Valentine's Day Floral Arrangement

It has been a long, cold winter here in Utah. I am so excited for Valentine's Day for many reasons but especially because it signifies the coming of Spring. I wanted to add a pop of color to our home so I decided to throw together a quick Valentine's inspired floral arrangement for our family room end table.

Here are my tips for arranging fresh flowers like a pro!

1. Separate Sections for Each Flower with Tape: This allows the flowers to stay in place where you have situated them. The great part is that you cannot see the tape at all once the flowers are placed!

2. Make Sure to Measure: Measuring each stem to the appropriate length is key in creating a professional looking arrangement. Do not chop too much of the stem off immediately! It is always safer to cut a little off until you find the perfect length and then measure each subsequent flower to match.

3. Invest in Some Gorgeous Vases: Vases are a staple for any home. I guarantee you will use them more often then you think for many different reasons. I like to buy a lot of my glassware at TJ Maxx or Home Goods. I bought this vase for only $5.99. It was such a great deal I bought two!

4. Buy Whatever Flowers are on Sale: Fresh flowers can be pricey and I like to keep them in our home as much as possible. Try to buy whatever flowers are in season at the time or have been marked down. Flowers will look naturally gorgeous no matter what so you might as well get a good deal on them. Farmer's Markets are great for purchasing fresh flowers at reasonable prices. I wish we had more in Utah!

For tips on how to make your fresh flowers live longer click here

Rag Wreath Instructions

I made a Patriotic rag wreath for Fourth of July and wanted to share with you the directions. I loved the final product and plan to use it for Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day too!

1. I purchased 2 yards of fabric in 4 different patterns. A half yard each. I wanted it to have a quilt-like look so I mixed lots of patterns, but made sure to use coordinating colors with similar sized patterns.

2. I cut the fabric into strips that were 6 inches long and 1 inch wide.  This was the most time consuming part.

3. I bought a wire wreath form with four rows of wire so that I could get the most diversity in the mixing of patterns.  I bought the wire wreath from Hobby Lobby for $4.95. (The one I got was one of the largest. Pick any size you think will look best on your door.)

4. I tied all the strips onto the wreath. I would encourage you to double knot if this is a wreath that will be out in the elements a lot.  I made sure to tie the fabric strips on in random order. Then I was done! I finished the wreath off with taking a red gingham pattern ribbon and threading it through the first row of wire. Think of something cute you could do to add something special and unique! 

A Southern Style Christmas

I love the South. I love that Southern women know how to dress up and I love the old school charm and style that abounds there. I was on www.southernliving.com and came across this spread with vintage inspired Christmas Decorations. I loved it so I thought I would share it with you. Make sure to check out the article here.

TGIF Y'all (I thought y'all was appropriate since we're talking about the South). Have a happy weekend!

Halloween Tablescapes

Easter Tablescapes

Easter is such a wonderful time of the year. The weather is starting to warm up and glimpses of the approaching summer season are coming clear. Easter is so important to me because it is a time where I get to spend time wth my family. Luckily, this Easter all of my immediate family will be in one place (a rare occurence recently since we are spread across the country). So, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Easter holiday. I hope that you may all relax, spend some time with family, remember Chirst, and appreciate some good design. Have some fun with these tablescape ideas!