DIY Life

Daily DIY: A Handmade New Years Celebration

Erin Loechner — 2009-12-30T09:00:00+00:00

Photo: ParkrosePretties

This year, let's make a new tradition and start a handmade celebration! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing...

CONFETTI
Why not re-use this year's holiday paper and re-purpose it into DIY confetti? Cut each sheet into a few small squares and send them through a paper shredder; then send the shredded pieces through once more if necessary. Of course, when the party's over, don't forget to vacuum thoroughly!

DECOR
Hang a few poms from your ceiling for the perfect addition to any home. Include a few handmade stars and you've created a winter wonderland to ring in the new year.

GARLANDS
A ten foot long circle cut-out garland would spruce up any holiday party. Better yet? It's created from handmade lace patterns with an occasional cropped image of lace-wearing Kings and Queens. Classic!

Happy New Year's Eve!

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DIY & Save: New Year's Eve Party on the Cheap

Diane Rixon — 2009-12-29T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining

Photo: Michelle Brea (away...)'s, Flickr

It's cool to host a big party on New Year's Eve, but please-oh-please don't go broke in the process. Everyone loves a generous host, but I think we can all agree it is most definitely not cool to begin 2010 with a bundle of new credit card debt.

Hosting a soiree on the 31st? If so, here are 5 simple ways to drastically cut party spending without looking like a cheapskate.

1. Food and Drink Decisions. Serve either snacks with drinks OR desserts with drinks. This is waay cheaper than putting out an entire dinner spread for everyone. Also, remember if you start the party at around 8 or 9pm guests won't be expecting a full dinner spread anyway. If you want to kick things off earlier with dinner at 6 or 7pm, consider going pot luck-style.

2. Smart Apps. Go for bite-size, inexpensive appetizers. Most importantly, remember presentation is far more important than cost when it comes to food. Dress snacks up for a gourmet look with garnishes and pretty platters and I guarantee you no one will notice you're serving store brand cheese and crackers.

Here's another fantastic tip from Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think: divide each appetizer amongst two or three small plates, platters or bowls. This trick ensures guests get the impression of more food and more variety than there actually is. Don't feel bad. You're still providing lots of great food, right? It's just that you're doing it the smart way for lots of visual oomph.

3. Drinks! Mix up a big bowl of inexpensive punch to supplement your drinks selection. It's so much cheaper than bottles of wine or champagne, yet it looks so delightfully festive. If you can borrow a friend's punch bowl and cup set, all the better for that critical celebratory atmosphere.

A festive ice ring makes a fab finishing touch, but you can also make your beverage pop by tossing in some handfuls of sliced fruit. Think lemon or tangerine cross-sections, or pineapple wedges, for example. As for other drinks, consider making it a BYO soda/wine/beer occasion.

4. Decorate for Less. Balloons and streamers fill a room for very little cash. To save more money, blow up those balloons with good old-fashioned air instead of helium. They won't float, but who will care? Nobody. Just tie balloons in clusters with cheap curling ribbon instead.

Opting for disposable tableware? Instead of New Year's Eve-themed party packs, which can be pricey, make up your own color scheme for the evening using store brand or dollar store plates and cups.

Finally, is your house still decorated for Christmas? Then definitely leave everything up to maintain that festive feeling.

5. Don't Forget the Kids. Consider making your party a child-friendly event. Even if alcohol is being served, young children will have lots of fun if you set up a fun kids' room or area especially for them. Stock it with balloons, toys, board games, snacks and drinks. Have a fun movie or two on hand as well.

Just be safe: make sure an adult is on hand or nearby at all times to supervise, especially if you know you'll be busy tending to your other guests.

Need ideas? Family Fun's website offers up lots of fun food and craft ideas for celebrating New Year's with kids.

Remember children, even more than adults, remember a fun atmosphere, not money spent. (Well, at least 'till they hit 13, anyway.) They'll hold onto those precious memories for life. Happy New Year!

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Holidash Highlight: Christmas Candy Recipes, Brittle and Bark

Erin Loechner — 2009-12-18T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, entertaining

Photo: Verigi, Flickr

Two of the easiest candies to make during the Christmas season are brittle and bark. Neither involves any fancy tools, techniques, or know-how. Just a smidge of baking prowess and the drive to make some sweet and sugary delights at home, and you're ready to go! Our friends at Holidash have the scoop:

On the brittle side of things, there are a myriad of options. AOL Food offers a bunch of brittle recipes -- classic peanut mixes, cashews, almonds, and other tasty additions from coffee to butterscotch. There's also Candy Cane Brittle, Peppermint Brittle, Coconut Brittle, or even a Classic Nut Brittle spiced with rum and cayenne pepper.

