Tuesday, January 31, 2017

40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Golden Egg Vases

Golden Easter eggs create beautiful little vases when you blow out the insides and paint them. You can use those vases to create a stunning centerpiece for your Easter dinner table. The small eggs will hold various flowers like baby's breath and other smaller varieties and you can use individual boiled egg holders to support them or integrate them into other centerpiece ideas.
Instrutctions – 79ideasGolden Egg Vases - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Colorful Peeps Centerpiece

Adorable and colorful, marshmallow Peeps are good for so much more than just eating – although they are quite yummy. You can use different varieties of Peeps to create a very attractive centerpiece. Robin's egg candies or malted milk balls in spring colors work great with the Peeps to add a bit of contrast and the colors are perfect for Easter. Just grab a few extra bags of candy and put together a centerpiece that will double as a dessert once dinner is finished.
Instrutctions – MomontimeoutColorful Peeps Centerpiece - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Easter Egg Centerpieces

Using up those leftover eggs from the egg hunt is easy when you make them into a centerpiece. If you don't have any left over, just color a few for your table and you can turn them into egg salad the day after. You just have to choose how you want your Easter eggs displayed which will determine how many you need. Baskets of eggs combined with flowers are always a good idea for centerpieces or you could be completely creative and come up with different methods for displaying them.
Instrutctions – ThecottagechickEaster Egg Centerpieces - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Eggs in a Nest

Adorable eggs in a nest will add an elegant flair to your Easter dinner table. You can use real eggs or plastic or wooden ones, whichever you have on hand. The lighter pastel colors are very classic and elegant and if you prefer, you could go with bolder and brighter colors. It all depends on the statement you want to make and how you are planning to dress up your table otherwise. This centerpiece is very easy to put together and you probably have everything you need on hand.
Instrutctions – MarthastewartEggs in a Nest - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Peeking Peeps Centerpiece

Little marshmallow Peeps seem to be peeking out of the glass vase in this great centerpiece idea. You can choose any clear glass container that you want and fill it with silk or real flowers, although you probably shouldn't put water in there if you are adding the Peeps. You can use Peeps of any color or if you want to make it really colorful, add a few of different colors.
Instrutctions – BellalimentoPeeking Peeps Centerpiece - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Springtime Grass Centerpiece

If you really want to impress your Easter dinner guests and you tend to have a green thumb, why not grow your own springtime grass for a centerpiece? This is a great idea for those who love bringing nature indoors and you can grow the grass in little holders and add a plastic or hardboiled egg for decoration. Use markers or stickers to put names on the eggs and your centerpieces can double as place settings.
Instrutctions – EclecticallyvintageSpringtime Grass Centerpiece - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Raffia Nest on Pedestal

If you have a cake plate or other pedestal type dish, this raffia bird's nest is the perfect centerpiece. It is elegant and can be decorated in any number of different ways to hold eggs, candies or just whatever you want. Add eggs that you can speckle yourself or your favorite dyed or otherwise decorated eggs to make it look authentic. The raffia gives it a really neat natural look and it is sure to dress up any dinner table beautifully.
Instrutctions – Williams-sonomaRaffia Nest on Pedestal - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Egg Candles

You can buy egg shaped candles at most Dollar Stores or craft stores or if you are really creative, you could simply make your own. When combined with flowers and other greenery, these candles will give you a beautiful and glowing centerpiece that is perfect for those late at night dinners. You can set the entire thing up on a glass plate or other dish and add a few embellishments if you wish.
Instrutctions – BudgetdecoratingEgg Candles - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

It's in the Bag

This colorful bag shaped centerpiece is fun and will certainly give your dinner table a boost. You can add plastic or wooden eggs on dowels and wooden letters to spell out a message to your guests. You can find the square vases at most Dollar Stores and the monkey grass should be readily available at your favorite craft store. When it's all put together, this is a bold, colorful and very fun centerpiece that is sure to please all of your guests.
Instrutctions – LifeonlakeshoredriveIt's in the Bag - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

Glittery Flower and Egg Centerpiece

Whether you want something for the dinner table or you are looking for a centerpiece to dress up a hallway or entry table, glittery Easter eggs and colorful flowers are sure to give your home a great Easter pick me up. You just have to cover plastic or wooden eggs with glitter or you could buy them already done. Add flowers (real or silk, it's up to you) and your centerpiece is complete. You could do smaller ones of this to add to smaller tables or to make place settings for your dinner table.
Instrutctions – SheknowsGlittery Flower and Egg Centerpiece - 40 Beautiful DIY Easter Centerpieces to Dress Up Your Dinner Table

800+ Organized Canning Recipes for Winter Storage

If you have grown a garden this summer or if you simply have an abundance of vegetables and fruits that you want to preserve for winter, there are many ways of canning those foods. Traditionally, canning was a way to keep foods that were abundant in summer and make them last until the garden came out again the next year.

