10, 9, 8, 7 . . .

Midweek, we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and usher in a new year filled with opportunities unknown.  So to give this year a proper sendoff and 2014 a great jumpstart, let’s celebrate!

If you are a keepsake compiler, a great way to archive not just your things but your memories is to sit down and take a little time to jot down or type out some highlights from the past 12 months.  Flip through your planner or scan your photo files on your computer.  And then make some notes, just for you or for posterity, and slip them in with your keepsakes.  If this tradition is kept up, it would a neat collection to go back over years down the road and look back at what you found special and noteworthy.

Make some New Year’s resolutions.  What may seem like an old tradition could be the catalyst you need to boost you toward action on an issue.  If you share your list with someone close to you, that accountability factor could help you work out a manageable pace to accomplish something important to you.

Speak up.  If you owe someone a thank you, an apology, or simply a spoken “I love you,” don’t let more time pass without voicing it.  Because this time of year is a time of reflection, there’s no time like the present.  Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements and learn from missteps.  Start the New Year with a clean slate.

Mark the occasion.  Maybe you want to enjoy a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, or maybe you want to invite some friends or family over to ring in the New Year as the ball drops.  You can keep it simple and celebratory at the same time.  A selection of hors d'oeuvres can stand in for a sit-down meal.  A bubbly punch can be raised in a toast instead of a flute of champagne.  And a fancy dessert isn’t needed when some juicy strawberries dipped in dark chocolate line a serving tray made for passing. 

Count down along with those huddled in Times Square, wave glowing sparklers in your backyard, wear the pointed hat and blow on the noisemaker with gusto, or watch the skyline at midnight for pretty pops of light.  However you choose to celebrate, make it a safe and Happy New Year.  Here is to turning the page on a 2014 full of promise, joy, love, and hope to last all year long . . . 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Happy New Year!     

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 29th.

Merry, Bright Ideas

As you tie up your holiday cheer with ribbons and bows, here are some concepts to add some extra twinkle to your Kris Kringle this week.

Again taking a page out of some great commercials’ playbooks this season, there are some cute ideas literally floating out there that would leave memorable marks on your Christmas morning.  I love the concept of tying smaller, lightweight and unwrapped presents to the strings of helium balloons and allowing them to float to the ceiling.  You’d have the kids truly jumping up and down over their loot.  Another alterative gift presentation idea is to wrap up one gift to completely look like another.  They may think they know what they’re in for by the wrapping’s shapely appearance, but tearing into it comes up with something unexpected.  Fun shapes, crafty use of wrapping paper, and some imagination is all you’ll need to pull off this undercover project. 

Make Christmas morning magical with sweet and special plans for breakfast.  Use cookie cutters as pancake batter molds for anything-but-standard shapes, like a pancake snowman with chocolate chip features and a piece of bacon for a scarf.  Shape your cinnamon rolls into a pull-apart Christmas tree on a sheet pan, or layer waffle quarters to make one Christmas tree per plate.   

As you enjoy some time at home, you can fuel the sugar rush likely going on by turning snack time into party time.  Set up a sundae bar, a hot chocolate station, or a s’mores station to get the kids involved and excited about a special treat.  Make the everyday snacks more enticing by cubing fruit and turning them into kabobs or building fun designs out of crackers, pretzels, sandwich cutouts, and vegetables for dipping.  Make a meal of bite-sized appetizers instead of going the full plate route one night.  

Pile on the couch and have a Christmas movie marathon of your favorites, whether older traditional movies or more cult classics top your holiday list.  Don’t forget the popcorn dressed up with chocolate and peanuts or grated parmesan and dried minced garlic.  You can make up your own trivia games, taking turns offering a snippet of a Christmas song, leaving a blank for others to shout out and fill in.  The one with the first correct answer gets to offer the next song selection.  Or you could base trivia questions on family history, using past holiday experiences, stories, funny memories, previous gifts, or other applicable remember-when memory joggers. 

It doesn’t take a guest list or even a houseful to create a fun and memorable atmosphere to share with your family this week.  After all, this is an incredibly joyous time as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that, the ultimate gift, is more worthy of celebration and merriment than anything else this time of year.  So I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and may the greatest gift we give to others be, above all, filled with love.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 22nd.

