When your niece loves the great outdoors, you throw her a small National Park themed party for her birthday and make her pretty invitations!
We have big news to share here at This Bittersweet Life and we have been dying to tell you all! Just a few months ago Caitlin announced on her YouTube channel, Bella Fleur, that she is pregnant! We wanted to give her plenty of time to reveal the gender on her own social media channels and now we can finally share a blog post about her pregnancy!
It's a GIRL!!
We are all so excited to become a dad, mom, Oma (grandmother) and Tante (aunt) to a sweet little baby girl and we ladies are ready to throw the best baby shower ever! But of course no "Boese Girl Party" would be complete without exceptional food and decor. Honestly, it's what we do. My Aunt Sandy calls me "Mini Martha" after Martha Stewart. My mom calls it going "overboard." [Insert eye roll here.]
We have been so excited we started planning this party almost as soon as Caitlin told us she was pregnant. And while the shower may not be until mid-July, we are already in the throes of it all. My mom and I started a Pinterest board to begin collecting ideas for food and decor once Caitlin decided on a theme and now we are even starting to make decor and try out new baking techniques.
But more on baking and food later. Today, we are focusing on this adorable, and super easy to make, rag garland in Caitlin and Alex's gender reveal photo. Not only did we use in the gender reveal photo, but it will make a perfect mantle decoration at the baby shower.
You can opt to have some ribbon and fabric flowers on the garland, or you can just us strips of fabric. Most of the supplies you'll need you probably already have at home, like an iron and measuring tape.
Supplies You'll Need
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| Don't worry, Alex really is happy it's a girl, he just doesn't smile much while Cait is extremely expressive! |
We are all so excited to become a dad, mom, Oma (grandmother) and Tante (aunt) to a sweet little baby girl and we ladies are ready to throw the best baby shower ever! But of course no "Boese Girl Party" would be complete without exceptional food and decor. Honestly, it's what we do. My Aunt Sandy calls me "Mini Martha" after Martha Stewart. My mom calls it going "overboard." [Insert eye roll here.]
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| The rag garland banner in full! |
But more on baking and food later. Today, we are focusing on this adorable, and super easy to make, rag garland in Caitlin and Alex's gender reveal photo. Not only did we use in the gender reveal photo, but it will make a perfect mantle decoration at the baby shower.
You can opt to have some ribbon and fabric flowers on the garland, or you can just us strips of fabric. Most of the supplies you'll need you probably already have at home, like an iron and measuring tape.
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| Close up of some of the flowers. |
- 3 to 4 yards of fabric (we had 1 yard each of 3 different patterns plus on fat quarter)
- Fabric scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Ruler and measuring tape
- Ribbon cord (you want something strong enough to hold the weight of the fabric)
- Needle and thread
- Fabric flowers and/or brooches (optional)
- Ribbon (optional)
Step 1
Hang two strands of ribbon cord on your mantel or wall. Keep in mind that as you add fabric and ribbon strips, it will weigh the cord down and it will hang lower as it gets heavier. We'll be hanging longer strips on one cord and shorter strips on the other so they will be weighted differently as well. You can always adjust the length of your ribbon cord later if needed. Our mantle is 83 inches wide and I made my ribbon cord approximately 82 inches long. I let the cord drape just the tiniest bit when hanging it up. (And because I waiting to hear back from my sister about how wide her window in her nursery is, I only hung one cord first and didn't cut it until I heard from her. I wanted to make sure that this garland could later become a window valance in the nursery. I hung the second ribbon cord later, which you can do also if you like.)
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| I started by doing the back row with the longer strips first, spacing out my ribbon and then starting to add the fabric strips. |
Step 2
Next, iron your fabric so that you get the wrinkles out. This will make it easier to measure your strips out. Next, fold your fabric into a manageable size for cutting strips. You'll want to make sure that you pay attention to what direction you are cutting the fabric. We'll be cutting 1.5 inch wide strips that are 40 inches long and 20 inches long, so make sure you are folding and cutting your fabric so that you are able to get 40 inch long strips.
Step 3
Using your ruler, measure 1.5 inches from one side of your fabric. You don't need to be completely perfect with this step. Part of the appeal of a rag garland is that it is shabby chic and not so perfect! Using fabric scissors, cut your 1.5" wide strip. Keep going with this step until you have plenty of strips of all your different patterns.
Step 4
Using measuring tape, measure and cut your fabric strips to get some that are 40 inches in length and some that are 20 inches in length. Do the same with your ribbons. We'll be layering these strips so that the longer strips hang on the back ribbon cord and the shorter strips hand on the front ribbon cord. My mom and I found it quicker to tag team--she did steps 2 and 3 while I did step s 1 and 4.
