It's no surprise that scrapbooking supplies are all the rage in the photo & crafting worlds, but what you might not know is that they're also one of the smartest resources you can turn to for stylish, affordable entertaining! Not only do they come in hundreds (and potentially thousands) of designs for all different types of tastes and occasions, they also often come in "stories", meaning that when you find a paper you love, you can also usually find lots of embellishments and accents close by that perfectly match.

The tablescape pictured in this post was almost completely created with scrapbooking supplies.  12" sheets of paper, a few coordinating embellishments, and about 20 minutes was all it took! (s•e•i's Black Orchid collection was the inspiration for this table.)

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Quick & Easy "Scrapbook Tablescape" Tips:

1. Use standard 12" sheets of scrapbook paper as placemats or as the foundation for centerpieces. Mix it up with a variety of coordinating papers to add interest to the table.

2. Create "napkins rings" from 1"-2" strips of paper. Accent the napkin rings with rhinestones or other matching scrapbook embellishments such as buttons, plastic or chipboard die-cut shapes, or ribbon.

3. Decorate glasses - and even glazed ceramic vases, bowls and serving trays - with rub-on transfers. (See wine glasses in image below for an example.) Add designs to the desired surfaces just like you would if you were transferring them to paper.  Rub-on transfers should wipe off most glazed ceramic or glass surfaces with a sponge and hot soapy water, but it's always a good idea to test a small area on one of the items you'd like to decorate first.

4. Wrap cylinder shaped vases in scrapbook paper to create perfectly coordinating - and super easy - party decor! Fill the vases for floral bouquets and greenery, or use shorter, more shallow cylinders as containers for candies, party favors, and more. In the centerpiece pictured here, I even created the "flowers" for the vase from coordinating die-cut embellishments by attaching them to standard wooden skewers wrapped with green floral tape.

5. Use paper punches to create custom drink charms for wine and cocktail glasses. Punch shapes from the same paper patterns used throughout the table, then use a tiny hole punch to string ribbon through the paper shape and tie it to the stem of the glass. Optional: decorate the paper tags with rhinestones, alphabet stamps or stickers, or other matching scrapbook embellishments. (This concept also works well for creating party favor gift tags.)

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One of the best things about using scrapbook materials for entertaining is the creative freedom it brings to the table. For example, if you're throwing a baby or bridal shower, no longer are you limited to just the themed plates and napkins available in the aisles of your local party supply store.  With decorative papers, you have the ability to bring colors and patterns in via your "placemats" and decorative accents, so you can even stick to neutral or solid-colored dishes and partyware and choose from a much larger "library" of patterns & color palettes to serve as the foundation for your party!

Think you have to spend a million bucks to throw a party that looks like one?  Think again!  Here are some fabulous, yet affordable ways to add some sparkle to your soirée...

1. Crystal Drops and Ornaments ($3.50 - $5.99 each)
Use them:
• to adorn vases, branches, and flower arrangements.
• to accent beautifully wrapped packages
• as individual hanging decorations

2. Crystal Garlands and Ice Drop Hangers ($5 - $20 each)
Use them:
• as table runners
• to adorn flower arrangements and chandeliers
• to decorate vases (wrapped all the way around)
• to rope off aisles at a wedding or special areas of a formal party

3. Decorative Chandeliers
The fun Spectrum Chandelier pictured below is made of rainbow-colored resin charms and rings in at an affordable $36!  Guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any party... with or without an electric light.

4. Diamond-shaped Paperweights ($3.99 - $20, depending on size)
Use them:
• as loose table decor
• to embellish centerpieces and floral arrangements
• as "napkin weights" for place settings at a formal dinner party or bridal shower (then let guests take them home as party favors!)

5. Crystal Tealight Holders ($5 each)
Tiny, cut glass-crystal tealight holders give the table a double dose of sparkle when filled with a lit candle.

6. Vintage Glass Candle Holders
I just adore these little beauties... they come in tons of great colors and are outfitted with pretty beaded handles. Hang them from a big tree or patio trellis, or line them up in a neat row down the center of the table. At only $3.25 - $4.50 a pop, you can afford to snap up a bunch!

More ideas, not pictured:

• Acrylic Sea Glass - a great "bling-y" looking filler for vases and shallow bowls. ($11 for 2 lbs at Jamali Garden)

• Craft Rhinestones - perfect for dressing up napkin rings, place cards, drink charms, and stemware.

