How to Design a French Style Bedroom

For a romantic look, use French decor in your bedroom. You can give a plain bedroom a French update by adding a scattering of pillows in toile and fleur-de-lis to the bed, or invest in a full bedroom redesign including classic French architectural elements and furniture inspired by famous French design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Look through furniture catalogs, antique stores, hotel brochures and flea markets for examples of French style. You can go shabby chic French country by using heirlooms and refurbished vintage pieces, or Parisian bohemian by creating an eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork from different design traditions. For a classic French look, go with rococo furniture frames, French antiques and chairs and tables with skinny, sculpted legs.

2

Integrate architectural elements from French tradition. A stone wall and fireplace look right at home in a French country bedroom. A bohemian Parisian bedroom might feature built-in shelves with niches for artwork and books. French doors open up a master bedroom and provide access to a simple balcony with a wrought iron railing or a terrace holding a bistro table and chairs.

3

Establish a color scheme with paint or finishes. Keep the look rustic with unfinished, unpainted wood on floors, exposed ceiling beams or wall posts. Accent distressed or weathered wood with translucent antique whitewash or milk paint, or add some color with cornflower, mustard, soft poppy seed black, terra-cotta or bottle green. For a classic French look, white, cream, gold, black and ruby red set the tone.

4

Draw attention to the bed in a French bedroom. Go classic with a rococo bed with four posters and a canopy. For a Parisian chic look, use a simple geometric canopy frame without a canopy on it. A French country bed may be a simple wooden platform style with a tufted headboard, or a wrought iron frame with ornate scrolls on the headboard. Instead of a dresser, invest in an oversized armoire with metal hardware and scenes painted on the doors.

5

Illuminate your bedroom with French style. Tiffany lamps can adorn a nightstand, built-in shelves or a desk. Wall sconces with tulip shades may shine on a large painting above the bed. A chandelier lends sculptural interest to the space.

Patio Picture Ideas

When the family moves out of doors for the summer, you don't have to leave your personal decorating flair behind. Put your signature on outdoor spaces as well by accenting your patio with weatherproof art. Your choice of wall decor for your patio can lend an exotic touch or make the space a haven for friends and family. Many wall art pieces are designed specifically for patio and garden applications. Does this Spark an idea?

Weatherproof Art

A variety of attractive art prints are available with protective coatings that make the prints waterproof and protect them from the fading effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Many of these are stretched over an interior frame, so you need not worry about the frame material deteriorating from being outdoors. Choose prints of Tuscany to create an earthy yet exotic atmosphere; select botanical prints to reflect or replace garden flora; place still-life prints to instill your outdoor haven with a peaceful, bounteous atmosphere.

Wall Tiles and Plaques

A colorful, hand-painted tile provides attractive contrast to an exterior wall.

Your patio pictures need not be confined to framed or stretched prints. If your outdoor retreat features paving stones or slate, wall tiles of similar materials are a great decorating choice. Decorative tiles and plaques suitable for outdoor use come in natural slate, all-weather resin, cast cement, ceramic and fiber stone. Choose a series grouping for a large wall. A set of tiles featuring forest animals or the four seasons will reflect your family's outdoor interests. For a classical touch, arrange a row of tiles depicting Greek gods. For a truly unique item, order a personalized plaque featuring your family name. To transform a plain patio wall into an elegant niche, place hand-hewn slate tiles with contemporary art designs, and surround them with plenty of live greenery. With some persistence, you should be able to find just the right wall tiles or plaques to complement your outdoor habitat.

Metal Art

Metal wall art can be the picture perfect addition to your patio decor. Wall sculptures rendered in copper, brass or other metals that are treated with weather-protective coatings can give your outdoor space a distinctive flair. Metal art can be flat paintings or shaped items such as trees, sailboats, animals and virtually anything else you are looking for. The metal medium is a departure from the usual indoor wall art, providing a change of pace that is compatible to your change of place.

Wall Sculpture

A wall scupture is a dramatic addition to your outdoor space.

Whether your patio style calls for busts of Beethoven and Bach and or the smiling face of Bacchus, god of wine, three-dimensional wall sculpture is a picture choice which nearly pops off the wall and into your conversation. Cement, resin, wood and clay are some of the materials which artists or manufacturers employ to create the hangings which are flat on one side for wall mounting. Wall sculptures add texture to an otherwise flat patio landscape, and help fill large spaces. Add plants or some colorful accent pieces to complement the sculpture.

How to Decorate a Medium Porch

A porch is the perfect place to watch the world go by on a lazy afternoon. It is where you can connect with neighbors and spend time with family. While the word may conjure images of grand Victorian homes complete with large wraparound porches, thats not the reality for many home owners. Porches come in all sizes, from deep farmhouse porches to condo balconies. Medium porches offer more decorative opportunities than small porches and fewer than large ones. The key is to choose furniture and accessories with size in mind. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose furniture that is smaller both physically and visually. Wicker chairs are a good choice. Their open-weave pattern makes them appear smaller than they are and fool the eye into thinking the porch is larger than it is. Cushion them with pillows covered in waterproof fabric. Opt for small, round wicker or glass-topped tables, or choose a bistro set for dining. Consider medium-sized porch rockers paired with a child-sized bench or vintage school desk acting as a coffee table and plant stand.

2

Lay an area rug. Avoid those with deep colors. Choose one in a natural fiber like sisal. This will give your children a place to play quietly in the summer. Alternatively, paint your porch a light neutral color.

3

Create a pop of color with a red screen door in a vintage style. It will draw the eye without taking up valuable floor space. Add a wreath, and change it with the seasons.

4

Add potted plants and flowers, but don't overwhelm the space. March pots of seasonal flowers up the porch steps to add beauty without taking up floor space. Hang plants from the porchs overhang for the same reason. Hanging plants like fuchsia, which have drooping blooms and greenery, provide privacy while allowing you to scan the neighborhood.

5

Edit your accessories. Avoid making the porch look cluttered and therefore smaller. When you are decorating a medium-size porch, less is more. Warm one chair with a quilt or shawl to ward off the chill of a fall night, but dont toss one on every seat. Rather, keep them handy in a hall closet. Avoid large containers. Opt for a quart-size jar, a tea pot or a milk bottle to hold a bouquet of flowers. Add an architectural feature like a vintage column for display or to hold a plant. It will not take up a lot of floor space.

How to Make Tulip Bouquets

Tulips come in all colors of the rainbow, including bi-colored species, and make an elegant bouquet or shine as part of a floral arrangement. A bouquet of tulips tells someone they are your perfect love, according to Iowa State University Extension. Like other flowers, the color of tulips has special meaning, with red representing love, purple royalty and yellow sunshine, according to florist ProFlowers. Arrange a tulip bouquet to brighten a table at an event or for your love. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Gather the tulips and carefully pull off the leaves by hand. Fill the kitchen sink with cold water. Hold the stems of the tulips under water. Use a 45-degree angle to cut two inches from the bottom of the stems with a stem cutter or knife. Place the flowers in a bucket with cold water to soak

2

Choose four tulips to construct the middle of the bouquet. Pick up one flower at a time and transfer them into your other hand. Add the next three flowers to the first in a square formation; this creates a center point for the bouquet. Make sure the flowers are equal in height.

3

Add each additional flower one by one around the center tulips, slowly rotating the bouquet before adding the next tulip. Keep all flowers the same height. Check the progress of the bouquet's shape in a mirror. Make adjustments as needed to maintain the bouquets rounded form.

