Happy New Year 2012

I hope you're all enjoying the holidays.  We are having a ball. 

Just wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year. 

Thanks for all the fun we've had in 2011 and see you in 2012.

All photos via Dine With Me on Pinterest

Burlap Table Setting

I've made something else with burlap (hessian).

A table runner.

 and some napkin holders

To make the runner I just cut the burlap to size (didn't even measure it - so unlike me).  I sewed about 1cm in from the edges and frayed the border.

I made a stencil of a scroll and painted it on with black fabric paint.  Same as what I did to make the Merry Christmas banner.  To make the napkin rings I cut the burlap into rectangles, sewed a diamante (rhinestone) button to the centre and then just glued it together at the back with fabric glue.

I like the combination of the glittery diamante buttons with the rustic burlap.  The napkins are the ones I bought from Tuscany, and the colour works really well with the burlap.

We are having the family over for lunch on Boxing Day (26th) so I thought I'd use this table setting.

How cute is this wire basket with glass bottles?  Where from?  Spotlight $9.95  I know!!!

Sharing at Faded Charm, Primp, Savvy Southern Style, Between Naps on the Porch, Freckled Laundry

Myer Christmas Table Settings

Last Wednesday, I spent the day in Brisbane city doing some Christmas shopping.  I popped into Myer in Queen Street Mall and went up to the Nespresso Bar located within the homewares department.  I was delighted to see the visual merchandisers had set up a number of Christmas themed dining tables throughout the department and I wanted to share some photos (snapped on my phone) with you.

I just love this rustic old table, and the combination of blue and silver looks great.

I love the wreaths under the plates, although you wouldn't be able to eat with them there.

 Classic red and white with a cascade of clear baubles above.

I like the folksy Christmas tree decorations.

and the silver leaf decoration between the plates.

Snowflakes and silver bells on the backs of the chairs.

Peaceful silver and white theme.  Look how much decoration fills the table.  No room for food but it looks impressive.

Red and gold.

I thought, if Myer's tables look this great imagine what David Jones have done, but when I went to DJ's there was nothing - not one table.  Very disappointing, but well done to Myer's visual merchandisers, your table settings inspired me and got me all excited about creating my own Christmas tablescape.

The Lolly Shop Party

My daughter turned 10 last week.  I thought I'd share some photos of her party.  Firstly, we set up a table with pink noodle boxes and decorations.  Each girl decorated their noddle (lolly/sweets) box.

We made flowers from crepe paper following Martha Stewart's instructions.

We also bought some craft butterflies and foam stickers. 

Once the girls had finished decorating their boxes they went on a treasure hunt outside to find gold coins. (My sister's great idea)  I found the gold coins in the party section of Choice discount shop, and my son hid them around the garden.

When all the coins were found the girls came inside to 'The Lolly Shop'  They were able to buy sweets and lollies with their coins and this became their take home party favour box.  The girls loved being able to pick and choose which lollies to buy.  I really wanted to make some paper bunting and a sign for the Lolly shop table but I just ran out of time.

All the lollies had a price on them.

The lolly bracelets and sherbets were the most popular.

We set up the table and made tissue paper pom poms to hang from the chandelier.

You can find instructions on how to make these pom poms at Martha Stewart.

We also made a rainbow cake complete with fairy floss (cotton candy) clouds.

Everybody really enjoyed the party.  It's probably one of the last girly pink parties I'll be able to give her. 

They grow up so fast.

Sharing at

French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home - Show & Tell Friday

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday

Using my Tuscan Tablecloth

Last week, Sarah at A Beach Cottage showed us her beautiful gray linen tablecloth.  I commented to her that I had once paid an obscene amount of money for a beautiful woven tablecloth in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy.  I've always believed that you should use what you have and not just save it for special occasions, so I pulled in out of the cupboard on the weekend.

We had six adults and four kids (aged 9-13) over for lunch, and we served lasagne.  How brave am I?  Not only am I going to use my tablecloth, I'm serving lasagna with tomato sauce and melted cheese!  Not to mention the red wine.

I also kept another promise to myself to buy more fresh flowers.

White roses and pretty pink tulips.

I displayed them in a mix of plain vases and old food jars.  I know the single tulip is tall but I didn't want it to look too symmetrical.

I wish I'd taken a photo of the beautiful baked cheesecake I made ... and it was covered with fresh raspberries - try getting that stain out!

Sharing with:

Sarah at A Beach Cottage - Good Life Wednesdays

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures
Between Naps On The Porch - Tablescape Thursday