Aug 26, 2015
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
First, cut the empty toilet paper/paper towel cardboard tubes into rings approximately 2.5″ wide.
Then fold them in half and use the scissors to cut “fringe” on one side – approximately 1/4″ between cuts.Next, use the glue (sparingly) to attach the tissue strips one at a time to the cardboard tube.Keep adding layers of tissue until the entire cardboard tube is covered (approximately 4 layers).After gluing, use your fingers to gently “rough up” the fringe a bit – I think it looks better that way.{As you can tell, I repeated the same process for the menu, using longer tissue strips.}
Aug 18, 2015
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.
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)!
First, cut off the top of the pineapple. Then cut off the bottom.
Then cut the pineapple in half.
Next, cut out the core of the pineapple by slicing a “V” shape in the flesh. Then cut again to create four equal pieces.
Carefully use the knife to separate the inner flesh from the outer skin.
Slice the pineapple into ½” sections.
Position the slices so they alternate on the pineapple “plate” and serve.
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.}