800+ Organized Canning Recipes for Winter Storage

We have collected more than 800 recipes for canning that will help you to preserve those foods and give you many choices with regards to how you preserve them.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/usda/3_USDAcanningGuide2_06.pdf – 32 Pages filled with canning recipes from National Center for Home Food Preservation

http://www.food.com/recipes/canning

http://www.freshpreserving.com/recipes.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/side-dish/sauces-and-condiments/canning-and-preserving/

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/type/canning/

http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/preserving-canning/canning-recipes/

From canned fruits, jellies and jams to how to make tomato paste and other vegetables. Whether you prefer cold water bath canning or you love your pressure canner, you will find recipes that you can use to keep those foods fresh all year. We even included many freezer recipes for those of you who prefer not to can at all.

There are many different ways to keep your foods fresh. Whether you are someone who stores food for harder times or you just have way too much leftover from the garden and you don't want to be wasteful, these recipes will give you many ideas on how you can preserve those foods so that your family can enjoy them all winter long.

Canning is a tradition in many families and even if it isn't one in yours, you can learn how to can your fruits and vegetables to make them last longer and learn different ways of preparing them so that your cooking during winter is easier.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Little Girls’ Dream – DIY Indoor Playhouse

Little Girls' Dream – DIY Indoor Playhouse

Imagine the look on your little girl's face when you build her an indoor playhouse. This beautiful DIY creation from All Things Heart and Home is the perfect addition to any little girl's room. It is built over the closet door so the front door of the playhouse actually goes into the closet. How adorable is that? This is a must for anyone who loves DIY projects and who has little ones at home – or even grandbabies that you want to make very happy. You don't even have to be a savvy woodworker to make it happen. Just follow the instructions and you will have your very own indoor playhouse.

Little Girls' Dream – DIY Indoor Playhouse

Cute and Easy Christmas Craft: DIY Plastic Spoon Snowmen

Cute and Easy Christmas Craft: DIY Plastic Spoon Snowmen
If you're looking for a fun Christmas craft that you can do with the kids then we've found the perfect one: cheerful little snowmen. Apart from the plastic spoons and small clay pots, you're likely to have the rest of the materials among your box of crafts: craft paint, sealer, little scraps of felt, floral foam, tissue paper, ribbon, pom poms (you can make your own), and a hot glue gun (although regular craft glue should work just fine). And if you don't have clay pots or don't want to buy them, take the kids out for a quick ice cream treat and save the spoons and polystyrene cups to use instead!

You can get as creative as you want with these, for example, make one for each member of the family to use a name tag around the table – you can use each person's favorite color, or decoratively add their name to the pot. You could also just add them to any gifts that you're giving to spread some additional holiday cheer.

Instructions and Project Credit – CraftsByAmanda

Ready for more? Check out our other Christmassy collections and tutorials.

20 Hopelessly Adorable DIY Christmas Ornaments Made from Paper
100 Mind-Blowing DIY Christmas Gifts People Actually Want
10 Insanely Easy Christmas Light Bulb Decorations and Ornaments
40 Amazing Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas You can Make Yourself
33 Festive Christmas Wreaths You Can Easily DIY
60 Beautifully Festive Ways to Decorate Your Porch for Christmas
50+ Creative Christmas Printables Collection
15 Easy And Festive DIY Christmas Ornaments
10 Fun and Easy Way to Dress Up Christmas Ornaments
Adorable Christmas Decoration: DIY Cotton Thread Snowman
12 Super Cute DIY Christmas Hairstyles for All Lengths
25 Yummy Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes
10 Genius DIY Ways to Transform Pinecones into Holiday Decorations

21 Beautifully Stylish Rope Projects That Will Beautify Your Life

21 Beautifully Stylish Rope Projects That Will Beautify Your Life

Rope—all types of rope—offers a nautical, rural, rustic charm that makes us want to use it in our homes in less obvious ways. It is an inexpensive material to buy, and its versatile nature really lends itself to some truly incredible and inspiring DIY projects. It's time to think outside of the box, ladies, and bring this not only into your home décor, but also into your wardrobe!

