Table Setting for the Holidays

With the Holidays coming up you may be hosting a large party or just having a family meal here is a few examples of proper place settings.

Formal Meal

Casual Meal

More examples of how to set the table.

Here are some fun ways to decorate that table!

Make your own napkin ring by using scrapbooking paper and a toilet paper roll, beaded wire, or shower curtain rings!

                                         

Dress up a plain vase with inexpensive items.

Or find some fun ways to fold napkins.

Simple Headboards

Here is a way to make a simple headboard.

Step 1: Take an old door or panel(s) of wood. Remove all hardware.

Step 2: Staple, nail or tack foam and fabric around the entire door or panel.

Step 3: Attach hanging hardware.

Step 4: Hang, as desired, on the wall behind the bed.

Similar video instruction

Do it in panels

Do it with curves

Planters

Planters can be expensive and predictable, but here I will show you 8 ways to create an original planter for little to no cost.

1. Pallet Planter

2. Concrete Planter

3. Lightbulb Planter

 4. Log Planter

5. Book Planter

6. Boot Planter

7. Block Planter

8. Can Planter

Refurbish an old chest

I was up in our attic going through old boxes and totes when I came across this old rundown chest. I've had it for many years, but never realized it's potential. Then I had an idea.

See all these toys causing a scene in my newly decorated living room?  I decided they would be the heart of my new project.

How to refurbish an old chest.

Step 1: Paint or stain the wood.

Step 2: Reupholster the cushion. 

First, you will need to attach your fabric, inside out, to the back edge of your cushion.

Like so:

Then flip the fabric up and over the top of the cushion (right side up).

Like so:

Then wrap your fabric tightly around all three edges and staple in place. 

There you have it! 

Storage for al those unsightly toys.

Restoring Furniture

Step1: Sand

Sandpapers are commonly graded as coarse (40-60 grit), Medium (80-120), Fine (150-180), Very Fine (220-240), Extra Fine (280-320) and Super Fine (360 and above). Depending on What kind of wood you are working with (soft or hard) start with a Coarse grade and work your way to a fine grade.

Example: This table is pine (a very soft wood). It had significant damage, so I sanded the whole thing with 80 to get out the scratches. Then I went over it again with 220 to smooth it out.

Step 2 (for staining only): 

Seal the wood. Apply pre-stain to the furniture using a brush or clean rag. Allow the it to soak in for five minutes and then wipe off the excess. Allow it to dry an additional 30 minutes.

Step 2 (for painting only):

 Prime the wood. 
Wait at least four hours for the primer to dry before painting the piece of furniture with the paint.

Step 3: 

Stain and/or paint the the wood. 

And there you have it! A beautiful new piece of furniture!

Restoring Furniture

Step 2 (for staining only): 

Seal the wood. Apply to the furniture using a brush or clean rag. Allow the pre-stain to soak in for five minutes and then wipe off the excess. Allow to dry an additional 30 minutes.

Step 2 (for painting only):

 Prime the wood. Find a primer whose tint is close to the final color desired for the piece of furniture you intend to paint. Paint all surfaces of the piece. Wait at least four hours for the primer to dry before painting the piece of furniture with the paint.

Step 3: 

Stain and/or paint the the wood. 

And there you have it! A beautiful new piece of furniture!

Restoring Furniture

Step 2 (for staining only): 

Seal the wood. Apply to the furniture using a brush or clean rag. Allow the pre-stain to soak in for five minutes and then wipe off the excess. Allow to dry an additional 30 minutes.

Step 2 (for painting only):

 Prime the wood. Find a primer whose tint is close to the final color desired for the piece of furniture you intend to paint. Paint all surfaces of the piece. Wait at least four hours for the primer to dry before painting the piece of furniture with the paint.

Step 3: 

Stain and/or paint the the wood. 

And there you have it! A beautiful new piece of furniture!