Christmas Bark uses a similar idea, but subs in chocolate for that crisp, candy brittle. There's the classic homemade Peppermint Bark -- something you'd pay a premium for over at Williams-Sonoma, as well as Saltine Bark, M&M Bark, Chocolate Cookie Bark, or White Chocolate-Almond-Cherry Bark.

Which brittle and bark appeals to your bite?

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How to Hold a Wine Glass

Diane Rixon — 2009-12-16T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining

Photo: Whatsername, Flickr

If you're already sweating the upcoming workplace holiday party, maybe a little wine glass 101 will boost your confidence ... thus helping you make a good impression on the boss! The trick to drinking wine in public is to be comfortable with your beverage. You don't want to come across as a wine nerd, but neither do you want to seem uninitiated.

Central conundrum: is it ever okay to cradle the glass in your hand? Or should glasses be grasped by the stem? Wine and fine dining experts make quite a fuss about this, insisting the elegant stem grip is the only way to go. They say it prevents body heat from warming the drink and also keeps messy fingerprints from obscuring the beverage's fine hue.

That's the theory anyway ... and not everyone agrees with it. WineCOW, for example, writes it off as a classic bit of wine snobbery, sagely noting that gently grasping the bowl for a mere few minutes is unlikely to warm the drink or muss up the bowl all that much.

Bottom line: do what you want at home or out with friends, but at a formal occasion or work event play it safe with the traditional stem grip.

Basically, it's a little like a man having to wear a tie to a wedding. Yes, he knows it's a silly strip of fabric ... but he goes with the flow to show he can dress with the best of them. Same goes for you and your wine glass. You know you don't have to hold it by the stem, but you do it at a work function just to show you know how to handle your wine.

Oh and remember: In a self-serve situation, be sure not to over-fill your wine glass. Aim for one third to one half full, not more! The balloon-shaped glass bowl is supposed to be mostly empty, allowing you to savor the wine's bouquet. Enjoy!

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ShelterPop Swap: 10 Placecard Ideas for Your Holiday Table

Erin Loechner — 2009-12-08T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, seasonal, entertaining

Leave it to ShelterPop to make our holiday planning easier with these fantastic placecard ideas. Craft away a few of my faves!:

Photo: ShelterPop

Trim the Tree
[Left] Leave it to Martha Stewart to turn tree clippings into stylish tabletop décor. If you have a Christmas tree (or some branches out back), some pruning shears and a glue gun, this woodsy beauty can be yours.

Darling Clementines
[Right] Who doesn't love clementines at Christmas? Help guests find their seats and have a yummy take-away by making these adorable little place settings. Tuck the mini oranges inside strips of folded parchment paper and tie with waxed twine. Cut leaves from heavy paper and write guests names on each. Not so good with the calligraphy? Use a computer printer to print names in a pretty font them cut leaf pattern around them.

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Holidash Highlight: To Stuff or Not to Stuff?

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-20T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, entertaining

Photo: Holidash

There are two kinds of Thanksgiving chefs: those who stuff and those who... well, don't stuff. To get down to the bottom of stuffing, dressing and everything-related, our friends at Holidash have a few helpful tips:

If you follow cooking shows through the holiday season, you've probably heard that it's bad, bad, bad to stuff a bird -- especially if you've talked to Alton Brown. Adding a good pile of stuffing lengthens a turkey's cooking time and increases the possibility of having a dry and overcooked meal. But ... but stuffing tastes so good.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to follow the advice of the professionals without losing the flavor many of us have grown to love. In the above link, Alton suggests tossing the stuffing in the turkey drippings post-roast, and letting it sit in the turkey while it rests. But there's an easier way, especially if you want your stuffing flavorful and crisp, rather than just juicy.

See, you don't have to stuff a bird to get the same look and flavor. First, create a heaping mound just outside of the turkey, so it looks just like a stuffed bird. After one or two bastings, this will create those deliciously crisp bits of dressing that make a perfect mid-day nibble.

