Jennifer Davenport

Table Centerpiece Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 5 Comments

Create an inexpensive flower arrangement, and other ideas for your dining room table

One of my favorite table centerpiece ideas is using real flowers. Real flowers make the most stunning centerpieces! It really isn’t difficult to arrange flowers. With this step-by-step tutorial you can create a stunning arrangement that will impress your guests!

There are many things that make up great table setting ideas, but having a beautiful centerpiece is one of the most important.

You Can Make This Centerpiece!
Let’s Get Started!

You can learn how to make a floral arrangement for any occasion. Whether you are simply entertaining guests, or you need some wedding centerpiece ideas. So, below is a step-by-step tutorial and other advice on inexpensive table centerpiece ideas.

Picking fresh flowers is important. I purchase my flowers at Sam’s Club. They have great prices, and their flowers are always in great condition.

When you purchase flowers that have a little net over them, these are flowers that will be very fresh. The net helps keep the petals undamaged until they are ready to be placed in an arrangement.

Choose a pretty container for your flower arrangement. I find my containers at garage sales and at the flea market. I have actually painted this one different colors for different occasions.

You will need a floral foam block. There are foams for artificial flowers and real flowers. Make sure you grab the foam for real flowers. This foam soaks up water like a sponge!

TIP:

Many times some of the flowers you purchase will not be open yet. Add warm water to your foam block and this will cause the flowers to open up faster.

The key to creating a beautiful and large arrangement is having small, medium, and large flowers. Start with your largest flowers first, then medium, and last your smaller flowers and greenery.

These flowers are lilies and have a thick stem making them perfect for the center flowers.

Always trim off the leaves from your floral stems. Leaves soaking in your water will turn it green quickly!

Place your first flower in the middle of your container. This first flower will determine the height for the whole arrangement. The higher the flower the larger the arrangement.

Notice in the photo the two lilies that are flanking the middle lily are lower. That first lily in the middle is your beginning height and should remain the tallest flower.

I may add some more lilies in later, but for now these three look great. Now it is time for the medium size flowers. There are several colors and variations for me to chose from, but I am starting with green chrysanthemums.

You can see three in this photo, but there is a fourth chrysanthemum on the other side. You want your centerpiece to be beautiful from all sides.

Next, I am adding my beautiful roses. I have white ones and pink ones.

Fill in the gaps dispersing your roses evenly around. You don’t want any flowers to be too close together.

Continue adding more of your medium size flowers. Step back and take a look at how things are shaping up. Are you even all the way around?

I loved this greenery that came packaged with the flowers. I used it first around the middle lily.

The greenery and smaller flowers will begin to fill in the gaps.

These flowers are my all time favorite flowers. They are called Alstroemeria. They are a member of the lily family. I love them because they last for days! They are so delicate and beautiful.

Let some of your flowers spill over your container. It will give an airy and light look.

The last flowers to add is the ever delicate and sweet baby’s breath. Be careful to not add clumps of this little flower. Trim it down before placing them into the foam.

Again, let your baby’s breath pool over the side. Isn’t that pretty?

For the last step, I like to add a little Spanish moss. Choose moss that looks natural, not too green, or too brown. You really don’t want it to stand out, it should be used to fill in any extra gaps. Use it sparingly.

Here is my video on arranging real flowers:

For this table centerpiece idea, simple colors, and an ornate container made all the difference.

More Table Centerpiece Ideas

This is a lovely centerpiece idea. Place a candle lantern in the middle, and two flower arrangement on each side.

This is a table centerpiece idea on of my client’s made for her dining room table.

Candles Are So Romantic!

I filled the glass hurricane with a bag of crushed seashells from the craft store. Nothing is more beautiful than a glowing candle.

I found this unique wood piece at the flea market. I love the patina, and it creates a beautiful base for the candle.

Purchase inexpensive small glasses and place a flower to float in the water. Perfect, easy, and inexpensive.

Swag Window Treatments You Can Make In An Afternoon!

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 1 Comment

I’m hosting a free GIVEAWAY video series on how to make three different types of valances. Easy online video series with step-by-step instructions! Winner announced October 29th! Good luck!

Swag Window Treatment

This is an EASY swag window treatments idea! I came up with this simple pattern a few years ago, and my clients love them! If you can sew a straight line, thread a needle, use a staple gun and drill, then you can make this curtain!

If you are looking for beginning sewing projects, this pattern will be a great one to start with! It isn’t overcomplicated! But get ready, once your friends and family see it, you may be getting drapery orders!

Note:

In this tutorial we are going to be using a fun fabric for a young girl’s room. I will be using the same pattern idea as the first swag window treatment pictured at the top, EXCEPT it was made with 1 1/4 yards of fabric.