4

Wrap the floral tape around the stems, three to four inches beneath the blossoms. Place the bouquet on a flat surface. Measure the stems with a ruler. Cut the stems to a length of seven or eight inches with the stem cutter or knife. Trim the ends of the stems so they appear even. Dry the stems with a paper towel.

5

Measure and cut a piece of ribbon three times the length of the tulips stems. Tuck one end into the floral tape wrapped around the top of the stems. Wrap the ribbon around the stems in a downward spiral motion until reaching the bottom. Repeat this process wrapping the ribbon back toward the top. Tuck the end of the ribbon into the floral tape. Secure with several straight pins pushed into the ribbon through the stems.

Ideas for an Italian Romantic Setting

With its rich history, tranquil lakes and peaceful meadows, Italy is a country of stunning architecture and lush landscapes, ideal for a romantic evening. Of course, going to Italy is an extravagant expense, so many individuals opt to bring a taste of Italy to their own homes. Creating a romantic Italian setting is not only a thoughtful way to impress your partner, but it is also a way to learn more about Italian culture.

Decor

Earth tones were the most popular colors in traditional Italian decor. Inspired by landscape, agriculture and pleasant weather, the colors most often used were reds, browns, blues, greens, creams, golds and grays. For your romantic setting, use earth tones for table linens and add Italian flowers such as alpine crocus wildflowers, wild orchids or poppies. Italians often used wall candles to create ambiance. Candles placed on the table or surrounding the setting will provide a special glow.

Music

Background music is one of the most important parts of a romantic setting. Opera music became popular in Italy around 1600 and is still prominent in the country today. Orchestral music with strong, Italian voices can make a romantic setting more enchanting. Play romantic songs such as "Amore" by Maestro Luciano Paravotti or "Speak Softly Love" by Sergio Franchi.

Food

In Italy, large, hearty meals were part of traditional Italian culture. Entire meals consisted of an apritif (often Prosecco), primo (first course), secondo (main dish), contorno (side dish), formaggio e frutta (cheese and fruits), dolce (sweets), all followed by digestivo, or digestives, which are liquors such as Limoncello, Sambuca or Grappa. After a glass of Prosecco, serve fried cod risotto as a first course, "cotoletta" or breaded veal cutlets with a side salad, fontina val d'aosta (a dessert cheese) with strawberries, and a glass of Sambuca to end the meal.

Jewelry

No romantic setting is complete without a gift for the person you are trying to impress. Today in Italy, many jewelers take inspiration from ancient Rome. Italian jewelry is often intricate and most pieces are made of gold. Gold pieces are often set with stones such as emeralds or pearls. Seashells are a less expensive option and are found in necklaces, rings or earrings. In ancient Rome, earrings that dangled from the earlobe to the shoulders were the preferred choice for women. Men wore rings of gold and copper as status symbols and often wore many.

Romantic Phrases

To complete your ideal Italian romantic setting, use Italian romantic phrases to woo your partner. "Mio amore" translates to "my love." "Sei la mia vita" means "you are my life," and "ti amo" means "I love you." If you want to pop the question in Italian, "Mi vuoi sposare" means "Will you marry me?"

How do I Build a Fire Pit Coffee Table?

Fire pit coffee tables enable a person to enjoy the comfort of home while enjoying the wonderful world of nature. Being warmed by a fire on a chilly fall night and having the ability to put your feet up on a table is a combination of two worlds. Building your own fire pit coffee table will definitely give guests something to talk about at the next get-together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch pressure-treated plywood that is large enough for a comfortable table. The measurements need to be divisible by four, and 6 inches larger than the fire pit basin. Add 1 more inch to the final measurement to allow for tile spacers.

For example: If the fire pit basin is 29 inches wide, the plywood would need to be a minimum of 35 inches wide. To accommodate a multiple of four the width would need to be 36 inches. Adding 1 more inch would mean the plywood would need to be 37 inches wide. This will allow you to apply a row of 9 whole tiles to the top of the table. The same applies to the length.

2

Remove the legs from a small purchased fire pit. Any kind will work. This will set the basis for the size of the coffee table. The only thing that is needed is the basin of the pit. This is the area where the fire is burned. Every fire pit is different. You will have to determine the best way to remove the legs based on the model purchased.

3

Place the basin upside down on a piece of the plywood. Trace around the edges. It is best to keep the basin at least 6 inches away from the edge of the plywood.

4

Cut along the traced line on the plywood. Remove the piece of plywood in the center.

5

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 pieces of lumber to 17 inches long. These will be the legs.

6

Attach the legs to the four corners of the plywood, approximately 6 inches away from any edge. Do not allow the 2-by-4 to pass under the hole in the top. Drill a 3-inch screw through the top of the plywood and into the top of the 2-by-4. You should now have what resembles a table with a hole in the top.

7

Place the tiles on the top of the table. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Determine the pattern you wish to use. Cut the tiles that overlap the hole. Mark the line that needs to be cut with a pencil. Score the line on the tile with a tile scorer. Break the tile apart.

8

Remove all tiles and apply a -inch layer of thin set mortar to the top of the table, using a trowel.

9

Replace the tiles on top of the table. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Gently push each one into the mortar. Tap the tiles level with a rubber mallet. Wait for the mortar to dry.

10

Fill the spaces with tile grout. Wait for the grout to dry before wiping the excess grout away with a damp sponge.

11

Measure the width between the outside portion of each leg on the table. Measure the height of the table from the ground to the bottom of the table top. Cut a piece of plywood to match.

12

Nail the plywood to the front of each leg. Ensure that the nails do not intersect with each other.

13

Turn the table upside down, and apply a generous amount of grout to the outside and underneath of the table. Do not worry about the grout being smooth or neat. "Slap it on there." Wait for the grout to dry. Paint the dried grout if desired.

14

Turn the table back over and insert the fire basin in the hole. Leave the basin resting on the tile. This will allow for a faster removal of ashes later.

What Are Pool Tables Made Of?

The game of pool, a popular pastime for amateurs and professionals alike, has been around for a great many years. While pool tables have undergone many face lifts and changes over the years, their simple exterior belies the relatively complex assembly of parts that makes up this playing board.

The Frame

The frame of a pool table, or the actual "table" part, is made out of a variety of materials. The legs, rails (the outside of the table) and the support of the playing area are usually made of wood, but heavy plastics and metals are not uncommon in smaller pool tables, usually meant for children.

The Cushion

The inside of the rails of a pool table are usually cushioned by thick pads of rubber so that the billiard balls will rebound. This rubber is usually of the elastic variety, and can be vulcanized.

The Cloth

The cloth that covers a pool table is a very specific variety of cloth usually mislabeled as felt. Billiard cloth is made from a wool/nylon blend called baize.

The Playing Field

Between the cloth and the support of the table is a long sheet of quarried slate. Though other materials have been used, slate is still the most common.

The Pockets

Depending on the pool table, there may be different materials used in construction of the pockets. Woven sacks might dangle from the pocket to hold the balls, or there might be hollowed tracks in the table itself that funnel the balls to one area.

