Handmade Christmas Advent Calendar Sacks

Hi Friends,

If you want a change from the traditional, flat cardstock Advent calendars, create these easy-to-make fabric sacks for your Christmas tree or to decorate a table-top tree. They can be filled with whatever treats your family enjoys courtesy of A Greener Christmas.

Materials Needed:

template
old tablecloth or pretty curtain material
scissors or pinking shears
cotton needle and thread or sewing machine
eco-friendly marker pen
24 lengths of garden twine or string, each about 12 1/2” long
treats to fill each sack

Download: Advent Calendar Pattern

Step 1

Using the template, cut the cloth into 48 sack shapes. Then cut 24 small squares of fabric, each about 1 1/4 by 1 1/4 inches in size.

Step 2

Align two sack shapes, correct sides facing inward. Sew three sides together. Leave a seam of 1?2 inch. Repeat with the other shapes.

Step 3

Mark a day of Advent, from one to 24, on each fabric square. Make a hole in the top corner of each square, thread through the twine, and knot it.

Step 4

Fill each sack with a few treats, and then tie the twine around the top to seal the sack. Secure the ends in a loop and hang from the tree.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy the Advent Calendar!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

It's the time of year to reflect on the things that we are most thankful. We know that your support over the years is certainly a reason for us, here at Interior Design, to be thankful. Celebrating the season, appreciating Friends & Family is our wish for you this Thanksgiving. You are sincerely appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Check back for more great ideas and enjoy your Turkey Day with family and good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Sophisticated Fruit and Vegetable Centerpiece

By Leah McCall

Hi Friends,

A stroll through the produce department of your local grocery store will yield the colorful materials needed to create this unusual centerpiece — no flowers necessary.

For the freshest possible centerpiece, assemble on the day of your get-together. To save time, the baby green blooms and cornhusk flowers can be created and produce skewered the day before, then refrigerated until ready to assemble.

Materials Needed:

8" diameter trifle dish or container of choice
knife
dry floral foam
hot glue gun and sticks
175 skewers or plant stakes
1 bag corn husks
scissors
dried or fresh cranberries
10 miniature eggplants
15 beets
1 bag baby greens
20 crab apples
75 red pearl onions
1 head red cabbage

Cover Trifle Bowl

Attach red cabbage leaves to dish with hot glue; cover seams and fill gaps with cranberries.

Cut and Secure Floral Foam

Determine necessary amount of floral foam by placing dry blocks in container. Tip: Foam should be 2 inches taller than vessel lip. Using knife, cut foam to correct size, then secure bottom of foam block to container with hot glue.

Create Baby Green Blooms

Apply hot glue to tip of skewer/plant stake. Working in an overlapping, concentric pattern, attach leaves until bloom is approximately 3 inches in diameter. Create 30 baby green blooms.

Assemble Cornhusk Flowers

Using scissors, round edges of four to six cornhusks to resemble flower petals. Working in an overlapping, concentric pattern, hot glue cornhusk petals to skewer/plant stake. For a splash of color, secure baby greens between each petal with hot glue. Assemble 15 cornhusk flowers.

Attach Produce to Skewers/Plant Stakes

Create picks by inserting skewers/plant stakes into 10 eggplants, 15 beets and 20 crab apples. Stake a row of five pearl onions onto 15 skewers/plant stakes. Tip: It may be necessary to sharpen one end of the skewers with a pencil sharpener or knife.

Assemble Centerpiece

Determine desired height, width and overall shape of centerpiece by placing staked beets, pearl onions, eggplants and crab apples into foam. Fill remaining gaps with baby green blooms and cornhusk flowers. Insert skewers/plant stakes in downward angle around vessel edge to ensure complete coverage when centerpiece is at eye level. Cover foam completely with produce.

Tip: Fill any visible gaps by making additional baby green blooms and/or cornhusk flowers.