The reason I used less fabric is because the flowery fabric was a little thicker, and I did not want the curtain to be as full or as long as the stripe swag treatment pictured.

If you are wanting the more formal and fuller swag like the first swag pictured, then choose a fabric that seems to drape well and be sure to use 1 1/2 yards.

So, keep that in mind when making your choices. It is amazing how a different choice of fabric can give you two similar, but yet different looks.

Supplies Needed:

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yards of designer fabric
(add 1/8 of a yard if you want to cover the top of your boards)
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yards of lining
1 1/2 yards of trim
staple gun
yardstick
1×4 board
glue gun
” L ” shape brackets
drill

Step 1

Trim the edging off both sides of your drapery fabric. Tip: The colors that are in little circles on the edging tell you the exact colors that are in the drapery fabric. This is a wonderful way to match other fabrics as well as paint colors.

Next, lay your lining down right sides together, and then lay your designer fabric facing right-side down. After you have right-sides together pin all the way around. Be sure to make a small mark indicating the top of your curtain.

Step 2

Now, just sew both sides and the bottom. Just let your zipper foot come close to the edge as shown and follow all the way around the three sides.

Turn your curtain ride side out, and make sure to use a pin to gently pull out the corners. Next, press your edges using a little spray starch.

Step 3

You are now ready to attach your trim at the bottom. You are going to do this BEFORE you begin gathering up the sides. I use a glue gun to attach my trim because I do not want any stitching to show on the back.

Step 4

After you’re finished attaching your trim, turn your fabric over. Tip: another trick I use to make sure there are no wrinkles in the curtain, is to take a yard stick and run it across the fabric until it is smooth.

Next, you are going to mark where you will be hand sewing in order to form the gathers. I know I said hand sewing, but it won’t be a big deal. On each side of your swag window treatment measure 8″ down from the top. Mark a small dot with a yellow highlighter. Then measure 8″ from the edge and make a tiny mark. Do this all the way down. Once completed take your yardstick and match all the markings and draw a straight line until you reach your original mark.

So, just to be clear, you will have a straight line following up your curtain which will be 8″ from the edge. Your line will stop 8″ from the top edge.

Step 5

You are ready to hand sew the gathers. You will want to double your thread for strength. Start at the bottom and push your needle through both pieces of fabric. Take your needle in and out at about an 1″ to an 1 1/2″. Do this about 4 times and then pull tight. Run your needle back through the gather, pull tight again, and then run them back through again, and repeat.

NOTE: You will need to re-thread your needle with new thread about three times on each side. This is best, as thread will become weaker with excess use. When you are getting close to the end of the thread, just whip stitch it in place several times. Re-thread your needle and start over in the same spot.

Step 6

Measure your window and add an extra two inches to the final measurement for your board. (Home improvement stores will cut the boards for you for free if you don’t have a way to do it yourself.) Make sure to get the cheaper pine 1×4 boards!

Cover your board with your lining. Attach using the staple gun. Just pretend you are wrapping a present.

Put the staple side of the board facing up and mark the middle of the board. Next, take your ruler and measure 1″ from the edge of the board on three sides. Make a small mark indicating the middle of your curtain.

Place your board on the floor and attach the middle of the curtain to the board first. Staple all the way down following your inch marks.

When you are ready to come around the sides it is so much easier to work with if you place your curtain on a table.

Next cover the top of your board.

Step 7

You are now ready to hang your swag window treatments. I always like to hang above the window frame about 4″-6″ because it gives the illusion of a larger window!

You want to put your “L” shape brackets right above the window along the outside edge, not going farther out than the window trim. Measure and mark evenly. Drill your “L” shape brackets into the wall first. You may need to use wall anchors.

Place your curtain on top of the ” L ” shape brackets making sure your curtain is centered and then drill your screws in.

Now your curtain is not complete until you attach the sides. I use my staple gun and put one staple into the curtain attaching to the wood frame.

After both sides are attached you will need to “fluff” the curtain and line up the swags. And that is it!

Making swag window treatments really isn’t that hard.

What a versatile custom curtain! Just a 1 1/2 of drapery fabric and an afternoon of sewing and you have some gorgeous swag window treatments!

Snow Village Lamp – DIY Christmas Craft Idea!

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 1 Comment

I have a snow village lamp that I made using a fill-able glass lamp. I am participating in a holiday decorating challenge hosted by Hometalk and Lamps Plus.

I made three little houses, called “Putz Houses”. That term was new to me, but it is basically miniature houses made from cardboard.