Braided Mat

Braided Mat

If you really love the braided rope look, you could do it on a much larger scale as a doormat or a rug. The result is an incredible modern, nautical-themed statement piece.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MarthaStewart

Swirled Rug

Swirled Rug

Here's another rope-tastic idea for a rug made of jute or sisal. The basic concept is really simple, and the great thing about that is that you can really put your own creativity to the test to create a variety of designs. Gluing the rope swirls may seem like the easiest option, but if you're looking for longevity, sewing them is a much better idea.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Nicety

Signs and Wording

Signs and Wording

This is a really cute and fun way to spell out some special words, whether it's for a specific occasion or purely a decorative addition to your home. You just need school glue, corn starch and water to harden and set the rope as you want it. You can even add some food coloring for an extra bit of pop.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – GreenWeddingShoes and LoveGrowsWild

Pendant Light

Pendant Light

Replace an ugly, outdated light cover by wrapping a hanging wire plant basket in rope and then weaving some strands through it for a pretty design. It's modern, interesting, and no one will have one like it! Just make sure to use eco-friendly cool bulbs.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LoveMaegan

Lampshade

Lampshade

Disguising a tattered old lampshade on a tight budget is as easy as wrapping some rope around it. You can even dye the rope if you want to introduce some color, but the neutral and earthy tone of sisal rope will match just about anything.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – SandAndSisal

Hanging Lanterns

Hanging Lanterns

These hanging lanterns look great both indoors and outdoors; they add a real element of raw, homely charm to your home. The tutorial has a detailed diagram to help you with the lanyard knots so it really is a simple project to complete.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MarthaStewart

Baskets and Bowls

Baskets and Bowls

Who knew that something as quick and easy as coiling a thick rope on itself could produce something so beautiful. If you can't find cotton rope you can use nylon instead; you'll just have to use a hot glue gun throughout the coiling instead of the Tacky glue.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DesignSponge and Brit+Co

Heel Straps

Heel Straps

This is one of our absolute favorite rope ideas ever! You can spice up an old pair of shoes, or specifically go out and buy an inexpensive pair just for this. Just make sure you get the shoe and rope colors to match. These ankle straps can even double up as bracelets when not attached to your heels!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Apairandasparediy

Room Divider

Room Divider

This rope wall is the perfect solution for people who need to divide a small room without making the area feel too closed off or boxy. The construction may take up a good chunk of your time, but the end result is a gorgeous, cost-effective space saver. This genius project really blends art with functionality.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheBrickHouse

Creative Coasters

Creative Coasters

All you need to make these rustic coasters are can lids (or a Mason jar lids), rope, a hot glue gun, and about 10 minutes of your time. These easy and cheap coasters would make a perfect addition to any beach house.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Valley&CoLifestyle

Mirror Frame

Mirror Frame

Another fantastic beach house decoration piece is this rope-framed mirror. All you need is some foam board as a base to frame the mirror so that you can glue the rope to that. This concept could also work fabulously with a clock or even a picture frame.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheLilyPadCottage

Transformed Vase

Transformed Vase

If you're tired of your old, boring vases, you can give them some new life by simply wrapping them in rope. The sketches show you exactly how to braid, weave, and color the rope so that it looks like you got it at a crafty boutique.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – StyleMePretty

Indoor Hand Rail

Indoor Hand Rail

Using thick rope as an alternative to railings alongside stairs result in affordable chic design. Make sure you get the right sized shackles; the rope should just barely fit though so that it won't get pulled around and slackened when you place your weight on it.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – HouseAndHome

Ottoman

Ottoman

Looking for a new ottoman but can't find anything affordable that's to your taste? Why not wrap some rope around an old tire and make your own? It's just a tiny bit more complicated than that, but once it's finished and being admired, no one will believe you actually made it yourself.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ThatWasAWhat

Woven Stool

Woven Stool

Transform a boring, plain old stool into a stylish and quirky side table (it won't be too comfortable to sit on once it's done) with some simple rope or twine. Simply put, you loop the rope from the center hole to the outside of the stool's diameter, then take a separate strand of rope and weave in over and under the previous strands. And there you have it!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DesignSponge

Dresser Drawer Pulls

Dresser Drawer Pulls

Drawer handles can be expensive to replace, so if you want something edgy, fresh and affordable, use rope! You can easily loop the rope through the screw holes and then tie a knot; if you have any sailor or navy friends perhaps they can help you play around with cool knot ideas.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – KojoDesigns and DiddleDumpling

Drawer Handles

Drawer Handles

If you don't want to fully replace handles, you can embellish them in the easiest way possible: wrap them in rope! If you want something a bit more exciting than neutral, mix different colors of rope or dye it to get the exact shade you desire.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DIYInspired

Headboard

Headboard

This ropey headboard resembles a large dream catcher; so not only will it look pretty, but it'll give you pleasant dreams as well! You can play around and do your own thing in terms of color palettes and how you thread the rope (random or in an ordered shape).

