Fiesta Tissue Napkin Rings

Fiesta Tissue Napkin Rings

As I’m planning an End of Summer Fiesta, so I thought it might be fun to create decorative napkin rings for it.  They were easy, and I like how they added more color to the tablescape.

To begin, you will need:

– scissors

– empty toilet paper rolls (or paper towel rolls)

– craft glue

– sheets of colored tissue paper

 

fiesta napkin rings

First, cut the empty toilet paper/paper towel cardboard tubes into rings approximately 2.5″ wide.

fiesta napkin ringsThen fold them in half and use the scissors to cut “fringe” on one side – approximately 1/4″ between cuts.fiesta napkin ringsfiesta napkin ringsNext, use the glue (sparingly) to attach the tissue strips one at a time to the cardboard tube.fiesta napkin ringsfiesta napkin ringsKeep adding layers of tissue until the entire cardboard tube is covered (approximately 4 layers).fiesta napkin ringsAfter gluing, use your fingers to gently “rough up” the fringe a bit – I think it looks better that way.fiesta menu and napkin ring{As you can tell, I repeated the same process for the menu, using longer tissue strips.}

Pineapple Plates

Pineapple Plates

While in Costa Rica for my brother’s wedding, my family took a half day fishing tour. When the young local fisherman presented us with a gorgeous pineapple snack – we were really impressed with his presentation skills! He used no fancy plates or utensils – just a pineapple, a cutting board and a knife.pineapple plate

Basic. Beautiful. Delicious. And I’ve never cut a pineapple this way.

Of course I asked him how he did it (so I could share with you). Wouldn’t this be fabulous at a Luau or backyard summer party? The best part is there’s virtually no clean up (aside from washing your hands and the knife)!

pineapple

First, cut off the top of the pineapple.  Then cut off the bottom.

pineapple plates how to

pineapple plates how to

Then cut the pineapple in half.

pineapple plates how to

Next, cut out the core of the pineapple by slicing a “V” shape in the flesh.  Then cut again to create four equal pieces.

pineapple plates how to

pineapple plates how to

Carefully use the knife to separate the inner flesh from the outer skin.

pineapple plates how to

Slice the pineapple into ½” sections.

cute pineapple plates

Position the slices so they alternate on the pineapple “plate” and serve.

pineapple plates - how to carve your own

pineapple plates make for easy serving

This was my first time cutting a pineapple like this, so it isn’t as pretty as the fisherman’s, but it DID work.  And I’ll definitely be giving this technique some practice in the warm months!

{Did you know pineapples are ON TREND right now?  You can read more here.}