    

Wrap It Up, Santa

Oh, the woes of still having gifts-to-give unchecked on your list halfway into December!  When you really want to give thoughtful gifts, but think time is trickling down, turn to some unwrap-worthy ideas from this Santa’s list:

Customized Gifts, ordered online and shipped with a little more speed

Coffee mug, customized with a monogram, name, logo, or funny saying between you and the recipient • Set of monogrammed coasters • Cutting board with an engraved initial •   Custom throw pillow printed with your own design • Barware glasses with letter or wording etched in • Custom phone case • Personalized luggage tags • Serving tray with family name or initials • Personalized stationery • Customized guest hand towels • Framed print of a special photo or place • Custom wall calendar with your own photos •  Labels or stickers with a name or monogram • Monogrammed cosmetic tote   

Gift Options bought locally or online

Glassware set • Ceramic or porcelain jars • Throw blanket • Clutch purse or wristlet • Decorative boxes • Set of chargers, placemats, or napkins • Serving platter, tray, or bowl • Modern figurine or small statue • Pretty tealight candle holders • Throw pillows • Makeup brush set • Cosmetic travel bag • Decorative salt and pepper shakers or sugar bowl and creamer • Ceramic cake stand • Dessert or appetizer plate set • Glass vase or bowl • Set of small hostess knives/spreaders • Tea kettle • Decorative frames • Set of kitchen or bath soaps • Cookie cutter set • Set of attractive notebooks or journals     

You want the thought to count and the gift to be well received.  You don’t have to think so big you break the budget; some simple, affordable pieces can be under-the-tree favorites when the bows come off and the torn paper starts piling up.  The countdown is at 10 and ticking down.  So be swift, crafty, and wrap it up, Santa! 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 15th.

  

What's Cool This Christmas

If you want to be in-the-know for the top decorating trends this Christmas season, the key word is “DIY.”  Here are some popular themes you should see plastered all over online boards like Pinterest that could pretty handily make their way into your home.

Chalkboard Art – Chalkboards continue to be all the rage, whether it’s a framed chalkboard hanging on the wall or a section of wall painted in chalkboard paint.  For Christmas, drawing out scripted seasonal messages, as well as adding chalk accents around a wreath or a series of hanging ornaments will both be attention getters.

Lettering – Using a computer program like Publisher or Photoshop to make your own Christmas wall art (or simply ordering someone else’s completed piece online) is a simple DIY decorative idea.  Using different lettering sizes, colors, and fonts, words and phrases of the season are grouped together in collections, typically in paragraph form with justified margins, allowing you to make and print an 8”x10” or 11”x14” and then frame as a single or a collection of a few pieces of wording wall art.  These would look great in the dining room, near the Christmas tree, or as part of your entryway décor.

Feathers – Four colly birds, three French hens, and two turtle doves get a fresh take this season with feather décor being a popular trend.  Feather wreaths hanging on the front door or from the mantle add a modern twist on the typical greenery. 

Open Frames – We’ve seen them before, and they are still hanging around; open frames make great backdrops for loose ornaments hanging from thin ribbon strands.  Spread them out along the top of the frame, or bunch them together and tie a grouping in the middle.  Hang the 3-D art on the wall or in place of a wreath on the door.  Frames also set the scene for string strands strung (say that 5 times fast) from side to side with small clothespins holding little squares of cardstock with the days of the month printed on them.  Let the kids count down the days to Santa by removing one number each night.   

Off-Season Collections – red and green are traditional, but a whole collection of bright colors like pinks and blues, summery seashells, or a monochromatic theme can deck your halls, walls, and tree as well.  You may not be into snowmen and reindeer.  Find alternative decorations, carry your theme throughout, and have an off-white Christmas all your own.

Crafts – Crafts in general are popular this month, and they go beyond classroom artwork of the past.  Look into options for making your own accents and accessories like small Christmas trees made out of a wide variety of materials, painted or decoupage ornaments, handcrafted wreaths, and custom centerpiece components.

Your imagination’s the limit when it comes to options for making your home merry and bright this holiday season.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 8th.

     

In a Jar

You have plenty of time not to get yourself in a jam and instead work on some DIY Christmas gifts before the month is up.  A popular trend this year for homemade exchanges will be centered around the Mason jar.

“Fill ‘er up” applies to more than just the gas tank.  Turn a simple Mason jar into a modern, thoughtful Christmas gift fitting for kids, neighbors, teachers, family, and friends.  Showcase half of your baking skills by layering the dry ingredients of a cookie, cake, or brownie recipe in a mason jar, decorate the outside with a ring of craft paper or fabric, and tie it off using twine with a recipe card with all the details attached.  Be sure and add a cute “To” and “From” tag as well.  If you’re sharing an old family recipe, that makes it even sweeter.

