Wedding Reception Ideas for a Fire and Ice Theme

Choose the dramatic theme of fire and ice for a wedding reception that will wow your guests. Unify two opposing elements found in nature, fire and ice, and bring them together on your wedding day. Select a vibrant or deep red color to represent the fire and silver or a pale blue to symbolize ice. Use a third neutral color, such as white, to balance out the theme.

Reception Layout

Use the size of your guest list, venue layout and budget to decide how to display the fire and ice theme at your wedding reception. A dramatic option for a large guest list is to rent two adjoining banquet rooms and theme one in fire and one in ice and let guests mingle between the rooms. For smaller weddings or a reception held in one room, combine the elements and have fire and ice displayed side by side in harmony.

Table Linens and Centerpieces

Reinforce the wedding theme by creating ice tables and fire tables for guests by using coordinating table linen colors and eye-catching centerpieces. For a fire table, use a red tablecloth with a silver overlay, red chair covers with silver bows, and red candles or flame-less luminarias for the centerpiece. Create ice tables by using a blue tablecloth with silver overlay, silver chair covers with blue bows, and an ice sculpture for the centerpiece. Alternate the fire and ice tables throughout the reception room.

Fire Element Ideas

There are many choices available when choosing what items to represent the fire element at the reception. Obvious choices include red candles, which can be used in various sizes and heights for effect, and flame-less luminarias, which will not burn or blow out like regular candles. For an unforgettable fire item and if the venue permits, hire a "fire-eating" performer to put on a show for your guests.

Ice Element Ideas

Items to represent the ice element can be easily displayed with the food items, such as silver serving trays, crystal dinnerware and glasses, and ice-sculpted bowls on a dessert buffet. Ice sculptures are an eye-catching item which guests are sure to talk about. Use smaller ice sculptures on the guest tables and larger ones on the cake table and main bridal party table. Or, consider using hanging mock icicles from the ceiling or using light blue recess lighting to create a winter effect.

Hardscape Projects

Hardscapes are the non-living parts of a garden that provide structure and function, such as patios, fences and stonework. Hardscaping encompasses all the permanent fixtures built into the landscape, including such things as fountains, and they can sometimes be challenging to build. While major renovations are often best left to the pros, weekend warriors can tackle a number of cost-effective DIY projects that can add beauty and value their garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Easy Brick Patio

A small brick patio is surprisingly easy to install and requires little more than a pile of bricks and a level. Choose a remote corner or lackluster border in your garden that is sheltered from intense sunlight and wind. The best place to set a patio may also offer a different perspective on your garden and new views of a tree, flowerbed or other features. If brick doesn't suit your home, substitute a material that matches, such as pavers, flagstone, cobblestones, pea gravel or any suitable surface. Build a patio that is at least 6 feet across to comfortably fit a small bistro table or a couple of patio lounge chairs. Once it's built, sit back with a cold drink and enjoy your new view.

Terra Cotta Fountain

Water features bring motion to a garden, and can muffle unwanted noise from the street or general environment. They are also easy to build, especially if you use attractive, unused planters that you may have laying around. Terracotta is a good choice, but you can also use resin lookalikes, galvanized bins or ceramic glazed urns. For height and drama, stack three or four pots into a tower. Nest them with the smallest pot on top, and the largest on the bottom and rest the smaller pot on an upside-down internal supporting pot that won't be visible within the overall tower. String the water valve through the drainage hole and add a garden water pump. Then enjoy watching and hearing the soothing, spilling water.

Free-Standing Garden Arbor Bench

A bench tucked beneath a flower- and vine-covered arbor adds romance and beauty to any garden. You can build a freestanding arbor and bench using purchased lattice frames, which serve as side panels and the overhead trellis to support flowering vines. This project will require some woodworking skills, but can be done over a weekend. Plan to build a structure that's roughly 5 feet wide, 30 inches deep and about 7 feet tall. With those dimensions, the arbor unit should be comfortable and stable enough to stand alone, although you can anchor it to the ground using concrete footings for extra security. To cut costs, consider using strong plastic lattice in place of redwood, cedar or pressure-treated lumber.

What Is a Firestorm Table Saw?

A table saw sits on a stand, and you pass the materials that you need to cut over it. The blade actually is only half exposed, and it rotates at high speeds. Black and Decker Corporation, an American international company headquartered in Towson, Maryland, created the Firestorm 10-inch Table Saw. You can buy Black and Decker tools from local home improvement stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Specifications

The Black and Decker 10-inch Firestorm Table Saw features a 15-amp motor and has a cutting capacity up to 3 inches. The cutting capacity is the total thickness through which the blade can cut. The blades are carbide tipped, allowing you to cut items like plastic, wood and nonferrous metals. The saw features a self-adjusting aluminum fence, and a table saw fence is a grooved, rectangular object that sits on the actual table. You can use this as a guide or to hold items in place. The table saw produces up to 3 horsepower (hp) of power, and one hp equals between 735.5 and 750 watts (W).

Stand

The stand for this table saw has wheels, allowing you to roll it anywhere that you need it. The soles of the stand are made of rubber, ensuring that the table saw will stay in place while you are working. Always place your saw on a level surface to keep it from tipping, and always use protective gear like safety glasses and gloves while working with any type of saw.

Features

The Black and Decker 10-inch Firestorm Table Saw comes with a dust extraction port, and this port allows you to attach a dust bag or a shop vacuum to your saw, which eliminates the dust created by operating this machine. It comes with a large shutoff switch, which you can operate either with your knee or hand. The major controls are located on the front of the machine, including the blade tilting and height controls, which makes it easier and safer to operate your tool. The Black and Decker 10-inch Firestorm Table Saw features a T-slot miter gauge, which acts as a guide, and it also comes with a blade wrench to help you change out your saw's blades.

Warranty

As of 2011, this product costs between $170 and $300, and you receive a two-year warranty covering workmanship and material defects.

Decor Ideas for a European Bistro

A European bistro conjures specific images for patrons. Create an atmosphere and ambiance that allows them to remember past travels, connect with their European heritage or plan trips to countries such as Italy and France. Leverage visuals, scents, flavors and dining specialties to establish dcor details that make diners want to return again, and recommend your bistro to others. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Textures and Painting

Create Old World authenticity by giving textures to the walls. Instead of simple "flat" surface walls, give them a European appearance by using hand-texturing techniques for a sculpted look. Apply blackboard paint to the walls and post daily menus in chalk. This conveys that ingredients are fresh and entices patronage. Consult with interior designers or take the task on as a do-it-yourself project. Consider incorporating faux finishing-paint techniques to make the walls distinctive with wall sconces for lighting or candles for a distinctive dining experience.

Plants and Landscaping

Use concrete planters to create outdoor-foliage bistro character. Plant ivies and ferns in urns to welcome guests as they enter. Use planter boxes to "swap out" seasonal flowers for spring and summer. Establish herbs and aromatic plantings for an intoxicating aroma.

Include seasonal fresh flowers that add to the European atmosphere. During the springtime, fill planters and boxes for a French bistro with irises, marigolds and Gerbera daisies. Stage small vases of roses and bougainvillea on tables at an Italian bistro. Grace outdoor planters and urns with tulips at any type of European bistro during springtime.

Intimacy

European bistros make guests feel they're in an intimate setting, yet part of a big gathering. Build on this "duality" with the dcor and design for your bistro. Create short walls between bistro tables for two so that guests have just enough of a sense of separation. The walls ensure a bit of privacy but won't block them off completely.

