Ideas & Tips — Celebration

Fruit baskets and bowls are beautifully versatile: they are some of the only things that can serve as an item of decor and also as a tasty snack for your guests when they get hungry. Having an artfully arranged fruit basket on your table is a welcoming, hospitable touch, and can also add a touch of color and freshness to the home as the days grow shorter. Here are some tips to help you create your own edible centerpieces: Choose the right basket. You'll want something that goes with your other decor and doesn't overpower the fruit in appearance. This brushed stainless...

Make the most out of the warm weather and throw a barbecue for your friends, family and neighbors. Here are our top tips for hosting the perfect grilling extravaganza: A little preparation goes a long way: Mareya Ibrahim, chef and author of East Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish On Eating to Thrive, gives suggestion from AARP magazine that as the day of the event draws closer, you start by cleaning the grill. A good stainless steel grill brush can help get rid of stubborn meat, cheese and vegetables, she says. Next gather your grilling tools, including tongs; a basting...

Whether it's a full-on centerpiece or a mason jar full of flowers from your garden, a flower arrangement brings a breath of fresh air into your living space, especially in the colder months when you're less likely to see flowers outside. Before you buy an expensive bouquet, consider choosing and arranging the flowers yourself. It's a relaxing creative activity that lets you match or play off of your existing decor while saving money. Here are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens and blogger Mateja Holter: First, create a grid in the opening of your vase with scotch tape, or...

If you're getting married, remember that thoughtful wedding favors can really set your special day apart. This detail is too often overlooked, but it is crucial to acknowledge the time and money your guests have invested in celebrating the start of your new life. Show your appreciation with a special gift that will always remind them of your wedding day.  There's something memorable about any occasion like wedding, baby or bridal shower, birthday or anniversary party that sends you home with a special treat. Favors are often arranged as part of the place setting, allowing them to do double-duty by...

Summer is on the horizon, and that means wedding season is also fast-approaching. According to online wedding-authority The Knot, June was one of the two most popular months for weddings last year. But if you haven't already begun brainstorming wedding gift ideas, don't panic! Check out these elegant, timeless items that will help the happy couple start their new life together in style: Champagne bucket: Give them a bottle of bubbly in a tasteful, stainless steel champagne bucket. After the wedding festivities, it will make a handsome addition to their dining area or bar cart.  Flower vase: Deliver a bouquet...