Throw the remaining dressing in a pan (if there's no oven room, a toaster oven works beautifully) with some poultry stock for moistness, and as you baste the bird, reserve some of the turkey drippings in a heat-resistant bowl to baste the dressing with. (If there's not enough, continue using stock.) This will offer the same flavor, as if it came right out of the bird.

Added tip: If you really love stuffing, make extra and cook it after the turkey. Simply save some of the drippings and roast the excess dressing later for deliciously perfect leftovers.

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Holidash Highlight: A Julia Child Thanksgiving

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-18T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, entertaining

Photo: Bookpage

In case you missed the hit movie Julie and Julia this year, you still have time to brush up on your cooking knowledge! Holidash has a Julia Child-inspired Thanksgiving for all of your aspiring chefs! Check it out!:

* Roast Turkey: Most of her technique is pretty classic, but she does add a twist with a slow-simmered giblet gravy.
* Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Regular mashed taters are fine, but Julia knew long ago that a little garlic would make them divine.
* Stuffed Pumpkin: Rather than stuffing your turkey, you could stuff and roast a nice, orange pumpkin.
* Dressing: Julia preferred to keep the dressing out of the turkey, so pull out a casserole dish for this one -- or the pumpkin above.
* Brussels Sprouts Browned with Cheese: A so-called favorite of Julia & Julia star Amy Adams.
* Apple Tart: When the meal is good and done, wrap it up with a classic apple tart.

And don't forget -- no Child feast is complete without some strong libations to wash it all down!

Enjoy!

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5 Thanksgiving Tension Taming Tips

Diane Rixon — 2009-11-18T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining

Photo: cardamom, Flickr

The Thanksgiving feast: It's more of an ordeal than a celebration in some families. Ugly family tensions rearing their heads like clockwork each year. Maybe you have a self-appointed family dictator like Marney of the hilarious "Thanksgiving Letter" fame who sucks the fun out of every get-together?

If you're dreading another unpleasant Thanksgiving dinner, why not try some of the following tension taming tips. Who knows? Perhaps you'll become the family peacemaker this year!

1. Have a seating plan. The atmosphere will be oh-so-much improved if you can match like-minded family members at the table. Here's how to do it without sounding like a bossy boots: have the kids make and decorate cute place name cards. If you emphasize it was the kids' contribution to the big day, you'll boost the odds that everyone will obediently sit where you would like.

2. Stagger arrival times. Not everyone wants to spend an entire day with their extended family. Respect that. If you're hosting, let your less-sociable relatives know it's perfectly fine to turn up closer to the hour that dinner is served if they'd prefer not to spend the entire day or afternoon together.

3. Introduce a movie tradition. Pop in a dvd -- a movie that's upbeat and Thanksgiving-related. At best, it'll make everyone more agreeable. At the very least, it'll provide a welcome distraction for kids and those adults who need a moment away from small talk. Just don't let the movie take center stage for those who would rather converse.

4. Have realistic expectations. How many families are super-close and free of conflict? Few to none. So encourage those who will listen, including kids and teens, to treat guests with respect. We don't have to be best of friends because we're related, and no one has the right to shove their opinions down the throats of other family members. Therefore...

5. ... Cool your temper. Accept in advance that Aunt Maggie will likely bring up her fringe political views. Yes, it always makes your hackles rise. So what? Relax and breathe. If debating politics with the family stresses you out, don't get sucked in. Afterwards, use it as a learning experience: take the chance to chat with your older kids about making polite conversation with others, explaining that it's all about consideration for others.

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Daily DIY: Re-Shine Your Aluminum Pots

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-18T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, entertaining, cleaning, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

Photo: About.com

Planning a dinner party, but can't stand the sight of your dull pots and pans? Follow this simple tip to bring the shine back onto your pot rack (and make your home smell fresher than an autumn orchard!):

Boil a few apples and/or apple peels in water to get that aluminum shiny and new. That's it! Easy enough, right?

Have a few other pans to clean? Follow this easy guide:
Cast Iron pans: Wipe out with a damp cloth rather than completely wash them, dry completely to prevent rust.
Copper pans: Dip the bottom of the pot in leftover pickle juice. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and rinse well.
Burnt pots & pans: Make a paste from equal parts water & baking soda, rub into burnt area and let it sit for an hour!
Enamel ware: To remove discoloration, mix equal parts salt and vinegar, clean area & let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse well.

