We are in the middle of a super exciting project! My sister purchased a fixer upper for our mother’s forever home and I get to design her kitchen! The thing is, my mom watches way too much HGTV and is a perpetual renovator (I come by it honestly), so I know she will be bummed if it doesn’t look like a designer kitchen. So, no pressure, right?
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
One of the reasons I’m designing it is that I’ve done kitchens before and have done a lot of research on it (read: obsessively planning our current kitchen reno)… plus, I’m generally good at bargain hunting and finding cost efficient ways to do things.
Any kind of high end countertops are a MAJOR expense in the kitchen planning process and I need to find ways to make it cost less. So, the first thing I’m looking at is alternatives to solid surface. Guess what I super, duper love? Butcher block.
Here’s a quick look at some of my favorite blogger kitchens and their awesome butcher block:
Remodelista.com, From: Remodeling 101- All About Butcher Block Countertops
Sincerelymariedesigns.com: Our Butcher Block Counter Top Review – One Year Later
Beckiowens.com, Best of Pinterest : Becki Owens
Domesticimperfection.com
The first place to ALWAYS look is for places that carry off-the-shelf sizes. Producers offer standard sizes to consumers much more cheaply than semi custom or custom sizes. The best way to save yourself money is to find inexpensive products and sizes that will work and plan the design around that. I found a few places that have reasonable offerings. I looked for four foot lengths for purposes of comparison, but several stores only had longer lengths.
*Please note that prices are current in February 2020 and are subject to change.
Obviously, what size the sections are that you are working with are important. I will let you know what we decide and definitely show you the finished product!
Have you used butcher block from any of these stores? Have you found them in precut sizes elsewhere? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Thanks for hanging out with us in DIY land and check out more great DIY and design inspiration over on our blog.
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
We have a family tradition where Rainman takes each child on a cool trip after high school graduation. I have very fond memories of my graduation trip with my dad, so I feel like it’s important and something special they’ll always remember. So, last summer, he took a trip with our most recent graduate to Ireland. I sent them with strict instructions on taking lots of pictures of them, and of course, stone walls, stone houses, pubs, landscapes, castles, etc. I may have planned this trip so I could live vicariously, but that’s a story for another time.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
I want to share with you the amazing collection of stone walls they brought back. I was really impressed and feel like I need to step up my garden wall game!
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland: Blarney Castle, County Cork
I hate to think of the germs here, but still kind of a must to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland, Blarney Castle, County Cork. Kissing the Blarney Stone for the gift of
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
There’s a story behind this one: They had an afternoon free on the trip and my son said there was another stone formation he’d like to go see. Now, it’s already fairly squirrely on the narrow, winding roads in the country, but apparently, getting to this location was particularly sporty. Upon arrival and after they had parked (and deposited their fees at the booth on the honor system) they walked up the trail to find they were interrupting some kind of ceremony. Not wanting to be rude, they snapped a quick photo and left. As they were mapping out the next destination in the car, my son said, “there they are.”
Then, a minute later, my husband asked, “where’d they go?”
To which my son responded, “they just disappeared.” He didn’t mean they ACTUALLY disappeared (like something out of Outlander), he just meant they had walked behind the building and he couldn’t see them anymore. Nonetheless, Rainman lit out of there on two wheels.
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
And, by the way, I don’t think I realized how big Irish Wolfhounds are. And yes, they’re called Irish Wolfhounds even in Ireland.
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
This one I had flashbacks to The Princess Bride:
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Mashup Monday: Inspired Stone Walls in Ireland
Can you think of a place in your garden you could incorporate a stone wall?
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I have been wondering about using a paint sprayer for years now, because of course I see all these gorgeous finishes on people’s cabinets, furniture, and small paint projects. So, I did a little research, and finally settled on a small project paint gun that is inexpensive, works really well, and is very simple to set up and clean up. Here is the process and what we used to get outstanding results!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
The first step is having a place to paint. Now these doors were unattached and I REALLY didn’t want to do prepwork inside to paint (especially because of the cats). So, we waited for a day when the wind was relatively still, and set up a clean work surface on the ground and screwed in eyelet screws into the top of the cabinet doors. Then we wired them to an outdoor arbor so they were suspended and accessible.