Use a Mason jar like a twist on a gift box by using one or a small bunch to house a gift of art supplies for the crafty one or kitchen utensils for the cook.  Decorate the jar’s exterior with layers of craft paper rings, ribbon, and string, or decorate with paint by spray painting the inside of the jar, making sure the outside stays clean.  To have a monogram show through, use a glue stick to carefully adhere one to three letters you’ve printed and cut out to the inside of the jar, then spray paint the inside.  When it dries, carefully peel away the letters to reveal the outlines in the clear glass.  Pop in paint brushes, sponge brushes, colored pencils or markers, or go the route of spatulas, spoons, and kitchen shears. 

Mason jars of varying sizes can also be used like a snow globe.  Use your crafting skills for this one.  Create a mini outdoor scene on the underside of the lid, affixing your items with hot glue.  You could find inspiration in the miniatures’ section of a craft store, like a little Christmas tree, other trees with a park bench, or a little house.  You could even use some fake grass for the yard of a miniature house or moss for the floor of a forest.  Add a scoop of the sprinkley kind of fake snow or bigger pieces of glitter, twist the jar onto the lid carefully, and test your snow globe effect (once the glue is firmly set) by gently turning the jar upside down and back – no water needed.  If you’re happy with your design, use a little hot glue along the rim to secure the lid permanently. 

Your options are only limited by your imagination . . . and your online searches for more ideas.  Plant a succulents garden in a jar and give as a no-fuss green thumb gift for Grandma.  Make batches of cookies and give them away one stack at a time in jars for your neighbors, co-workers, or the kids’ teachers.  Wow the kids with brightly colored hard candy or lollipops in their stocking.  Layer in banana pudding, homemade pie, or even a layered green salad to give a tasty treat straight from the fridge or to serve at a gathering.   

A single Mason jar can be transformed into any number of thoughtful, simple gifts.  Add an extra layer of homemade sweetness when you share your creations this Christmas.  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star December 1st.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tyler and Krystal Stenseng

Set the Table

If you will have a houseful on Thanksgiving Day, you could wow them all with a tablescape that calls them to their seat almost as easily as the feast itself. 

Play up the fruits and veggies of the season and give those pumpkins of yours their last hay day for the year.  Run a staggered line of pumpkins, real or faux, down the middle of the table.  Accent them with anything from mesquite branches to pinecones, acorn squash, gourds, and berries.  Your pumpkins could be painted to spell out “Thanks” or another seasonal message.  And your accents could be scattered about or in glass pillar or square vases. 

If you have a good collection of glass vases and/or apothecary jars in varying heights, sizes, and shapes, fill them with layers as you would a trifle bowl.  Use nuts in their shell like pecans, walnuts, macadamias, pistachios, and Brazil nuts.  Mix in things like dried black, kidney, or pinto beans, dried cranberries, and deer corn.  Accent your collection with fall leaves or small pinecones.  For a different sweet spin with lots of color, fill them with candy corn, M&Ms® in yellow, orange, and white, plus mini candy pumpkins, gumballs in orange, red, and green, and other mainstream candy that offers a fall twist.  If someone sneaks a little treat before or after the meal, even better.

To keep things really simple, involve the kids in a little centerpiece art project by spelling out a phrase like “Give Thanks” or “Thanksgiving” or something of your choosing in individual decorative letters on craft paper or cardstock.  Hang each letter with twine or ribbon run through a hole-punched spot from thin branches you stake in a series of jars or vases down the table’s center.  The glassware could be filled with any of the above mentioned fillers to hold your lightweight branches in place.  Those branches could come from the craft store or simply the mesquite tree in your yard. 

Another creative, modern concept I have seen on television is to cover the entire table with black bulletin board paper in place of a tablecloth, and give your guests chalk to use for a little mealtime fun.  You could pre-write your own messages, including writing a scripted name over each place setting instead of a place card or adding conversation starters like “I am thankful for . . .”  You could mark spots for butter or salt and pepper, or you could write parts of the menu spread around the table.  When you turn them loose with chalk right in line with their silverware or in little mason jars around the table, you could have quite the masterpiece by the end of the meal. 

Gather the family around the table, whether beautiful, whimsical, or unique, and come away with full tummies and big smiles.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star November 24th.