How to Design an Italian Dining Room

Design an Italian dining room to evoke a several hundred-year-old villa in the remote Tuscan countryside or as a contemporary ode to urban modernism in Rome. Consider using sophisticated Italian materials such as terra cotta and marble, as well as playful touches such as trompe l'oeil wall murals. The key feature of any Italian dining room is the appetite-inducing feeling of warmth, style and conviviality that makes mealtime one of the most important parts of every day. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Think modern Italy with old-school roots. Incorporate high-quality Italian marble into flooring, or use a long, narrow slab to top a vintage sideboard. Choose an open wooden china cabinet to display handcrafted Italian ceramics you collect on trips abroad or order online. Group terra cotta pots filled with a variety of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley on a sunny window ledge. Use high-design contemporary Italian chairs covered in white leather with a sleek, streamlined table for a cutting-edge bistro look.

2

Take ideas from traditional Italian pizza parlors. Build a brick oven between the kitchen and the dining area if you have a passion for the perfectly puffed-up, charred crispy crust. Opt for faux finish walls in a stucco style to emulate an especially charming restaurant's warm tones. Try a heavy wooden farmhouse table with benches for seating instead of formal dining chairs. Make the room casual and playful with framed posters from Federico Fellini films.

3

Design an open-plan dining room and kitchen combination to create a connection between the cooks and the guests. Emphasize the mingling of sounds and smells between the spaces, and encourage everyone to develop and indulge a healthy appetite. Fill the windowsills with boxes of red geraniums; hang fantastic, functional cookware from iron pot holders; and install wide French doors opening onto a kitchen garden to show off the natural warmth of home-grown ingredients like tomatoes and eggplants. Select an antique iron dining table with a glass top that is suitable both for indoor use and classic Italian al fresco dining.

How to Make a Pub Style Table

Ideal for relaxing with friends, a pub table makes a nice addition to a family room or basement. Helping bring the feel of an English pub to the comfort of home, the table can create a casual atmosphere for shooting pool, playing darts or watching sports on television. Also, you won't have to deal with the cost and inconvenience of going out. Pub tables are inexpensive and easy to construct. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark and cut the pieces of wood that will be used to construct the table. Cut a 3-feet-by-4-feet piece of plywood using a circular saw. Make two 4-foot-long two-by-fours. Saw another two-by-four into three pieces, each 2 feet, 9 inches long. Cut a four-by-four into four 3-foot-long pieces.

2

Sort the cut lumber. It will consist of two 4-foot-long two-by-fours; three two-by-fours, each 2-feet, 9-inches long; and four 3-foot-long four-by-fours.

3

Sand the edges of the wood until they are smooth. Then paint or stain the wood, giving them time to dry.

4

Use the five two-by-four pieces of wood to build the frame. Set both of the 4-foot pieces 3 feet apart and on edge, parallel to each other. Then place two of the 2-foot, 9-inch pieces between them, forming a rectangle. Attach the four sections using 2 1/2-inch screws.

5

Create the center beam by running the remaining 2-foot, 9-inch piece of wood through the middle of the frame. It should be perpendicular to both of the 4-foot pieces of wood. Fasten this part of the frame using 2 1/2-inch screws, driving them through the sides of the 4-foot frames.

6

Center the plywood that will serve as the tabletop over the frame. Secure the plywood using 1 1/2-inch screws. Drive a screw in every 6 inches working all the way around the table.

7

Flip the table over and attach the four legs. Use two 1/2-inch screws to fasten each of the previously cut four-by-fours to the table frame.

8

Turn the table over and stand it on its legs. Take four 1 1/2-inch screws and drive them into the corner of the table and each leg. This will add extra support.

How to Build a Dining Table for Under $80

An elegant table is the centerpiece of any dining room. But elegant doesn't have to mean expensive. With the right materials and a little know how, elegance can be achieved on a shoestring budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Buy the 2x4s and 2x12s. If you don't have a truck have each piece cut in half at the Home Improvement Store.

2

Make Cuts. 2x4s: 8@ 28 1/2 inches. 2@59 7/8 inches. 2@ 31 inches. 1@33 1/2 inches.
2x12s: 4@ 71 7/8 inches.

3

Screw two 28 1/2 inch 2x4s together making sure they line up evenly at both ends (flush) and on all edges. You'll make a total of four of these pairs. These are your legs. Notice that they do not make a square. Instead they are 3 inches x 3 1/4 inches.

4

Screw each end of each 59 7/8 2x4 into the 3 inch side of each leg. Make sure you are flush with the top and the outside edge of the legs. This creates the long edge of your table. Screw each 31 inch 2x4 into each 3 1/4 inch of each leg making the short edge of your table. Finish the lower frame off by centering the 33 1/2inch 2x4 and attaching it to the long edges.

5

Center the 2x12s over the top of the table frame you just built. Make sure there is even space on both ends (3 inches) and on both sides (also 3 inches). Screw the 2 x 12s into the legs and rails of the table frame.

6

Fill in all the screw holes with wood filler. Let it dry. Sand the entire table.

7

Brush on Stain. Wipe off excess. For a deeper color add another coat.

8

Brush or spray on a coat of laquer. After it dries, sand it lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

9

Show off your table to all your friends.

Home Decoration Signs

Decorate your home with signs to create an unusual dcor look. Antique reproduction and cottage chic signs make good conversation starters and focal points. Make group wall arrangements by using home decorating signs and vintage style accessories. Hang signs in nooks and crannies around your home. Decorating signs can set a specific ambiance and be used anywhere in your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Nautical Signs

Fishing lovers will enjoy decorating with nautical signs. Choose signs featuring colorful images of blue crabs, lobsters and popular local fish. Other good signs might also have words written on them showing prices or words. Hang a decorative sign that says Boat Repairs or Boat Rentals. Lighthouses are popular images to use any room of your home. Use a lighthouse sign that has the name of a lighthouse on it.

Old Grocery

Hang decorative produce signs that show images of apples, oranges or peaches. The signs that have vintage prices listed on them are especially fun to view. Other grocery items good for old grocery signs are bread and milk signs. Doughnuts and muffin look cozy hanging in a kitchen nook or breakfast area. Hang pictures from old grocery stores that say something like Aunt Bees Foods or Sams Corner Market.

Bistro Signs

Bistros often display signs showing their most popular menu items. Hang Italian bistro signs that have images of spaghetti plates and garlic bread sticks. A funny looking mustached bistro chef makes a good image for these kinds of signs. A French bistro sign could have a picture of the Eiffel Tower and elegant bottles of wine. Signs that say Hot Croissants 10 Cents Each dress up a dining room.

Beach Signs

Turn your home into a beach shack with some clever beach signs. A distressed sign with a worn look will make a beach shack sign look weathered. Hang a sign that says Beach This Way with an arrow pointing to your bedroom for a bit of fun. Other good examples would say Beach Ferry Closed or No Fires on the Beach. Beach signs with flip-flops and coconut images are attractive. Hang the dcor from ceilings and under cabinets. You could even hang some outside in a backyard garden or on a back porch. Funny sayings can also say, Catch Some Rays or Hang Ten. A surfboard shaped or flip flop shaped sign adds extra interest to these pieces. Choose between bright colored paint finishes or faded pastels.

French Boutique Girl's Bedroom Ideas

Every girl wants a bedroom that reflects her personality, and whether shes into girlie frills and pinks or rock 'n roll blacks and reds, a French boutique theme is a fun idea she can make her own. When brainstorming ideas for a French boutique girls bedroom, consider furniture, art, knickknacks and the overall color scheme. Does this Spark an idea?