Step 5
Now comes the fun part--looping your fabric and ribbon strips onto your cord! Fold a strip in half and then place the folded end over the cord and then draw the two ends of your ribbon through the loop of your fabric or ribbon strip to attach it to the cord. Hang the longer strips on the back cord and the shorter ones on the front. I started by doing the back first and then the front. I also hung all of my ribbons first, spacing them out and putting the fabric in-between the ribbons. I also hung the long strips as I cut them--I'd cut a handful and then go hang them up, mostly because my mom would switch back and forth between the different patterns when cutting strips.
Step 6
Using a needle and matching thread, sew the back and front garlands together in a few spots. I chose to do it at each end, the center and then a few more spots spaced in-between. Next, sew on your fabric flowers if you want them. You could also attach brooches with or instead of flowers. I decided to sew all of mine from the center out, but didn't go the full length of the garland. What you do is totally up to you! I wanted to make sure that my sister could use it as a valance in her daughter's nursery after the shower no matter the width of the window (just in case they move). Having them centered on the garland means that the flowers are always centered on the window no matter what.
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| After you do the back row, do the front row with the shorter strips next! |
I hope you enjoyed this easy DIY tutorial for making your own rag garland. It's so easy, but so cute and sweet! The supplies are also easy to get. We purchased some of our fabric flowers from Micheal's and the rest from Etsy. We also purchased our ribbon at Micheal's. Our fabric came from Joann's and Hobby Lobby and the ribbon cord came from Hobby Lobby. And of course, there is always Amazon if you don't have good craft stores in your town.
It's also easy to make variances on this garland. If you want to vary up the length of the strips more, by all means go for it! This type of garland is so versatile you can do almost anything you want with it. Be sure to share photos of your garland with us on our Facebook page--we can't wait to see what you create!
11:49 AM
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I love a good excuse to throw a party with yummy food. So in conjunction with Alice Scraps Wonderland, I threw a premier party for Shadowhunters, a television show on Freeform (the new name for ABC Family) based of the world-wide bestselling book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.
I'm a huge fan of the books and so I picked out foods mentioned in the series or foods that seemed to fit a character's personality to serve at my party. Alice Scraps Wonderland made some fun food name cards to label the different foods on the buffet table and has been making beautiful mixed media Shadowhunters inspired tags that are perfect to display on a buffet table full of food!
In the first book, The City of Bones, Jace pulls a tub of leftover spaghetti out of the fridge that is clearly labeled with Hodge's name when he sees Isabelle attempting to make dinner. (Apparently Izzy can't cook and no one at the Institute wants to eat the food she makes.) So my mom, Sylvia, made her famous lasagna sauce (a super secret family recipe--sorry!) and boiled some spaghetti noodles and I labeled it "Hodge's Favorite Spaghetti." We also added a little shredded fresh parmesan to the mix! And since garlic bread goes wonderfully with spaghetti, we made some and I decided to name it "Simon's Anti Vampire Garlic Bread." It's perfect for the nerdy boy who believes garlic might save him from those bloodsucking nighttime monsters. I also made a mixed green salad topped with apples, strawberries, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds. With all the fruit it was quite magical for this time of year so it was bestowed the namesake of "Magnus' Magical Salad." And I bought some Izze sodas (because of Izzy, duh!) to wash it all down with. I really wanted some blackberry flavored Izze sodas to mirror the sultry color of Izzy's lipstick in the TV show, but my local grocery store was out so I went with grapefruit--a pretty girly pink, plus clementine because it's one of my favorites!
For dessert I chose to make some vanilla cupcakes iced with my favorite buttercream (chocolate cherry) that I tinted black. I sprinkled on a few white candy pearls and made angelic runes with melted white chocolate to place on top of the cupcakes. I labeled these "Clary's Artistic Angelic Rune Cupcakes" because in the beginning of the show, Clary doodles Shadowhunter runes without knowing what she is doing. In one of the later books in the series, Jace mentions he likes mangos so I picked up a mango sorbet and a mango sorbetto. We all know Jace is charming and smooth so I labeled this "Jace's Smooth Mango Sorbet." I served up a scoop of the cold yummy goodness in a chilled martini glass. In the books, Madame Dorothea (known as Dot in the TV show) asks Jace and Clary if they would like tea when they came to visit her in the first book. Jace tells her anything but Earl Grey because he hates bergamot. So I found a Mortal Cup-like chalice in my Oma's china cabinet and stuffed it with bags of Tazo's Earl Grey tea. I pulled out some of my sister's vintage teacups and a teapot as well.