Why not print this out and tape it to the inside of your kitchen cabinet for a no-fail cheat sheet? Happy cleaning!

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Daily DIY: Silver Cleaning Guide

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-16T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining, cleaning, Dining Rooms, Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

Photo: JFK Library

It's time to break out the silver and buff out those tarnished serving pieces, but first --- your DIY guide to cleaning silver, using mostly items you already own around the house!

For small items, slightly tarnished:
Use white toothpaste. Dab a bit on your index finger and rub the toothpaste directly onto the tarnish. Wipe clean and presto -- new silver!

For medium-sized, more tarnished items:
Use baking soda and a damp sponge. Mix equal parts baking soda and water, then rub the mixture onto the silver with a clean sponge. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft cloth.

For large or badly tarnished items:
Using the same mixture as above, coat the silver with the baking soda paste and let sit for a few hours. Then, run the silver under hot water and rub with a clean, damp sponge. Repeat if necessary.

You'll silver will look shiny and new -- just like your holiday baubles!

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Holidash Highlight: Keep Your Holiday Party Flu-Free!

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-11T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, entertaining

Photo: Better Recipes

Swine flu is top of mind at the moment, but very few of us are willing to give up our wine and spirits over a measly cold. Here's how to enjoy your holiday party (flu-free!) while staying safe, straight from the experts at Holidash:

Common Sense
If you're feeling under the weather, do not host or attend a party. It doesn't matter if you were supposed to bring the Jell-o mold -- everyone will forgive you if you keep your germs to yourself.

Food
Think individual portions rather than large, communal bowls of chips and dips (oh, will somebody think of the double dippers?). This is an opportunity to get creative! Use shot glasses, little glass votive holders, paper sno-cone holders, Chinese takeout containers, small espresso cups and ramekins to serve small snacks and dishes. And, if you're serving dinner, make the plates for your guests rather than doing a buffet. If possible, keep the food covered before serving.

Drinks
Again, personal servings are best, so forget the punch bowl (and definitely forget the beer pong). Help your guests hang on to their glasses by offering wine glass charms or colored rubber bands to go around beer bottles. If you're using plastic cups, offer markers and stickers so people can personalize their own, even if it's just with their initials.

Meeting and Greeting
Some experts recommend greeting guests with an elbow bump rather than a handshake, but I think that if you're that concerned about germs, a party isn't a great idea for you (unless that's just normal for you, in which case, carry on!). Maybe avoid the kissing and long, lingering hugs, and skip the mistletoe this year.

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ShelterPop Swap: Countdown to Thanksgiving

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-10T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, entertaining

Photo: Book Cellar Inc.

Yep, it's time to start counting down the days until turkey time! ShelterPop shows us how, step by step:

Your three-week checklist:
o. Set a rough budget for everything: food, drinks, and decorations.
o. Invite your guests, if you haven't already.
o. Plan your menu, including snacks, the main meal, dessert, and drinks. Be aware of various dietary restrictions your guests may have, and try to be accommodating (but also realize that people are grownups and don't have to eat everything in front of them).
o. Decide how you will be cooking your turkey, and what kind of turkey you'll buy (fresh, frozen, organic, etc.). Thinking of ordering a fresh turkey? Check out organizations like Local Harvest to find a turkey farm near you.
o. Assess the decorations you have and decide if you're going to buy more, or go DIY (all part of your budget breakdown).
o. Begin putting up outdoor décor; if you did a Halloween display, repurpose as much as possible (such as pumpkins).

Your two-week checklist:
o. Get a firm commitment from guests if they're coming or not.
o. If children are coming, think about what kinds of simple kids' activities you could offer (go old school: a table with crayons and coloring books/other crafts, or board games)
o. Plan your table settings and centerpiece. Pull out linens and make sure they're clean.
o. Polish your silverware.
o. Assess your serving pieces: do you have enough plates, cups, bowls, and platters? What can you borrow from friends?
o. If you're buying a frozen turkey, you can buy it now (if you haven't already). Not sure how big your turkey needs to be? The USDA offers this guide for buying and preparing turkey.
o. Begin to buy drinks (and if you're serving wine, make sure you've got enough wine glasses)
o. Assess your coffee situation. Will your coffeepot suffice, or do you need a larger one (which hopefully you can borrow)?

One week before:
Now, your attention really turns to the food. "You're going to need to go to the grocery at least twice," Coelho says-once for dry ingredients/non-perishables and again a day or so before for your fresh things. Plan your time.