• Ice Drop Picks - Use them to dress up floral arrangements, or as a "bouquet" all on their own. ($3.99)

• Glittered Curly Ting Ting (available at craft & floral supply stores - approx $7/bunch) - This glittered floral accent comes in several colors and is an easy way to add sparkle to bouquets, or it can function as a as bouquet all on its own!

What other ways can you think of to introduce some sparkle within your party decor?  There's something about bringing in a little "bling" that can instantly give a room that "party" feel.  Below are images from two of our party themes at Hostess with the Mostess that were inspired by that exact sentiment...

Bling Baby Baby Shower:

Bling Bride Bridal Shower:

Candy buffets are always a welcome treat at parties and weddings, and they seem to instantly bring about that wonderful "kid in a candy store" feeling, no matter what your age! As much a party decoration as they are an edible treat, you'll quickly discover that there's definitely a right and wrong way to do candy buffets. Here are some guidelines to help make sure you end up with a display that looks as sweet as it tastes!

You'll need:
• Several glass containers in a variety of shapes and sizes (bowls, jars, vases, canisters, pedestal servers)
• Candy
• Candy Scoops
• Small cellophane bags or mini boxes for guests to fill with candy
• Ribbon, labels, and other embellishments to decorate the jars

How much candy do you need?
The number one thing to keep in mind when creating a candy buffet? Don't skimp! Instead of thinking in terms of how much candy each guest will actually eat, it's best to think of your candy buffet as a decorative element and focus on creating a display that looks visually stunning, just as you would do with flower arrangements or other "regular" party decor. 

For Large parties or weddings:
8-10 types of candy / 15-20 pounds each

For smaller parties or occasion showers:
7-10 types of candy / 6-10 pounds each

The quantities above are a general guideline, but the more abundant and full the candy buffet looks, the better!

Tips & Tricks:

To help create a full look to your buffet when you're on a tight budget, use other decorative "filler" items on the table around the candy jars. Paper lanterns, flowers, flower petals, and picture frames are great "filler" elements. You can even sneak in some jars of inexpensive, coordinating cookies to help fill space and create a decadent, abundant look to the buffet.

Use a variety of types of candies - individually wrapped, unwrapped with a hard candy shell (i.e. m&m's, skittles), hard candies, gummy candies, lollipops, old-fashioned candy sticks, etc.

Purchase candy at bulk candy stores - either local or online (see Resources below). If it's possible for you to buy bulk candy locally, bring your containers into the store with you to make sure you purchase the correct amount.

If you're ordering candy online, be sure to place your order well in advance so that you have time to stage the buffet at home before the party and order more candy if necessary. You also want to avoid rush shipping fees, as bulk candy can be very heavy!

Consider your environment. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, you may want to avoid chocolate, yogurt-covered malt balls, and other types of candy that can melt in the heat.

To narrow down the wide selection of candies available, which can be overwhelming when you're deciding on the candy "menu", focus on creating a buffet that matches your party colors and/or theme.

Use different shapes, sizes, and heights of containers, and make sure their mouths are wide enough for guests to scoop candy from. Cylinder vases and apothecary jars are widely available in home/craft stores (Target, IKEA, Michael's, etc.) and online, and it's also great to check discount stores like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls.

Embellish containers with ribbon, custom labels, and other decorative embellishments.

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Shopping Resources:

Bulk Candy:
www.sweetfactory.com
www.candywarehouse.com
www.candyfavorites.com
www.blaircandy.com
www.groovycandies.com
www.oldtimecandy.com

Containers & Candy Scoops:
www.amazon.com
www.save-on-crafts.com
www.target.com
www.jamaligarden.com
www.ablekitchen.com
www.acemart.com

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Have YOU ever created a candy buffet for a party or wedding? If so, what tips & tricks did you learn along the way that might be helpful to others following suit?

Incorporating place cards into table settings for sit-down dinners or luncheons is wonderful for personalizing the table and making guests feel welcome, but it's also a great way to introduce creative elements into the tablescape and play up your party theme.