Fun Feasting

A feast awaits you just around the corner.  If the title of host or hostess is one you wear proudly, you may enjoy the concept of adding fun party elements to your traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Listing things you’re thankful for as you sit down around the table is very sweet.  If you want to give your guests more time to ponder their answers, set up Mason jars or a punch bowl with plenty of slips of paper, pens, and a sign with instructions so answers can be written down throughout the day.  When you serve up the pie slices for dessert, take turns drawing a slip out, reading the answer aloud, and trying to guess who the author is.

The Super Bowl may be a few months away, but you could turn part of your Thanksgiving Day at home into a true football fan event.  If being gathered around the big screen sounds more appealing than the floury work around the kitchen island, turn your turkey dinner into a more appetizer based menu to enjoy bite by bite.  Traditional menu items – green bean casserole, sweet potato soufflé, dressing with gravy – can all be made more appetizer-sized when cooked in muffin tins to make individual portions.  Set out your trays with single serve portions, and root for your team, turkey sandwich in tow.

I can’t take credit for this one, but it is certainly worth mentioning.  I’m sure we’ve all seen the commercial this season that shows a fall photo backdrop scene set up beside the dinner table with smiling family members taking silly pictures, paper mustaches on sticks in hand.  With a little creativity (and craft paper), you could set up your own photo backdrop complete with props and have table guests pose again and again.  Your theme could be anything you choose, and the props could be simple and homemade.  If you use a tripod or set your digital camera in one spot, like on a medium height piece of furniture or half wall, your pictures would have a background that doesn’t move between shots, making the end result a flip book style series of funny and memorable photos. 

As the day is winding down, you start to feel the excitement of Christmas coming.  Some families have the tradition of taking down their fall decorations that night and starting in on their Christmas décor.  You could finish out the night with some hot chocolate or apple cider as you marvel at your freshly strung twinkly lights.  Or you could take the more laidback road and all snuggle up on the coach with your favorite Christmas movie and some caramel popcorn to kick off the next phase of the holiday season.        

Any little something extra you stir into the mix this Thanksgiving Day, you’ll be sure to have them all just gobble-gobble it up.  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star November 17th.

You Can't Go Wrong With . . .

Some of you early birds are scratching gift purchases off your Christmas list left and right, and some will wait a little closer to the 25^th of December.  But we all find ourselves in the same boat at one point or another: what to get for the special people in our lives.  Everyone has different tastes, and our knowledge of our gift recipients’ likes varies.  It’s nice to have a go-to list of things that can express our joy of sharing during the holiday season without feeling like the gift you give will go unused.  Here is one such classic list, just short, simple, and sweet:

White Dishes – Timeless, easy, and beautiful on any table, white dishes are a staple for the dining table.  Whether they are for your mom, aunt, or the hostess in your circle of friends, white dishes are pretty fool-proof in the gift giving department.  Dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, small appetizer plates, and serving platters and bowls can be used for any number of occasions right along with everyday meals.  Wrap them up, and watch her mouth water when it’s present opening time.

Framed Mirrors – Picking out wall art for someone else may lead you to a hit or a miss.  Go with that concept without the specifics of selecting a design.  Choose a medium size or a few smaller framed mirrors to gift instead.  Stick to a classic frame in a metallic, wood, or neutral painted finish.  Let your recipients reflect their own décor style back at them in the shiny surfaces.

Serving Trays – Clear acrylic or melamine rectangles, as well as stainless steel rounds, make great materials for a pretty serving tray.  They may accent someone’s bar area for glasses, foyer table for mail, coffee table for magazines, or holiday buffet for appetizers, and they are impartial enough to mix with any number of personal styles. 

Glass – Your sister may love a new vase for her centerpiece, the socialite in your group may appreciate a set of champagne flutes, or grandma may enjoy an aromatic candle in a glass cylinder.  Glass is another timeless material that comes in a countless array of forms and makes a gift you can tailor multiple ways to personalize for any nametag under your tree.

Gift Cards – Impersonal?  I say no.  You’re giving the gift of selection, and that can be made incredibly personal by the card you choose.  Give a gift card to a store we don’t have locally to give someone something special with more variety and an opportunity to shop online or while on a trip.  Or give a credit card gift card, essentially a pre-paid debit card, that could be used at any store that accepts that kind of plastic.  You can tailor your choice – a book store card to the reader, a kitchen store card to the cook, a coffee gift card to the latte sipper – or you can offer up a general opportunity to shop-and-swipe.