Check back for more great ideas - Bon Appétit!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 15

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Textured Topper. This patterned tablecloth gives depth and texture to your tabletop, allowing you the opportunity to use plain white dinnerware and still have the feel of elegance. Your presentation will make dining a delight.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape with texture!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 14

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Topped With a Bow. Your Thanksgiving tablescape isn't limited to the table itself. Rate My Space user barbrowe even dressed up her chairs with large bronze bows, putting the finishing touch on a lavish setting.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 13

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Soaring Centerpiece. If your table setting is simple, spice it up with a dramatic focal point. Fall branches spilling from a tall vase add interest to Rate My Space user Faby's Thanksgiving table.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 12

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Decorative Dishes. Often inexpensive, seasonal plates in bold patterns and colors instantly add pizzazz to any Thanksgiving table. Design by Rate My Space user flamingjune.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 11

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Vivid Color. As the weather cools down, warm up your dining room with rich reds and oranges. Rate My Space user zahirah1 topped off her welcoming Thanksgiving table with a glowing, candle centerpiece.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 10

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Personalized Pumpkins. Small details can make a big impact on your Thanksgiving table. Try tying handmade place cards to mini pumpkins for a personal touch that will make guests feel special. Design by Holly Mathis.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 9

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Rustic Elegance. Don't be afraid to mix textures and patterns when setting your Thanksgiving table. Rate My Space user GritsandGlamour paired glossy, gold chargers with course burlap to create a rich look perfect for fall.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 8

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring The Look for Less. If you want to create an elaborate Thanksgiving tablescape on a budget, scour stores for marked-down or slightly damaged items. Rate My Space user and smart shopper Tamgypsy got a turkey centerpiece at a discount because it was chipped. A bit of glitter to cover the imperfections, and the bird is as good as new.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 7

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Fall Florals. Create a floral centerpiece fit for Thanksgiving by adding berries or mini pumpkins to an arrangement of red, orange and yellow flowers. Rate My Space user patrick paired this warm floral centerpiece with ice-blue place mats for a striking contrast.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Veteran's Day!

Hi Friends,

Today we celebrate and honor the courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect and preserve the Spirit and Promise of America.

Check back for more ideas and celebrate all the timeless treasures of freedom; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,

Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 6

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Dressed-Up Basics. You don't have to buy brand-new dinnerware to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Rate My Space user decorating4fun topped simple white plates with crimson napkins for a splash of rich, fall color.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 5

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Adaptable Dinnerware. Investing in a versatile set of china makes setting your table for the holidays a cinch. Rate My Space user eriedecor uses china embellished with fruit and acorns from November to January, changing the accessories and color scheme for each holiday. Chocolate brown and khaki are her hues of choice for fall.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 4

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Thanksgiving Glam. For a chic fall table, try combining traditional and trendy pieces. Rate My Space user veron paired stylish black-and-white plates with glitzy accessories in classic fall orange.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 3

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Less Is More. A Thanksgiving table doesn't have to be over the top to be beautiful. Rate My Space user luvmynugz paired a few subtle fall elements with neutral-colored dinnerware for a look that's understated yet elegant.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 2

By Shannon Petrie

Hi Friends,

Today we are featuring Candleholder Conversion. Whether your taste in tablescapes is subdued or sumptuous, get ready to give thanks in style. Try using items you already own in a creative and unexpected way when designing your Thanksgiving tablescape. Rate My Space user Baubles found that candleholders also make great pedestals for mini pumpkins.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy your tablescape!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

15 Stylish Thanksgiving Table Settings - Day 1

Hi Friends,

The holidays are perfect for dinners with family and good friends. Over the next fifteen days we will bring stylish Thanksgiving table settings with the help of Shannon Petrie. Today we are starting with natural elements.

Look to nature for easy, elegant ways to embellish your Thanksgiving table. Rate My Space user chasingpaige brought the beautiful colors of fall to her table by incorporating gourds and pumpkins into her centerpiece and topping each place setting with a pear.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Making a Leafy Thanksgiving Invite

Hi Friends,

Gather friends and family to feast with a stylish but simple-to-create invitation compliments of our friends at HGTV

Materials and Tools:
5-1/2" squares dark brown card stock
4 orange silk leaves per invite
green mulberry paper
flat paintbrush
cup of water
invitation information printed on tan cardstock, cut to about 3-1/2" square
glue stick

Steps:

1. Remove plastic stem and vein from back of leaves by gently pulling them off. Use glue stick to apply leaves in the corners of the brown stock card so that the tips of the leaves are just beyond the edges of the brown stock card.

2. Fold mulberry paper to create squares that are about 4-1/2". Crease gently and then unfold.

3. Dip paintbrush in water and paint the water along a fold line until the fold line is saturated. Gently pull along either side of the moistened line, pulling the paper apart and exposing the natural fibers in the paper. Repeat for all fold lines so that all four edges of the square have exposed fibers.

4. Use a glue stick to apply the mulberry paper to the center of the card, over the leaves.

5. Attach the invitation information to the center of the mulberry paper. If necessary, place the card under a heavy book to hold until the glue is secure.

Check back for more ideas and enjoy

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne