experience, not just buying a gift.

Looking for more creative gift ideas? Check out our Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket, DIY Hot Chocolate Mix, Bag of Sunshine Care Package, and Ice Cream Sundae Kit.

Materials You'll Need:

Wine and cheese basket materials including bottles, cheese, fruit and repackaging supplies.

Here's your shopping list for a beautiful wine and cheese basket. Mix and match based on your budget and the occasion.

The Basket or Container: Start with a sturdy base. A wire basket, wooden crate, wicker basket, or decorative metal bin all work perfectly. I love using a basket the recipient can reuse for storage or serving. You can find great options at dollar stores, thrift shops, or home goods stores.
Repackaging Supplies (The Secret Weapon): This is what makes your basket look cohesive and expensive, even when you've shopped budget-friendly stores. Look for Cello bags in various sizes, Chalkboard Sticker Labels and a Chalkboard Maker, Parchment paper for an artisan look, and Twine or Ribbon like natural jute twine, baker's twine, or thin black ribbon. All of these supplies are available at dollar stores, making this trick incredibly budget-friendly.
Wine Selection: Choose one or two bottles based on what you know the recipient enjoys. Red wine pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, while white wine complements softer varieties. When in doubt, pick one of each. You don't need to spend a fortune. A mid-range bottle (around $15-20) shows thoughtfulness without breaking your budget.
Cheese: The cheese is the star of any wine and cheese basket. Pick 2-3 different varieties to give options. Consider including a Firm Cheeses like a Swiss, aged cheddar, gouda, or manchego. Semi-Soft Cheeses like havarti or muenster add creaminess. And Specialty Cheeses such as blue cheese or an herb-crusted variety make your basket feel gourmet.
Crackers: You'll need something to pair with the cheese. Store-bought water crackers, flatbreads, or artisan crackers work wonderfully. Look for interesting varieties like everything seasoning, rosemary, or black pepper. Or make our easy homemade flatbread crackers -recipe below.
Fresh Fruit: Add color and freshness with seasonal fruit. Grapes, pears, apples, and pomegranates all pair beautifully with wine and cheese. Choose fruit that's in season, depending on when you're giving your gift.
Nuts: Cashews, almonds, or honey roasted peanuts add crunch and pair well with wine. Buy from the bulk bins to save money, then package them in small cello bags with your coordinating labels. This simple repackaging trick makes budget-friendly nuts look gourmet.
Chutneys or Jams: Fig jam, onion chutney, or balsamic preserves complement cheese perfectly. These small jars add gourmet flair.
Pretty Napkins: Some napkins tie the whole gift together. Choose a pattern that matches the occasion, cloth or paper napkins are a welcome addition.
Basket Filler: Use some Kraft paper shred, tissue paper, or a kitchen towel to provide cushioning and make everything look polished.

The Secret to a Cohesive Look: Repackaging

Here's the trick that takes your wine and cheese basket from homemade to professionally curated. Repackage your store-bought items so everything coordinates beautifully.

Wire basket lined with kraft paper shred, and filled with wine and cheese.

When you buy nuts from the bulk bin, crackers from the grocery store, or grab items from different shops, they come in mismatched packaging. That's fine for your pantry but not for a gift. The solution is simple and costs just a few dollars at the dollar store.

Transfer everything into clear cello bags. Nuts, crackers, chocolates, and any loose items get their own bags. This instantly makes everything look intentional and put-together.
Add coordinating labels. I love using chalkboard sticker labels with a chalkboard marker. You can write what's inside in pretty handwriting, and these labels tie everything together with a cohesive look. Regular printed labels work great too.
Wrap cheese in parchment paper tied with twine. This gives an artisan, farmhouse feel that looks expensive. It takes 30 seconds per cheese. It also allows you to elevate cheese from the grocery store, or divide up a large package from stores like Costco.

How to Assemble Your Wine and Cheese Basket

Now comes the fun part. Here's how to arrange everything so your basket looks professionally done.