As for tablescaping, I used a black tablecloth with a white and silver table runner. I always like differences in hight when setting up a buffet table. It's very artistic and pleasing to the eye. So I used one of my Oma's fancy cake stands to hold the cupcakes up high and propped the salad bowl up on a short vase turned upside down and stuffed with a silver organza napkin and a strand of glimmer lights. I also added silver mercury glass candle pedestals and candles then placed the tags created by Alice Scraps Wonderland around the table.
Don't forget to visit Alice Scraps Wonderland's blog for more on the tags and cards!
9:08 PM
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Eventually, just about every single one of us will end up hosting a dinner party--because we want to or because we have to. Either way, a well dressed table is an essential part of the presentation, because let's face it, it isn't just about how well you cook your meal anymore.
There are three main points you want to keep in mind when creating your tablescape: color, texture and light. You also want to be thinking about your centerpiece in particular, but more on that later.
Color: Keep your number of colors to a minimum, I'd say 3 to 4 max, especially if you are mixing and matching your china patterns or doing an eclectic miss-match of vintage dinnerware. Having a neutral color in the mix, such as white or brown, can keep it all grounded when using several colors.
Texture: Think different types of fabrics, or even just layering similar fabrics of different colors. Texture adds dimension and interest to your table even if you use a totally neutral palette. Some ideas for texture include: natural fibers, such as jute, burlap or rattan; detail like beading, stitching or embossed fabrics; sheer fabrics like organza mixed with heavier fabrics such as twill cotton.
Light: You can bring light to your table in a couple of ways. The obvious option is to add candles to your centerpiece or even a small votive at each place setting. If you are worried about flames, make sure to use flameless battery operated candles. Another option is to use fabrics or metallic surfaces that will reflect your overhead light source. Some examples are organza, beaded placemats or fabric with beaded detailing or even a floral centerpiece in a mercury glass vase or a plain vase sitting on top of a small mirror.
On the subject of centerpieces, be sure that your centerpiece does not block your guests' view of one another. There is nothing I find more annoying than having to lean left or right around alarge statement making centerpiece of brobdingnagian proportions just to look at the person I am speaking to. You don't want to annoy your guests, especially if one of your guests is your boss! You can make a statement with your centerpiece without inflating it to the size of Alaska. Here are some ideas on statement making centerpieces of well proportioned sizes:
Use a vibrant colored tablecloth, napkins and dinnerware then juxtapose your centerpiece with a full cluster of white roses in a low profile vase. This one bright spot in the center of your table is sure to draw attention!
Or do the opposite by using neutral colored linens and dinnerware with a bright and colorful mix of flowers in a simple mercury glass vase for the centerpiece.
Follow the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule by using luxe fabrics with added detail like decorative stitching or beading and heavily laying each place setting. Then keep your centerpiece simple with one candlestick or candle pillar or a small statuette, like a glass gourd.
Use candlesticks of varying heights, or hang baubles from your chandelier. Be creative and think outside the box. Use your table decor as a way to express your personality but remember that good conversation should always be the centerpiece of any dinner party!
Like my dinner table and place setting? Below is a list of where you can buy these items. (This is not an endorsement of any particular store or business, just a handy way to share where you can buy these products if you like them!)
Table and Chairs:
Marchella Round Dining Table in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Marchella Dining Chair in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Hourglass Dining Chair in Royal Sunset from Pier One
Table Linens:
Twill Placemat in Rust from Pier One
Round Beaded Placemat in Aqua from Pier One
Infinity Mirror Charger in Copper from Pier One
Sheer Napkin in Teal from Pier One
Twill Napkin in Rust from Pier One
Beaded Spray Napkin Ring in Teal and Purple from Pier One
Dinnerware:
Bamboo 20 Piece Flatware Set by Hampton Forge from Target
Artland Iris Goblet Set in Slate Blue from Kohls
I bought my dinner plates years ago at Target and they no longer sell them so here are some other great options to achieve my look above.
Nearly Exact Match:
Caldo-Freddo Vagary Collection Dinnerware Set from Overstock
Closest Match:
Gibson Elite Shangri-La Court Round Double Bowl Dinnerware Set in Turquoise/Black from Target
Baum Jade Copper Dinnerware Set from Target
Dusk Dinnerware in Sky from Pier One
Other Good Options:
Zoey Dinnerware in Jade from Pier One
Threshold Round Melamine Dinnerware Set in Teal from Target
Threshold Kennet Azure Dinnerware Set in Blue from Target
Baum Adron Teal Dinnerware Set from Target
Room Essentials Angled Rim Dinnerware Set in Turquoise from Target
There are three main points you want to keep in mind when creating your tablescape: color, texture and light. You also want to be thinking about your centerpiece in particular, but more on that later.