What you’ll need:
A paint gun: we used the Critter Paint Gun, (great design, very simple, and the best news: CHEAP!).
Paint straining bags: you can get these for a buck and change at hardware stores or buy them online: Paint Strainer Bags.
A compressor, hose, and basic attachments. We have a large Dewalt Compressor (which I bought apparently thinking we’d be framing walls and working in a commercial building environment) but we used the smaller and much more easy to wield Bostich Air Compressor for this project).
First we dry fitted everything on the gun to make sure it worked with the compressor hoses.
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Then we used one of the paint strainers to strain the paint into the jar.
TIP FROM RAINMAN: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP. If you don’t strain the paint, little chunks will clog up the tiny tube that feeds the sprayer.
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
We realized after the first few minutes that the best method is to put the strainer all the way in and then pour the paint in. It lends some weight to the process and makes it strain MUCH faster.
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Once the paint is in, lift the strainer out until it has all drained into the mason jar. We layed the bag down on our clean surface, knowing we would use it again, but if you’re taking a long time, you might want to rinse it with a hose between uses (we have not found a non-messy way to do this).
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Attach the mason jar back to the gun, and make sure your air compressor is set at 30 PSI.
TIP FROM RAINMAN: USE SCRAP WOOD TO GET PSI, LIQUID NOZZLE, AND DISTANCE SET (35 PSI WITH LIQUID NOZZLE CENTERED WORKED WELL WITH THIS PAINT AT AROUND 4 INCHES FROM SURFACE).
Rainman sprayed around the edges, then into the corners, then did a good layer, spraying back and forth across it.
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Spraying around the outside:
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Door two: holding it steady to start spraying (this is where those eyelets and wire are handy).
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Spray the front sides, then the back sides, and give it a little time to dry. Make sure you get any outside edges you will see.
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Painting the doors with the Critter
Depending on the paint and color, you will need at least two coats. We did three for good measure and for even coverage.
TIP FROM RAINMAN: LIQUID NOZZLE MAY NEED TO BE CLEANED (PICK OFF ANY DRIED/DRYING PAINT), ESPECIALLY IF YOU LET THE GUN SIT BETWEEN APPLICATIONS.
Pose for a “finished painting” photo:
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Finished Painted Doors
We took the doors into the downstairs shower (where there are no cats if we close the door) and where we had a rod across the middle and resecured them to the rod for three days to make sure they were really good and dry before we mounted them.
TIP FROM RAINMAN: CLEAN GUN WITH PAINT THINNER BEFORE PAINT DRIES ON GUN SURFACES.
Clean-up: Rainman rinsed out all of the paint from the mason jar, rinsed all of the tubing and the outside of the paint gun off, and then added mineral spirits to the jar. He sprayed that all out to clean the inside of the tubing and the inside of the gun. Then he dumped that out, added water, and did it again. Take the components apart and let them dry completely before you put it back together. We stored it back in the box and will definitely use it again!
TIP FROM RAINMAN: NOT SURE HOW LONG JAR GASKET WILL LAST; PROBABLY NEED TO ORDER SPARES.
Here are the doors mounted on the fireplace:
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
Here they are mounted and COVERING THAT AWFUL GAPING HOLE!
How To Use An Inexpensive Paint Sprayer and Get Outstanding Results
We had already painted the rest of the fireplace with brushes and rollers. If I had realized how easy it was to use the sprayer and how little overspray there was, I would’ve used The Critter to paint that, as well. The finish looks VERY professional, and I’ll definitely be using it to do our cabinets once we get to that point.
I’d love to see your paint projects and hear about how this little paint gun worked for you! Please share in the comments below and check out more great project tutorials and inspiration over on our blog.
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
If you follow us, about a year ago I started thinking about the fireplace (and how NOT enamored with it I was). I dug up some fireplace inspiration in the hopes that I would find something awesome and reasonably cost friendly. The thing is, we have some really pretty millwork around the fireplace, but over the fireplace is an awful TV space, meant for one of those gigantic tube TVs. Aside from the part where it a terrible waste of space, it is a complete eyesore, as well.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
The more I looked, however, the more I realized that I have REALLY expensive taste. The fireplaces I love would require a complete gut, a big mess, and a LOT of money (like upwards of $3000 just for the fireplace surround). So, the alternative is to keep what I have and build upon it. I came up with a design that I think I’m really going to love, that’s very US, and added to it a bit. Rainman is going to kill me when he sees what I added to the project (but ultimately he’ll love how it looks).