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Line your basket with kraft paper shred or crumpled tissue paper. This creates height and cushions items. If you're using a kitchen towel as filler, fold it loosely and tuck it into the bottom.

Wire basket lined with kraft paper shred for wine and cheese basket assembly.

Step 2: Place the Wine

Position your wine bottles at the back or center of the basket. These are your tallest items, so they anchor everything else. If you're worried about stability, you can nestle the bottles into the filler material.

Wine bottles and fresh fruit arranged in gift basket for wine and cheese basket.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Wrap your cheese in parchment paper for a polished look, then place it near the wine. The parchment keeps everything clean and adds a charming artisan touch.

Cheese wrapped in parchment paper with twine for wine and cheese basket.

Step 4: Fill in With Extras

Now arrange your crackers, fruit, nuts, jams, and napkins around the wine and cheese. Vary the heights and textures so everything is visible. Tuck smaller items into gaps.

Play with the arrangement until nothing is hidden and the basket feels full without being crammed.

Fig jam and chutney with coordinating labels for wine and cheese basket.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

This is where your basket goes from nice to wow. Tie a ribbon around the wine bottle neck, add a sprig of greenery, or attach a small ornament. These tiny details make a big impression.

Complete DIY wine and cheese basket with wine, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts and festive touches.

For holiday baskets, I love adding gold leaves and a jingle bell to the wine. It takes 30 seconds but makes the whole gift feel festive.

The Special Touch: Homemade Gourmet Crackers

Want to make your wine and cheese basket truly memorable? Add homemade crackers. I know it sounds fancy, but these come together in 25 minutes using pantry staples you probably already have.

Homemade gourmet flatbread crackers with sea salt and pepper.

These crackers have been my secret weapon for years. Everyone is amazed when they learn you made crackers from scratch, but honestly, they're easier than most cookie recipes.

Rolled flatbread cracker dough ready for baking on a baking tray.

Flavor Variations: Try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of pepper. You can also add parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.

Homemade flatbread crackers for wine and cheese basket.

Package your cooled crackers in a clear cello bag with one of your coordinating labels. This makes them match the rest of your basket perfectly. Store them in an airtight container so they stay crispy until you're ready to assemble your gift.

Recipe

Homemade Gourmet Crackers

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizers

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings: Large Crackers

Calories: 119kcal

Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F
Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Make a well in the centre, and add the water and oil. Stir together with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
Knead dough gently on a floured work surface 4 or 5 times. Divide dough into about 6 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a rustic long baton shape. The dough should be very thin. Lightly brush top with additional oil and sprinkle with sea salt and a little more pepper if you like. (Roll out dough on parchment and transfer sheet and all to the baking sheet, or just spray baking sheet with cooking spray and bake directly on baking sheet.)
Bake in batches, until flatbread crackers are pale golden and browned in spots, 8 to 10 min. Flatbread crackers can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

Substitute pepper for other flavouring. You might try fresh herbs like rosemary, or thyme, or some parmesan cheese, or try adding nuts or seeds. Use your imagination and enjoy!

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LifeisaParty or tag #lifeisaparty!

Wine and Cheese Basket Tips

Repackage for a Polished Look -Don't skip the repackaging step. Transferring bulk items into cello bags with coordinating labels is what makes your basket look professionally curated instead of thrown together. It's the difference between "nice gift" and "wow, where did you get this?"
Plan for Refrigeration -Be sure to let the basket recipenant know that this gift basket contains items that need to be refrigerated. If you notice the basket sitting out, offer to place the items that it in the refrigerator.
Match the Occasion -Tailor your basket to fit the event. Holiday baskets can include seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks or pine sprigs. Summer baskets might feature lighter wines and fresh berries.
Consider Wine Preferences -If you know the recipient loves red wine, focus there. For non-drinkers, swap wine for sparkling cider or juice, or include options.
Budget Smart -You don't need to buy everything at specialty stores. Dollar stores carry excellent basket fillers, and grocery stores often have great cheese and wine selections, look for sales, and buy at the bulk food store, or places like Costco.
Make It Personal -Add a handwritten note or include items that reflect inside jokes or shared memories. That personal connection matters more than any price tag.

When to Give a Wine and Cheese Basket

This versatile gift works for so many occasions:

Hosting gifts for holiday parties or dinner invitations
Housewarming presents for new homeowners
Thank you gifts for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers
Birthday celebrations for wine lovers
Sympathy or thinking-of-you gestures

A well-made wine and cheese basket shows thoughtfulness without being overly personal. It's that sweet spot gift that works in almost any situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a wine and cheese basket stay fresh?

It depends on what you include. Firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda can stay at room temperature for a few hours during gift giving. If the basket includes soft cheese or fresh fruit, the recipient should refrigerate it as soon as possible. Crackers, nuts, and shelf-stable items last much longer.

Can I make a wine and cheese basket without wine?

Absolutely. Swap the wine for sparkling cider, lemonade, or gourmet soda pop. The basket concept works beautifully with any beverage the recipient enjoys.

What's the best cheese for gift baskets?

Firmer cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, manchego, or Swiss work best because they handle room temperature better and have a longer shelf life. If you're delivering the basket immediately, you can include softer varieties like brie or havarti.

How much should I spend on a wine and cheese basket?

You can create a beautiful basket for $30 to $60 depending on your wine selection. The repackaging trick makes budget-friendly items look expensive, so you don't need to overspend to impress.

Can I make the crackers ahead of time?

Yes. Make them up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. They stay crispy and fresh when properly sealed.

Do I need special equipment to make the crackers?

No. You just need basic kitchen tools you already have -a mixing bowl, wooden spoon, rolling pin, and baking sheet.

More Gift Basket Ideas

If you try this wine and cheese basket or any other gift ideas from Life is a Party, please let me know how it went in the comments below, and be sure to give the recipe a star rating too. Thanks for visiting today!

Kitchen Makeover Reveal -One Room Challenge

Nov 15, 2017 · 57 Comments

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover -painted cabinets, white subway tile with dark grout, rustic wood shelves, & brass touches in a black and white makeover.

before and after kitchen makeover modern farmhouse

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I'm so excited to share my modern farmhouse kitchen makeover reveal with you. I love it, really, really love it and I hope you love it too.

The One Room Challenge

My One Room Challenge is finally finished! I joined in on a 7 week challenge where bloggers make over one room of their homes and share their progress each week at the host blog Calling It Home. Be sure to check out all the other participants big reveals too.

If you missed any of my updates you can catch up here:

The Kitchen Before and Inspiration

Installing Backsplash Tile in a Kitchen

DIY Kitchen Floating Shelves

Black Dipped Paint Brass Candlesticks

The Kitchen Before

I never really liked this kitchen even way back when we bought this house about 10 years ago. It was always on my wish list to re-do it.

But, there was nothing really wrong with it, and lots of other priorities so it was pretty low down on the list. My dream kitchen was a full reno, but as the years passed by I started thinking that maybe we could afford a facelift and that it could really help. This makeover was on a budget, but what a huge difference it's made. I thought I'd need a full reno to really love it, but this makeover has me all heart eyes over it.

The Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover Inspiration

The Cabinets

My main desire with this modern farmhouse kitchen makeover was to have white cabinets, and from there the rest kind of unfolded. We painted them, and I just love how the cabinets turned out, and what a huge difference having the cabinets painted has made to the feel of the room!