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| A well dressed table is essential whether you have 2 place settings or 12 place settings. Adding layers, textured fabrics and light reflecting surfaces makes for a cozy and elegant setting. |
Color: Keep your number of colors to a minimum, I'd say 3 to 4 max, especially if you are mixing and matching your china patterns or doing an eclectic miss-match of vintage dinnerware. Having a neutral color in the mix, such as white or brown, can keep it all grounded when using several colors.
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| Layers and texture add depth and dimension to your table setting. Here I've paired a rust colored cotton twill placemat with an aqua beaded placemat. On top of that is a metallic copper glass charger plate, my turquoise dinner and salad plates and two napkins--an organza teal one and a rust cotton twill one held together with a beaded spray napkin ring. My heavy, large goblets in deep turquoise help to anchor each place setting while my stainless steel flatware adds a bit of light colored flair. |
Texture: Think different types of fabrics, or even just layering similar fabrics of different colors. Texture adds dimension and interest to your table even if you use a totally neutral palette. Some ideas for texture include: natural fibers, such as jute, burlap or rattan; detail like beading, stitching or embossed fabrics; sheer fabrics like organza mixed with heavier fabrics such as twill cotton.
 |
| Sheer fabrics and beading reflect ambient light while the twill napkin and even the beaded spray add texture. |
Light: You can bring light to your table in a couple of ways. The obvious option is to add candles to your centerpiece or even a small votive at each place setting. If you are worried about flames, make sure to use flameless battery operated candles. Another option is to use fabrics or metallic surfaces that will reflect your overhead light source. Some examples are organza, beaded placemats or fabric with beaded detailing or even a floral centerpiece in a mercury glass vase or a plain vase sitting on top of a small mirror.
 |
| You can add to your table with beading or metallic elements like this beaded placemat and metallic copper charger. |
On the subject of centerpieces, be sure that your centerpiece does not block your guests' view of one another. There is nothing I find more annoying than having to lean left or right around a
Use a vibrant colored tablecloth, napkins and dinnerware then juxtapose your centerpiece with a full cluster of white roses in a low profile vase. This one bright spot in the center of your table is sure to draw attention!
Or do the opposite by using neutral colored linens and dinnerware with a bright and colorful mix of flowers in a simple mercury glass vase for the centerpiece.
Follow the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule by using luxe fabrics with added detail like decorative stitching or beading and heavily laying each place setting. Then keep your centerpiece simple with one candlestick or candle pillar or a small statuette, like a glass gourd.
 |
| A simple glass gourd of a neutral color can make a great centerpiece during the autumn season when you have little room to work with on your table or you just like to follow the less is more rule. |
Use candlesticks of varying heights, or hang baubles from your chandelier. Be creative and think outside the box. Use your table decor as a way to express your personality but remember that good conversation should always be the centerpiece of any dinner party!
Like my dinner table and place setting? Below is a list of where you can buy these items. (This is not an endorsement of any particular store or business, just a handy way to share where you can buy these products if you like them!)
Table and Chairs:
Marchella Round Dining Table in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Marchella Dining Chair in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Hourglass Dining Chair in Royal Sunset from Pier One
Table Linens:
Twill Placemat in Rust from Pier One
Round Beaded Placemat in Aqua from Pier One
Infinity Mirror Charger in Copper from Pier One
Sheer Napkin in Teal from Pier One
Twill Napkin in Rust from Pier One
Beaded Spray Napkin Ring in Teal and Purple from Pier One
Dinnerware:
Bamboo 20 Piece Flatware Set by Hampton Forge from Target
Artland Iris Goblet Set in Slate Blue from Kohls
I bought my dinner plates years ago at Target and they no longer sell them so here are some other great options to achieve my look above.
Nearly Exact Match:
Caldo-Freddo Vagary Collection Dinnerware Set from Overstock
Closest Match:
Gibson Elite Shangri-La Court Round Double Bowl Dinnerware Set in Turquoise/Black from Target
Baum Jade Copper Dinnerware Set from Target
Dusk Dinnerware in Sky from Pier One
Other Good Options:
Zoey Dinnerware in Jade from Pier One
Threshold Round Melamine Dinnerware Set in Teal from Target
Threshold Kennet Azure Dinnerware Set in Blue from Target
Baum Adron Teal Dinnerware Set from Target
Room Essentials Angled Rim Dinnerware Set in Turquoise from Target
5:47 PM
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