Weekend before Thanksgiving:
o. Before you shop, take the opportunity to clean out your fridge and freezer so that you have space for groceries.
o. Make your shopping list, and buy as many non-perishable items as you can.
o. Begin making what you can ahead of time (relishes, for example).
o. Do a thorough cleaning-all the places you don't hit up regularly (behind the couch, your crown molding, and that forgotten, filthy space between the dishwasher and the wall).

Monday
o. Make your pies: pumpkin pie will easily keep (and maybe even taste better).
o. Depending on its size, you may need to start defrosting a frozen turkey. Refer to the USDA guidelines again.
o. Make a list of each dish, how far ahead it can be prepared, and set a schedule for the week. Remember that things like broth for stuffing and gravy can be made ahead (even frozen if necessary).

Tuesday
o. Buy your perishables, like fresh fruits and fresh veggies, and lettuce for salad, at the market.
o. Now is a great time to buy any fresh flowers, or create fresh flower arrangements, or arrangements with pinecones from your yard.
o. Finish up any last minute décor projects (such as writing names on place cards).

Wednesday
o. Time for spot cleaning: tidy up things like books/magazines, kids' rooms (get them involved in as much as possible), dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the toilets and sinks.
o. Put clean guest towels in the bathroom.
o. Chill beverages.
o. Give your table linens a good pressing.
o. Set the table (so that you can focus on cooking tomorrow).
o. Set a cooking schedule for Thanksgiving day: know the timing of when everything is going in and out of the oven.

Morning of Thanksgiving
o. Follow the cooking schedule you've laid out for yourself.
o. Don't forget to pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy your guests and the delicious meal!

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Holidash Highlight: Thanksgiving Games for All Ages

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-06T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining

Photo: ex.libris, Flickr

Thanksgiving games are a ritual for some families. My family is immensely sedentary, especially when it comes to the annual tryptophan coma that we so love to indulge in. Yet this year, I'm planning to spice things up with a few exciting games for the whole family, courtesy of our friends at Holidash!:

1. Name That Turkey Tune
Make your guests sing for their supper with this family-friendly game. Each player takes turns singing their favorite songs by replacing the lyrics with the word 'GOBBLE.' The first player to correctly identify the tune is the new 'gobbler' and the fun continues.

2. Thanksgiving Bingo
If you can't pull your family away from the tube, why not make them work while they watch? Family Fun has a few printable bingo cards for Thanksgiving Day's TV watching, so hand out a few sheets and pencils and go to town. Loser has dish duty!

3. Apple Paring Game
In case you didn't quite get enough dessert, bring in the family for a fun, reward-driven game. Each player gets an apple and a peeler or knife (for adults) and has sixty seconds to peel the longest apple strip they can muster. Winner gets to take a fresh-baked apple pie home for Black Friday!

4. Toilet Paper Thanks
Pass around a roll of toilet paper to the entire room and ask them to tear as many sheets off as they'd like (but don't tell them why they're doing so!). After every player has chosen their desired number of sheets, announce that they have to share one thing they're thankful for... per sheet they ripped from the roll. Those greedy folk won't know what hit them!

With a few of these easy-to-implement games, your family will be so energized they won't even need their annual turkey nap!

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HowNow: How to Make a Pinata

Erin Loechner — 2009-11-02T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, entertaining, papercraft

Halloween has officially come and gone, and it's time to start thinking about more important things -- like Thanksgiving! I'd love to do something fun and festive this year and am highly considering a turkey pinata. After all, we'll need some candy to wash down all of that turkey, right? I spotted this easy DIY pinata video and am ready to get my hands dirty in the name of the holiday!:

How To Make a Pinata on Howcast

As you watch the video, keep a few important tips in mind:
1. Use plain white paper for the last layer so you have a clean base for decorating.
2. Acrylic and fabric paints work best.

And, as usual, a bit of history to complement your project!:
1. The traditional Mexican pinata is an orb with seven cones attached to it, representing the seven deadly sins. The cones are topped with colorful streamers.
2. In Mexico, smashing open a pinata is a Christmas tradition.

That's it, folks --- have fun and be safe!

