Things to remember when throwing a (casual) holiday dinner party

I don't know if information technology's moving into a new place or but the fact that information technology's the holidays, but I've really been on an entertaining boot lately.

So, I partnered with Air Wick to put together a DIY idea that will take you from entertaining during the holidays to hanging out at habitation in the new year.

But starting time, I wanted to share a handful of tips and tricks that I e'er try to retrieve when throwing a coincidental (but cool) dinner party. Just some entertaining tips that I've picked up along the way…

Holiday Garlands

1. Add together something unexpected. A giant holiday garland, hung on the wall, will add together a pop of color and an unexpected item.Yous could as well employ the garland every bit a photo berth properties, in a pinch.

DIY // Cement Candle Votives

two. Evoke the senses. Burn scented candles in holiday scents, similar Mrs. Claus Apple Pie and Evergreen Adventure from The Enchanted Holiday collection, to draw guests in as they sit down at the dinner table. Play a little music to entertain everyone during lulls in conversation and get anybody feeling comfy. And (of course) be certain to serve great food too.

Deck the Halls // Holiday Entertaining Tips

3. Use what you lot have. Instead of rushing out to buy a new tablecloth, tabular array settings, or the perfect set of vases, use what you already accept and spend the extra fourth dimension yous saved on creating something special, like a pretty flower arrangement or favors for guests to take abode.

*I'll be sharing a DIY for candle party favors tomorrow. Then, be sure to check back for that.

DIY // Cement Candle Votives

4. Incorporate DIY elements that you lot tin can repurpose after the political party is over.One of my favorite centerpieces ideas recently is for these DIY cement votive holders. They're swell for vacation parties, simply can be used year round, as mantle decor, etc.

Want to make your own? Here'south how…

Supplies for DIY Cement Candle Votives

Supplies:

Air Wick candles (they accept easy pare labels that come right off, which make them perfect for craft projects) // plastic bucket // container for pouring and scooping (that is okay to become messed upwards) // decorative boxes in various shapes and sizes (I found that boxes and lids that have a waxy coating are the best to use for this particular project) // rapid setting cement mix // water // trowel for mixing

How to make large cement votives for candles

How To:

one. Get-go by adding the cement mix to a bucket, then add together water. You'll need iv parts cement to 1 part water. Mix well with a trowel.

2. Next, peel off the labels from your candle and prepare aside.

3. Pour the cement mixture into each container, filling about 3/iv of the way full.

4. Then, place your candle into the center of the container with the cement. For curt lids and containers like the ruby 1, your candle volition but sit down within without whatsoever issue. For a taller container, like the brown square one in the photo, yous'll need to use a long piece of record to keep the votive in identify while the cement sets.

five. Wait for the cement to dry co-ordinate to the instructions on the packaging (each ane is a little unlike). With rapid prepare cement though, information technology should be completely dry in 3-v hours (depending on the temperature, etc).

6. In one case the cement is completely dry, rip the container away to reveal your cement votive. If you have any trouble pulling the container away from the cement, use a knife, or soak the entire container in a bowl of water to soften it before removing. Sandpaper may be helpful for removing extra pieces of cardboard that are stuck to the physical as well.

How to make large cement votives for candles

Hither are a few more than photos to get you lot in the mood to party…

Holiday Place Setting Inspiration

A happy holiday get-together

Holiday Garlands

DIY Cement Candle Votives

Photography by Kimberly Murray //Assisted past Linda Jednaszewski // Concept and Styling Brittni Mehlhoff

For more DIY holiday inspiration and beyond, exist sure to cheque out my Deck the Halls vacation board on Pinterest.

Think you'll give the cement votive holders a try earlier the holidays gyre around?

This mail service is in partnership with Air Wick. Thank you for supporting the brands that assist keep Paper & Sew running.