Looking for fun and festive Thanksgiving decoration ideas? Our Decor Department loves these simple and natural centerpieces. Pick a surface of your choice (pumpkin, squash, candle, mason jar come to mind) and a grain of your choice ( lentils, bulgar, wild rice and split peas are all nicely textured and colored). Simply spray the surface with non-toxic glue and roll in assorted grains.
1. Invite fewer people for a more intimate setting
2. Buy a vintage wedding dress
3. Consider using beautiful branches instead of blooms
4. Look for decorative details on etsy, ebay or at fleamarkets
5. Have small dessert bites instead of a wedding cake for everyone
6. Use minimal blooms and have small decorative herb gardens
7. Using bigger flowers means using fewer flowers
8. Keep your wedding party small
9. Instead of buying individual bouquets for each bridesmaid- pin one blossom onto each of them
10. Use potted plants as both centerpieces and party favors
Valentine’s D.I.Y. Day #10 by: Shannon Hardy – Décor Assistant
Cupcake Liner Pom Poms
I love this cupcake liner pom pom arrangement because it is a fun craft that will wow any party guest. These sweet little cupcake liners are a great way to save money, add a floral touch to a space and are a simple and easy way to create a centerpiece that will last. By switching out the colors of the liners and the candlesticks, the pom pom can reflect any theme, season, or mood you want to create. This idea came from Kara’s Party Ideas, which has a great section on Vintage Valentines and is a D.I.Y. craft that is full of whimsy.
Since cupcake liners are inexpensive and cost just a fraction of what silk or even real flowers would be, these quirky poms add a fun pop of color to any space and are great for any party.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
Take 2 cupcake liners and stick a pin through the center of them. Fold/scrunch the 2 liners around the pin. Put a dab of hot glue on the tip of the liners. Insert the pin into the Styrofoam ball. Push the pin all the way into the Styrofoam so the cupcake liners are securely glued to the ball. Carefully open the liners making sure the pin is all the way inserted into the Styrofoam. If it isn’t, push it all the way in. Repeat until the whole ball is covered with lovely cupcake liners! Attach fishing line or a ribbon to hang. (For this particular pom pom you can leave a space uncovered so you could set the ball on a large glass candlestick)
Valentine’s D.I.Y Day #9 by: Katie Collins – Décor Assistant
Message in a Bottle
If you are looking for a creative way to show someone you care on Valentine’s Day, this is a fun alternative to the impersonal and repetitive cards found in stores. You can take items like old glass bottles and wine corks that are lying around your home and personalize your message to that special someone, family or friends at very little cost. This can be used not only on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year for birthdays, other holidays, or just to tell someone you were thinking about them!
This endearing idea came to us from Better Homes and Gardens. These bottles will make a perfect Valentine’s gift or decoration around the house.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
Fill your glass bottles with whatever you would like, whether it is a letter to that someone special or candy and paper hearts. Next cork the bottle and set out as decoration or give as a gift!
Valentine D.I.Y. Day #8 by: Shannon Hardy – Décor Assistant
Flower Suckers
I fell for these lollipop flowers because they are a quirky way to show your love on Valentine’s Day. Whether you use it as an edible arrangement centerpiece or as a single sweet surprise, these candies will make any one a sucker for you!
This arrangement of lollipops from Better Homes & Gardens is a cute way to add a small piece to put on any table or to give as a gift.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
For each flower, fold the colored paper in half and cut out six hearts. Punch a small hole near the tip of each. Insert a lollipop stick and arrange six hearts on the stem, fanning out the petals around the stick. Wrap the ribbon around the vase and cut the correct length. Finally add your bouquet of suckers!
Valentine D.I.Y. Day 7 by: Megan Click, Lead Designer
Mix and Match Votives
As we all know candlelight is a key component to any romantic evening. These paper votives from Krissy Tiglias at Real Simple are a great way to incorporate style and creativity into your Valentine’s Day. Just look around your home for any extra fabric, ribbon or paper, grab your honey and get to work!
You’ll need:
Directions:
Wrap paper around the votive for size and cut the appropriate length. Next tape the paper to the votive. For extra fun add some ribbon on top!
Valentine D.I.Y. Day #6 by: Abby Mertz – Décor Assistant
U Complete Me Pillows
These pillows are not only adorable but functional as well. Customize them with your favorite saying to make them special for you and your honey. Use them year round to add some love in your home. There’s no better day than February 14th to cuddle up with some cozy cushions!
These great pillows from Creature Comforts, make a great addition to any sofa or bed! The pillows are easy to make, just download the letters.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
Valentine D.I.Y. Day 5 by: Rachel Briggs, Lead Designer
Charming Lamp Shades
As a lifelong D.I.Y. junkie I love anything that has me take everyday items and put a new spin on it. This drum shade idea is great and can be incorporated into any style, season, or design. All you need is an idea, tape, fabric and voila! you’re the MacGyver of D.I.Y.
These lamp shades from Better Homes and Gardens are a simple way to decorate and set the mood this Valentine’s Day! You can use light or dark fabric depending on if you want to brighten or dim the room.
What you’ll need:
Directions:
First wrap the fabric around the lampshade to get the correct amount and cut. Tape the fabric to the lampshade and you’re done! For extra flare you can add ribbon.
Valentine D.I.Y. Day #4 by: Pamela Chakides, Design Intern
Flower Piñata
This flower petal paper mache piñata, by Brooke Reynolds at Inchmark, is a great addition to any party and is super easy and fun to make. It’s a great way to add some flare to your Valentine’s Day party. Creating this flower pinata also gives you the chance to show off your artistic side by adding different colors, designs and textures.
All you will need is:
Directions:
**Making your own stick to hit the piñata is a super cute idea to add to your party as well! **
Valentine D.I.Y. Day #3 by: Katie Collins – Decor Assistant
Cloth Rose Wreath
I love this heart shaped cloth rose wreath, from Maggie at Smashed Peas and Carrots. This wreath is great for those, like us, who have scraps of unused fabrics lying around. Mix and match various colors and textures of fabric to create a wreath that demonstrates your own creativity and imagination, while using those scraps that have been collecting for far too long! Share the love on Valentine’s Day by hanging the finished wreath on a door for everyone to see!
What you’ll need:
Directions:
