Candle plates and Colourful, vintage Christmas table inspiration

I’ve got two completely different table settings to share with you this Christmas, and I cannot wait. When I was hosting my recent Christmas gift wrapping workshop I had the luck of two different colour walls to style against , one light one dark. This is the first which I recreated at home in my craft room full of light bright colours and vintage touches. Inspired my travels and the treasures I collected in France and Berlin - I wanted to create a table that was feminine, playful and fun but also could be pulled together well in advance of Christmas Day.

I’m really conscious of what I’m consuming so I begun by gathering my existing items - tablecloths, candlesticks, plates and napkins. Whilst I have everything I need, I couldn’t resist this gold tassel garland to put behind the table, it’s gorgeous and I know that I’ll be using it for years to come.

Like with gift wrapping or even jewellery making (remember that ;-)!) everything I create is made up of many layers. For this table I started with a fresh white tablecloth then added a metallic runner, followed by candles, fairylights, vintage plates, cutlery and glassware and then carried on the metallic theme with spotty napkins tied in knots. I always like to finish with a natural element so added some lengths of ivy around the candles and baubles to finish off. I really urge to pull all your favourite pieces together, your style might be dark and moody or nude and neutral - it doesn't matter just pull those goodies together and see what your final theme will be - it doesn't have to be a replica of this exact table. 

Apart from the joyous colours, I love how creating these can be done anytime in the run up to hosting -I'll get mine ready for a "Friends Christmas" this weekend and then top up the candles for Christmas day. A candle plate (as I'm calling it) can easily used in the run up to decorate tabletops and ledges and perfect for celebrations big and small. Here I’ve mostly used candles I’ve picked up in charity shops but really recommend Hema (these are pastel pink candle perfection) or Flying Tiger for colourful versions .

If you don’t already own one then this is the time to invest in a simple white tablecloth (I’ve had this one from Homesense for years but H&M do great cost effective alternatives). The table runner was part of a sponsored post with West Elm years ago but buying a length of metallic fabric and splitting it down the centre will give you a great runner for a lot less money. The more reflective elements the better as far as I'm concerned! 

I hope this post has started to get you in a celebratory mood. I have to say my festive spirit is on the slow burn this year but looking at these photos (sorry they're not the best, the light was fading fast) has started to get me feeling all sparkly and excited about getting my table set up for real this weekend. xx 

DIY - Recycled golden bauble hairband

Happy December! Let’s start this festive season with an absolute beauty of a tutorial. I made this bauble hairband very quickly last year and never got to post it, it's golden beauty stayed with me and I knew I had to get it here for this years festivities.

I'm becoming more aware of what I have and what I’m consuming - before I go through the very simple steps, I want to encourage you to take a look at what you already own that could be recycled. I’ve used left over hairbands from a hen do, ribbon from my stash and baubles from the very first tree Dan and I put up. I love giving old things a new purpose and hope these bauble hairbands will create many new memories in years to come.

I forgot how good this was. I cannot wait to make some more to dot around my Christmas Day table. Happy making! Xx

Here’s how to make.

You’ll need a mix of baubles (plastic works best) if you don’t have any check your local charity shops before buying any new ones, hairbands (I find chemists have a great selection), ribbon and a glue gun.

Step 1. If your hairband is a funny colour, wrap it with ribbon. Fix to one end with a glue gun wrap so the whole band is covered and then fix the other end with a dab of hot glue. Cut off any extra ribbon.

Step 2. Starting with your main bauble, this could be a large or shaped one, fix off centre to the hairband (you might need a fair bit of glue to keep in place). Add smaller ones to the side, sticking them to each other and the band. Make sure you mix textures and sizes to keep it interesting.

Step 3. To hide any joins and give it an extra bit of support glue a length of cord or ribbon around the baubles at the front. Wear and enjoy!

Styling - French and Foliage inspired wedding

Of all events, weddings are my favourite. So it was an absolute treat when my sister asked me to help her out styling a friends weddings. My sister does loads of stuff independently but when it comes to weddings you need an extra pair of hands and I was more than willing to lend mine. The bride, Polly, came to us with a really clear vision which definately eased the process - her powerpoint of all the details was impressive. She wanted loads of pale pink astilbe, roses and foliage lined tables dotted with stoneware vases and candles. 

My biggest job was creating a floral chandelier that hung above the dancefloor, it took me hours but it was totally worth it (seriously, if you need one just ask - they are so fun to make) and while my sister was delivering the beautiful and wild bouquets she created I styled all the tables lengths of greenery and her flower filled vases. You know I love a table setting so having a room full was a dream, I didn't stop until every petal had been inspected and I was happy that the bride and groom were perfectly framed in candlelight. 

