PARTYC rashers DECEMBER 2012
Xmas tree decorating - we give you the lowdown!
Sequins and shine - what’s hot in Xmas fashion?
our Christmas Issue
Xmas cocktails - Tasty. Pretty. Festive.
50
,
CupCakes& party frocks
gorgeous XMAS Ideas
EASY XMAS BAKING
Xmas Party Decor
don’t forget to visit www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
E E R F D DOW
A NLO
Magazine
for your home for your table
Chri Cock stmas Rec tail ipes
last minute Christmas gifts for the men and boys in your life!
Our free Christmas Launch Issue
2 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com
from the editor
As you will know by now, Party Crashers magazine is entirely free to download, so feel free to save it to your laptop, iPad, Galaxy Tab, Android Tablet, computer or USB stick and read it offline (that’s right, you don’t need to be connected to the internet to read it). No more feeling guilty using the internet on company time. Simply save the magazine on your usb stick or hard drive – and it will allow you a quick read on your coffee break! Pass onto your
PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE is published BI-MONTHLY
Cover Photo Credit: marthastewart.com (home design)
All rights reserved 2012
Party Crashers magazine has arrived! free download. read offline or online. The best of the web the latest party inspiration straight to your iPAD, SMARTHONE, LAPTOP OR PC!
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CHAPTER from the editor’s NAME desk Welcome! First of all, a very warm welcome to you as we launch the Christmas issue of Party Crashers magazine. We hope you enjoy this Christmas stop! Each year, do you tell yourself that this Christmas will never be as frantic as the last, yet the week prior to Christmas is almost always about last minute shopping, packing in as much as you can before the holidays start and frantically sorting out those last minute gifts? While we’re on the topic, have you ever had the conversations? “Christmas – it’s so commercialised. It’s all about buying presents and gifts?” Well here at Party Crashers magazine…we concur. We think that it’s …dare I use it… copasetic…we like the hype and the festive colours at our local malls! Yes it is all a bit material, but you can’t possibly ignore the excitement and fervour upon seeing the Christmas decorations going up in the stores after Labour Weekend. We would have all complained about ‘the decorations being up even earlier this year than the last”. But let’s be honest? They are a physical reminder that fun in
the sun with our loved ones, good times and cheer is on the way! Is it really so criminal to indulge in such hedonistic activities? As to actually ….envelop ourselves in the anticipation of sweet, tasty offerings, shimmering tree trimmings and loved ones bearing gifts? Perhaps indulging in a festive cocktail and a bubbly or two? We think not! So, in this Christmas issue the focus is on shopping, food and dressing up, be it yourself or your home! It’s what makes this time of year so exciting as we anticipate all the scrummy, yummy treats on offer. Whether it’s fashion inspiration, easy Christmas baking or festive craft ideas - we think you’ll find some ideas! We hope you will find something interesting in this issue and future issues of Party Style magazine. Feel free to take inspiration from us for that special event or celebration you may be planning. We want to help you create something special. Parties, celebrations, weddings and
special events are all about fun times with those in our lives.Whether it’s cooked up in the oven or a gift we buy. Buying a gift goes further than being just some “thing” for some “one”. It is about being grateful for who we have in our lives. So why not? Whether our gift’s large or small – the focus doesn’t alway have to be on ‘the commercialisation of Christmas’. It’s a way we can take time out of our busy lives and express our gratitude and spend time with those that add value to our lives whether it’s our friends, family, children, loved ones, colleagues and those that form part of our daily lives. We hope that this sample Christmas launch issue will help you in your last minute Christmas ideas and help you create something a little bit extra special for your Christmas whether it’s in your living space, in the kitchen, your home or to help you find those manic last minute gifts! Plus, don’t forget to check out our silver dress section to make sure you dazzle and shine for your party! Christmas is also a time
4 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
CHAPTER from the editor’s NAME desk.. to consider those that are in financial struggle and hardship. The Salvation Army have setup an online donation page, which can be found here (http://www. salvationarmy.org.nz/givingback/). They also have information here on how you can ‘give back’ to the community.
have taken time out of your busy lives to visit and like our Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/partycrashersnz), visit our website (http:// partycrashers.co.nz) and see what inspires us on Pinterest. Feel free to read the article in this issue to see what Partycrashers is all about!
We have tried to capture the best that we could find of The Web. We hope that you will find our Christmas issue inspirational and both eye and mouthwatering. We would love your feedback, comments and suggestions. Feel free to post them on our Facebook page or email us on info@partycrashers. co.nz.
