In the next two weeks chances are you’ll be heading to someone else’s house for a meal, celebration, party, or event and chances are you’ll be bringing a goodie of some sort – whether it be a sweet treat, wine, or bubbly. Try this simple and unique approach to packaging up your token of appreciation or party contribution, which doubles as another gift for the host after opened. More detailed directions are below, but basically it’s securing two sides of a tea towel with a simple stitch that can easily be removed so that the recipient then has the towel to enjoy. If you’re looking for treat ideas, check out earlier posts with recipes for caramel party mix (link here) and homemade granola (link here). If going with homemade options such as these, make sure to package them up in a plastic bag prior to putting in the tea towel.

These are holiday themed, but this idea can be used at any time throughout the year. Anthropologie always seems to have darling dishtowels, which I can never justify purchasing for myself. But as creative gift wrap for goodies? Absolutely. How cute would these be for a baby shower?

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In past years, I’ve decorated for Christmas just on the main level, where the most impact for the effort occurs. But this year the kids are SO excited for the holiday and all of the wonder that comes with it, that I wanted to do a little more. I set off to think of something fitting for their bedrooms so the decoration seem personal and therefore extra special. Ella loves leafing through my childhood books, and has taken a special interest in the old Christmas stories. My mom found a Santa themed book at a local antique store, which had softer pastel tones as opposed to the usual bright reds and vibrant greens. I purchased inexpensive frames at Ikea and hung them tight together for an interesting, unique look (steps included below). Ella loves having some special Christmas decoration all her very own. (more…)

This is as easy as it looks. Inexpensive too. Grab a foam wreath at your local craft store, some scrap fabric (preferably with some stretch, such as the wool here), straight pins and some decoration (you’ll note the pom poms left over from the Countdown to Christmas post, here, but any lightweight holiday bauble would be great for this project). This is a perfect option for a backdrop to other holiday decor, as well as highly customizable to the color, size and style that suits you. Step by step below.

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