DIY Project: Reinvented Party Table
Turn Everyday Items Into Casual-Chic Outdoor Decor
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
So I kind of have a small problem that may or may not eventually be a fit for the casting directors of Hoarders: keeping simple household stuff I don't need with the hopes of one day repurposing it.
While my particular situation is by no means obsessive or in need of intervention, it's got potential to morph into a nine-cats-and-16-fish-tanks kinda thing. That is, until good weather comes along and I can either throw a yard sale or put some of the useless hangers-on to good use outdoors.
Now that my thermostat stays steady at 72 degrees with the windows open, here's how I reinvented castaway household items into summer outdoor entertaining elements. With all the money saved not purchasing new stuff, it means more cash to purchase ice cream, hot dogs and strawberry lemonade. And when I say ice cream, hot dogs and strawberry lemonade, I mean fish tank No. 17 and two more cats, a brother-sister-combo named Jezebel and Pajamas. Just kidding!
While my particular situation is by no means obsessive or in need of intervention, it's got potential to morph into a nine-cats-and-16-fish-tanks kinda thing. That is, until good weather comes along and I can either throw a yard sale or put some of the useless hangers-on to good use outdoors.
Now that my thermostat stays steady at 72 degrees with the windows open, here's how I reinvented castaway household items into summer outdoor entertaining elements. With all the money saved not purchasing new stuff, it means more cash to purchase ice cream, hot dogs and strawberry lemonade. And when I say ice cream, hot dogs and strawberry lemonade, I mean fish tank No. 17 and two more cats, a brother-sister-combo named Jezebel and Pajamas. Just kidding!
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Digging through my storage space, I found a mishmash of items not necessarily meant to go together. However, by editing them down into colors and textures that coordinate well, I turned them into an outdoor entertaining ensemble that looked as though it was planned out. When guests ask me if I'd spent days putting the look together, of course I'm gonna say yes. Is that kinda-sorta lying? Who cares?
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1. Turn linens into tablecloths. To set the tone for the table, first up is finding something to use as a tablecloth. Like most people, I have way more sheet sets tucked away for guests than I actually need. Red for my guest room was three color schemes ago, so it seemed wise to banish the crimson altogether.
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By simply cutting the sheet in a circle using fabric scissors, then adding liner underneath, this unused guest bedroom sheet became a lightweight, flows-nicely-in-the-breeze tablecloth. Liner can be added with an iron and iron-on adhesive tape or stitched with a sewing machine.
Tip: To allow for proper overhang, add about 14 inches to your overall width. This will give you a 7-inch drop all the way around, just clearing where your knees will sit.
Tip: To allow for proper overhang, add about 14 inches to your overall width. This will give you a 7-inch drop all the way around, just clearing where your knees will sit.
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2. Turn cans into vases. During the summer months, I'm more about leafy green plants than true floral, especially since the harsh sun tends to commit cut-flower homicide quickly. While large soup or veggie cans are great for flowers, dried out or empty paint cans are ideal for larger plants. By drilling drainage holes into the bottom of the can, you've instantly turned a can into a planting container. Now, if you can only remember to water it and keep it alive until the next shindig ...
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3. Create a graphic backdrop. Plants as centerpieces are brought to the next level when set against a graphic backdrop. Who has graphic art to hang outdoors? No one really, but if you get resourceful, you may find it hidden in the pantry.
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Because most off-the-shelf tablecloths sport similar, seen-that-a-million-times looks, they make for great graphic art. Simply wrap your tablecloth around a piece of plywood, OSB or a pre-stretched canvas, then staple it to the back. Add a screw or nail to your fence or exterior wall and SHAZAM — you've got a great backdrop to make your entertaining ensemble pop.
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4. Repurpose cans into flatware containers. Ever notice how some brands have super cool logos with fun, contrasting colors? When used out of context, those brands can help coordinate color schemes. Many summer foods are meant to be eaten with your hands, utensils aren't always necessary — until it's time for dessert, that is. Keep your flatware handy and on the table by containing it in empty soup cans (washed out thoroughly, of course).
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5. Turn remnants into placemats. Although I'd love to take credit for this one, I have to give all credit to my friend Keith Robinson who introduced me to this idea. If you've ever had a custom rug made or had wall-to-wall carpet installed, you've been entitled to all the remnants left over which weren't necessary. Keep the remnants! By simply cutting never-been-walked-on sisal, loop or cut-pile remnants into 12x14 rectangles using a utility knife, you'll not only have great new floor surfaces but custom placemats as well.
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See, once the remnants are cut and laid out, no one would ever know this textural beauty was once just a few steps away from the trash heap.
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6. Create one-of-a-kind, repurposed place settings. Sometimes cloth napkins can be too fancy or stiff for a casual, outdoor bash. Consider dish towels instead, especially since they often come in 10 or 12 packs and can just be tossed in the washer. Napkin rings can sometimes cost a pretty penny; drapery rings work just as well and come with a ringlet excellent for tying on a place card. And no need to go buy place cards if you've got a stack of we-didn't-go-with-these-colors paint swatches in the junk drawer.
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To turn a clip-on drapery ring into a napkin ring without anyone knowing, remove the clip from the ringlet.
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With the clip removed, you can tie the paint swatch place cards directly to the ringlet. To personalize each card in a more polished manner, use letter stickers instead of writing names with a pen.
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7. Use mason jars as glassware. Hey, you're outside, most likely in flip-flops, and your hair is probably frizzing out from the humidity. Who cares what you're drinking out of? Mason jars are ideal for outdoor entertaining, especially when guests are gonna need gallons of cold beverages (in my case, strawberry lemonade) to avoid heat stroke. It's wise to contain the mason jars on serving trays since they'll sweat like crazy in the sun.
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And that's that! Just a little digging through closets and storage spaces resulted in some pretty-much-no-cost outdoor soiree decor. I sure hope Jeff shows up for my Sunday brunch; his name shows up four times in this project.
Please share your budget-minded outdoor entertaining ideas below!
More How-Tos:
How to Recover a Dining Chair Cushion
Turn a Carport Into an Outdoor Dining Room
Sit Pretty With Mismatched Chairs
Please share your budget-minded outdoor entertaining ideas below!
More How-Tos:
How to Recover a Dining Chair Cushion
Turn a Carport Into an Outdoor Dining Room
Sit Pretty With Mismatched Chairs
Ideabook published on June 2, 2011.
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