And on that note, please have a safe and Merry Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones.All the very best and we hope to see you for our next issue with special features for those of you having a Princess Party for your little one!
This magazine has been created for you, our readers. We feel so grateful that you
Love always, Lady K
Sparkle This Season sequins
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ow could you go wrong??
Lipsy Sequin Mini Dress from ASOS Made from chiffon fabric and embellished with sequins, this gorgeous number boasts a high and flattering waistline. Delivers worldwide
6 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
How to
Decorate Your Xmas Table Tips & Tricks KEEP IT SIMPLE. STICK TO YOUR COLOUR SCHEME. IT DOESN’T NEED TO COST A LOT!
W
hether you’ve never done it before, kept it safe or consider yourself a bit of a pro - it doesn’t matter. We have got the right ideas to impress your guests with our easy Xmas table design ideas. Use these tips whether you’re going for classic Christmas colours of red,green and white or being a little bit adventurous with hot pink, purple, silver or black. You don’t need to use your best linen for the tablecloth. See if you can find some sheer organza you may have stashed away. The sheen on this fabric has a festive feel, it’s not expensive
and you won’t need to stress if
cloths, fabric, or wrapping paper
you get red wine spillage. We
keep the cutlery and plates a
also found some cheap and
bold colour – and vice versa.
funky tablecloths in Kmart’s Christmas catalogue for just
There are so many gorgeous
$12 Or, how about using a roll
Christmas-themed dinner sets
“to create a classic, stylish, designer look - stick to just 2 or 3 colours’’
(have a look at our ‘Rejoice with Red’ feature), but if you’re sticking with plain white plates and basic wine glasses – just recreate your festive look by adding
of Christmas wrapping paper
Christmas serviettes, crackers
and using it as a table runner
or save a few decorations from
to pop your plain colour plates
your tree to spread down the
on top of. Using paper that has
centre of the table!
a bold graphic pattern adds symmetry and a well-styled
If you’ve got any leftover gift
effect. Remember, if you’re us-
tags after the presents are all
ing Christmas patterned table-
wrapped, how about naming
7 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
How to...continued them and placing them around the
them and placing these onto a
plates or glasses? Or what about
candlestick!
popping a small sweet treat or gift onto the plate – a welcome ges-
Gilded pinecones. berries, twigs
ture for your guests.
or branches, multiple candles all wrapped in organza or wide rib-
For your centrepiece use a
bon will help create a seasonal
wreath, put a plate underneath
tone for your table - in just a few
and place the wreath and some
minutes.
“Add serviettes, crackers, and baubles to your table for a quick, creative, festive look”
Adding two topiaries coverd in fruit
Running out of time and Christmas budget? Grab a square or rectangular shaped candle and wrap imitation berries or cherries around it, place this on a footed cake stand to create height or
“If you’re using plain plates and cutlery, ensure you have a ‘Christmassy’ centrepiece”
or chocolate and placed on either
join 2 together for a longer dining
side of a long dining table can add
table.
candles, baubles and greenery in the middle of the wreath. Another festive addition would be to find differently sized styrofoam cones and attach sparkly enbellishments or place chocolate or sweets onto toothpicks and place these into the cone – a colourful and festive addition – and one the kids will love (see our Styrofoam
height and create balance for your table. Need something interesting to dangle from the ceiling? Using invisible thread or fishing line, drop Christmas baubles from different heights for visual impact and festive shine! The stunning image. above (via Rolland Bello
article for more ideas).
photography) of bright red ribbons and ornaments creates a dramatic
We loved the idea of using up
contrast to the crisp, sharp white-
your spare Chistmas tree baubles
ness of this room.
by gluing some glitter letters onto
Even your chairs can be decked out. Place little santa stockings around the dining chairs and add stocking fillers - a favourite for kids and adults alike! These can be matched up with gifts or party favours placed on the dinner plate with named place tags.
For photocredits, click image and follow link.
8 | JANUARY | FLEXIBLE MAGAZIN | www.flexiblemagazin.com
The Yellow Bee Cake Company
The Art of BAKING M
rs Bumble over at The Yellow Bee Cake Company
introduces her passion for baking as a way of allowing her to “combine my love of cooking and my love of art and design into tasty packages which are as nice to look at as they are to eat.” “This talented lady has some brilliant, original designs and she can also be found on Facebook. She also offers cupcake decorating classes and for those of us on the other side of the world, we are able to learn from the easy to follow video tutorials. Have fun!