Put a little thought into how you can turn gifts that could fit just about anyone into presents that both excite when they’re opened and get put to great use because they’re loved.  Aren’t you a smart Santa?        

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star November 10th.

  

Fall-Ready Weekday Lunches

Whether you’re weeks into the school year and getting repetitive with lunchbox content, brown bagging the same old meals to work, or wanting to shake up your plate at home, look into simply doable recipes online for these fall-ready weekday lunches.

Capitalize on seasonal produce at your local grocery store to set this season’s midday meals apart.  Veggies like eggplant, butternut squash, asparagus, zucchini, and sweet potatoes make great side dishes and soups.  Both eggplant and sweet potatoes can be sliced into French fry strips, dipped in flour then egg then grated parmesan cheese, and baked in the oven on a rack on a half sheet pan until crispy.  Mix mayo with roasted garlic for a delicious dipping sauce, and you have a healthier alternative to the typical fries.  Roast any of these vegetables with some onion until brown and softened, blend them with seasonings, a little olive oil, plain yogurt, and chicken stock until smooth, and heat through for a rich and filling soup.    

A sandwich is a sandwich . . . unless you make it more!  Trade in typical bread slices for ciabatta rolls instead.  Spread some of that garlic mayo or pesto sauce in lieu of the usual condiments.  Switch roasted turkey breast for ham.  Dress up your cheese choice with some Asiago or Romano in place of sandwich ready slices.  For a wrap with substance, use a wheat or spinach tortilla, and fill it with the browned meat of your choice or layers of roasted veggies.  Pile on some shredded coleslaw mixed in oil and vinegar, and top it off with sliced grape tomatoes, cilantro, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.       

For a tangy salad at home, mix olive oil and lemon juice in a mixing bowl with salt and pepper and thinly sliced purple onion.  Dice avocado and add in, topped with a pile of torn pieces of your favorite lettuce or greens.  (I love butter lettuce!)  Toss it all together to fully coat, and enjoy with some brown rice crackers. 

To take your typical tomato sauce up a seasonal notch, add roasted vegetables like squash and zucchini into the saucepan with your canned sauce and blend with an immersion blender until smooth, or put it all into a blender or Cuisinart to smooth before heating in a saucepan.  Dollop the hearty sauce onto spaghetti or penne, making each an easy to-go main dish.  To switch up your pasta, try “veggie pasta,” which really does taste good, or even bake a spaghetti squash and use the stringy insides in place of noodles.

Branch out and try new things.  Be willing to pick up new produce and explore new recipes to find fresh ways to satisfy your taste buds at lunchtime.     

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star November 3rd.

    

Date Nights on a Dime

Whether you’re single or married, date nights are fun things to add to your calendar. But going out can make you shell out more than the budget allows. Instead of banishing restaurant dinners for two, tweak your approach to ensure you work in some date nights on a dime.

Going to the movies can really add up with ticket prices and snacks.  To catch those flicks without all the special effects and need for enhanced theater sound, rent a one night romantic comedy for less than $2, pop popcorn at home and add your own toppings, indulge in some grocery store candy, and cozy up on your own couch at home.

Professional sporting events off and away are fetching mega bucks per seat, and that doesn’t include your travel expenses for the big game.  Look into your area options with high school teams and local pros in sports like hockey and boxing for reasonable ticket prices and an entertaining show.  Support Valley athletes, and enjoy a sporty night out.  Keep an eye out for other community events like plays and festivals for budget friendly ticket prices as well.

Get out and about by checking out a farmer’s market, market days, street fair, or even a series of Saturday morning garage sales.  A daytime outing can be spent shopping and looking at local vendors’ wares or for a yard sale steal to makeover for a weekend project. 

Pack a picnic lunch and drive down to the Island for an afternoon on the beach.  Beachgoers come from all over the nation to the spot on the map we have right here at home.  Collect shells, build a sandcastle, and wile away the day relaxing before you enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the bay. 

Put on some running shoes, carry a couple bottles of water, and head to a city park or jogging path and work up a sweat with a walk or run for two.  If you’re feeling adventurous, train in tandem for a race or other athletic competition.

Go back to feeling like a kid and show off some skills at a skating rink or bowling alley. Take a long walk through the zoo and chat about your favorite animals.  Feel studious by walking through a local museum of art or area history, discussing interesting topics along the way. 

