From the Sunflower State of Kansas, here's a way to welcome guests to the table with a great big hello. Trim sunflower stems short, so they fit into juice glasses. Cut paper into petal shapes and write guests' names on them. Then add the extra petal to the flowers with dots of tacky white glue.
Marguerite plate, $71, johnderian.com
Hundreds of years ago, astronomers fashioned volvelles -- wheels of paper that worked like circular slide rules -- to help track the movement of the planets. This version of a volvelle conceals rotating endearments along with phrases and symbols that convey your affection with a turn of the wheel.
A floral arrangement becomes positively frightening when covered in creepy cobwebs. To make the webs, cut a 5-inch section from inexpensive or damaged white panty hose, and pull apart until it becomes wispy and resembles cobwebs. Stretch the material over a cluster of dark blooms (we used crimson roses and dahlias, as well as some fiddlehead ferns). Set on a sideboard, or on a dining table as a centerpiece.
Plants make an ideal gift at this time of year, but foil wrappers can detract from their earthy beauty. Instead, cover plastic pots in a neutral-colored fabric such as muslin or burlap.
He'll go nuts for personalized pistachios -- or pickles or hot sauce. In fact, these retro labels make it a cinch to turn any of Dad's favorite foods into a custom gift for Father's Day.
How-To
1. Download our designs. Print them onto plain or self-adhesive paper, enlarging or reducing the size as desired.
There's a simple way to replace the standard wrapping from a florist with something prettier and more personal -- always a nice touch when giving someone flowers. Cut a length of white parchment paper so it's large enough to wrap around the arrangement. Using scallop scissors, trim along all sides. Lay flowers on a diagonal at one corner of the parchment. Wrap the paper around the blooms. Cut a length of ribbon, and tie it around the bundle to secure.