Mrs Bumble has also provided a detailed tutorial of how to create these. Find it here
We love PINTEREST check out these GORGEOUS IMAGES FROM OUR XMAS BOARD
w
e simply love Pinterest. If you have never visited it
before and you like stunning imagery in baking, interior design, crafts, jewellery, shoes, fashion, photography, weddings, special celebrations - just about anything that takes your fancy - then Pinterest might be your new online weak spot! We have a Pinterest board and would love you to follow us and the images we love, here. All images link back to the original creators.
10 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
CHAPTER EASY CRAFT NAME TIP 1
THE BEAUT STYROFOA
inspiration for y Cick any image to link to more information Note: not all trees created from Styrofoam
W
hether you want to add sweets, chocolate, christ-
mas baubles or pearl pins, Christmas trees made from styrofoam cone can create colour, height and depth to your Christmas ta-
2
ble or make a welcoming festive greeting on the console table to your doorway entrance. Celebrity party planner, Colin Cowie, talks about creating a ‘striking addition’ to a table by adding small matte and shiny Christmas balls to an 18-inch-tall Styrofoam cone (2). 5
3
4
8
TY OF THE AM CONE
your festive trees
S
weet inspiration (1, 5 & 8) is stunningly created using
peppermints available in green or red. Baby marshmallows, sugar jube rings or red and green gum drops are equally as effective. These can be glued to the cone (obviously not to be eaten after-
wards) or, to keep it all edible, cover the cone in ready-made frosting and place the lollies in rows around the cone. Remember - there’s no rules - mix and match lolly types and colours combine red and green, add a 6
7
12 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
Styrofoam Cones ... little white - keep it festive!
look seen in image 4? Pearlised pins and buttons of different hues
For a healthy alternative, get
of pink are used to create this
some toothpicks, some red and
stunning piece. Give this a more
green grapes and insert these into
seasonal feel by using Christ-
the cone - create a star-shaped ki-
mas coloured buttons and pearl
wifruit (use a small cookie cutter).
pins!
The creative schoolteacher who created the fruit tree (3) placed
Lastly, and certainly not the
dessicated coconut at the bottom
least, the stunning creation
of the cone to create a ‘snow’ ef-
depicted in image 8 was cre-
fect - amazing!
ated by The Illusive Swan and more of the talented works can
The pastel shaped macarons (6)
be seen by following the image
were set on a styrofoam cone cov-
link. Enjoy!
ered in fondant and then decorated with pastel coloured macarons. Over in the craft space, wondering how to get the pretty and feminine
1/2 PRICE CHRISTMAS DRESS IT UP BUTTONS, SPOTLIGHT Was $4.99 Now $2.49 each
Rejoice with Red
k
u t n-
Co ametint G o ide ed re - Vents - R o t s Etsyer ornam troll
Li Ba ving Ru roqu & G nn e ivin er Re g dF -C elt hris Tre tm e T as ab le
The Warehouse - Christmas Cut Out Placemats Assorted rrp $5.00
e
s
t The Warehouse - Christmas Classics Tree Topper Star Red. rrp $2.00
r
r rds
o
w ive
.00
6 p$
r
t
ri
n
S
an
h sC ’ a t
sW
a stm
de
r
de
on
d lan
ra co
w
Rejoice
The Warehouse - Christmas Classics 16 Piece Kiwi Dinner Set Red. rrp $30.00
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What is Partycrashers about?
P
artycrashers is a marketplace where anyone can come to buy, sell or hire their leftover party supplies, decorations, event leftovers or any party-related products - both new and used. It is for individuals and those businesses in the party industry (photographers, cupcake shops, bakeries, event planners, wedding planners, party supplies and party decoration specialists. SIMPLE. BUY. SELL. HIRE. YOUR PARTY SUPPLIES AND SERVICES. THINK OF IT AS A CLASSIFIED SITE FOR ALL THINGS PARTY!
How much does it cost to sell something on the website? For private individuals it is free. Businesses are also free until February 2013.
er to find what you’re after, with easy to understand categories and fast search! Do Partycrashers sell products and services as well? Occasionally if our staff have any products they wish to sell, they are more than welcome to. But generally Partycrashers are not in the business of buying and selling products or services. However, we like to think of ourselves as helping others sell their stuff!! Rather, it is a thirdparty provider where people and businesses can meet to promote their brand, buy, sell and rent party supplies and services. So, it seems kind of weird to create a place to sell leftover party stuff? Our idea was conceived from a group of us with experience in the party-planning and eventsrelated industry. During our involvement with the many parties, events, festivals, weddings celebrations, corporate functions, we saw so much WASTE. We like to think of ourselves at as a little bit green and we care for the environment! It’s not such an unusual concept and has proven quite popular overseas with websites such as mypartyisover.com and eventleftovers.com. Where can I get more information?