Instead of going out for coffee, brew your own at home, dress it up with syrups and whipped topping, or simmer some hot cocoa and top with plenty of marshmallows.  Fill a couple of to-go mugs and take a drive just the two of you.  Later in the season, spend time driving around looking at Christmas lights and yard decorations after dark.     

Choose a new recipe together, shop for a few groceries, and try your hand at spending some time in the kitchen for two.  Spending the time in preparation together can be as delicious as sharing a specially prepared meal. 

A date night doesn’t have to be pricey or fancy (or even at night) to be a great time spent happily together.  Get creative and think inside the budget for fun without breaking the bank.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 27th.

Sweet November

Where has 2013 gone?  We’re barely in the double digits of weeks left before the clock strikes 2014.  And with just under two weeks left before we hit November, there is a lot that can be done now to make that transition feel all the more productive.

If you will be passing out candy from your home on the 31st, there is still time to order a sweet treat compliment to go with those bite sized morsels of sugary goodness.  I just received my package of Christian themed bracelets that will go out to trick-or-treaters.  If there is a good cause you support or uplifting message you would like to share with your community, be thinking now about how you could incorporate that, like giving out stickers, bookmarks, or other small items area kids would enjoy.

If you are planning to attend any seasonal events, look into your ticket options now.  Check out local venues that host entertainment opportunities like plays, sports, concerts, and exhibitions across the Valley.  You might be surprised at the fun and creative options you can discover locally.  On November the 7^th, I know I will be at the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center at Dining by Design, which supports the American Cancer Society, for a stunning exhibition of beautiful tablescapes.

Now is also a good time to make some decisions about a family Christmas card if you haven’t already.  If you’ll be stamping some holiday cheer to share, be perusing your digital photo files or setting up a shoot with a trusted camera handler to get your best angle in print.  There is a vast array of card ideas out there, including fill-in-your-picture-and-names templates with online design and print companies that will send a stylish finished product right to your door.  Don’t rush the job at the last holiday minute; leave yourself plenty of time to stuff, seal, stamp, and address.

What are the plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year?  If your family operates on a rotational basis between home and in-laws, check in with your feasting table companions to get the scoop or make sure everyone is on board with the plan already in place.  You could incorporate an easy online invitation like an Evite®, which allows people to RSVP electronically so you can gather a good headcount.  If you’re feeling crafty, you would have ample time to work on place cards for your (or your mom’s) table setting, or make some sprucing changes to the guest space, like new sheets or a festive hand towel set, if you will be hosting company.      

There’s no time like the present to work on Christmas presents.  If you’re like me, a week-of shopping trip does not put you in the Christmas spirit.  They say it’s the thought that counts, and putting some advanced thought into special gifts is a good way to go.  Take advantage of online deals and free shipping offers to spread your holiday expenses over a few billing cycles.  Stock up on wrapping paper and accessories and prep your Santa’s workshop space.  You may prefer wrapping a gift here and there to a gift wrap marathon in December. 

Utilize the time you have left before the holiday rush to plan, prepare, shop, and save to make sure you can enjoy a truly sweet November.  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 20th.   

Playing Dress Up

Sometimes the simplest little additions can take something from plain to dressed up.  Whether you intend to do a little dressing up at the end of this month or not, here are some ways to jazz up some things at home now.

Accessorize an upholstered side chair by folding a throw blanket into a long column about half the width of the seat and cleanly drape it centered over the back of the chair, across the seat, and down the front, and then top it off with a slim lumbar pillow where the back and seat cushions meet.  If your couch has one throw pillow on each end, add another in a complementary print to either side, and then throw off the visual balance by adding a third smaller embellished pillow to just one of the ends. 

When you have the dining room table covered with a tablecloth, accent the top by using two table runners or two other matching tablecloths folded in narrow sections, and run them across the width of the table, dividing it into thirds.  To add extra layers to each table setting for a nice dinner, stack it high with the tablecloth, a placemat, and a charger below each plate, and top that with a folded napkin.  You can also go oversized with place cards for a holiday meal by adding each guest’s name to the front of blank folding note cards or printing each on long strips of cardstock.

Instead of a large glass or ceramic bowl or wooden or metal serving tray sitting empty or stored away, top them off and set them out for display.  Use fresh fruit, glass ornaments, greens, dried naturals, stones, or pillar candles, figurines, small book stacks, or champagne flutes, always creating a scene where you place them.  Follow the same idea to dress up your coffee table, kitchen island, foyer table, buffet, or side table. 