It really was such a joy to be part of such a special day, thanks so much for asking us Polly and Sam! xx

Styling - Myself and my sister you can follow her @onthesidecreativestyling

Cake - Cookie Delicious

Venue - Stock Village Hall 

Prop hire & lighting - sourced by the couple 

Ways to make the everyday beautiful

I've been scribbling notes for this post for ages but kept dismissing them as silly. Before bed I've been reading Joyful and there are so many similarities between what scientifically brings us joy and how I make my everyday beautiful that I've realised they're not silly and having moments or spaces of beauty around the house are so important for well being. With the nights drawing in - it's even more import to create an environment that delights. Here are some of the ways I make my everyday beautiful. 

Fresh Flowers - As much as I like a house plant, it's an ever changing of freshly picked flowers from my garden that makes me so happy. I love to notice the subtle changes in colour as the months pass and what's in season. Having a vase of bountiful blooms on the shelf beside my bed puts me in a good mood when I wake up and sends me off to sleep dreaming of roses. I save my favourite vase from Kt Robbins Ceramics for my special shelf (DIY salvaged wood shelf) and keep it topped up with flowers all year round. 

Declutter - Since getting new wardrobes in the spring and Milly starting preschool I've been nudged into using my 'free time' to sort out the hidden corners of the house. For the last six months I've gone through every room, sorting cupboards, recycling, donating the unused and unloved. It's been a subtle improvement, as we're too messy by nature to ever keep things pristine, but it's made my head and the flow of the house so much calmer. You can read about how I declutter here.

Smell sweet - The first thing I notice when I walk into a space is how it smells (this can be shop/room/etc). Being greeted by the smell of bins when I get through the front door, never fails to put me in a bad mood. As a simple step, I open as many doors and windows as I can to let fresh air in (even in winter). When the skies turn grey, there is nothing better than lighting a few candles I normally get mine at the supermarket. However, I'm feeling that these might not been the best and am starting to look for healthier alternatives. As a quick fix to my natural fragrance conundrum I'm been using eucalyptus in dried flower wreaths and little bunches around the house, giving each room a sweet scent.

Make space for beautiful things - Children come with a lot of stuff, first it's the endless stream of nappies and bottles and as they get older it's the unstoppable spread of  tiny toys. I've found it invaluable for my peace of mind to have toy free area's where I can keep my treasures uninterrupted from children. As each room is usually a scene of destruction, having a tiny unspoilt oasis of prettiness is key! My turquoise dining room cabinet is a favourite spot as is the fireplace in the living room.

Daily moments - I listened to a podcast recently that made me question my ritual of always using the same mug in the morning. However I'm all for making special moments throughout day no matter how ordinary it is. Tea in a proper pot with a cup and saucer, do it! A sandwich on your best vintage plate, why not?! A bath before breakfast, go on! You get the idea, it doesn't have to be big to make an impact, anything that lifts your spirits is good by me.

Most importantly learning to make each day beautiful is about slowing down and enjoying what already have. The world we live in drives us to want and be more - knowing that you have and are enough is the most important element for a beautiful life. 

Christmas Crafting Workshop

I'm SO excited to be writing this post - I'm holding a Christmas Crafting Workshop on Sunday 24th November. I'll be teaching you how to wrap your Christmas gifts with that Lotts and Lots magic, make Christmas decorations to adorn your tree and of course sharing my festive table tricks - it's going to be beautiful! 

Christmas Craft Workshop 

Sunday 24th November 

10:30 - 1pm

Do It Like a Mother

861 London Road

Westcliff

Essex SS0 9SZ

No crafting experience is require, just a love of shimmer. To book email me at lottsandlots@gmail.com 

New to Lotts and Lots? Here are some posts you might like to give you a taste of the workshop...

Confetti Gift Wrapping  

Winter Sparkle Layered Gift Wrapping 

Candle Light & Fresh Flowers - Christmas Table 

Simple Colourful Christmas Table

10 Recycled Christmas Crafts 

The Basics of Gift Wrapping - One Present, Two Ways

For the all different gift wrapping posts I've written over the years I don't think I've ever written one about the basics of gift wrapping. Time to change that and show you how you can create two different styles of wrapping with the same base paper.  I went for a leopard print base as leopard is a neutral in my book but brown paper would work just as well as an alternative. I've put all the steps below, happy wrapping! x 

Before I start I love to pull all my materials together so I have everything to hand and can create a mini moodboard of colours - here I have a mix of papers from my stash (re use wherever you can), tissue paper, ribbon wire and essential double sided tape.

For anything squishy or odd shaped I'll pop in a box, it makes the final finish look more polished. I keep a stash of small boxes on hand for this reason. You can of course buy a gift box but I really try to use up what I have. 