Furniture

A four-poster bed with a draped canopy is a traditional French style bed ideal for a boutique-themed room, flanked by one or two matching night tables. Another option is a futon with curved ironwork. A dresser with a distinct French style, such as Louis XVI, fits perfectly in a boutique room, along with an ornate, oval mirror hung on the wall above the dresser. Light fixtures can be adorned with material that matches the bedding; for example, if the bed has pillows with lace or a feather trim, use that same lace or feather trim to line the lampshade for the lamp on the night table. Rather than using a regular desk for schoolwork, find a small, round boutique table with one or two chairs. Place a vase with a single flower in the middle to create a Parisian cafe feel.

Color Scheme

A French boutique bedrooms style is versatile in that you can incorporate nearly any type of color scheme. For a muted, traditional look, Kwintessential recommends painting or wallpapering the walls either a pale yellow or tan shade, using either horizontal or vertical strips in contrasting colors. Pale pink and black is a bold color combination great for girls, while blue and gold is a lovely, classic combination. Generally, the main color should be a pastel, and black or gold should be used as an accent.

Accessories

Accessories are the finishing touches that truly transform a bedroom into a boutique. An image of the Eiffel Tower will instantly bring the theme to life; hang a picture of the famous Paris landmark on the wall to emulate a boutique window, or place a small sculpture of the tower on the dresser. Choose small objects to simply adorn the night table, dresser and shelves, such as a hand mirror, a small vase with a rose, candle holders and photos. According to Kwintessential, balloon shades for the windows are a characteristic feature of a French boutique. To create the illusion of height, hang the curtains high over the windows.

Budget Tips

Creating a French boutique girls bedroom doesnt have to be an expensive project. Rather than buying a bed with an ornate headboard or canopy, use a stencil or sketch a headboard on the wall, and then finish with gold or black paint. You can also find stencils at your local craft store with words like Paris, Ooh, La La! and Bonjour in ornate handwriting; stencil the words in gold or black paint. Using mismatched art and objects will create a classic Bohemian Paris boutique look; scour yard sales and thrift stores for artwork and knickknacks at low prices.

What Flowers Work in Underwater Flower Centerpieces?

Underwater flower centerpieces are creative alternatives to bouquets. To make an underwater floral arrangement, cut flower stems shorter than the vase you're using and cover them with water. A submerged centerpiece will become the focal point in a celebration space, as well as a conversation piece among party guests Several types of flowers work well in underwater centerpieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Roses

An underwater rose centerpiece will give the table a romantic, ethereal look. Use several pastel pink roses for a sweet look, or red roses to add drama to the table. Place long rose stems in a tall, cylindrical vase, so the that the blooms rest slightly under the rim. Fill the vase with water to fully submerge the blooms. If you're using a shorter vase, trim the rose stems so that they fit inside.

Tulips

Use brightly colored tulips to create a vibrant, spring-inspired underwater centerpiece for a bridal shower, Easter dinner or birthday party. Wrap floral tape around the tulip stems to keep the bouquet together while underwater. You can attach a stainless steel washer to the stems with transparent fishing line to anchor the blooms. Anchoring the flowers will help keep their heads underwater.

Orchids

Submerge pink orchid stems in water to create an exotic-looking table centerpiece. Use a tall, square vase and trim the orchid stems to fit. Fill the vase with water, allowing a 2-inch head space. Place a white or pink floating candle into the vase to float on top. When the candle is lit, it will cast a warm glow across the table and illuminate the orchids.

Calla Lilies

Trumpet-shaped calla lily blooms are ideal for creating underwater floral centerpieces, as you only need a few to make a big impact. The water will magnify the flowers' elegant shape and delicate blush pink color. You can also use white calla lilies as another option. Fill one-quarter of the bottom of a square vase with small, decorative items, such as clear glass gems or pearls. Anchor the calla lily bloom and place it on top of the gems or pearls. Add water to complete the arrangement.

How to Make Paper Bouquet Flowers as Centerpieces

Birthday parties, weddings and holiday dinners are just a few reasons for creating centerpieces for tables. While decorating the house may take days, making paper flower bouquets will only take up a short amount of a single day; you can make dozens in under an hour once you get the hang of it.

Instructions

1

Select tissue paper colors that tie in to your event. If you are making centerpieces for many tables, mix the colors and flowers up so they don't all look identical. If you want a uniform look for all the tables, pick one color and one flower style; poms work well for this.

2

Cut out "leaves" from green tissue paper by cutting out elongated ovals with one end pointed and the other somewhat rounded. The rounded end will be glued on later to your paper flowers. You won't need leaves for all the flowers, but cut enough so you have eight or 10 leaves per centerpiece; you'll need two per flower.

3

Make paper tulips. For each tulip, cut one sheet of tissue paper into 8 to 10-inch long strips that are about 3 inches wide. Lightly fold each strip of paper several times. Cut several "v" shape cuts into the top edge of the tissue. These will form the tips of the tulips. The bottom edge and ends should remain flat and uncut. Unfold the paper afterward so it lays out flat.

4

Poke the end of a 5 or 6-inch length of floral wire into one end of a mini Styrofoam ball to act as the flower stem. Dab a little glue onto the sides of the ball. Gently roll the ball from one end to the other of one strip of cut tissue -- keep the ball nearest to the flat edge. As the tissue wraps around the ball, the pointed ends become the tips of a tulip flower. The ball forms the bottom of each flower, and the wire remains as the stem. Glue two leaves onto the floral wire/stem or place them on the stem with a little bit of floral tape. Let the flower and leaves dry.

5

Make the poms. Fold tissue paper into a long strip using the accordion fold -- folding the paper back and forth. Flatten the paper with the bone folder or your ruler after folding. Wrap a 6 to 8-inch length of floral wire around the middle of the paper strip snugly. Twist it a couple of times and leave at least 2 inches of wire remaining. Twist the ends of the remaining wire to form a small loop.

6

Unfold the tissue with care, using the bone folder or your fingers. Unfold each section so the paper opens fully into a large dahlia-like flower. It should be quite full and round. To make smaller ones, simply cut the paper in half after folding before continuing as you did with the larger ones. Attach strands of ribbon through the looped floral wire and curl them with scissors.

7

Arrange three to five tulips between three poms and place the group of paper flowers -- your bouquet -- into shallow crystal bowls. Alternatively, place one pom and two tulips in tall goblets or glasses, or arrange a slightly heaped group all together onto a platter. Drape strands of curled ribbon over the sides of your centerpieces or, if using glassware, tie them around the base or stem.

How to Make Gel Fuel Fire-Bowls

Gel fuel fire-bowls burn clean without smoke or fumes, making them a great choice for apartments where you don't want to shoot your smoke up to the neighbors above you. Gel fuel cans are a smaller fuel source than most other options allowing you to construct a much smaller structure for your fire pit. This design takes advantage of the small size and allows you to make multiple table-top fire pits to enjoy throughout your space for added decoration. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Use a ruler to measure the height of your decorative ceramic bowl from the outside. Subtract this number from the 12-inch measurement of your planter, the total will be referred to as the difference.

2

Fill the planter with small polished rocks to the height of the difference you came up with from step 1.

3

Set the decorative bowl on top of the polished rocks in the center of the planter and fill in the surrounding areas of the bowl with more polished rocks.

4

Pour sand over the rocks, stop when you notice sand accumulating on the top and give the planter a gentle shake so the sand makes its way down to the bottom of the planter. The sand will fill in the gaps between the rocks to hold the decorative bowl in place. Continue to fill with sand until it has reached just below the top layer of polished rocks. The polished rocks add nice decoration, so don't cover the visible top layer. The sand will also add weight to the fire bowl making it more difficult for it to be accidentally tipped over.