Beverage and Dessert Bar

Designate a special area for before and after dinner. Create a place to sample wines before dinner, and one for ordering coffees and desserts. Decorate the room space with artwork that extols travel memories and travel desires. For example, use travel posters that feature the Eiffel Tower for a French bistro as they enjoy a French pastry. Or decorate the room with posters of the gardens at the Villa d'Este at Tivoli, the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Gardens of Villa Garzoni in the Italian village of Collodi while patrons enjoy a freshly brewed cup of espresso.

How to Design an Italian Kitchen

A traditional Italian kitchen is more than a room to store pots and pans. It is a gathering place, an espresso bar, a spot to view the garden and, of course, the room for trying out recipes and planning menus. Italian kitchens marry form and function by eschewing clutter in favor of beautiful basics. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the scope of your project. If you aim for a full kitchen redesign, you can renovate Italian-style by installing marble counters, terracotta floors and incorporating architectural features such as arches, niches and columns. Plan a big picture window above the kitchen sink to take in the garden flowers or even outdoor statuary or a water feature.

2

Consider color. No matter the scope of the project, wall, floor, counter and furniture colors are a decisive factor in Italian style. Natural tones are ideal, but this goes far beyond shades of brown. There is the gold of sand or ripe pears, the blue of the Mediterranean, the burgundies of wine, the green of olives and the rich reds of peppers. Rather than creating a pristine environment, consider adding texture, faux finishes and shabby chic accents to lend the kitchen an old world charm.

3

Diversify the palette with accent shades. Hand-painted tiles with indigo, burnt orange or sunflower-yellow details add Italian panache. Try complementing the wall colors with an earthy or bright shade on the trim, baseboards, door or window frames. Bright copper pans, bouquets of wildflowers, stacks of ripe fruit and earthenware bowls also add color.

4

Purchase a few pieces that reflect Italian style. You can invest in a vintage wooden table or a metal Italian bistro set with a mosaic tile tabletop. Add chunky metal hardware to cabinets or punctuate the wall with wrought-iron pieces. Comb the goods at a local flea market, yard sale or antique store for fruit bowls, clay pots, wooden shelves or a wine rack.

5

Accessorize the kitchen with Italian items. Select items that are useful and, preferably, hand-crafted, such as painted canisters or framed landscape paintings. Bring nature to the kitchen by displaying fresh produce in bowls, setting a blossom afloat in a flowered teacup, placing leafy plants on shelves and allowing in natural light with sheer curtains.

Counter-Height Table Vs. Standard-Height Table

Counter-height tables are taller than standard-height tables. Counter- and standard-height tables come in many different designs, materials and styles. They can be purchased from a furniture store, ordered from a website or custom made by a furniture maker. Standard-height tables are more common than counter-height tables. Both kinds of tables offer unique benefits that will help you decide which type of table is best for you and your space. Does this Spark an idea?

Facts

A counter-height table can be any length or width but measures 34 to 36 inches high. A standard-height table can be any length or width but measures 28 to 30 inches high. Typical materials for both standard- and counter-height tables include wood, metal or plastic. They may be designed with legs, a pedestal base or a trestle base. Counter-height tables may also be referred to as bistro or gathering tables. These names are not standardized, so it is best to ask the height of the table to determine whether it is a standard- or counter-height table.

Benefits of Standard-Height Tables

Standard-height tables are more common and therefore available in more sizes, designs and finishes than counter-height tables. Because of their popularity, more seating options are made to coordinate with standard-height tables. Most people find standard-height tables more comfortable to sit at because their feet touch the ground while they are seated. They are also a better height for disabled people, as a counter-height table is too tall for a person to use who is seated in a wheelchair. Additionally, counter-height seats are difficult for those with infirmaries to lift themselves onto. Standard-height tables are considered more formal than counter-height tables, and are a better solution for a traditional home.

Benefits of Counter-Height Tables

Counter-height tables, although less common, are very useful and appropriate for certain situations. They are often a good solution for a kitchen as they offer additional preparation space and allow those who are seated at this height to easily converse with those standing in the kitchen. Counter-height tables are also useful when it is desirable to see over a wall or railing, such as on a patio with a view. They can be an excellent option for small spaces, as their additional height gives the illusion of taking up less space than a lower, standard-height table. Finally, because they are considered less formal, they create a more casual, relaxed feel for a space.

Considerations

It is recommended to purchase a chair, stool or bench measuring 10 to 12 inches less than the height of your table, whether it is standard or counter height. If you are not purchasing a table set that comes with chairs or stools, it is best to try out your seating selection with your table to make sure the height is comfortable for you. Although an inch or two doesn't seem like a huge increment, it can make a big difference in the comfort of you or your guests. For example, a seat that is on the higher side of average and a table that is on the lower side of average may mean that larger people are unable to slide their seats under the table.

Warning

Standard- and counter-height tables are not the only two types of tables available. Bar-height tables, which measure 40 to 42 inches tall, are also quite common and are often mistaken for counter-height tables. However, counter-height seating and bar-height seating are not interchangeable, and many people make the mistake of ordering the wrong height seating, even designers and contractors. Always measure the height of your table and the seat height of your chairs or stools, and make sure there is a 10- to 12-inch difference. If you are ordering seating, obtain detailed measurements from the manufacturer to determine if you are ordering the appropriate height for your table.

How to Decorate a Church Foyer Table for Spring

Church foyers are a central part of a church. Guests and members enter the church through the foyer; it is also a place for displaying announcements and things going on at the church. Decorate the foyer for spring so it welcomes people into the church. While Easter is a big part of spring for a church, the foyer table does not have to simply reflect that holiday. Be sure, when decorating, to leave room on the table for the different pamphlets and necessary items you might normally display.

Instructions

1

Place a tablecloth on the table. It can be a pure white, or choose a spring or pastel color. Light blue, pink, yellow or green give off a very spring-like feel. A light floral print also works well. The busy floral tablecloth should go at least halfway down the side of the table; a solid colored tablecloth can drop all the way down the the floor.

2

Place a bouquet of flowers in the center of the table. The bouquet does not have to be fancy or formal; wildflowers are very pretty in the spring.

3

Fill a wicker basket with chicks and baby bunnies and place them in a corner of the table. While not necessarily religious, these animals do evoke a feeling of springtime, as animals are often born during the spring season. A basket filled with pastel-colored eggs would also be appropriate.

4

Place a large potted tulip plant in the middle of the table. Tie a ribbon around the pot and make a big bow in the front. Purchase artificial butterflies on small stakes and push them into the soil; it will make it look like a beautiful flower garden in the middle of the foyer.

5

Place pamphlets, cards and signup sheets in the front of the table. They still need to be accessible by guests and church members.

DIY Wedding Bouquets With Tulips

Creating your own tulip bouquets for your wedding may be easier and more personalized than you ever thought it could be. Choosing the do-it-yourself method for your bouquets allows you to select the exact shape, size and quantity of tulips, allowing for a bouquet that is exactly what you envisioned. With just a few DIY materials, a vision and precision, your bouquet will be easy to achieve.

Instructions

1

Stick thin-gauge wires to the stems of multiple camellia leaves using floral tape.

2

Put the bouquet together. Select tulips and place them in a neat round formation (like a sphere). Choose tulips that are all the same color, or create a variety and select multicolored tulips for your bouquet. If you are choosing multiple colors, put the tulips in a consistent color pattern. For example, if your colors are pink and green, align one pink tulip and then one green tulip, or two pink and two green, and repeat.

