DIY Photo Graduation Party Decorations & Momentos

DIY Photo Graduation Party Decorations & Momentos

One of my great pleasures was making high school senior recognition, prom and graduation party decorations for my sons.

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Breaks my heart thinking of this year’s grads and their families. But, it’s inspiring seeing so many students, parents, teachers and administrators finding unique ways to celebrate and make graduation special.

Today, I’ll  show you how to make a tabletop graduation party decoration using photographs. Although I made mine primarily as centerpieces, they also look great on a mantle, buffet or accent table.

Using pictures of the graduate personalizes the decorations. After the party, they also make wonderful keepsakes for the grad, mom and dad, and grandparents.

Even if you can’t host a big blowout this year, you might be able to have a more modest sized gathering of family and friends later this summer. And, party or no party, the photo stand ups create a festive environment in the home. If you must social distance from your grandchild or other favorite grad, consider making one as a gift. Then drop it at their front door, or send it off in the mail as a special surprise.

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12 Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions

12 Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions

Today is a roundup of 12 25  fun to fabulous napkin folds I’ve used styling tables for a variety of holidays, occasions and parties.

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It’s not the St. Patrick’s Day theme post I planned.

Originally, I wanted to share our upcoming Ireland vacation itinerary, including details of the 10-day organized tour. Hubby and I also added five days on our own to explore the home towns and villages of many of his Irish ancestors. It’s to be a bucket list trip, and the fruit of my many years of genealogy study and research.

But, with the virus pandemic and worldwide emergency, I suspect our summer vacation to the United Kingdom is unlikely — at least when scheduled.

Instead, while we are all social distancing, I thought you might enjoy a little diversion. Because this too will pass, and then we’ll all want to return to normal, gathering together to celebrate holidays and special occasions.

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How to Make a Mad Hatter Fascinator

How to Make a Mad Hatter Fascinator

Today, I’m sharing how to make a whimsical Queen of Hearts or Mad Hatter fascinator for yourself, a child or grandchild in a seven-step tutorial.

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With Halloween a little over a month away, it’s costume-making season for young trick or treaters, or adult party goers. And, portraying an Alice in Wonderland character is a popular costume choice.

As regular followers are well aware, my fourth My Favorite Things Party had an Alice in Wonderland theme.

Since the event, I’ve shared numerous party project tutorials, including; How to Make Whimsical Teacup Fascinators. Recently, I also shared Craft Fun to Fabulous Floral Fascinator.  It’s taken me until costume season to circle back to how I made the black and white checked toppers.

Learn how to create and customize a Mad Hatter fascinator to accessorize a costume, wear to a tea party, or even as a stylish top hat to complete a New Year’s Eve outfit.

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Absolutely Mad, Summer Tea Party Table

Absolutely Mad, Summer Tea Party Table

Hosted by Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate, today’s post is part of the Welcome Summer Tablescape blog hop. I’m sharing a different take on the traditional or proper tea. Mine is a summertime, iced tea party table.

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Last June, I hosted my fourth annual Favorite Things Party. Every year, I pick a different theme to build the event around. I’d always wanted to have a vintage style tea party. Because it was summertime, I served two refreshing iced teas, along with a sparkling pink lemonade. They were part of an extensive menu that included classic tea party finger sandwiches, savories and desserts.

Did you know the Mad Hatter’s tea is actually an Unbirthday Party? It just so happened, that the event coincided with a big milestone birthday for yours truly. So, holding a Wonderland unbirthday, vintage style tea theme party checked all the boxes! And, the self proclaimed, Queen of Theme, got to bee the Queen of Hearts for the day, LOL!

For those coming from Kari’s pink and gold table at Me and My Captain, welcome to Debbee’s Buzz. And to my dearly appreciated subscribers, thank you for taking another trip down the rabbit hole with me! Come all, and take a seat at this richly detailed, tea party table set for the Queen of Hearts’ official Unbirthday.

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Hand Painted, Wedding Champagne Flutes

Hand Painted, Wedding Champagne Flutes

Today, I’m sharing the pair of wedding champagne flutes I made as a personalized gift for my niece’s recent party.  It was a fun craft that could easily be applied to any hand painted glass project.

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Since the happy occasion of my niece’s wedding in Charleston several weekends ago, I’ve been on a longer than planned blogging break. As in a Tale of Two Cities, it’s been both the best and worst of times.

After the wedding, I returned with my mom to Florida to help transfer dad from a rehab center to long term care. Mom and I knew the minute we saw him that something was wrong. Immediately after the transfer, it became clear his pain from a previous injury and fall had escalated significantly. Within hours, dad was back in the hospital with a severe sepsis infection.

Moving him to hospice care was a blessing. Several long days later, he passed peacefully, and I am very grateful his suffering has ended.

Creating this post is a happy distraction. It also provides an opportunity to remember the fun weekend, celebrated with family and friends. Here’s how I created the wedding champagne flutes and how to make your own.

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DIY Hand Painted Glasses & Champagne Flutes

DIY Hand Painted Glasses & Champagne Flutes

Today, I’m going to show you how I hand painted glasses to compliment table settings and as favors for several parties.

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I was prompted by several readers who asked how to make the decorated pilsners featured in last week’s Casual St. Patrick’s Day Table & Shamrock Glasses.

So far, I have created hand painted glasses for four different occasions. It all started when I wanted peacock themed tableware and favors for the second My Favorite Things Party.

Since the feather decorated wine glasses were such a crowd pleaser (everyone thought I had bought them!), I went on to paint Holly Golightly figures on champagnes for the Breakfast at Tiffany’s Theme Brunch. More recently for the Unbirthday Party, I upped the ante, painting four different Alice in Wonderland character goblets.

You don’t have to be an artist to create fun and unique hand painted glasses to grace a table or give as favors for a bridal or wedding shower. All it takes is a little patience and steady hand. Let me show you.

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