5

Add the Gel Fuel to your fire-bowl. Thoroughly mix the gel fuel in the canister by shaking it. Remove the label of the Gel fuel canister, then remove the lid. Place the gel fuel canister in the center of the fire bowl and light it with a long barbecue lighter.

Assembly Instructions for a Fire Pit Table

A fire pit table is an outdoor accessory that resembles a small, standard table but has a shallow, wood-burning pit in the center. Each table supplies warmth to surrounding visitors and enhances the ambiance of your outdoor living space by exuding a pleasant orange glow. Assembling a fire pit table is a moderately easy project and should only require about an hour of your time. Does this Spark an idea?

Preparation

Locate an outdoor space that is far from overhanging trees. Find a spot where the space between the fire and the sky is completely clear. Even if the branches of a large tree do not hang directly over the fire, large branches may fall onto the pit and destroy your table or, worse, ignite an enormous fire. Also ensure that the ground below is flat. Uneven grounds make this type of furniture susceptible to tipping over, especially when you insert the logs and increase the top weight.

Lay out each section to ensure that each piece for the fire pit is in your work station. If you are using a prefabricated kit, take all the pieces out of the box and check for the legs, table and pit. Some fire pit tables have a cover, so if you see a half dome constructed of a screen-like material, it is most likely the lid.

Assembly Instructions

Attach the legs to the underside of the table. Store-bought tables will have the attachment hardware inside the box. If you are building your own fire pit table, use screws to hold the two pieces together. A screw has greater gripping power than a nail because of the raised ridges throughout the body. In either case, if the screw extends beyond the two pieces, use a nut to hold the hardware in place. If you do not plan to break down the pit and bring it indoors during the cold seasons, use an extensive amount of pressure to secure the nut. An adjustable wrench is the best tool for this step because it applies the best grip to the nut while you tighten.

After you attach all the legs, set the fire pit into the center. Some fire pit tables require you to attach the pit to the outer part, but this step is not necessary unless the screw holes are available. If the shallow center has a large lip that rests comfortably around the middle of the table, hardware is not necessary. If you are making a homemade version, consider the stability of the fire pit bowl to determine the safest precaution. Ensure that a shift in the pit will not result in hot wood and flames falling out.

How to Install Mosaic Tile on an Outdoor Fire Pit

Redecorating a plain fire pit with mosaic tile transforms the look of your outdoor living area. Installing mosaic tile is a simple craft project that anyone can do with a few materials and a bit of instruction. Don't stop with your fire pit -- install mosaic tile on your outdoor tables, flower pots and fountains for a colorful and creative way to spruce up your patio and garden dcor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clean out the fire pit and turn it upside down. Clear any soot or debris from the outside of the fire pit so that you can begin tiling on a clean surface.

2

Spread a small amount of thinset on one section of the outer rim of the fire pit. Because the fire pit is upside down, the rim is now at the base and resting on the surface of your work table. Scrape the top of the thinset with the jagged edge of the trowel. This will allow the mosaic tiles to cling better to the adhesive as it dries.

3

Press the mosaic tiles firmly into the thinset. You can work around the perimeter of the fire pit, then move upward, or you can work in strips from the rim to the base, which is on top now that the fire pit is inverted. Continue to work in small sections so you have time to place the tile before the adhesive begins to set. Finish tiling your fire pit and let the adhesive dry.

4

Flip the fire pit over and tile around the rim(this section was resting on the work surface as you tiled the bulk of the fire pit). Let the adhesive dry.

5

Flip the fire pit back over and apply grout to the crevices between the mosaic tiles. Your grout float works well for this, but you can also use your fingers. Remove any excess grout with warm water and a sponge before the grout has a chance to dry on the surface of the tiles. Let the grout dry, then flip it and grout the rim.

6

Apply grout sealer to the tiled surface of your outdoor fire pit after the grout is completely dry. This will protect the grout lines from moisture and stains.

How to Decorate an Italian Table

If you're hosting an Italian-themed birthday or dinner party, set the table to create an authentic vibe. You can use an Italian theme to enhance everything from an intimate dinner for two to a large reception or holiday gathering. Use charming table decor to set the stage for a delicious Italian spaghetti or lasagna dinner. Combine convenient store-bought and handmade decor items to save money and create a customized look. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cover the table with a traditional red-and-white checked cloth tablecloth, reminiscent of the ones found in Italian restaurants.

2

Set the table with classy white ceramic or porcelain plates and bowls, along with crystal wine glasses. Roll silverware in crisp white linen napkins and set one by each guests' place setting.

3

Create place-card holders out of wine bottle corks. Use a sharp knife to slice the bottom off of the corks so they sit flat on the table. Cut a slit across the top of each cork, being careful not to slice all the way through the corks. Design guest place cards by cutting business-card-sized squares of white card stock. Write each guests' name across the cards using a gold glitter glue pen.

4

Transform an empty wine bottle into an eye-catching table centerpiece. Wash out a wine bottle featuring an interesting label with dish soap and warm water. Allow the bottle to thoroughly air dry. Insert a taper candle into the top of the bottle, pushing it down to create a secure fit. Position the bottle in the center of the table. Place an upside-down wine glass on either side of the bottle. Set a tea light on the base of each wine glass; the candles will infuse the table with a soft glow. Or use a bottle with a wider neck, if needed for safety, for the side bottles.

How to Lay Tile on an Outdoor Firepit

From rustic pits dug in the backyard to intricate tables adorned with brick or stonework, outdoor fire pits now make fashion statements in your outdoor decor. One way to dress up your outdoor fire pit is to lay tile on the circumference of the pit, adding a stylish look to a functional display. A few simple tools and an afternoon's worth of work are all that are required. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the area that requires tiling, and take these measurements to your tile store. Based on the size of tiles you wish to lay, the salesperson can tell you how many you need to purchase.

2

Sand the area to be tiled, using an electric sander and fine-gauge sandpaper. Clean up the dust from sanding using a clean paintbrush or a hand broom.

3




Cut the chicken wire to fit the area you'll be tiling. Affix it to the fire pit using a heavy-duty staple gun.

4

Apply mortar to the chicken wire. About an inch in thickness is best because you want to coat both the wire and the original fire pit surface. Add tiles one at a time, pressing firmly until the tile stays in place on its own. If you need to cut any of the tiles, draw a pencil line where you need to make the cut, and cut on the line using the tile snipper.

5

Use a putty knife to apply grout between the tiles. Wipe off the excess using a damp sponge. Allow the entire to project to dry for 24 hours before using your fire pit.

Decorating Ideas for an Italian Bistro

Italian bistros enjoy a reputation of being warm, inviting places where people eat tasty meals in good company. Fortunately, decorating an Italian bistro is simple. Foodstuffs, wine and other items used in the day to day running of the bistro also create not only functional, but lovely decorating elements. The manner in which you put them together gives them their unique look.

Bacchus Fountain

Bacchus---known in Italy as Liber---happens to be the god of wine. No self-respecting Italian bistro can do without wine, or the god who protects it. Place a Bacchus fountain in the light-filled entryway of your bistro. It functions as an attention grabber and brings a touch of mischief to the space. Additionally, a stone Bacchus fountain blends well with the tile that typically adorns the walls and floors of Italian bistros.