3

Bind the tulips together. Use floral tape and wrap it around the bottom of each tulip stem. Keep the tulips close together and bind securely so the tulips do not come apart.

4

Add a collar to the bouquet. Using the wired camellia leaves, form a collar around the tulips. Once the collar is in place, secure with floral tape. Cut the ends of the wires of the camellia leaves and place a ribbon over the floral tape that was used to secure the collar together.

How to Create a Tuscan-Style Patio

Tuscan design is the epitome of Mediterranean charm, with rustic yet elegant features and a warm color palette. If you want to add a touch of Tuscany to your landscape, creating a Tuscan-style patio is an excellent addition. Patios lend themselves well to Tuscan style, as Tuscan outdoor designs are almost always paved. Before beginning your overhaul, ensure there are a couple days of clear, sunny weather forecasted for putting in the patio. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Outline the patio area with mason's string and use a shovel or spade to excavate the area to 10 inches deep. Excavate an extra 2-inch depth around the perimeter to accommodate the border. Lay the level down on the floor of the patio in a few different sections to ensure the floor is level.

2

Cut planks of 2-by-12-inch lumber to size with a saw for the border of the patio, then insert them around the patio perimeter, resting on the 2-inch edges. Knock them down into position, using a mallet.

3

Spread CR-6 -- a construction-grade fine-ground gravel compound -- onto the patio floor to a depth of 8 inches. Screed the CR-6 so that it is level, then wet down the patio with a hose to make it slightly damp.

4

Compress the gravel with a hand tamp (rentable from any hardware stores or garden centers) so that it is 4 inches thick after compression. The CR-6 provides a compact, solid base for the patio and will also help prevent weeds from germinating in the patio area.

5

Spread sand over the CR-6 base so that it is 5 inches thick. Screed the sand so that it is level, then dampen it and use the hand tamper again to compress the sand to 3 inches thickness.

6

Insert 16-by-16-inch terra cotta pavers on top of the sand, starting from one corner of the patio, working outward. Tuscan-style pavers are generally laid square with one another, so there is no complex, staggered pattern for the pavers.

7

Spread inch of sand on top of the pavers. Dampen the sand and pavers, then tamp them. The tamping won't press the pavers down, but it will compress the sand between the paver joints, creating a firm installation. Brush off the remaining sand with a hard-bristled broom.

8

Set a large terra cotta urn in the center of the patio, or smaller urns in each corner of the patio. Install a fountain on the patio; fountains are a common feature in Tuscan outdoor design. An urn and fountain combination would also work well.

9

Screen off one side of the patio with a row of potted juvenile cypress trees. Add bright flowers like iris or poppies planted in earthy-toned pots on the opposite side; keep flower colors grouped together to maintain the Tuscan feel.

10

Set an ornate cast-iron caf-style table and chairs in one corner of the patio. Tuscan landscaping always provides a place for people to sit and admire the surrounds. Alternatively, place a simple bench along one side of the patio. Steer away from wood, which offers more of an English garden feel. Place stone benches without backs for the most authentic Tuscan style.

A Do-It-Yourself Tulip Wedding

Tulips have been prized since the 1600s, according to the National Gardening Association. While these flowers were originally available only to the rich, today tulips are affordable enough to include in any wedding. Tulips are available in a variety of rich colors and are most appropriate for a spring or summer wedding, though you may be able to find them in fall and winter as well.

Attire

When tulips are your theme, they should feature heavily in your wedding ensemble. For a simple spring or summer wedding, carry a bouquet of long-stem tulips tied with a satin ribbon. Using all one color will look a bit too plain; opt for a variety of shades in the same color family such as pinks and reds or blues and purples. For a more formal or winter wedding, mix calla lilies or peonies into your bouquet for a fuller, more luxurious look. Tuck tulips into the bridesmaids hair and pin a single tulip to each groomsmans lapel.

Food

While the petals of some tulips are edible, your guests may not want to snack on them. Sugar tulips, however, are both decorative and tasty. Buy premade from a bakery or ask your cake baker to make some for you. You can also make these flowers yourself if you take a cake-decorating course or find instructions online. Cover your wedding cake with these confections; arrange them between the cake layers or in a cascading style down one side of the cake. Sugar tulips also make sweet toppers for cupcakes, brownies or sugar cookies.

Favors

Trinkets like key chains and picture frames may end up in your guests junk drawers, but giving them tulips will give them something beautiful to appreciate once they get home. Tulip favors can also be affordable if you buy them in bulk at a garden store. Buy large pots of blooming tulips and replant each bulb in its own small pot. Decorate the pots with ribbon or paint and cluster them together at the center of each table so theyll serve as both favors and decoration. Since these favors require sunlight and water, put them together no earlier than the day before the wedding.

Petals

Separating your tulips into petals makes your flower budget stretch further, and scattered petals will make all aspects of your wedding look romantic and lush. Keep whole tulips in water until the day before the wedding, then gently pull the petals off each flower. Scatter petals down the ceremony aisle and in the centers of your reception tables and around the borders of your cake and guestbook tables. Float a handle of petals and some floating votive candles in large glass bowls of water for a striking and simple centerpiece.

Balcony Design Ideas

When it comes to decorating, many homeowners overlook the design potential of their balcony. As an outdoor space, there may be some challenges to finding the right decor for this area, but treating it as an extension of your home may help you decide on some creative ideas. You can also use your balcony's design to compensate for a small-sized yard by incorporating natural elements to go with the outdoor scenery. Does this Spark an idea?

Consider Flooring

It may be easy to overlook the flooring for your balcony because many are basic concrete surfaces. However, your balcony's flooring can help establish the ideal mood for the space. If your balcony features a concrete floor, an outdoor-safe rug is an inexpensive way to jazz it up and add color to the space. Painting a concrete floor to mimic the look of a carpet is another budget-friendly option. If you prefer a Mediterranean feel for your balcony, terracotta tiles provide a warm, inviting look. Wood is an attractive option if you are trying to create a natural vibe for your balcony.

Set up a Seating Area

Setting up a seating area allows you to comfortably take in the scenery, read or even catch some rays. In most cases, your seating options depend on the size of your balcony. If you have a larger space, a love seat and set of chairs are an effective option. For smaller spaces, choose a couple of smaller chairs to create a seating area. A bistro table set can be used for eating on a smaller balcony, while a traditional patio table and umbrella works well in larger space.

Create a Garden

While your balcony is probably not large enough for an extensive garden, use the outdoor space to create a lush, green retreat. If you live in an apartment and do not have access to any other outdoor space, growing a garden can be an enjoyable use for your balcony.

When using your balcony for this purpose, eliminate any other objects that might take space away from plants and flowers. Besides a couple of chairs, devote the bulk of the space to pots and containers for your greenery. Choose plants that grow upright to maximize your space or use a box to create a small herb garden. For an Asian twist, a Zen rock garden may also be added to your balcony.

Incorporate Lighting

If you plan to use your balcony at night, lighting is an essential component in its design. Depending on the space, you may choose to add mounted lights to the outside of your home or post cap lights to the balcony's railing. If your balcony is attached to a rental space, add temporary lighting, such as string lights that can be wound around the railing for a festive look. If your balcony does not have electric outlets, candles are another effective lighting option.

Things to Make With Old Outdoor Shutters

Outdoor shutters serve practical and decorative functions, protecting a house from weather and intruders and enhancing the appearance of the exterior. An aging shutter too worn to fulfill its original purpose might be replaced but need not be discarded. For the ecologically minded or creatively inclined, the salvaged shutter can provide sturdy support or intrigue to many useful and decorative projects.