With spring already upon us, and summer right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to highlight some stylish, contemporary place card holder designs that are especially appropriate for warm-weather luncheons, showers, and dinner parties. Here goes:

Pictured above:

1. Dress Place Card Holders: absolutely darling and perfect for any girlie get together.
$12 / set of 4 at Social Couture

2. Topiary Placecard Holders: perfect for summer weddings or garden-themed bridal showers.
$9.24 / set of 4 at Bliss! Weddings

3. Tulip in Silver Pot Placecard Holders: ultra-contemporary silhouettes with rhinestone details.
$11.98 / set of 4 at Wedding Favorites

4. Pineapple Place Card Holders: pint-sized and perfect for tropical dinner parties.
$7.54 / set of 4 at American Bridal

5. Mini Silver Ice Buckets: ready to be filled with brightly colored candies and add a splash of color to the table.
$15 / set of 6 at Jean M

Pictured above:

6. Shining Sails Silver Place Card Holders: charming accents for a nautical theme.
$5.80 / set of 4 at American Bridal

7. Sea Shell Place Cards: colorful, modern sea shell silhouettes that stand up on their own - a place card and holder all in one.
$0.99 each at WeddingFavorites.com

8. Miniature Folding Beach Chairs: tiny, striped chairs guaranteed to turn any tablescape into a day at the beach.
$30.78 / set of 8 at Bliss! Weddings

9. Dolphin Place Card Holder: playful little figurines perfect for beach and ocean themes.
$9.95 / set of 12 at The Knot

10. Adirondack Chair Place Card Holders: miniature white chairs that look like the real thing!
$16.95 / set of 12 at The Knot

Mood lighting is one of the most important elements of an evening dinner party or get-together. There’s just something about a warm glow and flickering lights that puts people in a festive mood and makes the night feel more celebratory and special. Even better – this warm glow is easy to come by with the help of a little candlelight – and there are so many ways to get creative with the way you display your candles. From floating them with flowers to grouping them together in a tight bunch, candle displays are an easy way to create major decorative impact in no time at all!

1. Display pillars several in tight groupings or rows. 
For example, spread several pillars in various sizes lengthwise down the table to create a “runner” effect that creates a gorgeous, striking display – or simply group 4 pillars together and embellish with a few beautiful flower blooms, decorative rocks, or sand at the base of the arrangement.
{image credit: left image from InStyle Parties; right image from West Elm}

2. Floating Candles
This style of candle arranging is always popular and allows tons of room for creativity. You can float candles in anything from decorative bowls and pillar vases to votive holders and cocktail glasses… even swimming pools! For a some extra “umph”, float flower blooms or fruit slices along with the candles, or embellish the outside of the bowl with colorful florals.
{image credit: left image - floating on fulton by Globetopper; right image – floating candlelights by imedagoze}

3. Unique Displays
Try unexpected ways of displaying your candles, such as flipping small vases or votive holders upside down and setting your candles on top of the holders instead of within them. (Just remember safety first! If your candlelight is exposed, make sure it’s on a very sturdy, secure, and open surface area.)
{image credit: The Hassle-free Host by Christopher Lowell}

4. Embellishments
Dress up candles in an instant with decorative papers, ribbon, rhinestones, or any other type of appropriate embellishment that coordinates with your party theme. For example, small plastic spiders and orange and black papers look super cute on the Halloween party candles above!

{image credit: Midnight Madness Halloween Party and Ghoul's Night Halloween Party from hostesswiththemostess.com}

More ideas:

• Group several votive holders on cake stands or tiered trays to create a “tower of lights” effect.
• Line up several low square or rectangle-shaped bowls into a long row down your table, then floating candles and flower blooms in all of them to create the look of an entire floating candle & flower "table runner".
• Create a circle of lights around the base of centerpieces with 8 or more votives or tea lights.
• Submerge greenery, fruits or exotic florals in cylinder vases filled 2/3 with water, then set large floating candles on top of the water. Group 3 or more of these vases together (utilizing different heights) for a unique & striking centerpiece arrangement.
• For a cocktail party, float mini candles in wine or martini glasses and use them to decorate the food & drink areas.
• Place a large pillar candle in hurricane or pedastal, then fill the bottom of the vase with theme-appropriate décor – such as cranberries for a holiday get-together or decorative sand and seashells for a beach-themed dinner party.

Have some more creative ideas for candle decor or want to show off some pictures of candlescapes you've created yourself? We'd love to hear about your ideas - please share them with us!