Decor Archives | Page 15 of 16

In Decor

How to fold a linen napkin into a bow tie

May 15, 2018 No Comments

If you don’t already know how, we’re teaching you how to fold a linen napkin this week. With minimal effort and maximum style, these bow ties make for perfect modern table decor.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Square napkins
Napkin rings

STEP 1

Iron out a square napkin.

STEP 2

Fold the napkin in half once from opposite corners. Turn it so the longest side is at the top and the point faces down.

STEP 3

Fold up the bottom point about 2–3 cm.

STEP 4

Fold over the top towards the point twice.

STEP 5

Turn the bottom half up and over the top, then turn the napkin over.

STEP 6

Fold the napkin at the two diagonal folds in the middle then fold in each end. Make sure that the folded section lies parallel to the diagonal fold line.

STEP 7

Pinch the napkin into a rough bow shape with your fingers and slide it into a napkin ring. Neaten, then repeat with the rest of your napkins.

In Decor

5 tips to pull off the perfect outdoor wedding

December 21, 2017 No Comments

Here in SA, we’re spoilt with beautiful landscapes that make for breathtaking bridal photos. But, with unpredictable weather in many places, it takes solid planning to pull off the perfect outdoor wedding. Use these tips to make sure yours is an affair to remember.

1. SOUND THE BELLS!

Whether you decide on a dreamy beach wedding or to say your vows at the edge of a dramatic cliff, get the audio right. The last thing you want is your voice getting lost in the sound of crashing waves or a gentle breeze, leaving your audience (or even your beau!) trying to make out what you’re saying. If you’re using a videographer, bear in mind the quality of the audio during playback. Get a microphone system hooked up to the closest power source, and if you’re using wireless microphones, make sure the batteries are fully charged. The same goes for the music, entertainment and speeches at the reception.

2. A MONKEY’S WEDDING

As the saying goes, if the sun is shining and it’s raining, a monkey’s about to get married. So take notes and don’t greenlight your Plan B if it pours on the morning of your big day but your outdoor ceremony or reception is only later in the afternoon. While we agree it’s only practical to let your guests know the venue has changed, the rain may stop in time. Instead, use a canopy or arrange umbrellas if you’re expecting a light drizzle. For longer ceremonies or the chance of heavier rainfall, ensure you have spoken to your venue about a contingency plan. Remember: rain is said to bring good luck to a couple on their wedding day, and can make for some memorable candid photos too.

3. LIGHT IT UP

You’ve browsed Pinterest, ogled at different photographers’ sites, and may even be sold on the idea of an outdoor wedding solely because of the beautiful lighting opportunities it lends. Whether you are after a magical enchanted forest look with thousands of fairy lights hanging from trees or a beachy do with strings of Consol jars hung from beams and paper lanterns lodged in the sand, keep it all well lit and as hazard-free as possible. If your ceremony is around twilight, max out on the amazing golden light two hours before sunset. The flattering natural light + your own beautiful additions = mesmerising photo perfection.

4. EVERYONE’S INVITED!

Everyone should feel welcome, including your pregnant cousin or frail uncle, so try to make your wedding as accessible as possible. The key here is structure and practicality, and you don’t have to forfeit aesthetics in favour of this. You may be working with an open space, but use lighting and decor to contain it and make sure everyone has a great time. Think about wheelchair access (smooth walkways), steady ground (mats and rugs on the beach, for example) and close proximity to amenities.

5. SITTING PRETTY

Make sure there’s enough comfortable seating and mingling space for everyone. This is especially important for a more casual affair. Think couches, benches and swing chairs in neutral colours that you can customise with the textures and colours of the wedding.

In Decor

DIY skyline candle cut-outs

December 21, 2017 No Comments

With a nod to this fashion capital, this project is quick and easy for the busy bride. Give a romantic air to a city wedding with these London skyline candle cut-outs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Printout of London skyline
Scissors
Cutting board
NT cutter
Craft glue
Tea lights

METHOD

1. Cut out your picture around the top of the buildings to create the shape of the skyline.

2. Place your picture on the cutting board and use the NT cutter to cut out any windows, doors or other details.

3. Glue one end of your skyline to the other to complete the candle shade. Place it around a tea light candle.

In Decor

Getting that rose gold glow

December 21, 2017 No Comments

Combine your eyeshadows with soft metallic and shimmering finishes in hues of rose gold, red-copper and bronze. Keep brows defined but natural with a clear gel or wax.

MUST-HAVES

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Rimmel Brow This Way Clear Brow Gel

In Decor

6 amazing wedding signage ideas

December 20, 2017 No Comments

From the table settings to the dance floor, let your wedding signage be as playful, stylish or whimsical as you are!

1. IN LOVE WITH THE DANCE FLOOR

Faced with a plain ol’ dance floor that needs some prettying up? Why not enlist the help of an arty friend to paint a monogram in your wedding colours? It’ll be easy enough to paint over later.

2. MAKE AN ENTRANCE

A sheet of acrylic displaying the couple’s names transforms a simple plinth and floral arrangement into a grand welcome gesture.

3. TROPICAL FEVER

Embrace the tropical trend with delicious monster leaves for placemats and banana leaves as place settings (write on them with Posca paint markers).

4. MR & MRS

A vintage-style metal ampersand light sign makes a cute photo prop.

5. TOP THIS

Don’t be tied down by traditional cake toppers!

6. PERFECTLY FRAMED

A simple frame allows your message to blend in with the rest of your wedding decor.

Photography: pinterest.com/weddingalbummag

In Decor

Up, up and away! DIY balloon wedding arch

November 14, 2017 No Comments

Say your I-dos under this fresh, fun balloon wedding arch. Prepare the wire structure and balloons the day before, then just add greenery in the morning.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

6 m chicken wire
Florist’s wire
Wooden rods or fishing line
Florist’s foam
Balloons
Flowers and leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Roll your chicken wire lengthways into a tube and bend in the centre to create an arch. Keep the arch together by tying florist’s wire at intervals along it.