Hinged Shutters

Similar shutters connected by hinges can be re-purposed as free-standing screens inside or outside a house. Paint or stain the shutters to complement decor or, for a rustic effect, leave them weathered. A tall screen could divide a room while a smaller one might conceal a rusty pipe or ugly outlet. Hinged shutters can also provide an indoor or outdoor backdrop for an arrangement of flower potsor a bistro table and chair set. To turn the screen into a cabinet door, attach one side of the screen by more hinges to the front of an open-faced wooden box of a corresponding size. Add a decorative knob or handle.

Supporting Board

With the hardware removed, shutters become sturdy but interesting planks with many possible uses. Add legs to turn a shutter into a decorative table top. Turn one large plank on its side, attach thick table legs to the ends and use it as a headboard for a bed. Shutters can also provide a sturdy back or side board for a rectangular shelving system or comprise the entire support structure for a set of corner shelves. To construct the latter, stand two matching shutters on end, join them with hinges and rotate them toward each other at a 90-degree angle. Slide flat boards horizontally through the slats of both shutters, forming a set of triangular shelves. Use a similar arrangement with narrow shutters to support stacked DVDs. An added base and small tabletop will preserve the structure's angle.

Slat Manipulation

When fixed into a partially open position, shutter slats provide a number of supports from which fishhook-backed earrings can dangle or open Christmas cards can hang. Slanted at a right angle and backed by a solid piece of plywood, slats can also organize mail or folders. Leaving the slats movable, however, offers two choices of surface, which can be useful for a wall hanging phone or address directory. Slats in the upward position can bear labels with frequently used phone numbers or addresses that, when the slats are turned down, are hidden from view.

Slats as Filters

Take advantage of open slats as ready-made air and light openings for appropriate projects. A rectangular hamper employing at least one shutter as a side panel allows air to circulate among dirty clothes, reducing moisture buildup and odor. Painted discreetly or cheerfully, a tall birdhouse with sides made from small shutters can provide an airy home for inhabitants. To create a decorative lighting effect, secure four narrow shutters standing on end into a tall vented box, leaving the top and bottom open and the slats open or adjustable. Attach an arching wire handle to the box's top and lower the box over a clear glass hurricane lamp containing a lit candle.

How to Make a Fake Campfire Centerpiece

Bring the wilderness indoors at your next party with a fake campfire centerpiece. The versatile table decoration fits with a camping party theme, as well as a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Halloween or caveman theme. The basic centerpiece materials, such as twigs and logs, tend to be easy to find outdoors. This means the decorative project is low-cost and relatively earth-friendly, just like a campfire should be.

Instructions

1

Measure and mark a 16-inch-wide circle on a piece of plywood. Cut out the plywood circle with the handsaw to create a base for the campfire centerpiece.

2

Gather one large rock, at least 10 inches wide, and set it aside to serve as the fire center. Gather several rounded rocks from the outdoors, generally about the size of an adult fist, to create the pit. Arrange the rocks around the edge of the plywood like a ring around a fire pit. Glue the rocks to the edge of the plywood and let dry.

3

Layer at least 18 total pieces of assorted red, orange and yellow tissue paper. Stack the layer unevenly, so that the corners point out in random directions. Place the reserved large rock in the center of the tissue paper stack. Pull the tissue paper up and around the rock, pinching the paper together at the top of the rock. Tie a piece of string around the pinched tissue paper tightly and secure in a knot.

4

Gather several thick sticks and small logs from the outdoors. Place the tissue-paper rock in the center of the fire pit. Lean the sticks and logs inward against the large rock to create a tepee shape. Wedge the bottom of the wood against the rock edging to secure.

5

Pull the tissue paper flames up between the sticks and logs, leaving a large amount of the paper sticking up from the top of the wood tepee. Arrange and rearrange the tissue paper flames among the wood until you create a realistic-looking fire.

6

Secure any loose sticks or logs with glue and let dry before you try to move the creation.

How to Build a Patio Table with a Fire Pit

A patio table with a fire pit offers a warm relaxing space to enjoy when the weather begins to get cooler. Many patio table sets offer a recessed area to build a small fire and often come with a screen dome to prevent embers and sparks from escaping. These tables are often expensive and a hassle to get home from the store. With these tips, you can build your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Buy the lumber for the size of patio table fire pit you want. The type of wood you get is a personal preference.

2

Build the surround for the fire pit from the lumber as desired. Gather or purchase rock or stone to construct the center basin that holds the central fire pit bowl. Place the rocks or stone in a pattern or styles desired and join them with a mortar of cement that contains no adhesives. Dry stacking the stones is another common method of construction. Leave a depression in the center of the stone for the fire pit bowl.

3

Find an appropriate size fire pit bowl basin for the center depression in the stone patio table. Most home improvement stores will carry these.

4

Fill the fire pit basin with an appropriate amount of wood or other burning material and light it. Allow the fire to consume the material and check all of the stone to ensure the fire pit bowl is secure in place.

How to Make Icing Tulips

Use icing tulips to enhance a bright and cheerful birthday or other special occasion cake for a bakery-worthy look. Tulip-themed cakes make ideal Mother's Day, Easter and garden tea party desserts. Use vibrantly colored icing in shades of yellow, orange, purple, red and pink to create the sweet flower decor. Use can also use icing tulips to decorate homemade or store-bought cupcakes, chocolates, sugar cookies, brownies and petit fours for a customized look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Color homemade or store-bought icing with icing pastes, which are more concentrated than liquid food coloring. Create several tulip-inspired icing colors in individual bowls.

2

Equip a pastry bag with a star tip 13. Spoon icing into the bag, filling only half of it.

3

Hold the bag at a 45-degree angle from the top of the dessert. Squeeze the bag and make one icing petal. Create two more icing petals on each side of the first one to create the tulip bloom. Make the flower as small or as large as you desire.

4

Use a separate pastry bag for each icing color if you're creating tulips in more than one hue. Wash out the pastry bag and tip between colors if you only have one of each.

5

Fill a pastry bag halfway with green icing. Equip the bag with a leaf tip 67. Hold the bag at a 45-degree angle from the dessert and squeeze it to create a leaf shape underneath each icing tulip.

How to Make Fabric Tulips

Use up leftover fabric scraps from previous sewing projects while simultaneously creating an everlasting floral centerpiece with handmade fabric tulips. Your handmade cloth tulips will never wilt, exist in any color your like and cost far less than constantly replacing dying tulips with fresh ones. Use the tulips as a centerpiece for your dining room table, or give them as a gift to a friend who needs cheering up. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut a 3-by-5-inch piece of fabric. Line up the 5-inch edges of the fabric with the wrong side of the fabric facing out, and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Iron the seam allowance open.

2

Fold the raw edge around one of the open ends down one inch. Iron the fold.

3

Loosen the tension and lengthen the stitch length on the sewing machine. Sew a basting stitch around the other open end of the fabric.

4

Wrap a wooden skewer with green florist tape. Insert one end of the skewer into the fabric piece from the folded edge to the end with the basting stitch so one inch of the skewer sticks out of the stitched end.

5

Pull the tails of the basting stitch to gather the fabric around the skewer. Wrap the tails of the thread around the gathered fabric in opposite directions three times before knotting them together.

6

Flip the fabric piece up to form a cup shape at the top of the skewer. Fill the cup with fiber fill until only 3/4 of an inch of space remains at the top.