To wrap, fold your paper around the gift and cut off any extra paper. You want a 5cm strip onto the present and the straight edge to wrap around and over so that it finishes flush with the edge of the present. Depending on the size, the two "end" edges only need to be about the same depth as the depth of the present (if you're unsure keep them longer and cut them shorter when you get to that part). 

Add a length of double sided tape to the straight side. 

Fold and wrap the paper around the present and stick into place with the double sided tape.

For the short ends fold the paper in so it looks like an envelope but without the point. Cut straight across and add another line of double sided tape, remove the backing and stick into place, this should reach the edge and not fold over onto the present. Now the base is complete its time to get onto decorating.

To finish I wrapped a piece of chiffon around the present securing in a single knot, I then added small lengths of chiffon, ribbons and trimmings to the centre and secured with another knot. I love wrapping this way, it creates a really sumptuous, romantic and squishy bow. 

For this colourful version, I layered scraps of tissue and wrapping paper around the present. I tend to work off centre as that looks better to me, but if you like things symmetrical then go for the centre. I fasten everything at the back with double sided tape. 

Every present needs a bow, I fastened a length of metallic ribbon to the centre in double knot.  Then made a small posey of strawflowers and secured them onto the present with a bow, cutting off any extra ribbon length to finish (here's a post on how to tie a bow). Straw flowers are the best as they don't wilt - any other dried flower or seed head would also look fab. 

Travel - Port Soller, Mallorca with two young children

If there's a place in the world I feel my happiest and most at home it's Mallorca and the Balearic Islands - the light, colours, smells and fresh fresh food soothe my soul like nowhere else. Today, I wanted to get this post written up and shared before I forgot all the details of our trip to Port Soller, Mallorca. We've been lucky to go on lots of adventures this year from camping in Suffolk to our road trip in France. With each trip we've learnt so much about travelling with small children, from keeping them entertained to getting them fed and to sleep at night. 

Port Soller, is ideal for small children, the beach is in a gentle bay with soft sand and calm sea, perfect for little swimmers. For adults the beach is lined with plenty of places to get coffee's, snacks (and baskets!). The calm sea and relatively safe beach (you don't feel you're going to have your bag stolen if you're not sitting next to it) means you can sit down and almost relax whilst little ones play. We love swimming pools but they are hard work, the beach makes life SO much easier plus it also almost guarantees a nap! 

We learnt to keep this trip really simple, most days we went down to the beach until mid afternoon. Stanley and Milly napped on our walk back to the apartment and then we were able to make it out for dinner, which has never happened! On rainy days we headed up to the town of Soller, we visited six years ago pre children and loved going back. Not much had changed in the town although we were really excited to find new pockets that we hadn't been to before and of course a park with swings. There is a cute old tram that runs from Soller to Port Soller which they loved looking at but weren't fussed about going on - this suited us perfectly as we got around really easily with our hire car. Soller is a great place for shopping locally, I bought body oil in the Sunday market and there is a great shopping street off the main square that sells Mallorcan sandals, handmade baskets plus lots of foodie bits to bring home. The only disappointing place was Valdemosa, again we went six years ago but sadly social media has taken its soul away.  There were too many people over dressed and posing for photo's that's made it loose its charm. 

Stanley and Milly adapted to Spanish time really easily - late starts and naps meant we made it out for dinner post seven pm! Our favourite dinner was at a gorgeous place called Villa Luisa - delicious food for us all plus a beautiful setting and really lovely staff. Close by there is a great sandwich shop run by a father and son (I'm not sure what its called) but you'll see it and it does the best tuna salads which you can bring back to the beach. There are also loads of supermarkets selling fresh bread, milk and fruit that open early - late which means you can always pick something up without over planning. We've given up trying to stick to our usual routine of bath then bed whilst away although we do try and get them separate bedrooms - poor Stanley gets to pestered by his sister we have to break them up! 

I've written lots of posts about these beautiful islands over the year so I though I'd finish by sharing my tips for travelling with small children and I'll add links to my previous posts below.

Fly from your closest airport and keep flight times as short as possible. It's probably ok going long haul with just one but any more keep it short and sweet. 

Keep toys to a minimum, we have over packed on so many trips that now I buy a few magazines with toys before we go and they also end up with a few (inexpensive) toys whilst we're away. 

Always have a steady stream of breadsticks handy. 

Go hands free, it might not be the most fancy but I have used this back pack for all our holidays and everyday stuff. It carries two children's things plus there is plenty of room for extra's. 

If you're hiring a car - take your own car seats it makes it so much quicker at the airport. 

Take an extra buggy, we only took one but with a big push up a hill I wish we'd take a second as they are still quite little. 

Don't worry about doing everything, our little ones are happiest when we're just building sand castles together rather than trying to do anything fancy. 

Past posts you might like...

Alcudia with a baby

Soller

Es Trenc

Ibiza