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Homes

Bangle Bracelets

Bangle Bracelets

You don't have to be a jeweler to make beautiful silver or gold jewelry, and you also don't have to fork out a lot of cash; we have a sneaky, creative trick. You can knot or braid pieces of rope, dip them in fabric stiffener, and then paint them whatever color you want for a stunning homemade, unique adornment.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MarthaStewart

Colorful Necklaces

Colorful Necklaces

Remember those friendship bracelets you used to make back when you didn't have a care in the world? These multicolored necklaces will really have you reminiscing about your childhood summer camp days; it just shows that some things really never do go out of style. You could even introduce this old tradition to your own daughters.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – HonestlyWTF

Ropey Lights

Ropey Lights

Threading a string of fairy lights through a piece of rope is an extremely easy way to make an eye-catching light feature. You can tie the finished rope light in a knot and hang it up or simply drape it over your mantelpiece or bookshelf; you can also use an array of different types of rope (thickness, material and color shade) to create a much larger feature.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – AMerryMishap

26 Refreshing Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipes You can Make without a Machine

26 Refreshing Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipes You can Make without a Machine

No ice cream machine? No problem!
There's nothing quite a refreshing as an icy mouthful of flavorful sorbet or a smooth and rich bowl of ice cream. Sweet frozen desserts are one of my absolute favorite things about summer (the worst has to be the mosquitoes!), and this time around I'll be making my own. Making homemade ice cream and sorbet is actually a lot easier than you may think it is, and once you get the hang of making a simple base, you can experiment and make absolutely any flavors that your taste buds lust after.

They also make excellent milkshakes and cocktails!

Sorbet

Strawberry and Lime

Strawberry and Lime
This flavorsome sorbet is pure bliss in the mouth – the tangy lime isn't overpowering at all, it's just the perfect accompaniment to the sweet strawberry. It's also a wonderful excuse to take the kids (or yourself) out for a day of strawberry picking!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LemonsForLulu

Peach and Prosecco

Peach and Prosecco
This peachy delight is brought to life with a hint of rosemary, but what makes it really fun for those of legal age is a dash of Prosecco. Of course, this boozy extra can be left out if you're dishing for the kids.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – BrooklynSupper

Minty Melon

Minty Melon
I absolutely love cantaloupe – it has such a prominent flavor that can't really be compared to anything else. Add a bit of fresh mint to the mix and you have yourself the base for a seriously refreshing summer sorbet.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – TastyYummies

Cherry Chocolate

Cherry Chocolate
When the craving for something sweet hits, it's really not easy to ignore, especially if it's chocolate you're after. This sorbet is the perfect answer because it's a lot healthier than other chocolate alternatives, and, it's even allowed on the Paleo diet!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – AnEdibleMosaic

Mango

Mango
As fun as it to mix and match flavors, sometimes it's nice to keep it basic and just let one fruit shine, in this case, that fruit is the mango. Just a little bit of vanilla will really bring out the great flavor.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – ScatteredThoughtsOfACraftyMom

Lemon

Lemon
Lemon, in my opinion, is another fruit that can be celebrated all on its own; it's a supporting act all too often, but I prefer it as the star of the show. And doesn't it just look even more appetizing when served in its own skin?

Recipe Instructions and Credit – ItAllStartedWithPaint

Triple Coconut

Triple Coconut
This one is for the real coconut crazies out there – the recipe includes coconut milk, coconut water and shredded coconut. Toss in some Kirsch-soaked tipsy cherries and you have yourself a real winner!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – GouremandeInTheKitchen

Pineapple

Pineapple
The sweet tartness of pineapple makes it absolutely perfect for sorbet, and if you want to spice it up a little, add a bit of Malibu coconut rum for some extra fun and flavor.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – TheGirlWhoAteEverything

Strawberry and Watermelon

Strawberry and Watermelon
Watermelons simply scream summer, but if you're getting a bit bored of just eating them as is, why not make a refreshing sorbet? The tanginess of the added strawberry perfectly complements the sweetness of the melon.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – DashingDish

Black Grape and Cognac

Black Grape and Cognac
I've never tasted grape sorbet, but the more I think of that rich flavor of black grapes, the more excited I am to give it a go! A pound of these little guys only come up to about two cups once pulpified, so you're going to need a fair amount if you want to share.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – TheViewFromGreatIsland