7

Bring the top edge of the fabric in to the middle at four equally spaced points along its circumference; think of these points as east, west, north and south. Sew the east and west points together, and sew the north and south points together, each with five overlapping overcast stitches.

8

Fold a green felt sheet in half. Draw a leaf shape on the felt with tailor's chalk; make the leaf about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide at its widest point. Cut the leaf out through both layers of felt so you have two identical leaves.

9

Measure and cut a 4-inch piece of floral wire. Place 1 1/2 inches of the wire between the two felt leaves. Secure the leave to each other with the wire between them using hot glue.

10

Hold the leave against the stem of the flower with the wire running down the stem. Wrap the wire to the stem with florist's tape to attach the leaf to the stem.

Red Wedding Flower Ideas

Weddings are a time of celebration of two people starting a new life. Part of planning a wedding usually involves picking decorations as well as flower arrangements. One color that can add a lot of depth and interest to a wedding is red. Incorporate red flowers into bouquets and table arrangements.

Red Roses

Consider creating bridesmaids bouquets that include roses and calla lilies. The roses should be a very deep red. Interspersed with the roses, add very dark calla lilies, almost black, to create a mysterious and elegant look. Use a white ribbon to tie the bouquet together.

Red Tulips

Create interesting table displays for your wedding with red tulips. Cheerful yet classy, tulips are a good choice for a wedding. On each table at the reception, place a grouping of red tulips with tea light candles surrounding them. Another idea is to make an arrangement of red tulips and in the middle, place three white tapered candles.

Multi-shade

Use flowers in all shades of red, from bright red to wine to magenta, in your bridal bouquet or bridesmaids' bouquets. Cluster them together in a round bouquet. Add ferns to the arrangement in an informal way. You could also incorporate lilies and orchids with your mix of flowers in shades of red.

Red and Pink

A feminine look utilizing red flowers for your wedding is to combine red and pink roses together in a bouquet. Use an equal number of red and pink roses in the bouquet. Add pretty pink berries throughout. Tie the bottom of the bouquet with pearls or even a sheer ribbon in cream or white.

How to Remove Bulbs After the Tulip Blooms Fade

Tulips usher in spring with their dramatic display of large, cup-shaped blooms. Although the blooming period is somewhat brief, tulips are beloved by many gardeners since they add a punch of color to winter-ravaged beds and grow reliably year after year. The key to keeping tulips productive for many years is the removing and storage of the bulbs, which are later replanted in fresh soil with plenty of space between them. However, tulip bulbs must only be removed after the foliage dies back in summer since the leaves are required to store nutrients for the next year's blooming period. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Wait until the large, fleshy leaves of the tulip plants wither and turn solid yellow before removing the bulbs from the ground.

2

Insert the tines of a garden fork 8 inches deep into the soil about six inches from the edge of the tulip plants. Pull back on the handle of the garden fork to pry the bulbs up. Set the soil-covered tulip bulbs aside.

3

Carefully remove the tulip bulbs from the soil. Pull off and discard the withered, yellow leaves from the tops of the bulbs.

4

Spread out the tulip bulbs on a shaded table or porch to dry out. Leave the bulbs to dry for one hour. Turn the bulbs over and let them dry another hour.

5

Place the tulip bulbs in a mesh sack or paper bag. Store them away from heat, light and moisture until autumn.

6

Plant the tulip bulbs in autumn before the first frost. Determine the proper spacing and planting depth for your tulip bulbs according to the species or cultivar. As a rule of thumb, most bulbs should be planted to a depth equal to twice their diameter and spaced one bulb-length apart.

What Are Tulip Tree Leaves Used For?

Tulip trees are versatile plants with many uses in the garden, at home and beyond. The trees grow very tall, up to 60 feet, and are wonderful specimens in the garden, branching out wide with large flowers that provide both beauty and shade. Different parts of the tulip tree can be used for various means; however, the tree's leaves themselves offer very little practical human use but to provide shade when still attached to the tree. Does this Spark an idea?

Folk Medicine

Tulip tree leaves are generally not recognized to have any practical use. However. according to Cherokee folk medicine. the leaves can be used as a pain reliever. The leaves are not ingested, but are made into a leaf poultice or compress to be applied to painful areas. In traditional Native American medicine, tulip tree bark has many more uses than the leaves. Taken as an infusion, the bark of the tree was ingested to combat and cure worms, diarrhea, dyspepsia and other intestinal illnesses. The bark infusion can also be used as a cough medicine or to treat rheumatism. Fresh green tulip tree bark was considered a stimulant. This quality was utilized by chewing on the bark.

Western medicine has not verified any of these uses for the tulip tree and has since found no medicinal value in the plant; never use any type of extract of this plant to treat any medical condition before consulting a physician.

Wood

Tulip tree leaves have little practical use, but their honey derived from their flowers is considered very valuable. Honeybees are especially attracted to the pollen of tulip tree flowers and will flock to a tulip tree when it is blooming, thus pollinating nearby plants. The honey produced by tulip tree flowers is much revered by bakers, though it is not considered suitable as table honey.

Paper

Though not used for mass production of paper, the wood of the tulip tree with its off white color is a great resource for paper making. The relatively soft wood is easily made into the pulp which is used to make paper, and the natural color tone of the tree's wood makes for a pleasantly colored paper without using any additives.

Wood

Named canoe wood by some Native Americans, Tulip trees provide a very malleable yet sturdy wood that is made much use of. Lumber is commonly made of tulip tree wood. It is also used frequently in furniture and for more intricate carving works. The wood is also used for veneer.

Fun Decorating Themes for the Kitchen in a Home

Style your kitchen with as much personality as your family in bold colors and fun patterns. Go retro with laminate and chrome dining sets and vintage tin signs, or choose a lush vineyard theme in rich jewel tones and creams. From a swanky bistro theme with wrought iron tables and trendy china to a rustic country theme complete with scrubbed wood benches and antique milk jars, fun themes add character to the heart of a home. Does this Spark an idea?

Bistro and Cafe Themes

Wrought iron cafe tables, striped awning-style curtains and black-and-white-checkered floors create a bistro theme that is warm and inviting. Add vintage memorabilia such as wall art, salvaged bistro booths or tablecloths, and butcher blocks. To blend the bistro and cafe themes, add antique coffee grinders, large glass jars full of biscotti and cookies, displays of a variety of mugs and quirky posters or wall art.

Country and Rustic Themes

Primitive or Americana styles, coupled with farm memorabilia and antique farm items, create a kitchen style that recalls the scrubbed wood farm kitchens of decades gone by. Classic gingham, sunflowers, tractor or farm equipment motifs, and rooster or apple themes offer a family-style atmosphere that can be customized for any family's roots.

Retro and Vintage Themes

Evoke a sock hop or soda shop with black-and-white-checkered floors, chrome and laminate furniture, gleaming retro appliances and memorabilia from "I Love Lucy," "Happy Days," "Grease" and other retro staples. Opt for a more groovy style with beaded curtains, avocado green and mustard yellow appliances, funky floral patterns and macrame. Find vintage glassware, utensils, appliances or cookware to complete your theme.

Wine and Vineyard Themes

Wrought iron baker's racks, ceramic pottery, artificial grapes and trailing vines create a Tuscan oasis in your home. Rich reds, burnt umber, warm browns and soft greens set the tone for a lush space. Accessorize with vintage wine bottles used as candelabra, storage for utensils or as vases. Copper pots and hand-thrown ceramic dishware rounds out the theme.

