Guess What....

I'm leaving this one up to you guys. I am so excited about the next issue of LPF Mag that I can barely stand it. The thing is, I want so bad to share what I'm doing, but I want the shock and awe factor when the issue comes out. So, to tempt you and indulge me, I'm sharing this one image from the behind the scenes. I would love to hear your guesses about what I'm doing with a drop cloth, paint cans, air duct cap, spray paint and wine glasses. Hint...it's not home repairs!

Have a happy Wednesday!

Essentially {At Home Entertaining}

Happy Friday! It's the start of the long holiday weekend and I couldn't be more excited. Hopefully you are as excited as I am. Normally right before a holiday, I like to post all sorts of inspiration for it. But today, I wanted to give you my everyday inspiration, my essentials for easy, beautiful, at home entertaining on the fly. The smallest things make the difference here. It's so easy to over look things like your cutting board, wine glasses, vases, napkins, and tablecloths. But, it a cinch, they can be the key elements to stylish entertaining on short notice at home. Here's is my list of essentials for entertaining at home.

Cutting Board: It seems so simple. A devise to chop food on. But, a gorgeous wood one can double as cheese tray or platter for antipasto. What's so wonderful about a lovely wood cutting board is that it not only makes entertaining on the fly nice, but turns weeknight dinners into a party too!

Wine Glasses: Never underestimate the power of nice wine glasses. Proper ones at that. A big bowled glass makes a world of difference in my book and shows guests that you really know how to entertain.

Vases: Assuming you have enough time to hit the grocery store before a get together, flowers add the perfect pop to a table. While grocery store flowers aren't always the best, a magnificent vase can be just the trick. The perfect vase is of medium height, colorful and not to wide at the top.

Napkins: I'm not talking linen napkins, but fun paper cocktail napkins. The key to at home entertaining and entertaining on the fly is ease. Paper napkins may not be your everyday choice but are key. I stock up on them at places like Target and Party City. They always have a fun assortment in different colors and patterns that fit any occasion.

Tablecloths: Throwing a bright, visually interesting tablecloth or runner over your dining table really takes it to the next level without putting forth a ton of effort. The ideal cloth matches the color scheme of your house and has a bit of pattern to it.

Have a safe and celebratory Memorial Day Weekend!

Go Custom

I'm not quite sure to call this a DIY post or a feature on Martha Stewart's new glass paint. Either way, it's awesome! It all started last Thursday when I was planning posts for this week. I decided I wanted to do a DIY on creating custom serveware and glass pieces. And so, it began with research. How to paint on glass and it be dishwasher safe. The first couple Google results were way to many steps for my ADD self. Then about halfway down was a blurb about Martha Stewart Glass Paint. Sold! It's exactly what I was looking for and made by Martha Stewart. It comes in 120 different colors and is as easy as painting it on, letting it dry and baking for 30 minutes. To top it all off, it is 100% completely dish washer safe. After a quick trip to Michael's, I was ready to create. That day, I made a bowl for myself and two cookie/storage jars for my mom's birthday. I had to refrain from making more as I seriously lack storage. But, on the agenda soon is a platter or two, maybe some monogramed wine glasses, and who knows what else. The best part is is that this paint will work on any non-poris surface and there are a thousand stencils to make it easy! No longer will I be on the search for the perfect platter, bowl, pitcher, etc for a party. Now I can just make it!