Fill a basket or bin with short log segments and set beside a seating area.  Add a folded quilt across the end of the bed.  Use sections of green moss or spindly branch pieces to fill in around decorations or picture frames on the mantel or a shelf.  Place a small round tray, water carafe, and glass on a guestroom nightstand.  Fill a clear glass canister with unwrapped bars of soap and add to the bathroom counter. 

A little something extra can be a sweet touch in any room.  Which reminds me, add a can of apricot nectar to a pitcher of orange juice, and enjoy a delicious dressed up glass at your breakfast table.                    

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 13th.

As Easy As One, Two, Three

Like options?  They can be as easy as one, two, three.

Hang something new on the wall: 1) framed chalkboard for family notes, 2) decorative framed pegboard spray painted one color to hold jewelry on pins, or 3) a short row of pretty wooden hangers over a desk to use the clothes clips for papers instead.

Wrap a gift a new way: 1) in a folding map, 2) in fabric by the yard, securing folds with tied ribbon, or 3) in newsprint or sheet music.

Use glass new ways: 1) mason jars as candle holders or ice cream dishes, 2) as a gift set of drinking glasses you customize with a chalkboard paint design, or 3) a series of clear bottles and jars holding photographs in place of frames.

What else to stick on a paper towel holder: 1) a roll of trash bags, 2) a stack of craft ribbon rolls, or 3) kids’ art paper or butcher paper rolls.

Alternative uses for drawer pulls: 1) necklace pegs, 2) coat racks, or 3) umbrella rests.

Other uses for a decorative box: 1) charging station for all your electronic devices, with some cutting required, 2) holder for art supplies, or 3) tray for bathroom toiletries.

What else you can do with contact paper: 1) line the back of bookcase shelves, 2) wrap decorative strips around a canister set, or 3) add sections to drawer fronts.

Uses for an old wooden ladder: 1) mounted to the wall as a book shelf, 2) as a towel rack, or 3) or hung in a laundry room for a clothes rack.

Fun vase fillers: 1) hard candy, 2) bars of soap, or 3) wine corks.

Uses for square glass vases: 1) to hold your salad bar contents, 2) as a recipe card box, or 3) to hold makeup brushes on the bathroom counter.

Alternate purposes for a wine rack: 1) to hold magazines and catalogs, 2) to stand on its side and use as a chord caddy, or 3) to hold rolled towels in the bathroom.

A clothes line can double as: 1) a place to pin photos, invitations, or cards, 2) a magazine line, or 3) a kids’ artwork gallery.

A pillowcase can also be used: 1) to hold sheet sets together in a linen closet, 2) as a travel dirty clothes bag, or 3) to reupholster a dining chair cushion.

Monogram: 1) baskets for custom storage, 2) wall hooks in the bathroom for each person, or 3) a custom wall decal for over the bed or in the entryway.

An old fashioned suitcase can hold: 1) divided years of archive documents, 2) manicure and pedicure supplies, or 3) mini toiletries for overnight guests.  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 6th.

Craft Projects for October

With the start of October just around the corner, this is a great time to work on craft projects for the season that can be a part of your décor until Thanksgiving.  Whether you’re going it alone or bringing the kids in to participate, too, get some supplies ready for a crafty good time.

Buying a craft store swag of fall leaves can work on its own, but you are limited to the one long piece unless you start taking it apart.  Pull the leaves from the plastic center and opt for a variety of uses.  Tie string, raffia, or ribbon strands in varying lengths to the ends of individual leaves and hang them in a window or doorway using push pins or clip rings as a disconnected banner.  String them together for a thin garland to hang on the mantle, on a door, or on a buffet or hutch.  Tuck little clusters of leaves under other centerpiece items like vases and pumpkins for a connected, fuller look.  Fill cylinder vases with leaves and wrap a wide section of ribbon around the outside, tying the ends in a knot.       

Make your own front door wreath by starting with a foam circle if you intend to cover the entire surface or a dried natural wreath to add accents onto.  Use a hot glue gun to add feathers, leaves, artificial mum blooms, acorns, burlap, other fabric strips, or mini gourds, pumpkins, or dried corn. 

Paint pumpkins with craft paint or spray paint for a front door display.  Paint them solid or use painters’ tape, string, or freehand skills to make your own design; look at online examples for a creative boost.  Rest them on cake stands or turntables covered with newspaper for the best coverage.  You could use stencils to paint your house numbers or lettering for a monogram or saying.  Pinecones and acorns could also be spray painted and used as a bowl or vase filler. 