How to Set a Table for Dining Russian Style

Russian style table settings are formal settings used for banquets, formal dinner events and in many fine dining restaurants. The table setting is distinctive and appealing. Dinnerware, glassware and flatware are placed precisely on the table. When a Russian style table setting is used, no courses are placed on the table. Waiters and waitresses, or servants serve each course at the table. As the course is finished, the settings used are removed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the service plate (dinner plate) 1 inch from the edge of the table. Place enough plates for each guest. After the plates are on the table, move the plates to the left or right so that there is equal distance between each plate.

2

Place the soup bowl on the service plate. If there is a soup plate with the soup bowl, the plate goes under the soup bowl on the service plate.

3

Lay the salad fork next to the plate on the left side 1 inch from the plate and 1 inch from the table edge. Next to the salad fork, place the dinner fork and next to the dinner fork, place the fish fork. Each fork should have 1 inch between each. Forks should be even at the bottom.

4

Place the napkin 1 inch away from the fish fork on the left side. The bottom should be even with the bottom of the forks.

5

Place the service knife 1 inch from the service plate on the right side. Next to the dinner knife, place the fish knife 1 inch away and 1 inch from the fish knife, place the soup spoon. Silverware should be even with the edge of the plate and 1 inch from the table edge.

6

Place the dessert spoon and cake fork at the top of the service plate directly in the center of the plate, but 1 inch from the plate.

7

Set the bread and butter plate with the butter knife lying across the plate 1 inch above the forks on the left side of the service plate. The right side of the plate should be in line with the left side of the salad fork.

8

Place the wine and water glasses next. The water glass is 2 inches up from the service knife. On the right one inch from the water glass, place the white wine glass. Place the red wine glass to the right of the white wine glass 1 inch away.

How to Decorate a French Cafe

The dcor of a restaurant sets the tone for the customer's entire experience. Like a stage setting, the interior design creates anticipation for and informs the patron of the meal about to be served. Selecting materials, furniture, colors and accents should start with the menu itself. A French caf suggests dishes such as salade nioise, croque monsieur and crme brule. These homey, delicious foods draw inspiration from the French provincial style.

Instructions

1

Install flooring of polished wood or black-and-white ceramic tiles in a checkerboard pattern. Wood absorbs noise and tile reflects it, so the ambiance of a larger space will benefit from wood, whereas tile in a smaller space is not a problem. Wood can be either formal or informal, while tile lends itself to a casual atmosphere.

2

Paint wooden built-ins, counters and other large furniture pieces bright white or creamy off-white, or finish them in very dark wood. If furniture is painted, an eclectic blend of antique, retro and modern pieces are pulled together for a cohesive look while giving the appearance of items lovingly collected over time. This blend of vintage and new is thoroughly French. Take into consideration your clientele and meal service times. Light and airy is welcoming for breakfast and lunch, while dark tones are cozy for dinner service and imply more formality.

3

Choose a wall color that is either traditional white to accompany the dark tones of the built-ins or shades that come from the French provincial spectrum. Accent pieces from the French artisans of faience pottery are ideal. These colors and patterns provide authenticity and will suggest the right shade for the walls. A sunny yellow is often used in French cafs.

Hang wall dcor such as reprints of early 20th-century posters for French champagne and wines. If original art is preferred, display works-for-sale by local artists and rotate the pieces as they are sold. Add to the artistic tone by playing French mid-century music. A slate chalkboard with menu specials at the entrance is classic bistro, and window treatments can be timeless white lace or a toile in a pattern that complements the rest of the dcor.

4

Furnish the cafe with wrought iron or rattan chairs and tables with marble or Formica tops, which add to the bistro feel and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Use thick white china and white cloth napkins if budget permits. Outfit waitstaff in black and white with extra-long white aprons to enhance the setting. Fresh flowers are "de rigueur" or required by custom for a French caf and can be as simple as a few carnations on each table to elaborate countertop arrangements.

5

Display breads and tarts if bakery items are featured on the menu, to entice customers with their colors and aromas and show off the pastry chef's skills. Provide visual interest with built-in wine racks and sparkling glassware, reminding customers that a glass of Chablis or Bordeaux will complement their meal. Install weatherproof chairs and tables with umbrellas on the sidewalk for a time-honored addition if local climate and restaurant zoning regulations permit.

Tips to How to Build Your Own Propane Fire Pit

On cool summer and fall evenings, fire pits allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm and comfortable. However, while fire pits can add warmth and beauty to your backyard, it can be annoying to have to keep lighting and re-lighting logs. Propane fire pits make lighting your fire easier because they use a propane tank and an electric starter to ignite the fire. Does this Spark an idea?

Design and Dimensions

In order to build your fire pit, you need to know what materials you will be using and how large an area it will require. Some propane-fueled fire pits have simple designs, and consist solely of stones that are placed in a circle with a gas line in the middle. Others are more complex and use concrete as a foundation, with cinder blocks and stones built on top of it. Your fire pit may be square, round or triangular, so be creative and choose a design and dimensions that best fits your needs.

The Right Location

When selecting a spot for a propane fire pit in your backyard, use a tape measure to ensure the dimensions are correct. It's helpful to use spray paint to mark the area where the fire pit will go. If you are building a more complex fire pit, it may be necessary to use a backhoe to dig out the area as well. The bottom must be level, though, so use a rake to smooth the soil until it is even.

A Solid Foundation

If you are using concrete as a foundation for your propane fire pit, you should build a temporary wooden frame to serve as a template for the concrete slab that will form the fire pit's base. The frame should be secured to the ground with wooden posts, and must be level before the quick-setting concrete is poured into it. Make sure to smooth the concrete so it is level as well. Allow it to dry as per the instructions on the packaging. When the concrete is dry, the wooden frame may be removed.

Cinder Blocks

In order to save money on masonry supplies, use cinder blocks as a frame to which decorative stones can be affixed. A single course of cinder blocks is usually sufficient, and they are typically finished with cap blocks on the top. As you build up the cinder blocks, make sure that they are level. On the interior of the fire pit, it may be necessary to cut the blocks to fit, so be careful when measuring.

Decorative Stones

The benefit of building your own propane fire pit is that it can meet your specifications exactly. Find manufactured stones to adhere to the cinder blocks that are the color and texture that you desire (see Resources). Use field stones to cover the top of the fire pit, and cut them so they fit in place.

Connecting the Gas Line

For your fire pit to operate, a propane regulator must be installed that runs the fuel from the copper tubing that connects the propane tank to the fire pit. The propane gas line must then be connected to the regulator with Teflon tape. Because there is a risk of explosion with propane tanks, it's best to seek professional assistance for this step to avoid any mistakes.

Balcony Furniture Ideas

Balconies come in all different sizes, so there are many different furniture options available to meet various needs. Some pieces of furniture can even double as storage to maximize the amount of space available. No matter what you use your balcony for, there are pieces of furniture to accommodate it. Does this Spark an idea?

Storage

Having storage on your balcony is an important consideration. Take into account what is on the balcony and what you may need to store in that space. Some furniture can double as storage units. For instance, some seats or table tops can be lifted to reveal storage underneath. If you do not have much to store outside, then consider using smaller storage containers that can be hidden behind plants or flowers.

Furniture

Depending on the size of your balcony, you can have many different kinds of furniture. One option for a smaller space is a bistro set. This normally includes two chairs and a small table and can be made of different materials like wrought iron or wood. A bistro set is great for having a cup of coffee in the morning, but it is normally not big enough to eat dinner on. If you have a larger balcony, there are bigger pieces that can allow you to lounge as well. This can include anything from a love seat, to a chaise lounge to a patio table and chairs. These are also made of different materials that can vary depending upon your preferences.

Fences

Another type of decor some people opt for is fencing. If you would like your balcony to be more private, try placing a fence on your balcony. Most balconies have some sort of fence but they can be short and don't provide any privacy. Try placing a bamboo fence inside the fence that is already on the balcony. You can also find fences made of wrought iron that allow you to grow plants on them. Over time, the plants will grow up the sides of the fence, providing more beauty and privacy. While these provide some privacy, they don't totally block your balcony. Keep in mind, however, that using a fence can cause you to obscure your view and ability to see outside of your balcony.

Plants

One way to liven up your balcony is by adding a few potted plants. If you have a small balcony, even one or two plants can make a big difference. A window box or small pots of flowers are also options for decorating the balcony. When deciding which plants to use, take into consideration whether your balcony is shaded or if it receives direct sunlight. If it does receive sunlight, then consider how much light it receives. Some good ideas of plants to use are bonsai or orchids. These are plants that don't take up much space and have very decorative qualities.

Traditional French Furniture

French furniture is known for its understated elegance. From Parisian chic to Provencal charm, there are many facets to traditional French style. Blending together the simple with ornate pieces is signature French style. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Room

Armchairs have exposed wood and upholstered seats, backs and arms. Wood is either carved simply or ornately. A couch or settee has wooden legs and sometimes a curved back. Upholstery is done in rich fabrics like velvets and brocades.

Bedroom

Beds can be wrought iron, black or painted, or made of wood. Side tables with curved legs can be used as a nightstand. Sleigh beds are popular in Parisian apartments. Dressers can vary from simple straight lines to curved and highly detailed pieces accented with gold.

Kitchen

In Provence, kitchen tables and chairs are simple, made of painted or unfinished wood with straight legs. Chairs with straw seats are traditional. For a small kitchen, a bistro table is a good choice. Modern ones are made of wrought iron but some 19th century French bistro tables were made of wood with wooden folding chairs.

How to Make Onesie Tulips

A tulip bouquet made out of onesies is the perfect gift for a mother-to-be expecting to blossom in the spring. Simple and cheap to make, your thoughtful flowers will not only be useful once the baby comes, but will also be a lovely nursery decoration in the meantime. For a friend, for your daughter, for a baby shower or for your partner, this sentimental display is sure to get a reaction.

Instructions

1

Stuff a basket or pot with filler or crunched up tissue paper three-quarters of the way full.

2

Lay a onesie out flat on the table. Make sure that the crotch is snapped shut and that any strings or buttons are done-up.

3

Fold the bottom of the onesie in towards the belly so that the fold lays at the top of the leg holes.

4

Take each side of the onesie and fold them inwards so that the edges meet in the middle. Fold the sleeves in.

5

Roll the onesie tightly, starting at the neck and working your way to the end. Secure one end of the roll with a clear rubber band.

6

Separate the folded layers of the un-banded side of your onesie tulip to open its petals and place it in your prepared basket, adding filler where needed.

Display Ideas for Swarovski Crystal Tulips

Whether you have collected so many Swarovski crystal tulips you literally need a commercial display case to house them, or you've got a small garden's worth of these delicate collectibles and can't decide how to use them as home accents, a variety of options await you. Pick a large, commercial display unit to keep your crystal flowers safe, organized and dust-free, but if your collection consists of just a few pieces, you can create a charming setting with a bit of imagination. Does this Spark an idea?

Commercial Displayer

Contact the Swarovski company and ask how to purchase a commercial display case made to show off the facets and colors of these delicate collectibles. Alternately, there are tabletop displayers designed for jewelry and other small pieces of art. Some curio cabinets have mirrored interiors or glass shelves. Others feature wood, gold- or silver/nickel-plated trim; many are fitted with 110V halogen lights.

Wood Cabinets or Displayers

Search antique stores for wood furniture, curio cabinets and other vintage furniture pieces to make a one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal tulip display. Some antique cabinets have glass doors, so they will keep your crystal from collecting dust; if you want guests to get a good look at the colors and sparkle of your collection--and if you don't mind dusting the crystal from time to time--don't hide the flowers behind glass.

Flower Cart or Basket

You don't have to spend a fortune to put your Swarovski crystal tulips in a charming display. Search for a countertop-sized flower cart, rustic wagon or vintage-style vehicle at craft stores and novelty shops. Fill the interior with moss or silk grass, then arrange the crystal tulips amid the greenery. Alternately, re-create a European flower market using crates or baskets to corral your Swarovski tulips. Situate the basket on a bookshelf or end table, or use it as your dining-room table centerpiece.

Shelf-top Display

If a pricey glass display unit from Swarovski isn't your style and you don't particularly like the idea of grouping your crystal tulips into a basket or cart, make your own display on a library shelf, atop your piano, or in the middle of your coffee table. Arrange small gift boxes of varying heights in close proximity to one another, sprinkle green paper shreds over the grouping to suggest grass, and place the crystal tulips on top of the boxes. Replace the green shreds with black velvet cloth for drama and high contrast. You may also illuminate the display.

Showcase One Tulip

If you're lucky enough to have found at least one oversize, retired Swarovski crystal tulip to add to your collection, congratulations. These rare pieces deserve a special place when you put them in a display. Turn small terracotta flowerpots (2 to 3 inches high) upside down and group them into a circle. Place a larger inverted pot in the middle. Arrange tulips atop the pots, then place the retired piece on the tallest one to complete the crystal garden display.

How to Mix Dining Chairs

Mixing dining chairs has long been an important part of eclectic and shabby chic decorating. Dining chairs take a lot of abuse, and it is common for one or two to break. Whether you are mixing chairs by choice or necessity, it is important to maintain a sense of harmony. The key to successfully mixing dining chairs is finding a common element between all of your chairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide how many chairs you need. Dining tables are sold in a myriad of sizes, from tiny two-seaters to massive tables that seat 12 or more. You may already have some chairs.

2

Select a common element. Some people buy identical chairs and paint them different colors. Some purchase very different chairs and paint them the same color. Some buy different styles that share a common design scheme, such as wooden chairs with rounded backs.

3

Think outside the box. Consider painting chairs in different shades of a particular color or different colors within the same family, such as pastels. A color wheel, available at your local paint dealer, can help you find colors that blend well together. If you prefer wood stain rather than paint, consider using a range of warm, rich stains.

4

Assemble the right tools for the job. Paint or stain wooden chairs with traditional household products. Many people like the look of high-gloss enamel, although any finish is acceptable. Latex enamel is easy to work with and forgiving of mistakes.

Use dedicated metal products on metal chairs. Auto body paint and model paint work especially well. However, metal paints create noxious odors and should only be used outside or in very well-ventilated areas.

5

Prepare your chairs for painting or staining. Repair any defects and patch holes. Remove loose paint with a paint scraper and sand smooth. If the chairs will be painted, apply a thick layer of primer and allow to fully dry.

6

Apply paint or stain with a high-quality paint brush. Wipe off excess stain with a rag while wet. Allow the chairs to fully dry, at least overnight, before deciding whether to add a second coat.

7

Avoid using or excessively handling newly painted chairs for three days. This allows the paint to fully set, minimizing the chance for damage or scratches.

What Is the Standard Height of a Dining Table?

Depending on the activity, an important factor in the comfortable use of a table is the height of the table top. Dining tables and their respective heights have evolved over time, from formal seating at a standard height table to more casual counter and bar dining. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Dining Table

The standard height of a dining table is between 28" to 30" above the floor.

Counter-height Table

A counter-height table or kitchen island counter top is typically 36" above the floor. While kitchen counter tops are a comfortable height to stand and work at, it is also popular to sit at the counter for casual dining and interaction with activities in the kitchen.

Bar-height Table

Bar height tables are between 40" and 42" above the floor. This height of table is often seen in informal cafe dining or bars.

Outdoor Dining Table

The height for outdoor dining tables are the same as for standard dining tables, between 28" and 30" above the floor.

Chair Heights

The comfortable height for a dining chair seat is 10" to 12" below the height of the dining table. A typical dining chair is 18" to 20" high at the seat. A bar-height stool or chair is between 30" and 32" high at the seat.

Unique Country Decor Centerpiece Ideas for a Dining Room Table

If you're looking for a fresh way to soften your contemporary table setting, or you're looking for an appropriate centerpiece for a garden party, picnic or festive fall get-together, incorporate a centerpiece idea inspired by country-style design. It focuses on using what you have on hand, items from nature and handmade touches for warm, inviting and refreshing pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Bottles and Jars

In the country, you create beauty with what you have on hand. Look for colored glass bottles in varying shapes and sizes. Snip a fresh flower for each one, or place single long, slim leaves or foliage blades in each one. Line them neatly along the length of the table, or cluster them in the center. You can do the same thing with mason jars, filling them with fresh flowers. For a centerpiece doubling as outdoor lighting, place a tea light in each mason jar. The white light in the clear jar is breathtaking at night.

Fruit and Nuts

Get back to nature with unusual centerpieces that feature Mother Nature's prized beauties. You can also always mix fruits with foliage and flowers, too. Fill an old oatmeal or tea tin with oak leaves, fresh flowers and pears stuck on skewers for a fall arrangement. Switch the oak with seasonal foliage and flowers, and use citrus for the warmer months. Hollow out a raw artichoke to use as a candle sconce, and line up asparagus spears or green beans around a pillar candle; tie a bow around to fasten it. It creates a temporary and fresh centerpiece. You can do something similar with nuts, placing candles in large glass containers and placing a few nuts around the candles.

Garden Centerpieces

Place short-stemmed carnations and wildflowers in vintage mugs between the entrees and side dishes. For a sleek look, place single tulips in bud vases along the length of a table, or carefully twist a larger tulip bouquet gathered with a rubber band and place it in a large, clear pitcher. You can also lay flowers flat in a woven basket lined with burlap, linen or patterned cotton fabric. Smaller flowers also look fresh and dainty in egg cups, and you can complete the theme with seed packet place settings for each guest.

More Country Touches

For a homey, country feel, line the middle of the table with colorful cakes, or place a bundt cake on an elaborately patterned cake stand with a bunch of blossoms placed in the ring. You can do the same thing with prize-winning cupcakes, arranging them around your floral centerpiece on the cake stand. You can also place an old birdcage in the center, and place fresh cut wild roses or daisies inside. For a fall country centerpiece, fashion a branch with a few crepe blossoms glued onto the ends, and place it in your favorite bottle or a mason jar.

Floral Wedding Reception Centerpiece Ideas

When choosing a floral wedding reception centerpiece, consider the design statement you want to make. A formal design requires a different type of flower and container than a rustic or country one. The arrangement and amount of the flowers used also vary, as one flower may be the basis for an elegant design, while a country design works well with a bunch.

Fishbowl

A fishbowl may create a formal or romantic design. For a formal elegant design, pick a graceful exotic flower, such as a calla lily, orchid or tulip. Group them with greenery into the fishbowl and allow them to drape gracefully over the edges. For a romantic design, add small colored beads to the fishbowl, and snuggle the heads of roses, before you submerge them. Drip rose petals along the top of the water and add a floating candle.

Eiffel Tower

An Eiffel Tower design adds height to your arrangement. A dome-shaped plant foam on the top of the tower allows for a three-layered flower arrangement. A center design of fiery Hawaiian orchids is surrounded by a layer of yellow, then red, roses. Yellow ribbon wraps around the stem of the tower with a large red ribbon bow at the base. Strewn petals of yellow and red roses sprinkle the area by the base.

Basket

Design your centerpiece using a basket and give a country feel to your table. A white wicker basket filled with garden flowers, such as zinnias, hydrangeas, dahlias, roses or hyacinth, brings a county warmth to the table -- especially when you tie a brightly colored ribbon to the handle. Add photographs of the couple in white frames to the table. Another option is to add potted plants directly inside the basket to double as wedding favors.

Hurricane Vase

Bring interest to your table with a hurricane vase. Bright yellow lemons fill the bottom globe section of the vase, while a lush cascading display of flowers overflows over the rim of the glass. Some yellow flower for the arrangement include daises, sunflowers, marigolds, anethum, snapdragon or bottle brush. Another option is to contrast the yellow lemons in the base with bright green flowers, such as the bells of Ireland, carnations, hydrangeas or lady's mantle.

Simple Floral Centerpiece Ideas

When decorating your home, you'll find that giving attention to small details can really pull a room's look together and make the design appear cohesive and complete. A floral centerpiece can be the crowning glory of your table. Whether it is a formal dining room or a casual kitchen, no matter what season, keep your table topped with a simple floral centerpiece. Does this Spark an idea?

Fruit and Flowers

Mix fruit into your floral centerpiece for an added splash of color. Use a large clear glass vase or other container and put a few lemons, limes or tangerines into it before adding some tall, stately flowers like calla lilies or long-stemmed roses. Another option is to slice the citrus fruit into rounds. Thinly sliced citrus fruit shows all the sections, is brightly colored and translucent so the light shines right through. Line up the fruit slices around the edges of the glass and put the flower stems in the center.

Harvest Basket

When autumn comes, collect some realistic-looking silk seasonal flowers and, instead of standing them in a vase, lay them in a harvest basket. Harvest baskets are long and flat with a handle. Add a pair of decorative gardening gloves, a hand trowel and some brightly decorated seed packets to the arrangement for a casual centerpiece. It will look like you've just come in from the yard and dropped your basket on the kitchen table.

Multiple Containers

Instead of using one large centerpiece, cluster a few smaller ones to make an impact. If your style is modern cottage or shabby chic, try lining up six to 12 small vintage jelly jars, soda bottles, perfume bottles or green glass beer bottles in one long row in the center of a dining room table. In each container, put a little water and a single colorful bloom, such as a carnation, tea rose or tulip. This is an excellent way to achieve a simple yet stunning arrangement for a long, formal table, while adding a more casual atmosphere to the occasion.

Topiary

A little topiary can give your table a touch of European formality. You can make a long-lasting topiary by hot-gluing silk flowers and leaves all over a polystyrene foam sphere in the size of your choice. Alternately, create a fresh flower topiary for a holiday or party, using a sphere of florist foam that has been soaked in water for about 20 minutes. Instead of gluing the flowers, cut each stem so it is only about 2 inches long and push it into the florist foam. If the stem is not sturdy enough, make a hole first for it with a skewer. Use floral pins, which are like hairpins, to hold the flowers in place if they are loose. Just stick a painted dowel into the sphere and then "plant" the other end of the dowel into a decorative flowerpot filled with florist foam to hold it up. Cover the foam at the base with Spanish moss or colored sand.