This is what we’re starting with (the before):
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Before We Started
Okay, so it’s not really that bad. I should stop my crying and just stay with what I have, right? (insert evil laughter). We both know that’s not going to happen. And, is there a reason that I’m showing the whole wall and not just the fireplace? Oh yes, there is. But, we’ll get to that.
Right now, it is a very classic-ish, plain fireplace with some pretty mill-work and a crazy, giant opening up top. This is a shot of it with the cabinet doors that I ordered from Cabinet Door World. So, yeah, you can make cabinet doors (pretty easily), however, with no working wood shop currently, and very little time, I ended up ordering them instead. The quality is very good and the ordering process was easy. I got them exactly the size of the opening, so I’m sure we’ll need to do some sanding once we dry fit the hardware.
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Doors To Be Mounted Above
For the color we chose Benjamin Moore’s “wrought iron” and I think it will be fantastic. I’m planning on using it for the cabinets we’re moving out of the kitchen into the mudroom area, also, so this will be a good test run. Check out the tutorial on how we used a great, super cheap spray gun to paint the cabinet doors!
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Our Favorite Paint! Benjamin Moore, Wrought Iron
Project tip: We were painting over a semi-gloss, so we sanded with a sanding block first, then wiped down the whole thing and let it dry before painting (a good three coats because of the color!).
The cabinet hardware, from House Of Antique Hardware is still backordered, so I will update once that comes in and we get the doors up, but for now, I couldn’t WAIT to show you how amazing the fireplace looks with a fresh coat of paint! Drum roll, please.
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Painted and Updated
It blows my mind sometimes how much a simple color change can transform a space! (And yes, I’m planning on painting the walls… but there are more dining room projects that have to happen first, like the new doors and the stone veneer on the wall to the left of the fireplace… Welcome to my project A.D.D.)
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update
And one more, just because I’m so in love:
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; With Pretty Lighting
Project Update:
You’ll remember that we weren’t actually done, I just had to show you the paint because I was way too excited. The most difficult part of the project was still to come: actually installing the doors over the fireplace.
A quick word of advice: If you have to work with your spouse, find something that works for you. I find a combination of wine and a mute button work best when he’s doing something for me. I throw in some compliments and thank yous about the awesomeness of his work and shut my mouth. If I have the urge to OPEN my mouth and say something, I open it and insert wine. It has worked out pretty well thus far and has yielded tremendous results.
I ordered the doors so they exactly fit in the opening. That means that in order to account for the fact that the opening is not square and unlevel areas on the mantel, the doors had to be dry-fit, then trimmed down. Now, let me tell you, this is the most Rainman-iest project in Rainman land. It also means that we couldn’t paint them until they were fitted and trimmed.
Full disclosure: I love this man.
First, was the problem of explaining why we needed to build trim above to act as a stop for the doors and fill in the dead space above when the doors are closed. It’s not that he doesn’t understand my “I don’t want a gap above the doors”, it’s just that explaining something conceptually doesn’t always translate to something concrete in his brain. So, a little while later, he devised a solution.
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Installing Trim Over Fireplace
“YES, my love, that will fill in the gap. It’s perfect. What’s the next step?” (sips wine)
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Trim Above Doors
Back to Rainman Land:
This installation involves a plumb-bob, multiple levels, obsessive measuring, remeasuring, shimming, shimming again, dry fitting, shimming again. Measuring again. Splitting the difference. Rainman muttering about the lack of squareness in the opening. Let’s just say that I may or may not have started drinking before 5 PM that day (but once again, in my hurry to slap it up there and be done with it, I’m quite sure it wouldn’t have been so downright balanced and lovely in the end).
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Shimming Doors
After it was shimmed (I don’t mean to undersell the length of that process), I held the doors while he aligned the hinges (more wine, more wine, more wine), and eventually, after much careful sanding and trimming, the doors were hung, and had all the clearance they needed to open and close.
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Doors Dry Fitted
Now, we are waiting on it to be not blustery weather so we can take the doors down and paint them. And then we will actually be done.
Update: Finally painted!
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Painting the doors with the Critter
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Finished Painted Doors
I’m really fond of drum rolls, so let’s do that again. Here’s a shot with the doors on and DONE!
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update: Doors On And Ready To Hide The TV
And one with the doors painted, on, and CLOSED. WOOT! (Can’t see the TV, can ya, Russ?)
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update; Doors Painted, On, and CLOSED
It may seem like a small thing to other people, but this project has been on the list for a long time. It’s just a matter of making it a priority and having the time to do it. But, of course, that makes each little change that much more awesome!
Here is the breakdown:
Project Cost:
Benjamin Moore Paint and supplies: $96.66
Two Cabinet doors: $149.57 (delivered)
House of Antique Hardware 2X Pair of 9″ Smooth Iron Flush Mount Spear Strap Hinges: $43.94
Total: $290.17
And just for fun, let’s see that before and after one more time:
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Before We StartedThe Dark and Moody Fireplace Update: The After: Doors above the fireplace, fresh paint, and a new light fixture
It sure is amazing what some doors, paint, and a light fixture can do to a room, right??? And, here’s a shot with what it looks like with the dining table and chairs (which will soon be replaced, but that’s a story for another day!).
The Dark and Moody Fireplace Update, Dining Room With Updated Fireplace and Light Fixture
I would love to see before and afters on your own paint projects! Thanks for playing with us and, of course, cheers to all of your updates in the New Year and check out more project awesomeness on our blog.
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I used to do new gift wrap every year with different ribbons- but since we usually travel for Christmas all of my packages and pretty bows were smushed and the paper was torn by the time we arrived at our destination. So, I had an idea for something MUCH more forgiving and SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper. I’ve used this same set for several years now and I LOVE the effect. It’s simple, classic, and reminds me of years gone by! The great thing is, it is VERY inexpensive for those of us on a budget and comes in a large roll so you can use it for a long time! I’m including Amazon links so you can find everything quickly and easily!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
The cool thing is, with just a few accessories this gift wrap set is classic and also somehow very NOW (for all of you farmhouse fanatics!). And guess what, you can wrap a medium package for $1.10 each (as shown in the photo)! Even very large packages wrap for only pennies more. I purchased the paper and twine two years ago and still have plenty for this Christmas and have only had to repurchase the decorations.
How To Do Classic Christmas Gift Wrap For $1 Per Package
Artificial Pine Needles (30) – $.50 each (This is the most expensive piece, so if you have these in your yard, I’d use those- we just don’t have them where I live and these are VERY convincing)
As I write this, the entire kit costs about $50 to wrap ALL of your gifts. I can’t wait to see all of your beautiful presents!
How To Do Classic Christmas Gift Wrap For $1 Per Package
If you’re looking for a beginner calligraphy pen set to do that cool lettering, I found this one easy to use and inexpensive. This is literally (and obviously) my first attempt at calligraphy lettering and it’s cute even when it’s not great, so give it a shot!
For more great Christmas decor and DIY ideas check out our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I know you’ve been stalking those beautiful Charcuterie Boards on Pinterest and Instagram, don’t lie. I too am LOVING the whole concept, and we recently hosted a Black Friday Party and just SLAYED the appetizers, presentation and all. I’m going to show you what we did, where we got our supplies and show you how they all came out- you can totally do this!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
So, one of the things I was wondering when I gathered all of the goodies to make the boards (which we MOSTLY did with platters, but it’s the same concept) is if they would actually get eaten. To my surprise, people REALLY did dig in and eat just about everything but the garnish!
And, you know what’s so COOL? I got almost everything for the boards from Costco (and since Sams carries many of the same things, I’m betting you could shop this same list there).
The other coolest thing: I gave her all of the stuff and my daughter made all of the boards so I could finish cleaning and setting up the rest of the party. It’s so awesome having artistic kids!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Step One: You don’t actually need those $200 boards. Use different cutting boards and platters you already have. Have some antique silver or pewter platters? Those work, too! I have a ton of little ramekins that I use for sauces etc every day and these work PERFECTLY in this instance to hold sauces or juicy things that you don’t want soaking the surrounding foods (nobody likes soggy crackers).
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Step Two: Shop your list!
Get something to put all those dips and goodies on: We shopped Costco for crackers (we like Carr’s Water Table Crackers), Hawaiian Rolls, Artisan Breads, mini Naan bread, Stacy’s Pita Chips etc. These are to make little sandwiches and sample sauces, cheeses, and meats.
Salty foods: Black, green, and kalamata olives. Cocktail dill pickles, marinated artichoke hearts, stuffed tomatoes/peppers (Costco has a Charcuterie platter with these already made!), marinated mushrooms, and heart of palm.
Fresh, colorful foods: Cherry or grape tomatoes, cranberries, grapes, kiwis, strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates. Try to find good ones that are in season!
Cheeses: Costco has an artisan cheese section by the wine. Get an assortment of stinky cheeses, soft cheeses, marinated mozzarella balls, etc. Try some new ones!
Meats: In the same section as the cheese there are artisan and fancy meats: pepperoni, prosciutto, and smoked salmon. I went WAY overboard on meat. Keep in mind how big your platters are!
Garnish: Herbs are great for garnish to add a little green in places that need it.
Sauces and Dips: We used tzatziki, hummus, spinach dip (Knorr vegetable dip with fresh chopped spinach instead of cooked), cream cheese and red chili pepper spread (for the salmon).
Crunchy foods: We used pine nuts, but you can do little bowls of walnuts, pistachios, etc, also.
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Preparing: It’s really tough to time this right, but with a little common sense, you can get these out just as your guests are arriving.
Tip: Not feeling creative? Use a picture from Pinterest and copy the board (the greatest form of flattery!).
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Start with your crackers and room temperature items (black olives, nuts, etc). Then move to cutting the cheeses and meats (when you’re done, stick them back in the fridge to keep them cool until you’re ready to add them to the platters). Next add the cold fruits, the cheeses and meats, and finally the cold sauces and dips in ramekins.
The last thing you should be doing is toasting your bread just before the guests arrive!
Tip: Use clean, white flour sack towels to wrap over your warm rolls to keep them warm and moist until people start digging in!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Arranging: The idea is to keep sets of complementary foods next to each other. On the smoked salmon platter we had the chili jelly and cream cheese and water crackers nearby to build a little sandwich on.
If you have something especially unusual or you just like labelling things, you can make little Alice in Wonderland signs “Try me on a cracker with red jelly and cream cheese!” These cardholders on Amazon are super cute and reusable!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Displaying: I like using all of my serveware! If you have cake stands, etc, get those out and put your desserts on them. It gives the table different heights and depths.
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
For fun centerpieces (that don’t take up a ton of room) check out these wine bottle cork fairy lights to put in your saved wine bottles- at about fifty cents apiece you really can’t go wrong! It gives the table some additional interest, height, and color!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
These little porcelain ramekins are awesome and we use them for individual dipping sauces all the time. They have been super hardy and durable!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
As you can see, I use the platters as a centerpiece and layer around them. We almost always have deviled eggs (because they’re MY favorite) and adding pies makes for a fun evening paired with your favorite wines and spirits. That beautiful wooden cake stand comes with a pretty glass dome and I use it all the time! The egg plate and four bowl server are both from Pottery Barn, but unfortunately I don’t think they’re available anymore.
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
For more ways to use your saved wine bottles, we have a Great Wine Bottle Post on upcycling! And those low white porcelain serving bowls with the bread and crackers are one of my new favorite brands: Dowan on Amazon, their stuff is sturdy, well made, sourced responsibly, and sturdy!
Charcuterie Boards: Easy Appetizers For Holiday Entertaining To Wow Your Guests
Do you have favorite goodies that you serve around the holidays? If you have combos you love on charcuterie boards, I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below!
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I collect things with some vague notion of re-purposing them in the future. Well, I’ll have to admit, I may have let the wine bottle collection get a little out of hand. So, I came up with a few ways to use them and even smuggle some of them out of the house, legitimately.Check out this inspiration and maybe you too can get your collection under control.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
The first step was gathering all of my collected bottles in one place and doing a mini-inventory. With the few ideas I had, I needed to sort them by shape, size, and color… and of course figure out what I was gifting and what I was keeping for me.