And on the cabinets and drawers we added the prettiest hardware from Lee Valley Tools. They have a huge selection of cabinet hardware so when I decided to add brass and gold metal accents to the kitchen to add a little warmth, they were the first place I looked. The knobs are from the Milan Suite in Antique Brass and the pulls are Zinc Shell Pulls in Antique Brass. Both the knobs and the pulls are so beautiful; they have a lovely weight to them, and are such excellent quality. The new pulls and knobs are like jewelry for the new white cabinets -making the perfect outfit. 😉

Subway Tile

Once I decided on white cabinets, I knew we'd have to replace the stone looking back splash. I thought white subway tile would be a good inexpensive and classic option, and then I decided on dark grout to tie in the black countertops. I knew I couldn't change the dark granite counters, but now I actually love them. The beautiful and timeless white subway tile is from Home Depot and so is the pewter grout -read about the process of removing the old one and installing the new tile here. I had a steep learning curve as a first time tiler -and I could not have possibly done it without the help of brother-in-law Shaun from Benjamin Tileworks. He was a patient teacher and hard worker through the whole project which seemed to grow as the weeks went by as these things sometimes do. 😉

DIY Floating Kitchen Shelves

Because, once I decided on the new black splash during the planning stages, my next big idea was to remove the glass front cabinets beside the range hood, add tile to the ceiling and put up open shelves to replace the cupboards. This is one of my favourite elements of the new kitchen. It adds a real updated feel to the space -with a bit of rustic charm.

I love a place to display lots of favourite things along with our dishes.

I partnered with Minwax for the open shelving project. Shaun came up with a great inexpensive way to make our own brackets, and then he made and installed the shelves. I stained and sealed with Minwax and I love how they turned out. Read how to make your own inexpensive large farmhouse floating shelves here.

I'm already thinking about how to style the new shelves for Christmas. I know every part of the kitchen can't be my favourite, but these shelves are a definite contender.

New Appliances

Another real contender would have to be our beautiful new fridge and range from GE Appliances.

white kitchen cabinets and stainless steal appliances

This Fridge is the beautiful French Door Fridge with Ice and Water and the perfect addition to our modern farmhouse kitchen makeover. I love the way the ice and water are integrated inside the fridge and not in the door, making it look nice and clean lined. The water dispenser also filters the water with the Advanced Pharmaceutical Filtration (APF) water filter. It's one of the most advanced water filters out there and removes 94% of top pharmaceuticals found in the water - which most people are unaware of. I also love how big the fridge feels, especially with its adjustable shelving -so perfect for entertaining!

The new Gas Range is also amazing. Our old stove was electric and we brought it here when we moved in. But, the previous owners had gas so when it was time for a replacement I knew I wanted to upgrade to a gas range.

I love the new gas range -it's truly the nicest one I've ever owned. I'm enjoying and getting used to cooking with gas, and I love the gas convection oven. It also includes the industry's largest integrated griddle -I see lots of Saturday pancake breakfasts in my future!

stainless steal stove and white subway tile

I'm also looking forward to its self cleaning setting, including a steam clean feature.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Accessories

It was great to add some amazing little details to the room too. Early on in my planning stages I was out shopping one day and found this lovely little broom. I already had a perfectly functional but rather ugly broom. I don't really care for red and 17 years ago when I first got married we bought a little red broom. I've always kind of disliked it, especially since we don't have a broom closet so it's always out. I saw this pretty little wood broom and thought to myself that at 43 years of age, that it was time to replace the ugly yet functional with something functional and pretty. The new broom was under $10 and I kind of heart it. Sometimes it's the little things. 😉

New Tap

Another beautiful detail in the room is the new tap and soap dispenser. I partnered with Delta to add this beautiful Trinsic Faucet with Touch20 Technology in the Champagne Bronze finish, along with the matching Contemporary Soap Dispenser with Touch20 Technology also in the Champagne Bronze finish.

Trinsic Faucet with Touch20 Technology in the Champagne Bronze finish

When we moved into this house there was a hot water tap. We never used it -it wasn't hot enough to make a good cup of tea, so we never really saw the use of it, in fact it was unplugged. Since we already had a hole in the counter top we replaced it with the hands free soap dispenser and use it all the time.

I love the convenience of the hands free faucet and soap dispenser. It's so handy when you're cooking and have messy hands and especially for the kids. Want your kids to use soap every time they wash their hands? Get a hands free dispenser and they'll love using it. 😉

Over the sink, in the pass through window I added some pretty planters.

I love the way they add a little green to the space.

Coffee and Tea Station

We also were in need of a new coffeemaker and tea kettle. We partnered with Hamilton Beach for a coffee maker, tea kettle, and toaster.

It's nice to have a little tea and coffee station in the kitchen, with all the supplies together since we use them so many times a day. I love the beautiful stainless steel finish on the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. We also love that the coffeemaker is programmable, so we've been able to wake up to freshly brewed coffee -what a treat! We also got the Stainless Steel Kettle. I tend to have a coffee in the morning and then drink tea all day long. I love that the kettle is cordless and has a pop-up lid -so convenient.

There are few greater simple pleasures in life than hot buttered toast. I love the huge range of settings available on this Classic Chrome Toaster -to make your toast exactly how you want it every time. No more kids complaining of burnt toast, or waffles that are still frozen in the middle. I also love its classic retro style and beautiful chrome finish.

Cooking in the new kitchen has been so much fun already. The whole space just feels so bright and welcoming.

New Cookware

I'm also in love with my new Lagostina Cookware Set. The white Bianco Forged 10 Piece Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set is so gorgeous. Why shouldn't functional be beautiful? These pots are certainly both. I love the white colour but also the ceramic non-stick interior. It allows you to cook with very little butter or oil, and is so easy to clean. The heavy gauge tempered glass lids are so great, because you can see everything as it cooks. I never thought I could love cookware, but I love this gorgeous set!

Light Fixture

I also replaced the builder basic light in the kitchen with this beautiful light from Wayfair. It's the Langley Tree Gehry 1-Light Glass Pendant.

I added a beautiful Edison style bulb, since the shade is glass and it's a chance to showcase a pretty bulb.

This light is the perfect complement to the gold and brass touches in the room and to the beautiful chandelier over the dining table -the Brayden Studio Wunsch 6-Light Cascade Pendant, also from Wayfair.

I worked on the dining area of the room for the last One Room Challenge, since the living room, kitchen and eating area all flow into each other.

Now that the kitchen is complete all three rooms look great together.

Eating Area

I had fun dressing up the eating area to match the new kitchen. I used my DIY'd macrame table runner to add a little texture to the table.

My other DIY additions to the table are the Black Paint Dipped Brass Candlesticks. I worked with Krylon to add the touch of black to these thrift store candlesticks and update their look.

I kept the colour scheme on the table black and white to match the rest of the kitchen. The real show-stopper of the table has to be the gorgeous Hampton Forge Signature 20 Piece Flatware sets from Wayfair.

This beautiful flatware is like jewelry for the table. It adds so much sophistication.

So Glad It's Finished!

We are so pleased with how the kitchen makeover turned out. I knew an update would help make it a prettier space, but I really didn't think I'd ever love it without changing everything. But these changes have made such a big impact, I can now honestly say I love it.

The modern farmhouse kitchen makeover was a lot of work but so totally worth it!

I've always loved to cook, so I'm so grateful and happy to have a kitchen that's so beautiful now.

With a new Modern Farmhouse Black and White Kitchen Makeover life really is a party!

I've been working with some amazing brands on my One Room Challenge Kitchen Makeover, and I'm so grateful. I've received products or discounts, but as always, all opinions are my own. I'm so happy to be partnering with Home Depot, Wayfair Canada, GE Canada, Benjamin Tileworks, Lagostina, Smith Sprayers, Lee Valley Tools, Delta Faucet, Krylon, Minwax, and Hamilton Beach.

A very special thank you to all my sponsors -I couldn't have done it without you!

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