Now, before you feel like this is something you could not make, let me say that you most definitely can! If you can cut, glue, paint, and glitter, you’re in! Below are my three patterns I used to make these houses. Simply download them, and print them off!

Free Downloadable Patterns for Your Snow Village Lamp:

Large Snow Village House
Medium Snow Village House
Small Snow Village House

Ready to get started?

You will need an Exacto knife to cut out your pattern. I used cereal boxes for my houses. Perfect and cheap!

Trace your pattern, then mark the fold lines. Score these lines using the back of the Exacto knife blade. By scoring your cardboard it will make them fold perfectly.

If you want to make borders around your windows and doors, simply trace them out on cardboard stock paper. Then cut out the patterns. Next, cut around the square leaving 1/4 of a inch.

This is how they should fit around the openings. Don’t glue them on yet. You will attach them after you paint your house.

If you would like your windows to look frosted, cut out wax paper the size of your windows and glue them on the inside of the house.

Next, fold along your scored edges and glue your house together overlapping the edges.

Once your house is glued together, measure out the size roof you will need, and make a pattern as pictured above. Leave the edge straight or cut the edges with craft scissors.

Add hot glue on the edges and attach your roof.

Cut a slit in the middle of your roof and glue together.

Fold the bottom piece of your house in, and glue in place.

Now for the really fun part!

Below are photos and ideas of how I decorated my Putz houses. Have some fun with this part of the project. Don’t feel things have to be perfect. It will turn out great!

TIP: If you make a cut wrong, or have a gap in your seams, use regular spackling paste from the home improvement store. It dries quick, and is paint-able.

Use acrylic paints to paint your houses. Once you have painted them, you can paint your window and door borders, then apply them with Elmer’s glue.

Break up a pine cone and use for shingles for your roof. Once the glue is dry, add some snow or glitter.

For the medium size Putz house, I used a strip of burlap ribbon for the roof.

Add little Christmas wreaths to your windows.

Cut out shapes to make shutters. Search the Christmas craft section of your local craft store, and you will find a ton of different ideas for your snow village lamp.

Putting it all together.

I glued the large house and medium house together with hot glue first. Then I hot glued them to the base of the lamp. Next, I glued the smallest house to the base. Add any small miniatures you have next. Gently place the glass lamp over your houses. Lastly, I lifted the glass base up just a little and pushed some fake snow around the bottom of the houses.

For the lampshade, I added some burlap trim around the top and bottom with hot glue. I found a bag of little snowflakes at the craft store and used Elmer’s glue to attach to the shade. And last, a simple white bow adorns the middle of the shade.

This is now a treasured keepsake. It has a beautiful view from all sides! I want to thank Hometalk and Lamps Plus for the opportunity to participate in such a fun challenge!

Silk Flower Centerpiece – Silk Floral Design Step by Step Tutorial

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport Leave a Comment

Are you looking for silk flower centerpiece ideas? Would you like to know how to make silk flower arrangements cheap and affordable?

It may seem like making your own silk flower centerpiece is way too intimidating, but following these step-by-step instructions will make it seem easy.

This is one accessorizing idea that really makes a home inviting. Whether you use your floral arrangement for a dining room decorating idea for your table, or on top of one of your favorite furniture pieces!

Are you amazed at what some floral arrangements cost in certain upper class design stores? I know I am always taken back!

This red silk flower arrangement sits on my client’s sofa table. Her room needed a little splash of color, so red orchids in the silk flower centerpiece was just the right touch.

Floral Containers

When I am choosing my floral containers, I really like to find ones with unique character. I found this container at the flea market. It had a crack in it, but that was okay because it was in the back and didn’t show.

Okay, now time to make your own silk flower centerpiece. Remember, don’t be intimidated with making your own arrangement. It just takes a little practice!

This silk floral design is a perfect choice for your first arrangement!

Supply List

container
flowers
greenery
foam block
moss
wire cutters

Step 1

Choose flowers that are well-made, and look very real. Local craft stores carry very nice silk flowers, but you will have to hunt for the really beautiful ones. Call around; there are many home decor stores that sell individual silk flowers to the public. They will cost a little more, but they are worth it.

I like to choose three large flowers, three medium flowers, and some petite flowers to compliment the larger ones.

Step 2

Place your foam block into your container. You may have to cut a little of the block off to fit. I use a dull knife. But, you don’t want a perfect fit. You want to be able to shove the block down into the container so it fits in firmly.

Then, I start with the tall straight flowers that resemble a blooming branch. I trim off two of the branches to use as fillers later. Place the flowering branch in the middle of the foam block just a little toward the back.

This becomes your starting point.