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved
Having a usable workspace in the guest bedroom gave me a little time to be in work on this and not have to put everything away again.
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved
1: Holiday Decorating
The first thing I did was weed out the bottles that I want to keep. I like interesting shapes and, of course, different heights, etc. I like a varied collection that adds interest in the display. I did a test order of some SUPER inexpensive fairy lights and used a few of the bottles in my fall decor.
Saved Wine Bottles: How To Use Them This Holiday Season: As you can see by our cork collection, we’re committed to the process
They are really pretty! But, the real thing I’m looking forward to is seeing them in the Christmas decor. I think these will look spectacular on the stairs, especially once I get all of the greenery up! I used to sometimes think big foyers were a waste of space, but the look during the holidays makes it all worth it!
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved
Now, we’ll see if the cats leave them alone. My guess is I’ll have some smashed glass to contend with, but we’ll see.
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved
Here they are with some eucalyptus/fir garland! What do you think?
2: Holiday gifting
I’m always in search of Christmas gift basket ideas throughout the year, and I found a brilliant way to make my problem someone else’s. For my “extras”, *cough *cough, I’m going to do gift sets with tabletop wine bottle lanterns. There are very reasonable wick kits on Amazon to make these, and with bottles of lantern fluid, and a cute wrap job, what’s not to like? If you want to go SUPER thrifty, skip the lantern fluid and basket… a bottle with wick kit, a pretty ribbon, and a handwritten note works just as well!
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved, Homemade Wine Bottle Lanterns in a Simple Gift Bag
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved, Classic Gift Wrap in a Canvas Bag
3: Backyard lanterns
I’ve seen these lanterns mounted with brackets on backyard fences and I dig that too (especially with our evening mosquito problem)! I found some brackets that I am going to try with the smaller bottles around the interior of the pool enclosure and see how it looks, and more importantly, if it works. Of course, you can bring your bottle down to the hardware store and just fit the pieces together there. I had to laugh, finding these for sale without bottles was challenging. Me: Um, we’re good on bottles.
They also work brilliantly as tabletop outdoor lanterns.
How To Use All of Those Wine Bottles You Saved
4) Watering your plants!
With a wine bottle, and a terracotta watering spike, you can forget about your plants for weeks and they’ll still be going strong! These are essential for people like me, who have trouble not killing plants inside.
I know if I don’t get this wine bottle habit under control I will never hear the end of it. So, here goes!
Do you have any great uses for wine bottles? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I’ve been sneaking Christmas decor out of the closet, but I guess I’m not super stealthy. The thing is, I don’t have a lot a lot of energy, and I really have to pace myself. So, if everything but the tree is up before Thanksgiving, so be it. This is my favorite time of the year, and the little white twinkling lights just give me the Christmas feels! So, here is what I have done so far:
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
The exterior: If it was up to me, we’d be done. I have wreaths with red ribbons and window candles with automatic light sensors and flickering flames (for about $5 each, I thought these were a steal). Okay, maybe some lighted garland around the porch would be cool, but, we’ll see. Clark Griswold is already harassing me about adding more lights, but I’m standing my ground.
Classic Christmas Decor: Wreaths with red ribbons in the windows and window candles
This is a great example of the unpredictable weather in Coastal NC: My roses are still blooming, my hydrangea leaves haven’t wilted yet, my Christmas stuff is out, and there are still tons of leaves falling.
Classic Christmas Decor: Individual window wreaths with red velvet ribbon, pink roses, and a stacked stone garden.
This is a close up of the basic wreaths: Very basic but should hold up well outdoors, and they were cheap enough that it won’t break my heart if they’re ruined. They’re perfectly matched with the window candles!
Classic Christmas Decor: Window Wreaths and Flickering Window Candles
This is a great example of “be where you are.” I am not in love with my fireplace set up currently, but it’s where we are, so I just decorated the crap out of it. I am REALLY proud of my garland I put together, with a willow/eucalyptus garland combined with a basic fir garland (if you don’t have any of these, go to Michael’s after Christmas when they’re pretty much giving them away. They’re on racks on the wall and I got the basic lighted garlands for about $5 each. The faux silver dollar eucalyptus and preserved roses arrangement I added as an afterthought and I love the combo. (Check out our great post on how to preserve roses!)
Classic Christmas Decor: Eucalyptus/Willow Lighted Garland, Christmas Eucalyptus and Preserved Roses Arrangement, Classic Candlesticks and Candlebra, and Classic Oversized Ethan Allen Vase with Faux Cranberries
This awesome Ethan Allen Vase I use for every season with different stems because I ADORE it! The faux cranberries make a gorgeous, simple seasonal arrangement (tip: open them outside and let them air out a little… they have a heavy chemical scent but are beautiful once they’ve breathed a little they’re great!).
For the story of why our turtle inspires us, check out the story on Our Instagram!
Classic Christmas Decor: Our Ethan Allen Vase with a faux cranberry arrangement and our trusty Mr. Turtle the tortoise feeling festive!
And finally, I’m still in work on these faux eucalyptus mixed garlands, and there is a great garland tutorial on our blog so you can make your own much more cheaply than buying them! And I’m just loving the cool led cork-bottle fairy lights, if you’re looking for what to do with all those bottles you saved.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
I would love to hear what you think about our Christmas style in the comments below! Do you have any Christmas decor traditions at your house?
Check out more of our decor and project inspiration over on our blog. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
As I was starting my Christmas Mantel this year, I started looking for Pinspiration (and Insta-inspiration) even though I sort of knew which direction I was heading. I am totally crushing on Silvery Dollar Eucalyptus and did all of my staircase railing garlands in a Eucalyptus-Fir combo (Garland Tutorial Here), but I felt like I wanted to kick up the mantel garland a little bit.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Slave To DIY 2019 Mantel
If you’ve been here before you know I’m sort of a traditional girl and I’m not a farmhouse lady at all. In any case, here are ten of my favorites if you’re looking for inspiration!
This first mantel has something I will never achieve: a well arranged greenery adorning a fantastic black fireplace. I do NOT have the arranging gift, but this one from Kristine Hall on Instagram (@restoringlansdowne) is absolutely incredible. And the best little owl!!! I just love it.
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @restoringlansdowne on Instagram
The next one from B. Michelle on Instagram (@deckthehalls365) is balanced, classic, and has roses (you know I’m a sucker for red roses). Simple greenery, lanterns, and metallic patina pinecones. A+. I may have to bring the roses out!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @deckthehalls365 on Instagram
Mastering the art of the swag is an absolute gift and Jodi Bond (@houseonasugarhill) nailed it. A simple, round gold mirror and fantastic alternating-height candlesticks make for a simple and elegant mantel. I just want to curl up!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @houseonasugarhill on Instagram
What I love about this next one is how warm and homey it is. It’s rustic, and simple. The authentic greenery and old-fashioned stockings sort of taking me back to being a kid. Well done from @ChristmasHeartandHome on Instagram.
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: From @ChristmasHeartandHome on Instagram
You know why I dig this next one? Tammy (@VintageWhiteFarmhouse on Instagram) has made a very plain room INCREDIBLE. Take away her decorating style and that fireplace surround might even look dated. But, NO, it’s charming, tasteful, and cozy! Her curtains look just like my DIY Restoration Hardware Knock Off Velvet Curtains and that table is to die for… oops I got sidetracked. The Christmas mantel is perfection, and flanked by two oversize arrangements, it’s JUST RIGHT. The punky brewster greenery mantel is so well done (I have mad jealousy). Classic candlesticks… just awesome!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @VintageWhiteFarmhouse on Instagram
I gotta tell you, I am a sucker for white lights and greenery. This is monochrome white at it’s absolute best, balanced with 50 different white textures (and a fantastic light fixture, builtins, and enviable coffee table). Love from Erin (@MyTexasHouse on Instagram).
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @mytexashouse on Instagram
The problem is, even when gold is OUT of style (which it’s not) I love it, and having an amazing gold mirror to cap it all off certainly helps. I love the simple gold infused garland and white/gold combination. Cheers to Jasmin @thedecordiet on Instagram. Why is it all these Texas chicks have a strong decor game? Must be something in the water!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo from @thedecordiet on Instagram
Another incredible gold gilded mirror to cap the mantel and a magnolia leaf, fruit, and fir drapey garland that’s just to die for from Suzanne Zingg (@suzanne_zingg on Instagram). The mixed height/texture/finish/size candlesticks are so well done against crisp white millwork. Classic and eclectic!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo From @suzanne_zing on Instagram
My favorite color combo is green and white (it’s sort of where most of my decor lives) and I just adore this mantel from @tuftandtrim on Instagram. White hydrangea mixed with greenery and dollar eucalyptus (totally crushing on this combo!!). Even with the farmhouse hints it’s classicly done, with warmth for the whole family.
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo from @tuftandtrim on Instagram
This mantel I saved for last because I adore the way she did the greenery and how balanced the whole look is (oh, and little white lights). Lori (@thehumblehaven on Instagram) did an exquisite job on her mantel!
Mashup Monday 10: 10 Inspired Christmas Mantels You’ll Want To Copy: Photo from @thehumblehaven on Instagram
Do you have a favorite mantel style (or pet peeve)? Share in the comments section below!
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
Unless you thought ahead last year and swept Michael’s post-Christmas sale you’re probably in the same boat as everyone else- seeing all these gorgeous Christmas displays on Instagram and Pinterest and wondering how they do that (and how do they afford it?!). The secret is, they don’t usually buy pre-made garlands (or at least some don’t), because they’re crazy expensive! They make their own. Well, guess what? Even if you don’t have the gift for arranging greenery (I DON’T EITHER), you can make a beautiful garland that will impress all your holiday guests!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
I was checking out the Balsam Hill site and their eucalyptus garland is on sale for $119. Ha. I need six to do my stair and upstairs hallway railing. Quick math: that’s too expensive. So, I decided to transform the Mixed Pine Lighted Garland that I got a couple years ago from Michaels (on sale at the time for 50% off because I procrastinated long enough). They’re currently on sale for about $20.
Step one: Check to make sure the light kit is working (ask me why I put this first) and then lay it out on a flat work space (like the dining room table).
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Two: Flatten out all of the branches evenly on both sides of the garland. Nothing should be sticking up or hiding underneath.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
I found the Eucalyptus Garland on Amazon for about $10 each. They come looking flat and sad, but fluff nicely once you mess with them a little.
Step Three: Lay the eucalyptus flat on the fir garland. The foot of the garland should be lined up with the female end of your light kit if you want to drape them naturally (in this picture the plug end that goes into the wall is at the bottom of the picture).
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
This is what they look like up close:
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
This is what it looks like part way done:
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Four: Starting at the base: Pull each eucalyptus branch away from the base and wrap the fir branch (that is directly below it) into the elbow, wrapping it across to the other side. Do this on the other side as well. This will make an X of fir branches over the eucalyptus.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Five: Once you’ve made Xs everywhere there is a eucalyptus branch, go back and arrange the leaves. You’ll see that on each branch there is a short leaf and a long leaf. Put the short leaves on top of the fir branches you twisted and the long leaf underneath.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
This is what it will look like:
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Here’s one more: (Don’t mess with it more until you get it up where it’s hanging, because it will move around a little once you get it hung).
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Six: Hang your garland. I hang it on my railing with the flat part against the railing (the part that was laying on the table) so the fluffy side is out. I use the wire from the end of the garland to secure it to the top of the post but your method will depend on the size of your posts, etc.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Seven: Do your final fluffing! Here’s where you eyeball it and move leaves around if it looks a little thin in some places or too full in others.
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
More arranging:
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Step Eight: Plug it in and enjoy!
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
Lighted and ready! (Those FABULOUS Wine Bottle Cork Lights are super reasonable and lots of fun).
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
And now I’m ready to go Christmas tree shopping!
How To Make Your Own Eucalyptus-Fir Mixed Christmas Garland For A Fraction Of The Price
I’m totally psyched I have this (mostly) done and that each strand costs only $30 to make.
Do you repurpose old decorations? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