Wine Wall

Wine and Italy might as well be visual synonyms. Indeed, it is difficult to think of Italy without picturing rolling hills adorned with grape orchards. A wine wall in an Italian bistro displays the house wines much the way a wine rack does---only on a much larger scale. The wine wall shows not only the house selection of wines, but also the lovely labels affixed to wine bottles. You can further decorate a wine wall with wines of silk grape leaves, red linen napkins (to drape around the bottles) and fancy wine glasses. These items add a functional and decorative element that doesn't look out of place in the bistro.

Pasta as a Decorative Element

Pasta isn't just for smothering with sauce in an Italian bistro. You can enhance your Italian theme by filling fancy jars of different sizes with pastas of colorful curls, corkscrews, shells and elbow shapes. Add additional decorative elements by arranging bottles of gourmet vinegars and oils to the display.

Tiled Walls and Floors

Tile walls and floors hearken back to the days of the Renaissance and before in Italy, so they are a common feature in Italian bistros and restaurants. When looking to add tiles to your decorative scheme, look for tiles constructed from terra cotta or clay. They give the bistros both a solid and old look. To bring a bit of variety, select slightly misshapen tiles, tiles that feature little tiny pastoral scenes or ones that are slightly off color.

Tuscan Mural

Murals with a flavor of Tuscany painted on slightly crumbling old walls enjoy popularity among Italian restaurants. You can design them to fit walls of just about any size, and like the Italian tiles, it's perfectly OK for a muraled wall to feature a few blemishes. A bit of old brick peaking through a mural featuring the green, rolling hills of Italy fit perfectly into your Italian theme.

How to Handle Fresh Cut Tulips

A vase of fresh tulips is both elegant and colorful, but cut tulips are noted for having minds of their own. No tulip arrangement will remain the same day after day. Allow for these changes and enjoy the varied display before you. Tulips continue to grow in water after they have been cut, lengthening at least one inch and possibly up to six inches. Tulips are heliotropic and twist to follow the sun during the day. The tulip flowers open and close with the rising and setting of the sun. Their heavy blooms also feel the pull of gravity and tend to droop down. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Arranging cut tulips

1

Pour cold water into the vase until it is half full.

2

Using the knife or pruners, cut one-quarter of an inch off the bottom of the tulip stems. This allows the flowers to take in as much water as possible. Plunge the cut tulips into the vase.

3

Adjust the tulips so they fall symmetrically in the vase. Arrange the tulips to give them room to grow and twist.

4

Place the vase in the coolest possible spot where you can still enjoy the tulip arrangement. If you are going to be away from the tulips for several hours move them to a dark, cool location.

5

Empty and refill the vase with cold water every day. Rearrange the growing tulips so they form a pleasing display. Snip the ends off the stems every other day for maximum water intake. Cut the stems shorter if the tulips grow longer than you like.

How to Make a Fire Pit Table From an Old Grill & an Old Table

Fire pit tables are ideal for evening entertaining. The fire pit in the center of the table can create a warm ambiance for your family and guests. Instead of purchasing one, you can make a fire pit table using an old grill and old table. The bottom of the grill will act as the fire pit. A hole cut out of the table holds the bottom of the grill. Select an old wooden table that will complement your outdoor entertaining space for the project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the old grill on a work surface. Take the lid off of the grill. Turn the bottom half of the grill upside down in the center of the old table. Transfer the outline of the bottom half of the grill to the old table using a pencil.

2

Drill a hole through the table inside the pencil outline with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Slide the blade of a jigsaw through the hole. Cut through the table to the pencil outline, then run the saw along the line to cut out the hole for the bottom of the grill.

3

Spray the bottom half of the grill with black stove spray paint. Allow the paint to dry for at least four hours and apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for 24 hours.

4

Put the bottom half of the grill in the hole in the table top. The lip of the grill should rest on the table and hold it in place.

5

Fill the bottom of the grill with a 2-inch layer of sand. Place five gel-fuel cans evenly around the sand. Stack river rocks around the gel fuel cans so that they are covered except for the can openings.

DIY Wedding Flower Centerpieces

Wedding expenses can add up quickly for a bride on a budget. After paying to cater a meal for a few hundred people and renting the reception venue, it may be difficult to justify a large budget for the table centerpieces. Create your own flower centerpieces with a little creativity and help from the wedding attendants. Ask the bridal party to gather after the rehearsal dinner to create do-it-yourself wedding flower centerpieces with fresh or silk flowers.

Potted Plant Centerpieces

Choose a flower representative of the wedding theme. Contact a local wholesale flower nursery and purchase a case of plants. Expect to receive up to 24 plants per case. Order extra plants for a healthy variety. Select the ones with the most vibrant and plentiful blooms the night before the wedding to be included in the centerpieces.

Go to a garden supply store to purchase small flower pots. Transplant each plant into an appropriately sized pot for the height of the foliage. Choose a short pot for creeping and cascading styles of plants, such as moss roses, and choose a taller pot for upright flowers, such as orchids.

Decorate the pots with ribbons in the wedding colors. Add a note to the pots letting guests know the flowers are a thank-you gift for attending the wedding. Use one larger potted plant per table if the foliage is thick and full, such as blooming mums.

Fresh-Cut Centerpiece

Purchase fresh-cut stems of hearty flowers, such as tulip buds or zinnias. Trim the stems, peel off wilting petals or leaves and place them in a vase. Fill clear vessels with room-temperature water. Treat the water with cut-flower plant food. Fully submerge one stem at a time, twisting it as needed to make the bloom fit into the vase. Layer stems in the vessel so the greenery and blooms face outward.

Arrange four or five flower-filled vessels in a circle. Place tea-light candles around the base. Sprinkle flower petals around the tea lights to add more color.

Silk-Flower Centerpieces

Consider reducing wedding expenses by using silk flowers. Choose high-quality silk flowers and use fewer stems in each centerpiece for a modern, classy look.

Choose a tall, slender bud vase and one single long-stem silk flower. Decorate the vase with ribbons or another flower by twisting it around the exterior of the vase. Use a shallow bowl, and twist one stem with several blooms inside the base of the bowl for an artistic look. Arrange tea-light candles around the bases of the vases for added interest.

DIY Wedding Table Decorations

Decorate your own wedding tables to get a customized look at an affordable cost. You can find many inexpensive wedding table decor items at local craft stores and bridal websites. DIY wedding table decorations allow you to save some of the money from your reception budget and use it to relax during the honeymoon.

Instructions

1

Place a tablecloth over the table. Choose any color you like. Research whether your reception venue has circular or rectangle tables, or if it owns or rents tablecloths.

2

Put the square mirror in the center of the table.

3

Arrange the three cylinder vases on the square mirror. Space them equally apart.

4

Bend the flower stem at the base and very slowly place it into the bottom of the first vase. Wrap the stem in a spiral shape around the inside of the vase until you get to the top. Do this with approximately six to seven flowers. Slowly add water to the vase. Fill the second flower vase with loose flower petals. Add water, to make petals float. Place decorative items, such as rocks, shells or tulle, inside the bottom of the third vase, then add a few stems of your chosen flowers. Fill this vase with water, so your flowers stay fresh.

5

Place six clear candle holders around the square mirror. Use candle holders of many shapes. Add the votive candles inside these candle holders.

6

Arrange nine colored tea light holders around the table on the outside of the square mirror. Add the tea light candles to these holders.