Step 3

For the next step, I use the larger flowers first. You will have to use your wire cutters to trim them down. Cut off most of the big green leaves; too many tend to clutter the arrangement.

Step 4

Next I start to use the medium size flowers. The ones I have chosen have a longer and pliable stem. Bend them in a slight curve.

Step 5

Now, finish placing the rest of the white flowers. Again, use three larger flowers, and three medium flowers.

Step 6

When choosing greenery that I call “fillers”, try to pick ones that resemble the real thing. Stay away from the plastic ones. Again, use three of the fillers putting one in the front, and two on the sides.

Then I use the leftover smaller branches to fill in the open spaces.

Step 7

Now it is time to fill in with the colored spanish moss. You can also use other types of moss. One of my favorites is called “deer foot” moss. It looks like the moss you would find growing in the woods. It’s gorgeous.

Break off pieces of the spanish moss (it gets really messy!) and begin to work around the outside of your container. Push the moss down into your arrangement. Here’s a little trick I like to do to secure the moss: pull out a floral stem and place the moss there, and then push the floral stem back into the same spot.

Use smaller pieces of moss to fill in the center of the arrangement.

Romantic Bedroom Decorating Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport Leave a Comment

Create a dreamy master bedroom, or guest bedroom!

Are you looking for romantic bedroom decorating ideas for your master bedroom or guest room? Have you been drooling over Pinterest photos of dreamy and romantic bedrooms? Well, I’m glad you stopped by! This page is full of ideas to get you started on the road to creating your own special sanctuary!

So, what defines romantic bedroom decorating ideas? How do you create a romantic bedroom? Before you even begin with your interior decorating ideas, you have to take a long look at your bedroom and analyze what you like and what you don’t like about your room.

The biggest obstacle in creating a beautiful master bedroom or guest room is usually clutter. You cannot have a serene and romantic bedroom with clutter.

Beautiful Bedroom Bedding

Bedding is the absolute key ingredient to creating a romantic bedroom! Bedding can be so expensive! If you aren’t afraid to mix and match you can save money. I shop clearance sales, discount stores, and even antique stores for special bedding. It takes extra work, but if you want to save money, it is the best way to go!

Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows make all the difference! You can use decorative pillows with sayings, ruffles, roses, or embroidery. Just choose pillows that have character and interest. This is where you may need to spend some extra money. I love to look on Etsy for decorative pillows.

How fun and flirty are these pillows?

Nothing says romance like lace. Incorporate some lace into your design, whether you use it in your pillows, decorative pillow shams, or in a bed throw.

Bedroom Furniture Ideas

Caitlin Creer Interiors

I don’t believe furniture has to be expensive to be beautiful. Shop the flea market, garage sales, or local antique shops for second hand furniture. Learn all about furniture makeovers, from painting furniture to DIY headboard ideas.

Find a unique side table and paint it white. Search garage sales, or flea markets for small tables, and remember they don’t have to match!

Lighting

One of my biggest pet peeves, is bad lighting. Now, I know we all can’t have this fabulous chandelier in our bedroom, but, change out your light fixtures if they are old and outdated.

Make sure you have low-watt bulbs that create soft ambiance.

Flower Arrangements

Flowers are so romantic! There are so many silk flower arrangements now that look real! Choose some with soft white and cream flowers.

If a large silk floral arrangement isn’t for you, then a simple glass vase with real flowers is the perfect idea! It is amazing how seeing a vase full of flowers cheers me up! Pick some flowers from your yard, or buy one or two stems from the grocery store. I found this vase for $2 at the craft store.

Window Treatment Ideas

Long flowing drapes are so beautiful in a bedroom. Whether they are custom made or ready made panels doesn’t matter. When hanging your window treatments, if possible, hang them above your window to give the illusion of a larger window.

Create an inexpensive flower arrangement, and other ideas for your dining room table

You Can Make This Centerpiece! Let’s Get Started!

TIP:

Here is my video on arranging real flowers:

More Table Centerpiece Ideas

This is a table centerpiece idea on of my client’s made for her dining room table.

Candles Are So Romantic!

Swag Window Treatment

Note:

Supplies Needed:

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Free Downloadable Patterns for Your Snow Village Lamp:

Ready to get started?

Now for the really fun part!

Putting it all together.

Floral Containers

Supply List

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Create a dreamy master bedroom, or guest bedroom!

Beautiful Bedroom Bedding

Decorative Pillows

Bedroom Furniture Ideas

Lighting

Flower Arrangements

Window Treatment Ideas

Good luck with your romantic bedroom decorating ideas.

You Can Make This Centerpiece!
Let’s Get Started!