Wouldn't you love it if you could easily invite friends or family over to your home for an impromptu celebration and pull it off easily? You totally can!     First of all... it's a mindset. And like the choo-choo train... if you think you can... YOU CAN!     Honestly... this isn't rocket science.  It's more about the want-to than ANYTHING else. If you want to freely open your home for celebrating around the table you have to decide that you can do it and then prepare. Mindset and preparation will make you a hospitality rock star.  … [Read more...]

  Avoid the Thanksgiving headaches and plan for a fabulous day with these 5 tips.   How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner Easy and Fun   TIP 1 ~ Keep it Simple! I can't stress this enough.  It's taken me many years and too many melt-downs to realize that I had a tendency to overcomplicate holiday entertaining. Whatever you do well and love to do... that's where you should focus your time. For me... that's setting a pretty table like this one. I'm all about the presentation.  Making everything look pretty makes my creative juices run.  Slaving in the kitchen... not so much.  That means that my … [Read more...]

  The weather is beautiful and the beach is whispering, "Come!" Seize the moment with 9 EASY tips for a simple beach picnic that will be the perfect setting for fun and memories.   While standing in line at the checkout counter I opened up a popular magazine.  My eye was drawn to pictures of people picnicking in a meadow. There were heaps of food and beverages and pillows and lanterns and so much more.  So much goodness that by the time the picnic was set up I'd be too exhausted to enjoy it.  Summer is the time for a simple picnic on the beach. Don't become overwhelmed with trying to make it … [Read more...]

  Ideas and takeaway tips to help you set a pretty gold pastel Easter table or any table that's colorful and celebrative.      What is it about a few sunny days and their power to flood the soul with joy and inspire creativity? I didn't realize how much I NEEDED sunshine.  There is no doubt that Jesus is our source of JOY... but SUNSHINE after winter's heavy gray shroud hanging low and heavy for MONTHS really pushes up my joy meter.  Does it do that for you, too? I can't really say for sure... but as I was dreaming about my Easter table... and yes I DO do that... I just KNEW that … [Read more...]

  Don't skip Valentine's Day because retailers and the media make it all about romance and roses.  Instead, make it about fun and love.  Here are some easy ideas to help you set a simple Valentine table that's perfect for friends, family, and even lovers, too.    I almost didn't use any red for my Valentine's Day tablescape this year. When I envisioned my simple Valentine table, the one thing I wanted to be cautious of was the overuse of red.  Don't get me wrong... I like red... but this year it just felt like too much for me.     Why was one of my favorite colors... … [Read more...]

  Create beautiful memories around a festive Christmas brunch table. Here are a few ideas to help you quickly and easily plan for a special morning gathering.     Christmas can be a challenge on so many levels, but I hope you have moments of peace and joy amidst the celebration and quiet. My happiest Christmas memories as a child are those that were made around the table and sharing it with friends and family. Whether you have the whole family over on Christmas morning for breakfast or brunch, or it's just a few around the table, these ideas will help you make your table truly … [Read more...]

  Need a coffee table but don't have one? This DIY modern farmhouse tray is a cheap and easy solution with style.   In my home, I'm the beneficiary of a nightly ritual that will make most wives jealous...     My husband prepares a cup of cocoa or chai for me every evening before bedtime. He's been doing this for most of our married life and I love it.  It's a very special way to end the evening. Since we've been living in this postage stamp of an apartment my choice is to sit at the table or on my little loveseat.  Usually, I choose the loveseat.  But, it's risky for … [Read more...]

  It persuaded me just a little with its $7 clearance price tag. That small red tag pushed me from simple infatuation to head over heels in love. With a tablecloth.     Which is why this lovely dark blue and white tablecloth with the huge gingham checks jumped into my hands and came home with me. I couldn't wait to put it on my little table.     Do you know the difference between the hugely popular buffalo plaid and gingham? I didn't. Want to know? Lean in... Buffalo plaid is a larger square plaid of two colors... one is always black and … [Read more...]

  Inspiration and tips for hosting a super easy to pull off sunflower themed tea or luncheon.     One of my favorite things about blogging is that I have an excuse to do the things I love and share them with you. More than anything I would love for you to be able to join me for a little breakfast tea where we could swap stories and get to know each other.  But, since that's not to be, today I set the table for an early fall morning tea and I'm pretending that you are sitting here with me. It's a beautiful mostly sunny day.  The trees have a little bit of color, but here in the … [Read more...]

