Memorial Day and 4th of July Decorating And Entertaining Ideas

 

Memorial Day... Honoring the fallen men and women who have served in the American Military.

 

Show off your patriotism with festive red, white, and blue decor and festive foods to entertain your guests!

 

 

 

 

 

Waving American Flags: Add a few tiny flags to the pots and containers of flowers throughout your landscape.

via Good Housekeeping

 

 

 

 

 

Let a few lawn stars brighten up your celebration. Paint them alongside a walkway or around your picnic table.
Diy how to via Sunset

 

 

 

 

Go all out and decorate the interior. Dress your furniture in this Americana style with a slipcover and pillows in the red, white and blue theme.

 via Sure Fit

 

 

 

 

 

Station grab-and-go silverware in glass canning mason jars. Trim a trio of jars with some stars and stripes ribbon.

via Good Housekeeping

 

 

 

Will there be a BBQ at your house this year? Here are some unique ideas for the grill...

 

 

 

Seafood Kebabs with Bean and Tomato Salad

Unlike most seafood, shrimp and swordfish have the right texture to hold their own on a kebab.
recipe via Womans Day

 

 

 

 

 

Grilled Tuscan Pizza

Super simple recipe consists of flatbreads or pitas, Buitoni Tuscan or Classic Bruschetta and shredded mozzarella.

via Womans Day

 

 

 

 

 

Grill Roasted Corn Salad

Fresh and Sweet, Corn season is here!

via The Healthy Foodie

 

 

 

 

Adding some patriotic pizazz to the dessert table

 

 

 

Cupcake Flag: Slathered with white icing and garnished with blueberries, raspberries, shaved coconut or marshmallows. Arrange in a confectionery salute to Old Glory.
via Good Housekeeping 

 

 

 

 ***Have a Memorable Day***

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ideas For A Memorable Graduation Party

Are you the proud parents of a new graduate?

 

Yes, It's that time of year again - as high school and college grads have completed their final year and you the proud parents are trying to plan a fantastic celebration on behalf of them. Here are a few tips and ideas for making it memorable.

 

 

 

Make a table with all your graduates achievements, accomplishments and memorabilia that guests can go through. Create a picture board or photo album of pictures cherished throughout the years. (this makes a special gift for after the party is over) -- This is their day and a bit of bragging is in order.

Decorating For Events - Handee Mandee

One of the most popular gifts to give at a grad party are cards. Get creative and create a Graduation Cap Card Box.

Nancy's Craft Spot

 

Available for a limited time: Table Attire, Great for covering folding tables, dining tables, and other tables. These contoured covers are made to fit over your tables and are perfect for an elegant party or casual get-together. Currently clearanced and available in only royal blue, cream and hunter green. Machine washable, never have to purchase rolls of table plastic again.

Simple Graduation Party Centerpieces made with decorative vase filler accents in school colors, the graduates photo, the year their class is graduating and fruit filler.

Plumeria Cake Studio

Now you can dress up those metal or wood folding chairs.

Cotton Duck Folding Chair Covers are a stylish way to complement any party decorating style. Available in black, linen and natural. 

Apply Decorative Sashes to add your own unique touch to chairs, tables and doorways. Accent with your school colors or favorite summer color.

Create a food buffet:
Keep stress levels down by keeping it simple with foods. Consider having the party catered, this will save time on shopping and cooking. If that's not in the budget, plan a menu of foods that can be prepared ahead of time.  taco bar ~ sliced subs ~ finger foods ~ cold salds ~ crock pot dishes

via jessamyn harris photography

 

A drink station: Have an ice bucket to keep drinks chilled and fill charming glass drink dispensers with a few different options.

 

via Twelve Baskets Catering

 

 

 

Flattering Favors for the occasion: Candy Cup Graduation Caps
via Bakerella

 

 

Sweet Treat Desserts:
Bring in a cupcake tower instead of the large cake and create a candy bar for your guests with a sweet tooth. (Will leave you hands free to enjoy the party) 

 

Graduation Cupcake Tower
via Christina's dessertery

 

Your party is sure to be a hit...

 

 

 

 

 

 Rent or set up a photo booth where friends and family can snap a pic to help the grad remember the special day. Capture unique, candid and fun moments!

Shutterbooth




 

 

 



Fireplace Decorating Ideas For The Spring And Summer Seasons.

Your Fireplace Can Still Be A Fabulous Focal Point Of The Room! Even though the season's change and it is too warm for a blazing fire, you can use your fireplace to create a mood and cozy atmosphere. Light up a room without building a fire. Whether your fireplace is functional or purely decorative, Here are some warm-weather ideas for filling your empty fireplace box.

