Everyday Celebrating

Easy cupcake carriers

Real Simple magazine recently showed this easy way to transport cupcakes. 

Use a shirt box, cut one X per cupcake and push the corners down like pictured above. 

This is great for many reasons... don't have a fancy cupcake carrier?  don't want to lug one around?  wonder if you leave it somewhere if you'll get it back?

The box carrier is great to take to a child's party or office potluck or maybe you're donating cupcakes to a good cause or maybe you're bringing them to a tailgate.  It's lovely for the host not to have to worry about cleaning it and getting it back to you.  Just toss it when they are done!

Also, these can be used for cupcake display.  You can even cover the boxes with wrapping paper to match your decor.  Place them on a table for a uniform, modern look.

Easy New Year's Centerpiece

photo credit:  Better Homes and Gardens

Throwing a get together for New Year's Eve and need something easy after the hectic holidays?  

Go to Walgreens, CVS, Target or the like and buy a plastic New Year's hat (like above).  

Cut a hole in the top and stick a piece of floral foam inside the hat.  

Make an arrangement by creating height in the floral foam.  Stick in noisemakers,  holiday picks you bought on clearance in NYE traditional colors (silver, black, blue, etc.) and even stick in some plastic champagne glasses.  Maybe glue on some mini disco balls (found at party stores like Party City) to symbolize the Times Square ball.

Done!

 

Plate dress up

Photo credit:  Better Homes and Gardens

Ever want dishes to match a special theme but either don't want to spend the money on a one time use or can't find what you're looking for in color or theme?  Or maybe you're like me and don't have enough storage for another set of dishes.

Purchase clear dishes!  Stack 2 and slide scrapbook paper in between.  An easy way to dress up plates for any theme, any time.  This is a great idea for children.  Slip in character pictures or feature a different letter or color per day, etc.
 

It's not too early...

It's not too early to begin thinking about New Year's Eve.  These streamers are made from recycled metallic holiday wrapping paper.  Get the how-to here with plenty of time to make these for the big evening.

OR... be on the lookout for decorative festive circles scatters when you're at the day after Christmas sales.  

The Dollar Tree has some fabulous metallic garland that would be great for this.  AND... it's already put together.  Just hang vertically. :)

These would also be great to use as a backdrop for showers, birthdays, valentine's day, etc.