7

Sprinkle flower petals throughout the center of the table for added effect.

8

Place your table settings on the table.

9

Fold the napkins in the middle of each table setting. Make a pocket in them for the wedding reception menu.

Patio Fireplace Ideas

A backyard is an extension of the home's living space and can encompass a wide range of inviting designs to make it functional and attractive. Patios, decks, arbors, playgrounds and landscaping tie all spaces of a home together. Patio fireplaces bring the kitchen outdoors for comfort and convenience and create a connection between house and yard with a warm communal space. Does this Spark an idea?

Chimineas

Chimineas are clay or cast iron front-loading stoves that sit atop legs or a stand to stay off the ground. They originated in Mexico. A chiminea consists of a firebox enclosed in a bulb-shaped oven and a chimney. A chiminea is a small, portable fireplace for warmth, limited cooking and nostalgia. They make attractive patio accessories for small spaces.

Brick Fireplace Wall

A larger space and a larger budget merits a larger fireplace. Construct a complete brick fireplace and wall at one side of the patio, complete with hearth and chimney. Build an arbor over the top of the patio to create an attractive, sheltered area for dining, entertaining and relaxing. Furnish this outdoor dining room with a cushioned settee, a patio table and chairs, an outdoor refrigerator with some cabinets, and possibly a hammock and a fountain.

Stone Fire Pit

A large, natural stone patio is the perfect setting for a built-in stone fire pit in the center or in a corner. When laying the patio, dig a round hole 2 to 3 feet deep and as large around as you'd like. Line the inside walls with firebricks and put a 6-inch layer of sand on the bottom for a rustic, campfire feel for your patio gatherings. Add a grate and install a roasting spit to cook chickens, roasts and other large meats over the open fire.

Fire Table

For simplicity and instant design, find an attractive cast iron or copper fire table to warm up your bare patio. Fire tables are simple to put together, stylish and easy to use. They make an inviting focal point for any patio or backyard. Some fire tables are available to match patio furniture sets.

Gas

If you don't want to store wood or deal with kindling and ashes, consider a propane fireplace instead. Gas outdoor fireplaces and fire tables are usually mobile for easy placement. They are safe and easy to use for those who want a fireplace without the work of building and cleaning up after a fire.

Fire & Ice Party Themes

A fire and ice party combines elements of light and dark. The fire elements are darker, sometimes representing the evil side of things, while the ice is light and airy, often representing the good side. The elegant look and theme of this style of party makes it a good choice for a charity event or ball. This theme can also be used to make an interesting birthday or smaller party. Does this Spark an idea?

Focus on Fire

Build your party around the element of fire, using only a small amount of ice. Drape the tables in red satin or red velvet for a rich and expensive feel. Large centerpieces of red flowers and red candles also work with a fire theme. Arrange a few crystal bowls or candle holders around the tables, which act as the ice element. The crystal picks up the fire from the candles and reflects it around the room. Add a small amount of red food coloring to your punchbowls for an extra pop of fire in your theme.

Emphasis on Ice

A common way of hosting a fire and ice party is to focus on the ice elements first. Use white, silver and translucent colors, which represent ice. Large punchbowls or glass bowls are laid on the tables and filled with clear punch. A few drops of blue or green food coloring gives the punch a light shade of color that resembles ice. Place Christmas tree lights or twinkle lights around the tables or around the legs of the tables for extra light in the room. In this party theme, fire is used as a secondary element to highlight the lighter colors. Red floating candles placed inside the punchbowl and red flowers used in your centerpieces provide the bright red color associated with fire.

Combine the Themes

Create ice sculptures for your fire and ice party, using both smaller pieces and large blocks of ice. Melt the top layer of the ice, creating a flat ledge for displaying candles. Arrange red candles of different sizes and heights on top and light them just before the party. Silver trays placed underneath catch any melting ice and work with the ice theme. Cover tables with red tablecloths and use red seat covers on your chairs. White and silver lights placed around the room help reflect the light from the candle flames. A simple tree branch painted white and then decorated with red berry clusters creates another accent piece for the room.

How to Use a Fire Pit Table & What Kind of Fuel

Fire pit tables are a useful addition to any patio or garden and can be used year round. In the fall and winter months, fire pits are warm places to gather around, and in summer they are useful for roasting marshmallows. Fire pits run on different types of fuel, but the usage instructions for all of them are basically the same. With the proper care and attention, a fire pit table will provide many years of outdoor enjoyment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Identify an outdoor location that is a minimum of 3 feet from the house, trees, shrubs or patio furniture. Do not place the fire pit table on a deck or in other flammable areas.

2

Load the fire pit with the proper type of fuel, which is either charcoal, gas or wood. Spread the charcoal out in a single layer and stack the wood in two rows, with the top row perpendicular to the bottom row. If the pit is gas-powered, check the gas level and refill it if needed. If your gas pit uses glass beads, insert the amount indicated on the jar and spread them out evenly on the bottom.

3

Strike a match and place it in the center of the wood pile. If you have a gas fire pit, turn on the gas valve located either on the table or on a underlying propane tank. Push the igniter switch on the gas-powered model to light the flame. Glass beads are used in gas-powered pits, so push the igniter switch to heat them up.

4

Place a fire pit screen over the top of the fuel to prevent sparks from flying out and creating a fire. A domed screen is typically supplied with a fire pit table, but can also be purchased separately.

5

Add additional wood logs as needed for wood burning pits and stoke them periodically with a fire poker to keep the pit burning.

6

Allow the embers to die completely before you leave the area -- you can speed this process by pouring 1 to 2 cups of water on them. Scoop out the ashes with a fire pit shovel the following day once they cool down. Dispose of the ashes in a compost area or the trash.

7

Place a vinyl cover over the fire pit table until you are ready to use it again.

Table Settings for Theme Parties

No matter what the occasion or holiday, celebrating with family and friends is an integral part of our social interaction. Even if it's just a quiet dinner at home, planning your party with a theme in mind allows you to coordinate the food, drink and decorations in order to create a festive atmosphere. One important part of the decorating process should be the dinner table.

Types

Whether serving a buffet or sit-down dinner, your table should complement and reflect the theme of your party. The decorations will need to be planned around the style of dinner or offerings you will be serving. While a buffet by definition is a large table holding multiple items of food where a guest serves himself, a sit-down dinner is just what it says, your guests sit at a table and then are either served their food by wait staff or serve themselves "family-style." The decorations, therefore, are also distinctly different and dependent upon how and what you plan to serve.
Another consideration should be whether you are planning a "pot-luck" buffet-style event. This will mean that the place settings or serving dishes will be as widely varied as the food selections your guest may bring. If possible, let your guests know the theme of your party and make it a "game" for them ( for example, Who can bring the most creative Asian dish?) and award a prize to whoever gets the most votes. This will allow your guests to enjoy the themed atmosphere and lend a little extra excitement to the party. Who knows - you many get a dragon-shaped cake, or an elegant plate of egg rolls carefully placed on a large red or black oriental platter.