 

 

 

Add candles and some white string lights with a few of your favorite summer treasures to create a warm glow.

 

A Charming display to fit your rooms decorationg style. Here a Cricket cage, soda crates, picnic basket and wood plant pots.

 

Bringing the outdoors in: Lovely green plants and a tree stump dress this brick fireplace.

 

 

 

Fill the fireplace with potted boxwoods.

(image via Cottage Living Magazine which ceased publication)

Bring in Natural Surroundings, Simplicity is key when filling a unused or non-working fireplace to brim with wood.

 

 

Clay pots and saucers in all shapes and sizes stacked in a few different combinations. The height variations of thick candles placed on top of the pots or saucers and a few starfish finish the look. Light the candles at night for a wonderful ambience.

 

 

 

 

 

Adding a bit of summer around the house. Driftwood in the fireplace, candles sitting on old fish net buoys and shells and starfish make up this beach inspired fireplace display.

 

 

 

 

All-white vases in different sizes and shapes offer a visually united vignette for displaying fresh flowers and ferns.

 

 

 

Do you decorate the fireplace during the off seasons? What are your favorite decorative elements to use?

 

 

 

image 1 myhomeideas, image 2 The Lettered Cottage, image 3 nest full of eggs, image 4 Cottage Living Magazine, image 5 via Design Scouting, image 6 HomeGoods, image 7 Seaside Style, image 8 Midwest Living

 

 

 

 

 

Unexpected Design Elements; Decorating With Area Rugs

Area Rugs: Art For Your Floor

Throw in an unexpected animal print or bold pattern into an otherwise traditional design setting for a fun and updated look. The area rug you choose can be the foundation to a gorgeous space.

image via HGTV 

Tips and tricks to choosing the right area rug:

•  Never use area rugs that are too small. Remember that all of the furniture should comfortably sit on the carpet. If space doesn't allow, be sure the front legs of any furniture pieces are on the rug.
•  Don't be afraid to break out of your comfort zone and try a bold pattern or new color. This is a great way to anchor a rooms design or add some unexpected flair. Maybe even try a layered effect to add texture and dimension to the room.
• Choose a size and shape that fits your room and the furniture that will be placed on it. This rule is especially important when the rug is placed under your dining table.
•  Choose a rug that fits your lifestyle. This is important to remember when you have kids and pets in the household. A pattern or color that will hide wear, stains or shedding pet fur. Consider using a low pile carpet with a single woven loop. This will protect it from nail snags and make it easier to clean.

Rugs can add comfort, warmth, character and mood to the space your decorating. To give your floors and quick and easy makeover visit our newly expanded rug collections:
See Rugs

 

Gather 'Round: Christmas Table Setting Ideas

Dazzling Holiday Table Setting Ideas: Set the stage for food, family, friends at your holiday feast. Those few times in a year that you get to add the glitz, fun and flair to the Dining Table.

Go Simple and elegant, Layered table linens glowing in shades of cream, tans and gold. Three large black lanterns with lit candles were used as centerpieces with extra-large pine cones dipped in gold glitter interspersed.





image via Sharps Farm

 



Create a Winter Wonderland Table, get all decked out with a cool blue tablecloth and icy white plates topped with silver wrapped gift box favors. Tuck the fanned out blue napkins into glasses to add height. Embellish the napkins with silver napkin rings and bring frosty ornaments and silver trees to the table.

 

image via Better Homes and Gardens

Bring a modern vibe to the table with contemporary peacock-themed table setting. Blue and green Christmas balls in glass containers with a purple ribbon around the top are a simple way to add a holiday touch to a peacock theme.Use natural peacock feathers in a centerpiece or to decorate each individual place settings. Choose a peacock color for your napkin, placemat and dishware.

image via Hostess with the Mostess

 

Our Customer Favorite: Last Christmas a Sure Fit Customer was kind enough to share a Before and After photo of their dining space... Counter Height Chairs were covered in Our Stretch Pique Short Dining Chair Covers in Garnet and the chairs adorned with our Decorative Sashes in Gold. New overhead lighting and and a decorative holiday centerpiece.   

 

 



Display all your fancy tableware... A refresher for holiday dinner parties ~ Setting the perfect table made easy with this table-setting cheat sheet from EVERY DAY WITH RACHAEL RAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Hope you enjoyed the tablescapes and with endless decorating possibilities are inspired to create a fabulous one of your own! Enjoy the holidays...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transitioning Your Home For The Winter Season

Get yourself and your home ready for winter. Ensure your home stays stylish and cozy despite dropping temperatures outside. You'll most likely want to spend more time indoors. Here are some simple ways to transition each room in your home.