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Holidash Highlight: How to Throw a Last-Minute Halloween Party

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-28T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: entertaining

Photo: cakeasaurus, Flickr

Decided to host a few friends over this weekend? Holidash shows you how to throw together a Halloween party... in 24 hours or less!:

Queen of procrastination here, and as usual, I'm spreading the gospel of how to handle your habit of last-minute planning (not that I'm encouraging you to postpone your responsibilities, but hey -- we all have to embrace our flaws, right?). If you're not a fan of impromptu party-planning, feel free to roll your capable eyes and ignore everything I write. But -- if you're normal and it's slipped your mind that you've invited the neighborhood moms over for dinner and a trick-or-treating send-off (not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...), listen up. This one's for you:

How to Throw a Last-Minute Halloween Party

Decor:
Gather a few items from around your home that could easily double as seasonal decor. I once decorated an entire table setting with items from my garage, so it can be done. Think creatively: a kaleidoscope as a vase, chalkboard as a menu, vintage scarves as placemats. Or, if you have a bit of time on your hands for a quick craft, ShelterPop shows you how to whip up a quick spider web table runner out of some black felt. Don't have felt? Use your husband's sweatpants. Trust me; he won't notice.

Food:
Can you say 'take out?' Order some chow mein and label a place card with the words "monster brains." An egg roll doubles as "troll's fingers" and the fortune cookie? Let's just rename that "message from Hell." Serve some store-bought apple cider and put the coffee pot on --- it's gonna be a late night getting those sugar-infused kiddies to bed...

Games:
Does anyone really enjoy games anymore? I suppose you could bob for the proverbial apples, or celebrate old school with a fun game of Old Maid. The most important form of entertainment is conversation, so put on your hostess hat and have fun!

See how easy that was? Forget changing your ways; procrastination isn't such a bad thing after all!

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A Canine Celebration

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-16T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: seasonal, entertaining

Don't let the rooster crow before you've celebrated your pups! Photo: Flickr, The Rochester Canine Playgroups

OK, you officially have two weeks to dream up how you'd like to celebrate your Halloween. Chances are, candy and pumpkins are included, but have you remembered the most important part? That's right --- your furry friends! After all, Halloween is one of the few times it's publicly acceptable to dress up your dog (unless you live on the west coast, that is).

This year, I plan to throw a Howl'O'Ween Party for my pups, and in fact, I detailed the planned experience over on Holidash. Whether you want to throw a bash for your beagle or a party for your pug, I've made a handy little list for all included!:

1. Host your party at a park, or a home with a large, fenced-in yard to give the dogs plenty of space to run around. A happy dog makes a happy guest, and a happy guest makes a happy host!
2. Send out invitations (addressed to the dogs, of course!) to no more than six of your closest pet-toting pals. Too many pets in one place is never a good idea, and do your best to choose dogs that are socially-adapted.
3. Keep a lidded garbage can, pooper scooper and trash bags handy for unexpected "treats."
4. Purchase a few Halloween-themed dog treats (I love these adorable carob dog cookies!) and invite a local dog trainer to come teach your old dogs new tricks!
5. Plan a fun, entertaining game such as a pet costume contest or craft. Award the winners with extra treats (or tricks, if you're feeling naughty!).

Of course, you'll have to start planning wardrobe necessities right away, and we've got you covered in that arena, as well. I love this sweet little bumblebee costume and think it would be just perfect for my Yorkipoo, who, aptly enough, causes my head to buzz.

Moral of the story? You've got two weeks to plan a fun and eventful evening with your four-legged friends. At the end of the night, your dogs will go home exhausted, leaving you to enjoy your Hallow's Eve bark-free. Woo-hoo! I'll howl to that!

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Daily DIY: Create a Custom Tea Set

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-16T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, home decor, art, Crafts, entertaining

Want a one-of-a-kind tea set? Look no further! Photo: Aya Rosen, Apartment Therapy

Whoa, nelly. This is my kind of DIY project. With the leaves beginning to change color, I'm dreaming of late nights by the fireplace... with my trusty chai tea, of course. I'd love to own a one-of-a-kind tea set, and it looks like Re-Nest has made that possible -- and on a dime, no less!

All you need are a few key materials to get started. Aya found her tea set at a local thrift shop and scored two saucers for $1.99 and two cups for $2.99. Major score! For paint colors, she used Pebeo Porcelaine 150 in Turquoise and a Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pen in black. Of course, you can get as creative as you'd like with colors, but I think these look smashing together!

