Up the elegance of this year's evergreen with beautiful celestial symbols. Delicate silvery angels flit among hand-tied ribbon stars. A scalloped felt tree skirt conceals the stand.
How-Tos
The Thanksgiving crowd at the children's table will appreciate these candy cornucopias.
Heat water in a teakettle, and put pointed end of a sugar cone into spout. Let steam until softened, about 1 minute. Gently curve end 1/2 inch from tip; hold for 15 seconds. Steam 1 side of cone's open end; press to flatten (so cone won't roll). Let cool until set. Dip edge in melted white chocolate, and roll in chopped pistachios.
Refrigerate until set. Fill with jelly beans and serve, or store in a covered container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days.
Anyone with a Christmas tree should have this trick up her sleeve. Instead of hanging a fragile or antique ornament from a hook (far too easy for curious children or pets to knock loose), secure it with a length of 28-gauge wire.
Thread wire through hanging loop, wrap around a branch, and twist ends. Your ornament won't go anywhere. The best part is you can hang each decoration at exactly the height you desire.
Send Halloween party invitations adorned with a familiar grin.
Print the pumpkin template and cut out. Trace template onto orange card stock; cut out. Form eyes, nose, and mouth from rickrack, and affix with craft glue. Glue a length of green rickrack to the back for the stem. Then glue pumpkin to the front of a plain card, and inscribe a spooky -- or sweet -- message for your guests.
Make plain candlesticks sparkle with a coat of shimmery glitter. Buy inexpensive wooden candlesticks, or use a weathered pair you already own. Working in sections, brush craft glue onto the candlesticks, and dust with fine glitter (shake off excess). Let glue dry overnight. With a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of clear shellac over glitter, and let dry.
A bright sheet or piece of fabric makes a lively backdrop for a professional-style photo shoot. Try hanging it at parties, and give guests a chance to strike a chic pose for the camera.
Make your photos even more festive by adding seasonal or occasion-appropriate embellishments. For slumber parties, try our Glittered "Candy" Garland.
