2 quick ideas for your Super Bowl party
30 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in SUPER BOWL Tags: 46, Decorating, food, Football, game, Giants, hamburger, Idea, meal, NBC, New England, New York, Patriots, Prize, score, Super Bowl, superbowl, touchdown, winner, XLVI
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s that time of year again!
Time for creative commercials, face-painted fans and superstar half-time entertainment… and oh yeah, a championship game – SUPER BOWL XVLI! And if you’re planning a get together for the big game, I have a couple of ideas to make the party more interesting….
CREATIVE FOOD
Why not “streeeeeetch” out the your burger patties (when making them) to create a football shape. Also, cut long & short, thin slices of (thick-cut) pepper jack cheese and have them ready to pop on top of your burger near the end of the grilling process. The upside – it will save a few calories (using less cheese), create the look of a football and a highly-flavored cheese has more punch, so less will be more, in this case. Consider some raw almonds as one of the side dishes… they’re football shaped and healthy! Also, instead of lettuce to top off the burger, offer your guests leaf spinach. It will be healthier and also put the grid-IRON on your burger ( get it? lol). 
ADD YOUR OWN COMPETITION
click to enlarge
Finally, why not throw a little healthy competition into the party mix? If you don’t already own them, head to the store because many of them (esp. party stores) already have Easter decorations out, so you’ll probably have no problem finding “football-shaped” plastic eggs. They’re inexpensive ($2 for a bag of them), so they’d be the perfect storage container for your guests to place their game winning score prediction. To make it easy, set out 2 separate bowls and label one for the Patriots and one for the Giants. Set these out with some slips of paper and a pen at the beginning or end of the food table so each of your guests can write down their name and what they predict to be the winner’s score. Instruct them to then, place their prediction in a football egg, close it and drop it in the bowl of who they predict to be the winner. Finally, have them also (anonymously) write down their “score” prediction on a nearby pad of paper (under their winning team’s name) for everyone to see, so there are no duplicate predictions for either team. At the end of the game, open the eggs in the winning team’s bowl to determine who came the closest to their final score, without going over, and have a prize (restaurant gift certificate would be perfect!) for the winner.
Good luck to both the New England Patriots and New York Giants; it looks to be a great game! [kickoff is Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. on NBC]
And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out my other easy, YUMMY recipes under the RECIPES tab, located in the top tool bar of this page.
Enjoy the Creativity… and the game!
Eileen
A Cozy Valentine’s Day
26 Jan 2012 5 Comments
in VALENTINE'S Day Tags: Cupid, Decor, Decorating, Decorations, Heart, Idea, Kiss, Love, ST. VAlentine's DAy, Tree, Valentine, VALENTINE'S Day, Wreath
[CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO SEE A LARGER VIEW]
So many places are still chilly during the Valentine’s Day season, so here is a cozy spot to curl up with a book, magazine or on the lap of your sweetheart. And if you compare these photos to The Seasonal Home’s 2011 Christmas photos, you’ll notice that many Christmas decorations were re-purposed to create our Valentine’s Day scene, including:
White Christmas Tree, White Christmas Wreath. 3 Red Glitter Cones, and a Planter (tree is in) has been spray painted white.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Early Valentine gift to Mother Nature
06 Jan 2012 6 Comments
in Outdoor Designs, VALENTINE'S Day Tags: bird, bird feed, Birds, birdseed, Christmas Tree, feed the birds, food, Frazier Fir, meal, Nature, Ornament, peanut butter, Recycle, Repurpose, St. Valentine, ST. VAlentine's DAy, Valentine, Winter
[click on photos, for larger view]
During Christmas, I purchased a small, inexpensive Frazier Fir tree to place inside a beautiful winter sled-tree stand given to me by one of my clients. I loved the idea of having a fresh tree on The Seasonal Home’s front porch (close to the front door) so I can enjoy a wonderful pine smell each time I pass by.
It just so happened that I placed the tree in front of the kitchen window and one day, while doing the dishes, I noticed a sweet bird, who landed in my fir tree to rest. I would have been thrilled if my feathered visitor had stayed long enough for me to take a photo, but as quick as it landed… it was gone. I immediately started thinking about ways I could encourage more birds to visit the tree (it’s just too wonderful to recycle yet!), but it wasn’t until I was about to throw out a stale loaf of bread that the solution came to me… fill my tree with welcome winter bird treats!
Even though I’m still filtering my way through organizing holiday decorations, my thoughts are already heading towards St. Valentine’s Day. And based on the huge amount of visitors, to my site, who are searching for Valentine, St. Patrick’s Day & Easter ideas, I must not be alone in that thought process (lol)! Anyway, those thoughts gave me the idea to pull out my Valentine cookie cutter and use it to create several winter birdie (treat) ornaments to hang on my tree.
So, after gathering my jar of peanut butter, a roll of thin ribbon, my container of bird seed and the loaf of stale bread, I was ready to go into production. 
First, I used my cookie cutter to create heart-shaped pieces of bread. Next, I spread peanut butter on one side (of each piece) and using a toothpick, poked a hole in the center of the top/middle of each side of the heart. Now, it was time to feed the ribbon through the 2 holes and tie a knot. (HINT): I found that the bread dries out quickly, so it would be best to create the 2 holes & feed the ribbon through, as soon as you’ve spread the peanut butter. 
The last step is to dip the side of the bread with peanut butter on it into a plate of bird seed and your ornaments are complete and ready to hang!
I hope lots of feathered friends visit my tree of winter treats and allow me the privilege of photographing their beauty, in exchange.
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Transition your Christmas tree into a NEW YEAR’S Celebration tree
30 Dec 2011 8 Comments
in NEW YEARS! Tags: celebrate, celebration, Decorate, Decoration, New Year, New Year tree, New Year's Eve, New Years, Party
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
[click on any photo for a larger view]
It’s time to decorate for our New Year’s Eve party and I saw an opportunity to change one of my Christmas trees into a New Year’s Celebration Tree – to add a new twist to our party!
If you checked out my 2011 Holiday photos (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/christmas-2011/), you probably noticed the “Pepperminty” flat-back, white, wall tree in my kitchen. I also shared the directions for making my creative tree skirt/box in another post (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/unique-christmas-tree-skirt-ideas/). 
I began by removing all of the red & white decorations from the tree and pulling out my tree skirt/box to re-wrap it, using black wrapping paper. Next, I used one 11″ x 14″ black & one 11″ x 14″ white foam sheets. Out of the white foam sheet, I cut a large triangle out of the white and 2 small triangles to create the chest & collar area of a tuxedo shirt. Out of the black foam sheet, I cut 3 circles (for the shirt buttons) and 1 bow tie shape. The fact that they were self-adhesive made assembling these pieces super easy and adhering it to my box a no-brainer! All I had to do then is re-slide my “tuxedo” box back into position under the tree. 
I created a black top hat by also wrapping a circle and rectangle of poster board with black gift wrap and adding self-adhesive “2012″ letters and some silver tinsel garland. This would be even easier if you happen to have black poster board, of course. 
Finally, I added black, frosted white, gold (onion shape) and silver glittery ornaments as well as HAPPY NEW YEAR light covers, crystal starbursts and clock-face ornaments 
to the tree and my New Year’s decoration was complete.
Some other decorations you might consider adding:
- Crossed plastic champagne stems (tie them together with shiny ribbon and add gold basket filler (inside the flutes) to simulate champagne
- Balloons
- Party Blowers and Poppers
- Metallic star sprays
- “Happy New Year” banners (place these on the tree like you would ribbon)
Here’s the finished product… I hope this idea saves you some time AND money so you can enjoy your New Year’s celebration! Don’t forget to check out my other New Year celebrating ideas under the NEW YEARS! category (in the right hand column of this page). Also consider adding a surprise or inspirational sentiment inside each balloon for your guests to pop and enjoy at the end of the evening (thank you Gina!).
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
New Year’s Tradition
28 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in NEW YEARS! Tags: Activity, family, Family Tradition, Jay Leno, New Year, New Year's Eve, New Years, Ron Howard, Tradition
As evidenced, by my book, I absolutely “heart” family traditions. This post is about someone “famous” who also appears to enjoy celebrating, with family traditions.
If I had to name a person in Hollywood that I admire, it would definitely be RON HOWARD. I’ve been watching and enjoying his career my entire life. But, I don’t think I admired him any more than after I saw an interview he did with Jay Leno right after Christmas 2010. During the interview, Ron discussed his (grown) family’s New Year’s tradition where they create a small bon fire (you could also use a portable fire pit) to sit around. 
They each write down something negative (in their life… maybe a bad habit or memory) and throw it into the fire, in a ceremonial gesture to rid themselves of it. Below is a video link to www.Hulu.com if you’d like to check out the actual interview with Ron Howard and Jay Leno (there’s a short commercial first, unfortunately, but the video will begin immediately after that). It’s short and pretty funny, so I think you’ll enjoy the giggle.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Eileen
Last Minute Christmas Decorating Ideas
21 Dec 2011 1 Comment
in CHRISTMAS! Tags: Candy, Candy Cane, Candy decorating idea, Christmas Candy decoration, CHRISTMAS!, Gumball, Handmade, homemade, outdoor candy, outdoor christmas decoration, plastic wrapped candy, wrapped candy
[click on any photo to see a larger view]
Are you finding that shopping, card sending and party-attending has left you with very little time to create holiday magic in your home? Then, here are a few ideas you can try.
Ribbon is definitely your friend, in a pinch. Below are a few photos (I took in a store) that demonstrate that idea perfectly, and they highlight both indoor & outdoor items. Obviously, stores can’t afford to completely switch out merchandise for each holiday season, so they learned a long time ago that adding (holiday-appropriate) ribbon to an everyday object creates an instant holiday feeling!
Don’t have any ribbon handy? Head outside and trim some greenery from the garden. You can add that to anything – 
OR – simply place ornament balls on top of candle holders or in any container, like I did in this bowl - 
The ribbon idea also works great for outdoor decorating – 
And finally, here’s a cute outdoor “CANDY” idea. There is something special about gumballs, so I rolled out a (apx.) 2 ft. length of plastic wrap and placed a ball at one end, in the center (I found these leftover last year at Michael’s Craft store… I don’t think anyone knew what to do with them… lol). 
Next, I rolled the ball & plastic wrap forward. 
I cut an apx. 12″ length of ribbon and tied a single knot around the plastic wrap, at each end of the ball. 
I took some additional ribbon and created 3 loops, then placed the center of the loops in the center of the tied length of ribbon and tied a 2nd single knot to secure the loops. 
This created a bow on each end, which I fluffed and finished by trimming the excess plastic wrap on each end. 
Below is the finished look. I used them in my goat cart in the front yard.
Enjoy the Creativity!
Eileen
Christmas 2011
11 Dec 2011 3 Comments
in CHRISTMAS! Tags: Candy, chocolate, CHRISTMAS!, Decor, Decorating, Decorating Ideas, Decorations, Elf, Garland, Gingerbread, Gumdrop, Holiday, ideas, penguin, Peppermint, Santa, Star, Tree, Whimsical, Wreath
[click on any photo for a larger view & click the BACK arrow to return to this page]
The Seasonal Home is ready for Christmas 2011!! Check out the musical video tour under the VIDEO section above and if you like my style, feel free to check out my DVD under the SHOP section (above). I hope my creativity inspires some new decorating ideas for you this year and in the future. Enjoy ….
2011 “MUSICAL” Christmas Video Tour
07 Dec 2011 2 Comments
in CHRISTMAS! Tags: chocolate, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Design, Christmas Tree, CHRISTMAS!, Decorating, Decorating Ideas, Decorations, Elf, elves, Garland, Gingerbread, Holiday, Music, penguin, Peppermint, Santa, toys, video, Wreath, Youtube
The holiday video tour of The Seasonal Home’s 2011 Christmas is finally complete. Here is the YouTube link to enjoy our musical Christmas spirit…
[click on the link below to view my latest Christmas video, on YouTube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7GrxNsOPzI
Make your own Christmas art!
29 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in CHRISTMAS! Tags: ART, CHRISTMAS!, Decor, Decorating, Decoration, frame, Holiday, kitchen theme, Peppermint, WALL, wall art
I absolutely LOVE all the framed Christmas art appearing in many stores (like Kirkland’s, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, etc.) over the past few years. 
They are such a nice alternative to gift-wrapping existing art on our walls or just trying to ignore the big flower print creating a spring background to our Christmas trees (lol)! So check out your local home stores and you’ll find framed prints featuring Santa, of course, as well as religious and winter scenes. But, no one (that I’ve found) has put out whimsical prints, which would match so many of today’s fun holiday themes, especially ones we display in our kitchens like peppermint, gingerbread, sugary candy and elves. But until they appear on the marketplace, I have a fun suggestion for you to try -
This year, “Peppermint & Gingerbread” is the theme in The Seasonal Home kitchen, and although I do have a Gingerbread print, I didn’t have anything to represent Peppermint. So, I created my own…. and as always… on a budget! Whenever I need a frame, especially an unusual shape or size, I check out the clearance aisle in my local craft & discount store. And once again, I found a 24″ x 10″ rectangular “MOM” frame at Michael’s Crafts for only $4.00. 
I didn’t need the MOM cut-out, so I discarded it and added about 50 cents worth of Peppermint-striped gift wrap (using double-sided tape) to the backboard that was behind it. Next, I added self-adhesive, vinyl letters (available at all office supply stores) I picked up at a yard sale for 50 cents to spell out CANDY CANE. I popped the finished project back into the frame, hung it up on the wall and for $5.00 created some whimsical holiday wall art to match my kitchen theme! Check it out….
Enjoy the Creativity!
EILEEN
If you like my holiday style and want to learn how to create it in your own home, check out my DVD. It features a detailed, tree decorating “How To” as well as many of my Christmas decorating tricks, tips and MUCH, MUCH MORE! You can preview it in my SHOP (above) and thank you, in advance, for your support!
Unique Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas
26 Nov 2011 2 Comments
in CHRISTMAS! Tags: Alternative, Christmas Tree, Creative, holiday decoration, holiday display, Tree base, Tree Decorating Idea, Tree decoration, tree design, Tree Skirt
[as always, click on any photo for a larger view]
This year’s decorations feature a couple of unique Christmas tree stand cover ideas… one is a tree skirt, but the other is quite different, inexpensive and easy-to-create!
One of The Seasonal Home’s trees features a plaid, Santa-inspired theme so I was able to recycle a tree skirt I made, a few years ago, using inexpensive, red & black vinyl (at the fabric store for apx. $10/yard & don’t forget to use a coupon to save money!) 
That year, I trimmed the whole tree skirt in white fur, using apx. 3 yards (at $2/yard). I also purchased 1-1/2 yards of the black vinyl, 1-1/3 yards of the red vinyl and a $2 metal buckle. To make this, cut and tie a piece of string 26″ long to a pencil, which will make it apx. 24″ long in length. Next cut & tie a piece of string 29″ long to a pencil, which will make it apx. 27″ long. Lay out the black vinyl (face down). Holding the end of the 27″ long string in the center of the fabric & fully extending it to the edge of the fabric, draw a complete circle. Then, repeat this step using the 24″ long string/pencil combo on the red vinyl. Trim all of the excess vinyl away from the outside edge of the “circle” of each piece of vinyl, which should leave a 28″ black vinyl circle and a 24″ red vinyl circle. At this point, you will want to use the 24″ string/pencil combo to create another circle on the back side of the black vinyl, but this time… cut the vinyl on the INSIDE of the circle away. This will leave you with a 4″ wide circular ring of black vinyl. Glue this to the outside edge of the red vinyl circle, on top of the red. Cut a slit, starting at one side of this circle to the center. When you reach the center, cut a circle (in the center) apx. 3″ in diameter (which will encircle the Christmas tree stem). Finish by gluing the white trim (see photo above). Finally, cut one extra (apx.) 6″ x 3″ strip of black vinyl to feed through the buckle and glue this buckle/vinyl combo to one side of the slit, on top of the black vinyl ring. 
This year, I didn’t want the entire skirt trimmed in white fur, so I removed it and as you can see in the (left) photo, it created a slightly less whimsical version to match my tree look this year.
In The Seasonal Home kitchen, I don’t like to use tree skirts because it’s my busiest room and the floor is washed quite often. And this year, I’m using my flat-back wall tree (which is basically half of a Christmas tree), so the idea I came up with worked perfectly! This would work well with a slim profile tree also because they also stand close to the wall.
Instead of putting the tree in its stand, I added a Styrofoam topper to a tall, slim, container, which I “weighted” inside (filling it 1/2 full with rocks) for stability. I placed the pointed tree stem through the Styrofoam until I hit the rock base inside and then, placed it up against the wall.
Next, I tucked the top flaps of a box inside (the box), taped them down and cut a slit in one end (to accommodate the Christmas tree stem). 
Finally, I gift-wrapped the box, coordinating with my tree’s color scheme, lifted the tree container slightly, slid the wrapped box under it and snugly against the wall. I added a large bow to fill in the gap between the tree bottom & box top to complete the wrapped gift box idea. Here’s the finished product….
GUESS WHAT?!!! If you like my holiday style, learn my Christmas decorating tricks, tips and methods…. they’re on my new DVD. It covers tree decorating and MUCH, MUCH MORE! You can preview it in my SHOP (above) and thank you, in advance, for your support of a growing small company.