Step 2

If the arch is going outside, use sturdy wooden rods or poles to stand it upright. Insert one end of each rod into the ground at least 20 cm deep. Place the bottom ends of the arch over the rods and secure with florist’s wire. If the arch will be placed indoors, suspend it from the ceiling with fishing line.

Step 3

Insert bits of damp florist’s foam into the arch, ensuring they are hidden.

Step 4

Blow up as many balloons as you like (we used 150) and attach to the arch using florist’s wire.

Step 5

Insert your flowers and leaves into the foam, using florist’s wire to hold them in place.

Step 6

Cover any exposed florist’s foam with balloons or flowers.

In Decor

10 paper craft ideas for your wedding

November 7, 2017 No Comments

Soft and tousled, straight-cut, crinkled or dyed, let these paper craft ideas in their myriad forms be a part of your wedding story.

1. A message notebook as a striking centrepiece

Paper flowers, Love Paper Sew

2. Add paper flowers to your stationery

Menu, invitation with envelope and RSVP card, table number, name tags, and paper flowers, all Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

3. Paper cones with confetti

4. Sweet treats adorned with paper flowers

Nougat, MaMère Confections; paper flower, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

5. A paper bouquet

Paper flowers, Love Paper Sew; laser-cut leaves, stylist’s own

6. A paper garland

Paper garland, stylist’s own; paper flowers, Love Paper Sew

7. Cupcakes with windmills

Cupcakes each, Florentines Cakes; paper windmills, stylist’s own

8. Chinese lanterns

Paper Chinese lanterns, The In Thing

9. A paper cake topper

Cake, Florentines Cakes; cake topper, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery

10. Hand-written thank you notes for your guests

Thank-you tag, Chrystalace Wedding Stationery; pencil crayons, The Deckle Edge; lined napkin, stylist’s own

Decor: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/hsmimages.co.za

In Decor

DIY thank you shortbread biscuits

October 31, 2017 No Comments

Your guests will make short work of these scrumptious thank you shortbread biscuits. We love the idea of adding a personal touch to your wedding, and this is one of the easiest ways to do this.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
250g butter, at room temperature
½ cup caster sugar, plus extra to dust
1 vanilla pod, seeds only
2 cups flour
½ cup cornflour
Custom-made rubber stamps
Biscuit cutters

METHOD
1. Have your rubber stamps made with the greetings of your choice (you can order stamps from rubberstampsa.co.za).
2. Preheat oven to 160°C and grease a 20 cm baking tray.
3. Beat the butter until soft, then beat in the caster sugar and vanilla seeds until light and fluffy. Mix in the rest of the ingredients to form a stiff dough.
4. Roll the dough out on the baking tray so you don’t have to move it afterwards and cut them with your cookie cutters. Stamp each one with your rubber stamp.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the oven and immediately dust with caster sugar.
6. Carefully remove the shortbread fingers from the tray and transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.
7. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can put your biscuits in gift boxes or tie them up with cellophane and a pretty ribbon.

In Decor

Inspiration: A night sky themed wedding

October 17, 2017 No Comments

Celebrate in the warm glow of candlelight and seal your love with a kiss beneath a star-studded sky by taking inspiration from our night sky themed wedding.

THE STATIONERY

Rose-gold plate to hire, Plush Props; card and laser-cut engraved envelope, Secret Diary

Laser-cut engraved envelopes and silver perspex place cards, all Secret Diary; flowers, Fleur le Cordeur

ON THE TABLE

Flowers, Fleur le Cordeur; copper goblet, stylist’s own; purple goblet, glass carafe and copper votive holder, all to hire, Check My China; whisky glass and vintage gold underplate, both to hire, Exclusive Hire; rose-gold plate, crystal wine glass, rose-gold side plate, jug and rose-gold bowl, all to hire, Plush Props

Flowers, Fleur le Cordeur; Champagne glasses to hire, Plush Props and Exclusive Hire; brass mirror tray to hire, Check My China

Floral arrangement, Fleur le Cordeur; gold cutlery to hire and purple napkin, all Check My China; navy speckled plates to hire, Plush Props; silver perspex place card, Secret Diary; glasses from to hire, Exclusive Hire and Check My China

Purple goblet to hire, Check My China; crystal wine glass to hire, Plush Props; copper goblet, stylist’s own; black plate and navy embossed saucer both to hire, Plush Props; gold spoon to hire, Check My China; crystal sugar bowl, Exclusive Hire; cherry sorbet, Sorbetière

LIGHTING

Hanging flowers, Fleur le Cordeur; LED strings, The In Thing; bulbs, all Hoi P’loy; glass pendants, Weylandt

THE CAKE

Cake, Roxanne Floquet Cake Design; cake stand, supplier’s own; flowers, Fleur le Cordeu

FLOWERS

Floral arrangement, Fleur le Cordeur; chair, @home

Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth Van Nelson/HSMimages.co.za

*Extracted from Wedding Album 2016-1; Products are subject to change

In Decor

DIY candle table runner

October 3, 2017 No Comments

Create a striking focal point with an elegant DIY candle table runner. From there you can soften the candle base with a spray of greenery.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
4 cm × 4 cm pine strips, cut to the desired length
Drill with 10 mm drill bit
Whitewash
Paintbrush
Dinner candles
Glue gun

METHOD
1. Drill holes 2 cm deep and 7 cm apart along the length of each piece of wood.
2. Whitewash the wood (or leave natural if preferred).
3. Insert the candles and secure with a glue gun.