Rosé

Rosé
Do you love bubbly rosé? Do you love sorbet? Why not combine the two for one beautifully pink summer dessert? It even rhymes, for crying out loud—rosé sorbet—so I really don't see where you could go wrong!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – HowSweetItIs

Raspberry Chocolate

Raspberry Chocolate
Berry sorbets are always surefire winners, but when you throw chocolate into the mix it changes the whole game. You're really going to love the little surprise chunks of dark chocolate hidden within the sweet yet tart raspberry sorbet.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – WillCookForFriends

Ice Cream

Oatmeal Choc Chip

Oatmeal Choc Chip
I'm a cinnamon fanatic, so this one is right up my alley. You start with a simple (homemade) cinnamon ice cream base, and then throw in some chocolate chips and oatmeal cookie pieces for that necessary crunch. Absolute heaven!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LifeLoveAndSugar

Nutella

Nutella
Nutella ice cream. Do I even have to say anything more? You definitely should have seen this one coming! And you can even use that homemade Nutella in here!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LivingSweetMoments

Mint

Mint
I've decided to skip the traditional mint recipe in favor of two slightly more exciting recipes: the first is pistachio, mint and fudge brownie; the second is pink peppermint, complete with crushed candy canes. There may be no going back after trying these two!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – TopWithCinnamon and ChocolateWithGrace

Cherry Cobbler

Cherry Cobbler
This isn't you average cherry flavored ice cream. The cobbler part takes some extra preparation but oh boy is worth it! Everyone loves ice cream and everyone loves cobbler, so putting them together as one is a no-brainer!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – ThisGalCooks

Cinnamon Pumpkin

Cinnamon Pumpkin
I say ditch the pumpkin spice lattes and make yourself some of this nutmeg and cinnamon pumpkin ice cream instead! It almost tastes like thanksgiving, just a lot cooler.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – KeepItSweetDesserts

Green Tea

Green Tea
If you like sipping on a mug of hot green tea in the winter, then it's about time you get a summer equivalent. This ice cream is a sure winner in any green tea drinker's book – it's not too bitter, and also not quite as sweet as its store-bought counterpart.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – EugenieKitchen

Choc Chip Cookie Dough

Choc Chip Cookie Dough
There's no way that I could omit a legendary classic like cookie dough, and to exclude the chocolate chips would just be sinful, in my humble opinion. Now you can make this for yourself, any time you want!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LikeMotherLikeDaughter

Toasted Marshmallow and Brownie

Toasted Marshmallow and Brownie
With a name like toasted marshmallow and brownie, I think it's impossible to say no. This homemade indulgent treat tastes like a mix between brownie batter and toasty s'mores – a match made in heaven.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – Cupcakes&KaleChips

Balsamic Strawberry and Ricotta

Balsamic Strawberry and Ricotta
If you want a recipe for plain old strawberry ice cream you'll just have to look elsewhere because I much prefer this fresh spin on the old classic. The rich flavor you get from the roasted balsamic-covered strawberries really is something else!

Recipe Instructions and Credit – FrugalFoodieMama

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander
This one is definitely an adults-only recipe since the main ingredient is brandy, although the recipe doesn't call for too much of the stuff. Wouldn't this just make the perfect wind-down dinner party dessert?

Recipe Instructions and Credit – Bitz&Giggles

Blueberry Cheesecake

Blueberry Cheesecake
This recipe uses blueberry Philadelphia cream cheese which really helps seal in that blueberry flavor. When you add in the crushed graham crackers, you get a frozen version of one of my absolute favorite desserts (and it's easier to make than the real thing!).

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LadyBehindTheCurtain

Salted Caramel

Salted Caramel
I've always been a fan of the combination of salt and sweet, so this salted caramel ice cream is right up my alley – much like everything else on this list. That little crunch of salt amongst all the sweetness actually enhances the caramel flavor.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – GirlAndTheKitchen

Peach and Raspberry

Peach and Raspberry
To me, this peach and raspberry combination is pure summer, and since it's held together by ice cream, well, that just makes it even more summery. The tartness of the berries perfectly cut through the sweetness of that peach preserve.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – TheCasualCraftlete

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie
I've given you both pumpkin pie and cheesecake ice cream, so it only seems fitting that I end it off with the creamy and refreshing frozen version of key lime pie. It's amazing! And it's so simple to make.

Recipe Instructions and Credit – LikeMotherLikeDaughter