From there, you'll need a paintbrush, tissue paper and a jar for water. That's it! Aya has some awesome how-to instructions for how she created her pattern, but if you like to doodle, why not try it free-hand? You'll be guaranteed a unique, custom look that your guests will eye with envy.

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Daily DIY: Make a Woven Felt Placemat

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-15T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: home decor, Crafts, entertaining, sewing

Weave your way through the fall season! Photo: The Purl Bee

Felt screams cooler weather to me, so I can't wait to get my hands on a pair of brightly-colored felt threads and work some magic this fall. For now, I'll be keeping this project from The Purl Bee close by -- I can't wait to try it and have a feeling that even I can't screw this one up!

The following materials will make a set of six 11-inch x 17-inch place mats:

Six 18-inch x 18-inch pieces of Ecru Wool Flannel (color of 91)
Two Wool Felt Bundles. This tutorial uses the spring shades offered.
OK-To-Wash-It Fabric Glue
water soluble fabric marker

From there, you'll need to cut, weave and finish! The craft couldn't be easier and would make an excellent art project for your family. Why not let your children pick out their own felt colors to give everyone a personalized place setting? Better yet, with holidays coming up fast, consider gifting felt placemats to your favorite families.

Get to work!

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Holidash Highlight: DIY Costume Ideas

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-09T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: recreation, seasonal, entertaining

I have a massive procrastination issue. I believe it started somewhere in university, where you could often find me face-down in a pile of unfinished classroom notes and study guides -- cramming for that inevitable 9 a.m. exam.

Not much has changed in recent years, although rather than the aforementioned study guides, you'll often find dinner party recipes, article deadlines, and -- this month in particular -- costume ideas for that dreaded Halloween party.

This year, I've vowed to change my ways and am getting started early. Yet, for those of you with chocked-full schedules that are anticipating a very late Halloween Eve, feel free to check out these last-minute costume ideas that have saved my procrastinating buns in the past. Each costume requires very little craft knowledge on your part, and should be easily compiled with household items. Ready? Let's get started!

Hey -- Who invited the static cling? Credit: Time Out New York

1. Static-Cling
What You'll Need: Dress normally and pin a few pairs of panty hose, a dish towel and dryer sheets to your clothing.
Bonus: You'll get a few laughs, and will be the comfiest (sans pins!) in the room.

2. Paper Shredder
What You'll Need: A stack of paper. When someone asks you what your costume is, tear a piece of paper in half and proclaim "I'm a paper shredder!"
Bonus: You can use your spare paper for all of those phone numbers you'll be sure to get.

3. Nudist On Strike
What You'll Need: Dress normally and create a sign out of posterboard, cardboard, or whatever you have on hand. Poster should say "Nudist On Strike."
Bonus: Trust us -- no one wants any other kind of nudist at their party.

4. Aircraft Carrier
What You'll Need: Steal a toy airplane from your little brother, or make a paper airplane of your own. When someone asks you who you're dressed as, hold the airplane high and announce "I'm an aircraft carrier!"
Bonus: You still have one spare hand to hold your drink!

5. Refrigerator Magnet
What You'll Need: Spray paint a shoe box black and attach it to the back of your shirt. Instant refrigerator magnet!
Bonus: Your sense of humor just might magnetize a new date.

Proof that Halloween can be both fun -- and affordable -- this year, with or without the late night procrastination! For more Holidash highlights, head on over to Holidash right here.

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Daily DIY: How to Make Bacon Cups

Erin Loechner — 2009-10-08T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: food, in the kitchen, entertaining

A breadless BLT never looked so appetizing. Photo: NotMartha

Everything's better with bacon, whether we're talking bandages, mints or even [eek!] air fresheners. As a massive pork fan myself, I'm amazed to find these yummy looking bacon cups, courtesy of NotMartha. Want the recipe? You got it...

To create the cup shapes, Megan used the back of this Wilton King-Size Muffin Pan, which are the width of jumbo muffins but are almost twice as tall (see this cupcake for a visual). Megan used two layers of bacon on the sides and wove it like a basket. She notes that for as floppy as the bacon is when trying to weave it, it keeps its shape really well once cooked to the point that it is crisp.

Megan then set the oven at 400 degrees and carefully formed foil over the back of the muffin pan. She cooked the bacon, moving the pans around, until it was crisp and waited for it to cool before removing the foil and shaped bacon.

Genius, right? I'm amazed. Go, Megan!

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