Lisa Quinn
Entertaining Myths Debunked
Are you ready to reveal your decorative genius? Host a gathering at home. Read these entertaining myths to make the process a piece of pie!
Myth: Dinner parties have to be “sit-down” and formal.
- Nonsense. Some of the best parties involve a countertop buffet and guests sitting all over the house. People remember the conversation and the good times, not the tablescape.
Myth: You have to cook everything.
- Potluck dinners are great. If your inner Joan Crawford can’t stand the thought of an unknown menu and mismatched casserole dishes all over the kitchen, ask for specifics that won’t interfere with your master plan. People are happy to bring salad, dessert, bread, or alcohol.
Myth: You must have a fully stocked bar.
- Having a few bottles of red, a few bottles of white and a “signature drink” is a great set-up. You can buy large jars with “taps” at the bottom at most home goods stores. Fill the jars with premade mojitos, sangria, lemon drops, whatever you like. Guests can serve themselves, saving you a lot of work.
Decorating Shortcuts
July 2011
The decorating perfectionist in all of us could use a break. Stop spending an entire Saturday constructing crepe paper peonies for a Sunday brunch centerpiece, and enjoy these fun ‘cheats’ instead! Here are some tips and sources that will help you organize and adorn around the house!
eBay: eBay can be your own online flea market. Type anything into the search bar and you will find it. Done right, you can get amazing deals. Find singular household treasures like Guatemalan Santos, full sets of antique plates, original art, and the most unique accessories you’ve ever seen- all for pennies on the dollar.
Etsy.com: The same as eBay, but the merchandise is all handmade crafts. This site is full of vendors who actually have the time to craft beautiful items that they sell on the site. Get the look of handcrafted, without having to do it yourself.
Fan decks from a paint store: Not just for choosing paint colors, these decks (purchased at any paint store for around $20) can act as a color reference guide for all your design projects.
An old dresser: Forget an expensive closet system. If you have a short dresser, slide it into your closet. You’ll find it perfect for the little things like socks, T-shirts, ties, scarves, and kids’ clothing. Paint it the same color as the closet wall, and suddenly it’s a custom closet.
Clippy Rings: These are great. You can find clippy rings wherever window treatments are sold. They make it possible to hang just about anything from a curtain rod. Secure a rod to a wall and hang saris, quilts, fabric by the yard, or even rugs for a new take on wall art.
Hem tape: Never sew again. Adhesive hem tape is sold in rolls at fabric stores. Iron it on to whatever you are hemming. Apply ribbon and decorative trim to curtain panels in just this way.
Live plants instead of cut flowers: Cut flowers are expensive and then you just have to sit and watch them die. Potted plants are a bigger bang for your buck. Some plants that require little care or direct sunlight are Ivy, Peace Lily, Aloe (also a medicinal plant whose gel can be used to treat minor burns), and Wax plant.
Overhead projectors: Make hand-painted wall murals quickly and easily with the help of an overhead projector. You can usually rent projectors at the library, or buy them at art supply stores for around $60. Pull graphic clip art images from the Internet-the less detail, the better. Place the image on the projector and trace it on your wall. Then color between the lines with a small, high-quality paint brush. I’ve painted words, flowers, cacti, and abstract art. The finished product can be spectacular, and the process could not be easier!
Specialty Paper: Wrapping paper has come a long way. Peruse your paper store for inexpensive and eye-catching paper to place in the right frame, with the right mat. Watch how it becomes beautiful art!
Adapted from "Life’s Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets" by Lisa Quinn, Chronicle Books.