DIY Modern Party Hat Christmas Trees

'Tis the busy season! I love making DIY decorations for the holidays but they have to be quick and easy. These homemade Christmas trees couldn't be simpler to make. Three items. Two minutes. Here's how it's done...

DIY or Buy It? Modern Ring Cone For The Stylish Minimalist Bride!

I was so incredibly excited to share our big news with you last week. One of the first things I did was start hunting for a modern ring dish. I need a safe place to store the sparkles when I'm in the kitchen asap, duh! Gonna be honest, though, I found nothing.

1-Minute DIY Mini Sprinkle Ornaments!

 
Sprinkles make everything better. I mean, do remember these tea lights!? Or this manicure!? So obviously my instinct is to spread sprinkles all over our holiday decor this season...

11 Modern Cork Finds For Small Kitchens—Rad Grocery Bag, Included!

Got a small kitchen? Put a cork in it! These neutral accessories are a no-brainer way to add natural frill to your teeny space and—bonus—they're all kind of good for the environment, too. Fact: Cork is inherently sustainable because it's both biodegradable and recyclable (aka greener than the tupperware stash mom sent you) so your shopping spree is kind of, like, a good thing for the planet! Add a few pieces to your countertop this weekend Planeteers...

Petit Cork Vase Set; $83 / Corky Glassware; $55 / Bambino Cork Tray; $27 / "Adjust-a-Bowl" Soft Cork Bowl; $33 / Cork Planters; $50 / Cork Trivet; $27 / Mini Cork Planter; $25 / Par Cork Salt and Pepper Shakers; $62 / Multicolor Tote in Cork; $145 /  Vitra Cork Stool C; $470 / Cork Pads and Coasters; $17 

The 3-Step Guide To Whitewashing Boring Wood. Every Gal Should Know How—SO Easy!

We needed a large whitewashed serving board for a photo shoot at work. For weeks I searched stores, prop houses and the web without any luck. Then I thought, "Duh, girl! Why don't you just make one yourself!?"

Fresh Summer-to-Fall Kitchen Decor In Black, White and Red—$70 & Under Modern Picks!

Doing a little grownup back-to-school shopping? Save a few bucks for your home! Adding a new piece to your kitchen will ease—and embellish!—the transition from summer to fall. Stick with a clean base palate of blacks and whites, then add your favorite POP (pop of color)! 

Quickie Christmas Cookie Makeover: Olive Oil Cutout Cookies—Two Ways!

Looking to shake up your sugar cookies this Christmas? I have just the thing for you! My co-cook at Good Housekeeping, Sherry, developed these Olive Oil Cutouts for the December '13 issue and I've been craving/making them ever since. 

3 Easy Oscar Party Ideas: Chic and Simple Decor & Snack Inspiration!

I couldn't wait for Oscar-party-planning-season when I worked at Food Network Magazine! We had a few brilliant editors who always worked on the feature and always came up with the smartest, chicest party ideas for the occasion. These 3 are still my favorites: 

Popcorn Bucket Vase: Buy empty popcorn buckets at a bulk supply or craft stores (or you can ask for one at your local movie theater)! Hide a small vase inside of the bucket and fill with a vampy bouquet of flowers.

Concession Stand Home Bar: Set out a selection of single-serving beverages for your guests (including little splits of champagne, obviously)! Add a few boxes of movie candy to complete the look.

Wonton Envelop Cookies: Click here for the full recipe. It’s super easy. Just brush the edges of 1 square wonton wrapper with beaten egg white, fold in the edges and deep fry.

Actually! Katie, our resident craft-lover at Good Housekeeping, just published a killer Oscar Party blog post on the GH Blog, including homemade popcorn boxes (with 5 flavored popcorn ideas) and a great playlist. Head over to the GH blog, if you're interested! xo Erin

 [Ideas and images sourced from FoodNetwork.com from Food Network Magazine / flower bucket and bar photographs by Burcu Avsar for Food Network Magazine / wonton envelope photograph by Jonathan Kantor for Food Network Magazine]

Cake and Baking Supplies: Pink Candy Decorations For Spring!

It felt like spring was near in Brooklyn this weekend (even though it was freezing cold and I know we have a ways to go). I'm willing the change of season to arrive in New York City and here's my strategy: Start stocking up on spring-y baking supplies asap—if you buy them, it will come! First up, pink candies. These are on my short-list of new supplies to buy for layering/sprinkling/arranging on cakes. Do you revamp your pantry from seaon-to-seaon? If so, what are you looking to stock up on this spring? I'd love to know! xo Erin 

 wild strawberry licorice from Sockerbit / raspberry gummi hearts from Sockerbit / strawberry cheesecake jelly beans from Nuts.com / Swedish berry gummi candy from Sockerbit

How-To Make: A Simple Color-Blocked Flower Arrangement!

How are you at arranging flower? I'd give myself a "passable" grade at best but I'd love to learn more! Megan Dunford over at One Charming Party explains how to turn assorted flowers into a graphic, color-blocked arrangement—so beautiful! This would totally brighten up a table on a dreary winter's day. What do you think? Click here for instructions.

[Flowers by Megan Dunford. Photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat for One Charming Party]

Craft Time! DIY Crepe Paper Flower Crown, Ooo la la!

I set out to make my dearest friend a birthday crown for her special day after seeing this DIY Hawaiian leis post on 100 Layer Cake, an incredible party blog you should follow if you don't already obsess over their photos as I do. My plan: Make flowers out of crepe paper

Craft Time! Super Simple DIY Flower Garlands

I've been meaning to post this fabulous DIY project for a week now: 100 Layer Cake, probably one of my favorite blogs ever, posted step-by-step instructions for turning regular crepe paper streamers into these precious flower strands, just follow the instructions here!