Just As I Am

fun party plates tutorial

Jenna came up with this fun idea for adding color and interest to clear plastic plates.  I like to call them:

Fun Party Plates in 5 Easy Steps

I really need to work on my product photography.  Trust me, THESE ARE MUCH PRETTIER THAN THE PHOTOS HERE. You'll just have to try them for yourself!

What you will need:

• paper cutter or a pair of scissors
• pretty paper [scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper etc] or fabric
• clear adhesive....we used Zots
• clear plastic plates....we used 6.5in square

1.  measure the bottom flat square area of your plate

2. using a paper cutter or scissor cut your paper in the dimensions of your measurement

3. Cut 4 [one for each corner] pieces of clear adhesive

4. With the right side of your paper UP place adhesive at each corner

5. Turn the plate over and carefully center your paper over the square BOTTOM and press the paper into place

6.  Flip your plate over and voila!

6. ENJOY!

tea leaves

I've started looking forward to Tuesdays.....that means morning tea with my friend, Bonnie.  Today was my turn to host our get together.  I usually set a casual tea right on my coffee table, so we can sit on the couch and visit.  We laugh and, sometimes,  cry and share things we want each other to pray about as we sip our tea.

Here's today's table sans biscuits, which were still in the oven, and tea pot, waiting for the water to warm.

There's just something about women and tea, isn't there?

Women around a table of cups and a pot of tea [or even a pot of hot water and tea bags]  just seem to relax and open up!

When I go home, my sister sometimes hosts a little tea party for all the girls in the family.  It has been interesting too see the dynamics of the conversation around the table change as the younger generation of women are taking the places that my sisters and I used to hold....it seems we've joined my mom in becoming...quieter... speaking less....listening more...as they banter about marriage and children and friendships and spiritual matters.  I love hearing their reflections, and it warms my heart to see them finding common ground on which to build strong family ties.

Some of my favorite tea parties were ones the girls and I used to have for my mom and dad when they came to town....I wish I had a picture to share here. We really went all out and used Let's Have a Tea Party, a book by Emily Barnes,  for ideas and recipes.  It was a fun way for the girls to learn the art of hospitality.

And they learned it well. Last  Mother's Day they had a tea party in honor of me!  Such a beautiful blessing and memory!

One of my favorite recipes for tea on a hot day is Texas Tea.  You'll have to set out the pitcher and goblets or iced tea glasses instead of the tea cups and teapot, but it still works the magic :)

Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your favorite tea party memory or favorite tea recipe.....or

Drop Me a Note

blessed

to be the mom of these beautiful girls [and one not pictured]

who graciously honored me with a tea party....
have I mentioned that I like tea parties?

The table was set with these beautiful flowers

and this lovely platter of candles




All of the food was scrumptious... including this yummy trifle


Isn't the strawberry heart delightful?


The menu included:

Texas Tea
Chicken Salad
Fruit Slush
Scones
Devonshire Cream
Strawberry Jam
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Trifle





As if the tea party wasn't gift enough, this pretty little package sat close beside the table..




something totally unexpected, but longed for, was inside...


an Ipod

: )

 

I am blessed by the kind and gracious love my Heavenly Father displays to me
through each of my little women.



thank you
 Jenna, Katy & Leah!