Features

In some ways a buffet service is much easier to decorate than a sit-down dinner. By simply allowing room for themed decorations between the serving platters the table will be incorporated into your themed party. The serving platters themselves can become part of the decorations. For example, colored platters can reflect the color combinations inherent in your theme (ie blue, green and aqua for a "sea" theme) or the use of decorated or specially shaped platters to inhance the ideas (ie., a leaf shaped plate holding acorn cookies for a fall themed buffet).
A sit-down dinner features a full place setting, that not only should reflect the theme of your party, but also the number and kind of courses you will be serving. For example, a dinner consisting of shrimp cocktail, soup, main meal, bread and dessert will not only have the appropriate plates available, but will also need to include the individual pieces of silverware (cocktail fork, soup spoon, knife,fork, spoon, bread/butter knife, separate fork for dessert). Also to be considered are the types of beverages provided (wine, coffee, water) as well as napkins and centerpieces.

Effects

Be creative when designing your themed table setting. You want your table to highlight the theme, not overshadow it. The effect should be pleasing to the eye, while not appearing busy or overdone. For example, if planning a winter party where you don't want the traditional holiday decorations, consider going icy. Cut some tree branches and spray paint them white. Stand them in a white or clear vase and then string them with white icicle lights, so they appear to be dripping with icy water. Some clear acrylic ice cubes scattered on tables along with glittery snowflakes that can hang from light fixtures can also enhance the wintery image. Tables can be covered with icy-silver or blue fabric. Table decorations don't have to break your budget if you can use a little imagination in your design.

Considerations

Start building your table decorations with the basics. A cloth to cover the table can be anything. A large piece of fabric, a stylized blanket or rug or even a series of scarves can be used as the base for your table . For example, for a Moroccan theme, a bright colored piece of fabric can cover the table and pieces of mosaic tile can be used as trivets and place settings. Complement your lighting with wrought iron decorative candle holders. An Asian themed dinner can have table decorations made of chopsticks and Chinese dragons or masks hanging from the walls and ceiling. Again, be creative without being overpowering.

Potential

The potential and possibilities for decorating your table are as varied as the themes you might choose and only limited by your imagination. Make everything a festive occasion by injecting some special ideas into your daily living. Don't just have "make your own taco night" every Thursday night for the kids, make it a "Mexican fiesta" complete with Mariachi music playing in the background and miniature piatas sitting on the table. Non-alcoholic margaritas for the little ones just keeps the fun moving along. And if pizza is more your idea of a quick dinner, put a red tablecloth on the table, place some breadsticks in a basket and a candle in the center and voila - you're in an Italian Bistro.

Expert Insight

Consider all aspects of your table when planning the table decorations. Place food items at different heights to create dimension and more space.
Simple ideas can be the best. Don't get carried away. A plate with 3 small candles among some blue and green stones or decorative foliage can be an elegant addition to any table setting. Make it better by placing different sized candles on the plate, again adding that touch of height.
Consider going all one color. For example, use different shades of red (maroon, burgandy, etc) for the decoration, enhancing the table setting with objects that also reflect the different shades (apples, cranberries, roses).

How to Make a Bar Table

If you have a small kitchen, instead of adding a big dining table, you can build a bar table which can double as an eating table. A bar table can also be placed in a corner of a family room for entertaining guests. With a little bit of elbow grease, a few household tools and a few lumber pieces you can complete this project in less than a week for those with basic carpentry skills, or a minimum of a couple of days for those with advanced carpentry skills. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find the location in your home where you will place your bar table. Take into consideration the shape of the room and the bar placement, whether it will be placed in a corner or placed up against the wall. Also, take into consideration the number of bar stools you want to add and the space for people sitting and standing around it.

2

Measure the area of the location you picked. From this you will base how big of a bar you will build. You want it to be as proportionate to the size of the room. For an average size room, you can build a 6-foot-long bar table; for a smaller room build a bar that is 4 feet long; for a larger room you can build an 8-foot-long bar table.

3




Draw a design of the bar you plan to build, or download available bar plans from the Internet. One site that specializes in bar designs is www.precision-images.com where you pay a small fee for a complete diagram with instructions on how to put a bar table together. If you want a simple design with a bar top and four legs, you can sketch a drawing similar to the photo or image on this step. This simple design shows an overall height of 4.25 feet, with bar counter length of 5 feet and counter depth of 2 feet. The four legs are each 4 feet high.

4

Gather all materials needed.

5

Use a circular saw to cut the 4" x 4" lumber. Cut 4 pieces with each measuring at 4 feet in length.

6

Cut the plywood to measure 5 feet in length and 2 feet in width.

7

Lay the plywood flat on the floor, with the underside facing up. Attach the lumber connectors or 4" x 4" post anchor to the underside of the plywood. Place them approximately 3 inches away from each corner of the plywood. Make sure that the screws are tight.

8

Connect the legs by screwing them onto the post or lumber connectors. Drill holes for the screws to penetrate the wood better, then use a screw driver to screw a 2-inch screw to hold each side.

9

Flip the table up, then check to see if it is level by placing a level on top of the table on both directions. Make adjustments if it is wobbly or uneven.

10

Place foot protectors or pads on each foot of the 4" x 4" post. This will protect your floor from any scratches or damage.

11

Apply your tiles on top of the counter. You can choose 2" x 2" glass or ceramic tiles, or you may opt for an easier application of using mosaic tiles made from broken or remnant pieces of tiles. Apply the mortar evenly with a trowel and float, then lay down each tile carefully. For square tiles, lay them down starting from center then spreading on each side and adding spacers for even distribution. Make the necessary cut at the edge. Use tile caps to cap the edges. For mosaic, you can apply this as you wish randomly, and you can also use tile caps to cap the edge or molding to frame it.

12

Let the tiles dry overnight, then apply grout using a float. Use a wet sponge to immediately wipe off the excess grout for easy clean-up. Then allow to dry again overnight.

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Apply a wood stain or paint on the legs or wood molding if any was used to cap the edges of the tiles. Let dry.

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Do a final tile clean-up, making sure no residue from grout or mortar are left on the tiles. Ensure that the top is smooth and shiny. Once it is clean you can now enjoy your bar. Serve refreshments, drinks, beers, snacks or eat your favorite meal on your new bar table.

DIY Fire Pit Table

Fire pits have been used as an outdoor gathering spot for many years. Great for intimate stargazing or making s'mores for the family, the fire pit is becoming a staple in modern backyards. Todays fire pits range from simple bowl structures to elaborate in-ground contraptions and everything in between. A popular choice for backyard fires is the fire pit table. Store-bought models can be pricey, and by investing some of your time, you can construct your own fire pit table for your yard. Does this Spark an idea?

Table

The first step in building your own fire pit table is constructing the table itself. When building your table, choose a wood that repels insects and resists water. Pressure-treated wood is common for backyard tables, as is cedar and redwood. Stick with a simple table design rather than an elaborate plan, to ensure the fire pit bowl is the focal point of the table.

Pit Bowl

When choosing your fire pit bowl, keep in mind the size of the table you will be constructing. You dont want the bowl to be so large that it takes up the entire circumference of the table. If the bowl is too small, however, it will not only get lost in the table design, but it will leave you and your guests pulling the chairs closer and leaning over the table to feel the effects of the fire. If the fire pit table will be mainly used by adults, this may not be a problem, but if children will gather around to roast marshmallows, a table with a small pit bowl can become an issue.

Cement

Before fastening your fire pit bowl to the fire pit table, place the proper amount of cement on the center of the table. If too much cement is applied, it will squish out around the bottom of the pit bowl, leaving unsightly hardened cement and making the job appear sloppy. Using too little cement can cause a weak connection, possibly resulting in a loose pit bowl that may detach over time. The cement should be 2 inches thick and should be applied evenly in the center of the table to prevent the bowl from drying crooked and appearing lopsided.