 

 

(image via: ohiosbestrealestate.com)

 

 

The Entry way

 

• hang a beautiful seasonal wreath on the door to welcome guests
• clean out the coat closet and make room for your guests outerwear and shoes
• provide a spot for a welcome mat, boot mat and umbrella storage
• always know where your gloves, hats and scarves are (provide a basket for easy on/off storage)

The Living Room
 

• rearrange your furniture, pull away from the walls and create a conversational setting around the fireplace
• create a seasonal or holiday display on the fireplace mantel - add nature-inspired elements, touches from the outdoors
• layer window treatments to add texture and warmth
• lay an area rug where you would normally have tile and hardwood floors revealed
• bring out extra throws and pillows for added comfort
• add an extra ottoman so you can relax and put your feet up  

 

The Kitchen
 

• have your favorite comfort food recipes easily accessiable
• bring out the crockpot and any baking dishes that you tucked away
• stock up on pantry staples and baking supplies
• have lots of flavored coffee and hot chocolate mix on hand... complete with mini marshmallows

The Bathroom
 

• try a new scented air freshener reed diffuser
• switch out your bathmat, hand towels, and shower curtain for a fresh look (plush and rich in colour)
• add a towel warmer and fragrant bath salts

The Dining Room
 

• Bring chairs with arms to your dining room seating, cover chairs in soft and cozy slipcover (great way to add new color)
• decorate with a pretty table runner and placemats
• create or buy a winter center piece
• stock up on candles of all sizes (candles exude warmth, especially in a group)

The Bed Room
 

• give each bed a set of flannel sheets and an electric blanket
• Layer up, add an extra blaket or two
• pull out your slippers and plush bath robes
• bust out your winter wardrobe (hoodies, sweaters, jackets, scarves, warm socks and boots) and pack away your summer attire 

Outdoor Living Space / Yard
 

• bring in any outdoor ornamental seasonal items.
• prepare garden beds for the season, cut back perrenials and prune trees
• bring in or cover all outdoor furniture and grills to protect from the winter elements 
• stock up on shovels and snow salt and be sure to have enough gas for snow blowers and generators should you lose power. 
• check bulbs in your outdoor lighting

General Use
 

• pick a warm color palette for your rooms - paint walls or add soft textural fabrics in accessories
• it gets darker much earlier in the winter months, lighting is so important... add accent lighting with dimmers to let you choose how much or little
• add comfort and excitement by displaying fun family photos
• caulk any drafty areas at windows and doors
• check to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order
• create an emergency kit that is fully stocked with essentials you need to survive in case of an emergency
• stock up on flashlights and batteries
  

Home For The Holidays

We’re excited to help you deck your halls for the holidays with simple and sophisticated décor solutions — sure to make your home a seasonal showcase.

'Tis The Season For Stylish Interiors: The rich neutrals and jewel-toned hues of our Stretch Suede Slipcover Collection offer an easy, elegant way to add a warm holiday feeling to your home. (Burgundy shown)
 

 

 

 

 

 The Stretch Suede in dark green is featured in the photo below.
 

 

 

 

 

 

All dressed up for the holidays... Slipcover designs in festive colors to inspire and delight you this season, Let the decorating begin!

 

Give your furniture a new look for the holiday season. This Matelassé Damask Collection is available in both t-cushion and box cushion fits for a sofa, loveseat, chair, wing chair, long dining chairs with and without arms, ottoman, drapes and pillows. (chili t-cushion loveseat slipcover with chili accent pillows shown below)

 

 

Dine in style with two festive new hues: vibrant gold and deep chili red. Simply add your favorite seasonal accents and the stage is set for joyful celebrations with family and friends. (Rod Pocket Drapes, Wing chair and long dining chair slipcovers in gold and chili pillow accents shown below) 

 

 

 

Perfect for holiday entertaining, The Dupioni Collection. Dress up your dining chairs with our washable slipcovers and instantly transform the look of the entire room. Adjustable ties on back and front pleating for a decorator look. Available in a 5 piece set, sets include 4 dining chair covers and one coordinating table runner of the same color. (mineral and cranberry only)

 

 

 

 

 

Add a splash of color to your tablescape... Dupioni-inspired table tunners in the season's most-wanted colors. (mineral and cranberry) 14"W x 72"L
 

 

 

 

 

 

Dupioni Decorative Pillows: These accent pillows pull a room together by adding contrast, comfort and layered depth. In Mineral (green), Cobalt, Cranberry, Taupe. 100% polyester. Machine washable.
 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy our Holiday Sales... find out what sales are happening this week!

 

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