Find fitting wall decals online and give them more longevity than one season applied to a wall by applying them to a plain wrapped canvas, a mirror, the glass of a frame you fill with craft paper, or a serving plate you rest on a stand or hang on the wall.  You could also buy decal lettering and apply to a set of canisters or glass vases and spell out anything you wish.  Decorate the outside of glass cylinder vases for a centerpiece using a hot glue gun and twigs, cinnamon sticks, fabric strips, ribbon, burlap, or contact paper.

Put your thinking cap on, find inspiration online, and utilize items you already have mixed with craft store goodies to treat your home to some new seasonal accessories.  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 29th.

  

Cupcake Nation

I’ll be honest; I cannot make a pretty cake to save my life.  No amount of leveling and frosting adjustment can churn out a slice I’d be proud to serve to others.  However, my cupcakes are a different story.  With their widespread popularity, cupcakes are a delicious mix of classic and trending and are a great dessert, special treat, and party go-to.  There are, however, some tricks to turning these treats into more boutique than boo-hoo.

There’s nothing wrong with a shortcut-taking box of cake mix and tub of frosting.  The flavors seem nearly limitless, and they really are finger-licking good.  The trick is to ensure you have the right cake-to-frosting ratio.  The next time you add a box of cake mix to your shopping cart, add two tubs of frosting.  I have decided that a 1:1 ratio is just not enough, and it leaves me short the closer I come to frosting the end of the 24 cupcakes.  Why scrimp and save when you can allow one tub to frost 12 cupcakes instead of 24? 

You can additionally think outside the box and mix mixes.  Want to serve pink lemonade cupcakes at a baby shower?  Mix one box of strawberry and one box of lemon mix before adding any wet ingredients.  If you do not intent to then bake 48 cupcakes at once, spoon out half of your blended cake mix into an airtight container and store for another day.  You can come up with any number of custom combinations all your own.  You can also mix tubs of frosting to match your new combination by stirring them gently together, or you can buy one of each of two selections and have 12 frosted one way and 12 frosted in another flavor. 

When it comes to the mixing bowl, you can add a touch of homemade flavor to your next batch by adding a splash of pure vanilla extract.  Some think substituting milk for the water requested on the box instructions can make for fluffier cupcakes.  When you start filling your cups in the muffin pans, decide if paper or foil cups is the way to go for this batch.  Paper cups come in a variety of styles and colors, and foil cups are hardier and – side note - also make great holders for single serve portions of a variety of side dishes.  To spread out your batter evenly and aim for the most uniform cupcakes in size, use an ice cream scoop, melon baller, or measuring cup to ladle the batter into each cup instead of a regular spoon.  You can better apportion out even levels.  Make sure to not overfill; 2/3 full is a good rule of thumb. 

After the cupcakes are baked and completely cooled on a rack, don’t get out the knife to start frosting; use a homemade piping bag instead for a more professional look.  Use either quart or gallon plastic baggies, depending on the quantity you’re using of one frosting flavor.   Snip off one corner tip, starting small, as you can always go bigger but not smaller.  Push a piping bag decorative tip through the hole, ensuring you’ve got a good, snug fit.  To hold the decorative tip in place, tape it to the corner of the baggie on the outside.   When filing your piping bag, fold the baggie edges over the outside, exposing the bottom of the bag more readily and keeping the zipper top clean and clear.  Use a spatula to put the entire tub or tubs of frosting inside, roll the edges up, press out the air, and seal securely.  Always keep your frosting moving toward the bottom of the bag to avoid air bubbles that can disrupt your piping style.  And don’t beat or whip store bought frosting; it may make your quantity “grow” a little, but it’s made my cake levels slide before. Trust me; it’s not a pretty sight.          

Since you have plenty of frosting, take your time piling it high to your desired look.  Leave a little cupcake showing between the cup edge and the frosting; it’s neater when you pick them up out of your storage container.  I like to make a slow spiral that outlines the top, fills in the center, and then mounts in a little dollop or spike on top.  Finish them off with decorative sugars, sprinkles, sugar pearls, or candy pieces.  Get creative if you have a theme going.  Those pink lemonade cupcakes mentioned above are adorable with a candy lemon wedge and short piece of plastic straw perched on top. 

However you top them, turn everyday cupcakes into homemade masterpieces worthy of show!   

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 22nd.