Entertaining

How to Create A Beautiful Fall Pocket Napkin

November 4, 2018 by Natasha Hopkins 8 Comments

Happy fall, friends! I hope that you are all enjoying the cooler temps and the seasonal changes in your neck of the woods, I know I am. As we transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving I genuinely get inspired to start preparing my home for entertaining my friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner, how about you? The first decor change that comes to mind is creating a fun tablescape for my family and soon to be dinner guests. I love putting together statements pieces!! Today I will be showcasing how to create a beautiful fall pocket napkin for your tablescape. If you are entertaining guests and would like to use this idea in your home then lets jump right on in!

Fall Pocket Napkins Supply List

Dinner napkin: Cotton Napkins Set of 4 Cream – Threshold, Target $9.99
Twine: Jute Twine by Kinglake, Amazon $5.99
Eucalyptus: Ashland Eucalyptus branch, Michaels $4.99
White mini Pumpkins: Michaels or Amazon
White mini florets: Michaels
Silverware of choice

1. Select Dinner Napkin of Choice

The dinner napkin I decided to use were these cream cotton napkins by Threshold from Target. I purchased these a few years ago, and they continue to be an excellent staple for entertaining my family. So, word to the wise, keep neutral napkins in your decor inventory as they are so simple to use during any occasion.

2. Jute Twine To Add Character

I love keeping jute twine on hand. It works perfectly for embellishing items in my home decor, holiday wrapping and in this case pocket napkins too!! You can find these in bulk at Amazon for a great price. Again, another great item to keep in your home decorating tool kit.

3. Faux Eucalyptus Stems

Here is another great staple to keep in your home for seasonal decorating. I love intertwining Eucalyptus as filler in my centerpieces I create through my house. I use them in my centerpieces, garlands, and vase filler too. In this project, I will be using it as a decorative piece on my dinner napkin.

4. Faux Pumpkin Picks

This season, Michaels Arts and Crafts had an AMAZING selection of fall picks! Anything with a neutral pumpkin on it rocked my world. For this project, I only used the pumpkin and the green and white berries. If neutral tones are not your jam, then feel free to add traditional colors of the season. Michaels is currently out of stock of this one. However, Amazon had some great alternatives too. Click here to see them.

6. Gather Supplies

After I sourced all of my supplies, I trimmed off the items I wanted to use on each pocket napkin. Organizing my supplies made my assembly process much easier and fun too! Now, that you have your supplies ready below, you will find my step by step guide on creating the pocket napkin.

Step By Step Video
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Well, Friends, I hope that you have enjoyed this simple guide to creating these cute pocket napkins. If you love them, I hope that you will make them for your tablescape this season too. If you follow me on Instagram @chichomelife and you decide to make these for your home, please tag me. I honestly would love to see your work!! In the meantime, I would love to know your decorating plans for Thanksgiving are you team neutral or team give me some color?

How I Styled My Coffee Bar For Christmas

December 4, 2017 by Natasha Hopkins 4 Comments

Hey ya’ll, if you follow me on Instagram @chichomelife then you already have seen a glimpse of my updated coffee bar for Christmas. A lot of you fell in love with this photo on Instagram, so I decided to hop on and share all of the details here. By now, you already know that I have a bit of a Rae Dunn Clay obsession. So, I am sure you are expecting to see all of my holiday Rae on display, right? I don’t know what it is about these adorable mugs and ceramics but they make me happy. Disclaimer: Don’t blame me if you just happen to develop a Rae Dunn obsession after reading this post.

This year I decided to upgrade my holiday coffee bar and purchase a wooden tiered tray from the strippedreddoor. (Thanks to my fabulous mom) If you follow the home decor community on Instagram then you already know about this adorable and rustic wooden tiered tray. It has a presence in so many home decorating feeds!! I have seen this tray by creative co-op sold by many online retailers like Amazon, gable lane and many more. I love this tray because of the warm wood and the hints of white paint that gives it a vintage-like look. The tray measures 15″ round and 18-1/2″ in height making it the right fit for my counter-top!

When it came to styling my tray I went for a simple red and green look with miniature flocked Christmas trees, red ornaments, my red sugar shakers and of course my Rae Dunn Mugs!! What’s inside my shakers are cinnamon and cocoa. My family uses them as garnishes to out winter drinks. On the lower shelf of my tray, I added red and white paper straws and a cute Christmas tea towel from one of my favorite home decor store, Homegoods.

In order to elevate my Rae Dunn canisters, I decided to place them on top of my rustic wooden trays. They are so versatile. I use them as a charger for my dinnerware or as decor accents throughout the seasons. Believe it or not, I got these from my local grocery store last year, but you can find them at places like T.J. Maxx, Marshals, and Homegoods. You can even find these acacia tree bark footed servers online at amazon too!

Now, what you may not notice in my photos are these mason jars filled with yummy sweet toppings!! I decided to add marshmallows, crushed toffee, and peppermint to my jars. I may go back and label them with a cute chalkboard sticker, but we will see about that later. I just love having these options available especially when I am making my favorite coffee and cocoas for the season! So far, I am loving hot salted caramel mocha coffee and peppermint mocha. What’s your favorite seasonal drink?

Ok…Instead of the “elf on the shelf” I decided to have Mr. Frosty grace his presence in my holiday decor. I feel in love with him and his entourage many years ago when I laid eyes on these ornaments at JCPenney. So beware, he will make many appearances on Instagram this season. However, back to the coffee bar… The last items I decided to add is this adorable Rae Dunn Merry Christmas platter. I will be using that to place desserts and such throughout the season. It also will dual purpose as a spoon rest for daily use. Lastly, My Christmas coffee bar would not be complete without some candy canes! My son loves to add these to his hot cocoa and so do I.

Well, my friends, I hope you all enjoyed my latest holiday decor post and stay tuned there will be more coming. I am also working on more holiday decor videos too. Until then, I hope that you all are having a great week and I look forward to chatting with you all hear or on Instagram too.

Xoxo Natasha

10 Charming Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day

April 30, 2017 by Natasha Hopkins 2 Comments

Mother’s day is that special day we take time to celebrate and honor the mothers in our lives. We adore her and admire her strength as a mother to create a loving, nurturing and warm environment for us. As mothers, we love to celebrate with our families on this day and sometimes receive a special token of appreciation from loved ones. Sometimes shopping for that special mom can be a challenge because she just has everything. Or, time just sneaks up on you, and now you need to find something quickly!!

In this fast-paced world we live in, we are consumed with work, tending to our children and their activities to the point where we run out of hours in the day to go out and just shop. We want to, but we are so tired to the point that when we get home from a long day at work, we just want to sit back and veg out, right? Can I get an amen? So, I was thinking since we live in the day and age where technology is on our side why not let our fingers do the walking and shopping for us! If I could help you find a special mother’s day gift and help you receive it in time for mother’s day would that put you at ease? If so, then I have 10 charming gift ideas for mother’s day your special mom will love!!

1. Fresh Flowers To Brighten Her Day

If your mother is the one that lives for fresh cut flowers then sending her a floral arrangement is perfect. When my mom used to live in a different state from me, Amazon prime was such a great resource for me. They have partnered with vendors like 1-800 flowers and more!! I was able to shop online from the comfort of my home and shop for a beautiful bouquet I knew she would love. It was a fast and easy process, and my mom was so happy!!

2. Starbucks Gift Card

Image Source: Sun-Sentinel

Do you have a mom that is obsessed with her favorite cuppa of coffee from Starbucks!! Why not gift her a Starbucks Gift Card. You can load up a card and have it shipped to her in just a few days if you are a prime member. If you are not a prime member you should consider it. I love the fact that my husband and I get 2-day shipping, sometimes same day shipping in certain markets, and have access to all the movies and videos we want. Click here to Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial.

3. “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Last”

If your mom loves to spend her weekends with her favorite cuppa of coffee and a good book that will lift the soul, then I would gift her this book. The 5 Love Languages: The secret to Love that Lasts gives amazing tips on how to keep your relationship fresh and growing through the complexities of everyday life. This book is on my list to buy and read on my personal kindle app! Speaking of the Kindle app Amazon offers the Kindle unlimited program. You receive unlimited reading from over 1 million e-books, you have unlimited listening to thousands of audiobooks and you can read or any device. If you or man want to Join Amazon Kindle Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial then click that link.

4. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert is a perfect book for mothers of any age. If you are looking for inspiration to embrace your curiosity and let go of what people may think or say about you then this book is for you and your mom too! My friend over at KristaRaeHayes recommended this book as a great read and I trust her! I am adding this to my kindle app asap. So, dearest hubby..if you are reading this then this is one gift request you can remove from your honey-do list (smile).

5. Set The Mood With Glass Of Wine

Just admit it, sometimes mom would enjoy a yummy glass of wine to help her relax from a busy day at work, or a yummy bottle of wine she can share with her friends at the next get together. If you are unsure of what wine to get your special mother, then check out Amazon top 100 wines by clicking here. I already see a few that I need to add to my list of must-haves already!!

6. Statement Wine Glass For Her

This one makes me laugh, but sometimes life happens. If your mom has a good sense of humor, then she will laugh out loud with this adorable wine glass from Amazon. Sometimes we do get a little B*tchy, and that glass of wine comes in handy from to time to time. Just make sure you add on that perfect bottle of her favorite wine with these wine glasses.

7. Elegant Bar Cart By Safavieh

What a gorgeous and stylish bar cart from Safavieh. This is so classy and will look amazing in your mom’s dining room or even a chic home office! I am loving the shape of this cart and the reflective element that will help add a little sparkle to any room in her home. This is a great gift that will ship fast with amazon prime.

8. Beautiful Arm Candy For Her

Sometimes a simple piece of arm candy that is inscribed with a beautiful message of love goes a long way. I am in love with this “Remember I Love You Mom” bracelet by O.Riya. How adorable is this! I would wear this every day if my child gifted this to me and I am sure you would too!!

9. Sterling Silver & Rose Gold Diamond Double Heart Pendant

For the mom that loves jewelry with a touch of diamonds in place will fall in love with this beauty. This pendant necklace features two intertwined hearts accents with 14k rose gold and diamonds encrusted in the setting. It is boxed chained with a spring ring that is 18″. It beautiful, dainty and simple for mom to wear with any outfit.

10. Kate Spade Cross Body Bag

We know mom is always on the go and sometimes a girl could use a small grab and go bag that is stylish and small for those dash out the door errands. This Cameron Street Byrdie crossbody bag by Kate Spade is a match made in heaven for those days. I love this black and white option because it can be worn with almost any outfit and any time of the year. Just timeless!

I hope that you found this article helpful as you are starting or completing your mother’s day shopping for the special moms in your life. If you decide to click on any of the links provided in this article and shop, please know that I do receive an affiliate commission on any purchase you may make. Just like if you were to shop with your favorite commissioned beauty consultant at your local retailer I receive a commission which helps fund this amazing content we bring on weekly. Thank you all for visiting, and I wish you all the best mother’s day celebration ever!

8 Fun Easter Entertaining Ideas You Will Want To Try

April 10, 2017 by Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

Easter, what a fun time of year to celebrate with your family and the young children that dream of fun Easter egg hunts, crafting and playing in all of the yummy sugary candies they discovered in their baskets. Sometimes with planning Easter gatherings with the family each year, it becomes a challenge to keep the festivities fun and fresh.

If you are feeling that way, then I am here to help you out! Today I will be sharing with you 8 Fun Easter Entertaining Ideas You Will Want To Try this season. You will find fun ideas for the kids and even some fun things for the adults to enjoy too.

1. Greet Your Guests With A Easter Wreath

Refreshing your front door with a simple wreath that is filled with organic life is a start. Choose a wreath that reflects your style of Easter decor for your home. I adore this beautiful wreath from Pier1. It is bursting full of Easter goodness such as speckled eggs, spring florals, and, even carrots. Your guests will know they are getting ready for some Easter fun.

2. Create an Easter Tablescape That Is Simple

Whether entertaining indoors or if you decide to bring the party outside treat your guests to an Easter brunch or dinner with a simple yet easy themed tablescape. Creating this will set the mood and tone of your gathering. Your guests will be amazed that you took the time to create an elegant space for them to dine and enjoy your wonderful meal. If you would like to see how I created my Easter table then check out my article, “5 Simple Easter Decor Ideas For Your Kitchen Table.”

3. Serve Colorful & Refreshing Beverages

Create a fun beverage station area in your home for your guests by simply adding your drinks on a beverage cart. This will let them know where to find something to drink if they get thirsty. Kick it up a notch by serving a colorful raspberry lemonade in a glass that is coated in pink colored sugar. To jazz the drink up, add a few drops of real raspberries and for your adult friends add some bubbly Moscato! Furthermore, decorate your beverage station with coordinating pink serving items like pink straws, stir sticks and napkins.

Image Source: CelebratingEverdayLife.com

4. Create Unforgettable Easter Eggs

How adorable and beautiful are these Easter eggs created by Celebrating Everyday Life? When I came across this beautiful photo on Pinterest, I just had to share it with you all here!! Some of the eggs are a solid color, and some are speckled. This would be a fun craft to create with your child a few days before your Easter gathering. If you click here, this blogger shares with you simple steps on how to create the speckled eggs.

Image Source: Country Living

5. Wow Your Guests With A Speckled Cake

This cake is stunning in presentation and will catch your guest’s eyes instantly. Gosh, I want a slice right now! Country Living created this beautiful Easter Speckled Malted Coconut cake recipe on their site, and I just had to share it. I know that some of you are baking queens and would hop on the chance to make this for Easter Sunday. Click here to get the recipe!

6. Easter Tea Party For The Kids

We already know that the table where the adults will be dining at will look gorgeous, but how about setting cute tables for the kiddos to enjoy their Easter brunch too!! You can create a zone in the backyard with little tables for little people filled with treats, toys and maybe a cute little tea set for pretend play. They will have fun pretending to have adult conversations like you and your adult guests.

Image Source: Growingajeweledrose.com

7. Add Some Fun Easter Themed Games

If I had small children to entertain, I would create a colorful paint filled Easter Egg on canvas activity! What a fun way for the kiddos and adults to create a fun Easter theme abstract art together. Additionally, your guests will have a souvenir to take home and relish on the memories of this day for years to come. If you would like to know how to create this fun activity, then click here to read more.

Image Source: Hellolittlehome.com

8. Party Favors With Mason Jar Easter Baskets

If your gathering involves little guests, then create a treat for them to enjoy when they leave your home. I guarantee this will make you the favorite aunt or uncle for sure!! Blogger over at hellolittlehome gives you step by step directions on how to create these mason jar Easter baskets. Heck, I would love this for myself, how about you? Darn sweet tooth.

Well, enough about my sweet tooth. I do hope that after reading this, you are inspired to create a fun gathering for your loved ones. A gathering to celebrate Easter and day to create new memories to talk about for years to come. Thank you for stopping by and until next time, I hope that you and your family have a Happy Easter and Happy Resurrection day.

10 Classic White Dinnerware Options That Will Blow Your Guests Away

October 31, 2016 by Natasha Hopkins Leave a Comment

When it comes to entertaining for friends and family, most people love to showcase their mouth-watering creations on a beautiful dining room table. To set the mode the dining room table is decked out with an impressive centerpiece and the latest trending dinnerware of the season. The only problem with decorating with trendy dinnerware is that when the season is over the dinnerware is placed in a kitchen cabinet or storage bin never to be touched again. Why, because the stylish dish set was the trend of the season and now it does not fit it with the current trend or moment in time. As a result, your wallet takes yet another hit as you search for the next “that’s the one” dish set.

To avoid the money pit of changing your dinnerware every season let’s consider one decor basic that will save you money. When it comes to entertaining in your home most interior designers and home decor enthusiasts would agree that basic white dinnerware is the way to go. This neutral color gives you the ability to intermix your dinnerware during any celebration. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or a Mother’s day brunch white dinnerware is perfect and will never go out of style.

If you are looking to update your collection to something that is more clean, classic and timeless, then I am here to help. When it comes to dinnerware everyone’s style may not be the same. Some people prefer clean and simple designs. Then there are some that love the rustic farmhouse style that is popular in design today. Regardless of your style, I am excited to share with you 10 classic white dinnerware options that will blow your guests away.

1. Simple & Elegant

The American Atelier Bianca Bead collection is so elegant with the simple beading along the edges of each piece. This set can be used for everyday dining and yet can be dressed up for your formal family gatherings throughout the year. I can totally see these dishes on a table setting for Easter breakfast or even a mother’s day brunch. How beautiful!

2. Ornate With Old World Charm

Is your style more old world? If so, the Thomas Pottery Sicily collection will be a perfect fit for your dining room table. You still have the white color accented with the beautifully aged motif along the edges of this set. Perfect set for those that want a little touch of color.

3. French Country Inspired

If you are a lover of sturdy stoneware, then you will love the Better Homes and Garden Country Crest collection. This set features a delicate Fleur Di Lis pattern that adds sophistication and elegance to any occasion you may host in your home. I love the fact that this collection is dishwasher safe and can also be used for daily meals with your loved ones.

4. Farmhouse Chic

Clean lines and rustic charm is what this Madelyn set exudes. I can see this beautiful set displayed on open shelving in a farmhouse inspired kitchen and used for everyday dining. I am in love with the weathered detailed on the edge of each dish. Just image your favorite recipe served on these dishes during your next family dinner.

5. Bohemian Rustic Charm

How special and amazing does this Everyday Chateau cream set looks by Pfaltzgraff? The delicate debossed stone wear is pretty and yet practical to use for everyday dining. I truly enjoy the burnished edges and the lace-like pattern on this set. For those of you that like a change from the traditional round shape dishes, then this one is for you.

6. Modern Square Design

If your style is more modern and bold, then you will love the Bianca Bead White collection of dinnerware. These square shaped dishes are bit different from the traditional round you see in most homes. You can get creative and mix these beautiful collections with other unique dinnerware or serveware you may have in your home.

7. Clean and Casual Style

Just in time for those casual family dinners, the Mikasa Cheers White collection saves the day. Sometimes your family dinner table calls for dishes that are simple, easy and large enough to fit your delicious masterpiece on. These porcelain dishes are designed to uphold the everyday wear of a family dining together.

8. Old World Vintage

This Le Provence Four Piece Place Setting by Tabletops Gallery combines Old World charm and modern style to give your table a vintage look and feel that can fit your casual lifestyle. This white stoneware square dinnerware is designed in California by master designers and meticulously reproduced by their highly skilled artisans. Handcrafted features include scalloped edges, embossed beads and scrolls, and hand glazed finish.

9. Everyday Basics

From your everyday dinner to a dinner party with friends and family, the collection by Strawberry Street Nova will get you there. If you are one that enjoys a sleek and clean dinnerware free from designs, then this set is a perfect match for you. Just imagine this set on your table for that next big family feast.

10. White on White Swirl

The Colorscapes collection by Noritake features a white on white design featuring an organic swirling motif. How gorgeous is this simplistic pattern! This would be perfect for people that do not like a lot of busy floral patterns on their dishes. Another great set to use for daily meals or entertaining for friends and family.

Entertaining Tips for Fall Festivities at Home

October 26, 2016 by Tracey Clayton Leave a Comment

Source: gallerily.com, homedit.com, shelterness.com

The beginning of this new season causes joy and excitement since fall is a wonderful time marked by many festivities. Whether you’re hosting a memorable Halloween party, an amazing Thanksgiving dinner, or just a regular fall dinner party, you can find everything you need to make it fun and successful here. These are some entertaining ideas on organizing fall festivities for the whole family to enjoy.

Source: fashionablehostess.com, countryliving.com, apartmenttherapy.com

1. A fall-themed party

Finding a theme always adds fun to the event planning. A fall party reflects something bright, colorful, cozy and warm, with candles, nuts and, of course, pumpkins. Fill your home with colorful decorative objects that set the mood for fall. Add some glitter to pumpkins and collect leaves in rich colors like orange and auburn to use it as a decoration for candle holders. Make invitations with symbols of fall such as colorful leaves and acorns, or apples. Arrange activities which include fall harvest bingo and bobbing for apples. You can even include crafting projects, like creating fall leaf garlands, or making fall jewelry.

Source: andreahebard.blogspot.com

2. Table and seating ideas

A nicely-decorated table sets up the festive mood at fall parties. You don’t have to go over-the-top to create a stunning scene. Instead of opting for a dramatic effect, make a cool and simple centerpiece, add candles and natural decorations to the table – or just put some leaves on it. You can also opt for an apple-themed hombre effect to make something visually appealing. Fall lanterns are a great lighting solution, and they have a rustic feel. Upholstered chairs around a dinner table create a feeling of coziness and encourage hours-long conversations.

Source: thekrave.com, thecozyapron.com, foodista.com

3. Food and drinks

When we think of fall, we immediately think of nutritious food with rich flavors. Serve fall classics such as apple cider, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cider donuts. Another great fall dinner idea is grilled steaks with rosemary butter accompanied with red wine. A chicken dinner with your favorite autumn vegetables is a simple and perfect dish for fall gatherings. Add a finishing touch to your fall party by having delicious Salted Caramel Apple Snickers cake or a caramel-apple crumb pie.

Source: womansday.com

4. Backyard party

Fall is a delightful time of the year to host backyard party. The crisp weather, the earthy tones, and falling leaves create a romantic feeling and provide a natural décor for your party. It may also be your last chance to have an outdoor get-together with family and friends before the chilly winter months. Use pumpkins as yard décor and put them on the porch or the steps. Make some amazing fall wreaths from any material and colors you want, from burlap to dried apples. Hurricane lanterns are a great option for outdoor parties. They provide a romantic glow and are practical in windy settings. However, fall weather is unpredictable and can easily change from warm into rainy. Make sure to have an indoor backup plan in case of sudden bad weather.

Source: sashyenka.co, knkusa.com, digsdigs.com

5. Halloween party

Make the most of this Halloween party by having some pretty scary props and setting the right mood. Decorate your entrance door season-appropriately by framing it with dried corn husks and a garland made of oak leaves. Make a haunted house by adding ghosts, ghouls, spider webs, and Jack O’ Lanterns. Add glowing orange lights to create a sinister atmosphere. Serve some fun and spooky food to evoke thrills and chills. Transform a hollowed-out peach pumpkin into an organic punch bowl for your party.

Source: countryliving.com

6. Thanksgiving dinner

This year throw a truly special Thanksgiving party to amaze your guests. Get into the festive mood by designing some funny invitations in shape of a pilgrim hat or a turkey, for example. Decorate the table with red cranberries to pop some bright colors. You can also add candles to make a pleasant holiday atmosphere. As far as the menu is concerned, turkey and cranberry sauce are essential, while other great ideas include cornbread muffins, biscuits, hot dips with chips or bread, apple cider, and hot chocolate. Grains of food, fruits, and cookies make a wonderful Thanksgiving present.
Use these entertaining tips to enjoy the upcoming fall festivities with your loved ones.