Valentine's Day Table Setting

I love to decorate for different holidays. Especially my kitchen table. 

Unfortunately, as most of you may know, if you have more than one child, you can usually only decorate a table...for a day.

So for that one day, I will enjoy it!

I have a friend who has a table setting for almost every holiday and I absolutely love them. 

Some of her settings are china and because one of my resolutions is to "save money", I'm not going to buy any china soon. 

Because #5 is half Tasmanian devil, I'm not sure I can have "glasses" either. They need to be plastic. Actually, my plates and bowls would have to be plastic too....

The Dollar Tree has really cute dish ware to make something similar to the ones she has. The napkin holders look hand made so you will have to get creative on those. The table cloth is so cute and you could get creative with this too. Look for see-threw material at Jo-Ann's or Hancock's. Then add the ribbon around the edges. 

Here are some of her other table settings. I told you they were cute!

Easter

Summer

Fall

Christmas

Do you have some really creative settings you would like to share? I would love to see everyone's different ideas.

Left over cake

If your like me, you always have that little bit of cake left over from leveling. We would always just eat it but, have you tried making cake balls with it? I've tried this recipe with just regular cake and it was great!

Red Velvet Cake Balls

http://www.bakerella.com/red-velvet-cake-balls/

I first tasted these two years ago at a Christmas party and immediately had to have the recipe. It’s based on a mix, but I imagine you can follow the same directions substituting from scratch cake and frosting (I’ll try that one day). You can also try it with other cake combinations.

Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)

1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)

wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)

4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)

5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.

6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Thanksgiving Placecard Markers

This is a really cute idea from Wilton

Double the fun this Thanksgiving by creating autumn-inspired place cards for the holiday table. Not only do they enhance the décor, but make scrumptious mini desserts to enjoy after the big meal.

Here´s how easy they are to make! Begin by pouring melted Candy Melts into mini loaf pan cavities and refrigerate until firm. Next, use additional melted candy to write guests´ names on the cards and to brush the edges. Dip each edge into fall-themed sprinkles to create a festive border. Your place cards are ready! Guests will be as impressed by the custom place cards as they are by the turkey and trimmings. The "cards" can be wrapped in plastic and enjoyed later if everyone is too "full" to eat another bite after the Thanksgiving feast.

Tools:

• Mini Loaf Pan
• Decorator Brush Set
• Disposable Decorating Bags

Ingredients:

• White Candy Melts®
• Orange Candy Melts®
• Dark Cocoa Candy Melts®
• Leaves Mix Sprinkles

Makes: Each candy serves 1.

instructions

*Brand confectionery coating.
Melt Candy Melts according to package instructions. Pour into mini loaf pan cavities creating a layer 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Refrigerate until firm. Unmold.
Place melted candy in disposable decorating bags; cut a small hole in tip. Write name on plaque with contrasting melted candy.
Brush edges of candy plaque with additional melted candy. Dip each edge into sprinkles. Repeat with remaining plaques.
Refrigerate until firm. Cut additional Candy Melt in half; trim one edge flat to create right angle. Attach both halves to back of plaque to act as a stand.