I love a good DIY project, and most of the time when I get an idea for them I’m starting with inspiration for what the end product is going to look like. Every once in a while though, my inspiration comes from the actual materials I’m working with. An interesting material can spark the thought, “hmm, what can I make with this?” – and that’s exactly how this DIY project started.
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This year I’m extra excited for awards show season because I’ve actually seen a ton of the movies that were nominated. Thanks to a few extra weeks of pregnancy, we hit the movie theater quite a few times since sitting and eating were about all I could physically manage in the activity department. Since then we’ve been knocking off more movies from the couch with a newborn keeping us close to home most nights. I take awards show viewing pretty seriously, getting myself set up with a laptop and phone for reviewing red carpet looks and tweeting my expert analysis (you know, from my fashion throne wearing a top knot and yoga pants). I also make sure I assemble awards show snacks with the same discerning eye I give to reviewing couture ball gowns – the snacks are essential fuel for viewing!
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We have, understandably, been spending a lot of the past few months taking our weekends a little slower than usual. I typically have to use our weekends as time to get projects and shoots done for the blog and some freelance clients, so I’ve been trying really hard to condense my weekend work to Saturdays to leave Sunday open for some true downtime. As a result of being a bit more successful at this division of work and rest, we’ve been having some really nice Sundays, camped out on the couch with the fireplace crackling, and usually some football games on TV. 
Please note: This post was created in paid partnership with Time Inc. and Chinet.
I love to entertain year-round, but the holiday season makes it so much more fun! I partnered with Chinet on a fun video that shares a bunch of ideas for how to add some sparkle and detail to your holiday tablescapes, including custom dinner menus, glittery tea light holders, and personalized place settings. With a neutral metallic palette, you can use these ideas from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and right through to New Year’s Eve! Check out the full video below:
Nothing says “it’s time to party!” like a handful of confetti — which is what inspired today’s DIY project! To get that festive look I used Chinet’s Cut Crystal to make confetti plates and cups. To start, I cut my own confetti using several colors of tissue paper. Then I spread a thin layer of clear-drying glue on the plates and for the cups, I painted a think layer about half way up the cup walls. Next comes the fun part — tossing the confetti over the plates, and into the cups. Using a second plate and cup, lightly coated with the glue, I pressed the plate down to seal the confetti in between the two plate layers, and repeated with the cups, stacking them to tightly seal the confetti between the cup walls. Finally, let them dry before using. I paired the cups with my confetti cocktail stirrers and was ready to party!
(Psst! Enter to win a $100 Amex Gift Card and Chinet Cut Crystal Party Pack so you can throw your own party!)
Please note, this post and giveaway is sponsored by Chinet, and all opinions are my own.
