Category: Entertaining

Felt Napkin Holder DIY

Entertaining, Felt, Thanksgiving

About a year and a half ago I had an “aha” moment and made some ribbon napkin rings .  I made more a couple of weeks later for my brother’s graduation party .  Last week I remembered them and thought that it would be so easy to make some for the holidays.  It’s such a quick and inexpensive way to do something new.  This embroidered ribbon would be so beautiful for Christmas, I think:




I was about to make a whole bunch of them when another idea struck.  I have a bunch of felt laying around from other projects… why not put it to use?  And so I went to work, and soon this was what I had:


Lots of brown felt flowers!  And on the backs:


To make the flowers you can find a felt rosette tutorial here .

After I’d made the flowers I whipped up some simple napkin rings using more brown felt.  I cut strips about 5 1/2 inches long and used pinking shears to cut the sides.  They’re about 1 1/2 inches wide.


Simply fold them in half lengthwise and sew the ends together (right sides together, of course):


After sewing, trip threads and turn right side out.  It should look something like this:


Insert a napkin in the ring…


Then you just clip the flower onto the napkin ring and you’re done!


It’s also easy to add a tag to the clip.  You can assign seats this way or simply express a sentiment.


Why did I put the felt flowers on a clip instead of gluing them to the napkin ring?  I’m not sure, exactly, except that I thought it would be fun.  I guess it sounded like a fun surprise to be able to re-use the flowers, or send them home with our Thanksgiving guests as a little favor.  Doing it this way certainly got the attention of my girls, and one little helper in particular!


I love the way the various shades of brown work together and am excited to see them on our Thanksgiving table.  I also wouldn’t mind it if I see some of this after our meal:


And so, using materials I had on hand I was able to make two dozen new napkin rings for Thanksgiving dinner.  I’m enjoying the less-traditional shape (a flower) with more traditional fall colors.  I hope our guests enjoy them, and I particularly hope my nieces are happy with them.


Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow?  Where did November go?  I’ve still got SO MUCH work to do… I’m crossing my fingers I’ll get it all done.

Jennifer

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Elsie’s Blessing

Decorating, Entertaining, Parties



A couple of weeks ago when my brother got married, I mentioned that we also hosted a gathering for another brother.  He and his little family traveled from Mississippi to be with us, and while they were here they blessed their new little baby, Elsie.  We were honored to host the blessing in our home, and it was so kind of Christa’s family to come here and join us for the event.


I knew I’d only have a few minutes to prep for the blessing but I wanted it to be nice.  I wanted to do something for Brent and Christa that showed them we love and support them, and I wanted things to look nice for Christa’s family.  That can be tricky when you also have three other four other families staying with you, but I think we managed.


I built the decor around two things, the vintage tablecloth with green and turquoise flowers, and the Elsie banner.  I used all white dishes, simple plates and napkins, and we had milk and water to drink.  Too late I thought about finding some little milk bottles to serve drinks in, with striped paper straws.  It would have been perfect, but I couldn’t find what I was picturing, at least not disposable or cost effective.

Christa’s family brought the food, so we had it all prepped before they came and it only took about 3 minutes to arrange.


Much as I love cupcakes, it was kind of nice to see something as simple as cookies being served.  They were delicious, and a variety of cookies were offered.  My personal favorite:  molasses.


The banner was fun and easy to make.  I tore some pages out of my vintage dictionary and cut them into triangles.  I then glued some glitter to the edges and stamped the letters with rubber stamps and ink.  We simply stapled them to the aqua ribbon and I used the large silver urns to anchor them on each side of the food.  They provided just enough height for the banner to hang over the cookies.  At the end of the evening I put both the banners in a bag and sent them home with Elsie’s family.


We made a second banner and set up a second table in the backyard for the children and others who would want to sit out there.  I set up a couple of tables with chairs and tied aqua sashes around the chairs.  And then I forgot to take a single picture.  I guess that’s what happens when you get busy playing hostess.


On the other end of the counter near the drinks I got out my silver glittered baby letters and took a walk around the yard for some fresh flowers to cut.


In the end, I think everyone had a great time.  People visited and lingered, and seemed to enjoy themselves.  It was such a great day.  And my payment for it all?  Holding beautiful little Elsie.  Oh, she is precious.


Brent and Christa, thank you so much for sharing such a special day with us!  We love you and miss you and think you’re amazing.




Jennifer

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“Two” Birthday Party

Entertaining



Last night we celebrated the two year old in our family.


I wrote here about my feelings heading into this birthday celebration and feel grateful that the little details turned out well enough that I feel happy about them.  As for the birthday girl, she celebrated life with gusto all day long, buzzing around and playing and never holding still.  Her only quiet moments were the two accidental naps she had in the car to and from a soccer tournament.  Perhaps the sweetest moment of the day for me was holding her asleep on my lap for part of the first soccer game.  Sitting in the shade with a gentle breeze blowing, children playing all around me, watching a soccer game and a little one asleep on my shoulder was wonderful.  I’m getting better at noticing these pauses in busy days and reminding myself that this is happiness, this is life.

At last the games were over and we headed home for the celebration.  I chose a pink and aqua theme for the night.  All of it was inspired by this vintage basket I discovered in a shop recently.


I found a wooden number two which I painted with mod podge then dipped in glitter.


I wanted to fill the basket with something festive without spending money.  I made some lollipop inspired sugar cookies which turned out just as I hoped.  We wrapped them and tied them with pink and aqua ribbons.


I also added strawberry poky treats and Neapolitan Oreos for fun.




I made strawberry shaped popsicles (which was all she wanted to eat).


The cake is a white cake with vanilla bean frosting.  I’ll share more on it soon but let’s just say it was fabulous.  I’m so happy that both of this month’s birthday cakes have turned out beautifully.


I found this darling little “2” candle and surrounded it with raspberry filled marshmallows.




As usual, I love the patterns and colors available in paper goods although most of us chose to eat off my vintage glass dessert dishes.


We lowered my folding table to toddler height and my all-time favorite vintage tablecloth was the perfect thing to tie it all together.


My brother and his fiancee were here to celebrate with us and we loved having them over.  My little one wouldn’t hold still for a single picture but was thrilled with her treats and gifts.  Of course, having four older sisters to play with you doesn’t hurt either.  She was the star of the day and she knew it and we all loved watching her.  She was shy but pleased as we sang “Happy Birthday” and had her blow out the candle.


Soon the mosquitoes were out and the darkness fell around us.  I love cleaning up after a party at that time.  It’s such a calm but happy way to end the day.


She was a true two year old and had to go to bed with all her toys in her crib.  One of her grandmas gave her some pink cowboy boots which brought on a tantrum when we tried to take them off for sleep.


It was a delightful birthday party for a little girl who brings laughter to our home in large doses.  I love her so much.

And now I’m off to wash all the dishes. {Happy sigh.}

Jennifer

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