  Do you cringe at the idea of inviting people to your home? My friend Melissa Michaels, of The Inspired Room, has just published a new book that will help you overcome your hospitality fears and inspire you to send your first invitation for a simple gathering. Simple Gatherings, 50 Ways to Inspire Connections offers a refreshing perspective on opening our hearts and homes to guests. I truly believe that it's what's in our hearts and minds that make our attempts at hospitality successful. Melissa uses this Bible verse as the basis for her efforts... "Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13. … [Read more...]

  Have you ever had an old friend come to town and want to meet up with you and friends she hasn't seen in a year or two or ten? You're happy to make all the arrangements. Lunch at a great restaurant is a good option.  It seems so much easier, but, there's the noise of the other diners, the interruptions of the servers, and who knows what else. Why not go all old-style and host a small gathering or luncheon at your home?     So much more is in your control and the peace and comfort of your home tops everything the restaurant has to offer.  You don't have to worry about staying … [Read more...]

  Be inspired today with these fun and creative patriotic holiday decorating ideas... Holidays give me a great reason to have people over. We love spending time with friends in an informal way. There's something about a holiday that puts everyone in a more celebratory mood. Plus... it gives me a theme for table decor and more.     With that in mind... Memorial Day is almost here and it's the perfect reason to open the cupboards and drawers and pull out all things red, white, and blue. Since Memorial Day is about remembrance and appreciation, it's a great teaching … [Read more...]

  Tell me I'm not alone... the BEST part of a Super Bowl party is the FOOD!  Yes? Maybe you're a fan of the commercials? Now that we get a preview of the crazy expensive commercials via social media ahead of the big game, well, that sort of takes away from the fun.  But the food... seriously... it hardly matters who wins or loses (Haha! This year I don't even know who's playing!! I know!!) if you're in the company of good fans / friends and amazing food. That's why I'm excited for this week's features from Project Inspire{d}.  There are some truly crazy good recipe ideas you'll want to check out and … [Read more...]

  The countdown to Thanksgiving has begun!   Have you already started shopping for your holiday pantry staples?  With Thanksgiving less than a month away and Christmas nipping at TG's heels we all need to get prepared.  This week's Project Inspire{d} link party has some fabulous recipes, decor, and crafts to inspire your Thanksgiving celebration. If you are a list-maker wannabe and like to have a plan for everything... than you'll love the detailed printable planner Megan from NEPA Mom has put together for you!  I always make sure that I plan my table way in advance... that way it always looks … [Read more...]

  Raise your hand if you like quick, easy, and inexpensive party ideas. Me too!  That's why I just had to share with you this super simple and inexpensive... yet extraordinary 4th of July dessert idea.  Plus a few extra tips to make your Fourth spectacular! Whether you just entertain a few friends or the whole neighborhood... you are going to LOVE this!   Here's how it all came down. I just made a quick trip into Walmart to pick up glitter, jars, and Mod Podge for this amazing 4th of July mason jar post I am cooking up for the blog.  As I was running from one end of the store to the … [Read more...]

  It's nearly Valentine's Day and you need some ideas. Quick!  No need to fear. I've assembled 40 quick and easy last minute Valentine's Day printables... perfect for kids of all ages.  You'll have a hard time choosing from all the creative cards, fun activity sheets, treat ideas, toppers, tags, and more.  There are some amazing low-cost ideas too.  Get ready.... because it's time to be inspired!!     40 Last Minute Valentine's Day Printables   You are So Loved - Printable :: Bombshell Bling Have a Heart - Printable :: Bloom Designs Valentine Envelopes Free … [Read more...]

Valentine's Day will be here in a blink! Check out these deliciously sweet ideas for your Valentine's Day celebration. Celebrate with these Deliciously Delightful Valentine's Day Ideas   Happy Camper Valentine's Card Box from Suzy's Sitcom Copy Cat Lofthouse Cookies from Two Twenty One Easy Valentine Chocolate Heart Pops by Pink When Heart Sugar Cubes by Bloom Designs Online Sweetheart Surprise Valentines Day Cake from Virtually Yours Sweetheart Cheesecakes Wafers by Totally the Bomb Origami Heart Bouquet by Ruffles and Rainboots at Growing Up Gabel Valentine's Day Cupcakes by Flavours and … [Read more...]