What is so great about it and Feel free to visit us at our webhow does it differ from the oth- site (http://partycrashers.co.nz), er classifieds sites out there? our facebook page (http://facebook.com/partycrashers.co.nz), It’s free. boards (http://pinterest. Your leftover party product, your pinterest com/partycrashers or email us at brand, or service has increased info@partycrashers.co.nz visibility and is not ‘hidden’ amongst a whole lot of other We welcome all enquiries for non-related items as with other any information, media or ‘one-size fits all’ classified sites. advertising queries you may Save time by looking for the rel- have. evant party products you are after, rather than having to sift through countless other products you just aren’t interested in! Partycrashers has made it easi-
in the party or event planning business? Read on to see how we can help! CUPCAKES Are you in the business of selling cupcakes? We would love to hear from you. Please visit us on Facebook or contact us to see what we can do for your product.
PARTY SUPPLIES Selling or hiring party supplies or decorations? Get in touch!
PHOTOGRAPHERS Are compelling, inspiring images of people, fashion or food your thing? We would love to help integrate your brand via our social media campaigns, Party Style magazine,our classifieds site and business directory. Email us: info@partycrashers.co.nz
15 | DECEMBER 2013 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
GIORGIO ARMANI Code Men Set $128 each, Value, $233, Farmers
Fisher-Price Big Action Dig ‘n Ride With Electronic Sounds $69, The Warehouse
last minute gift deasim M
Jake And The Neverland Pirates Yo Ho Mateys Away DVD $16.99, The Warehouse
ideas for HIM
y $44 Mini D .99, rum S Wh itco et ulls
Quay West Padded Steel Lounger $69.99, Briscoes
e l Tre niva Car mers Far er ast ils M Ra ack - Tr es the s nd id Frie as R d n hom a s ma et -T net Tho rter S oy Pla Sta .99, T $49
Prices subject to change.
Pelaco Boxed Shirt & Tie Set Sizes 38-46 cm $59.99 each, Farmers
sfree Hand h t o o to Blue IT, Repc K 5 $2
Kit
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FESTIVE CUPCAKE FEATURE CUPCAKE CORNER
THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES On the following page we have created a beautiful mouthwatering array of Christmas-themed cupcakes. Each image can be clicked and you will be taken to the original creator of their fine piece of edible art. Enjoy!
Watermarked image courtesy: http://cakechocolate-pizza.blogspot.
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XMAS CUPCAKES IDEAS
CREATIVE
HOLLY
snowflakes
Created by the Creative Cake Academy. The instructions to make these can be downloaded from their site. Click image above and be tempted!
These holly and wreath cupcakes provide some festive inspiration for those feeling confident enough to give it a go!
Glory over at glorioustreats.com, kindly provides us with the recipe for these chocolate cupcakes, buttercream icing AND how to create the snowflake!!!
white magic
fruity
layers
Here’s some inspiration from the traditional green and red that normally dominates a Christmas-inspired creation. Chocolate leaves on white frosting!
How about these Santa-hat inspired cupcakes with strawberries?
The layered cupcakes have been filled with marshmallow butter cream and daintily decorated with red and green non-pareils.
the tree
snowy
winter
For the piping extraordinaire (all in the ‘swirl and lift’ motion according to the South African Mandy, currently residing in Ireland!
This awe-inspiring collage of cupcakes look so sexy, they might be too good to eat!!
Imagine this Winter Wonderland Cupcake theme sitting at your dessert table An eclectic mix of candy canes, tree and gift cupcakes.
Lily Lace Dress
Chsarya
wears
dress,cerise.
Lily
Lace
Product
code
732522-01, size 4.
Parisna wears Lily Lace Dress, jade, Product code 732522-03, size 2.
KIDS XMAS TREAT
Christmas chocolate spoons recipe
These chocolate spoons are lots of fun to make and decorate and they make cute little
presents to give at Christmas.
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 2 mins
I piped christmas trees and christmas lights on my spoons but you can pipe your own designs.
In a glass bowl, heat the white chocolate for 30 second incre-
Cachous are a fancy name for silver
ments in the microwave, stirring
edible balls.
constantly until it is melted and Ingredients:
smooth. Pour into a ziploc bag.
Use the best chocolate you can afford
Repeat with the milk chocolate.
for these spoons. The taste really mat-
200g white chocolate
ters.
Snip a small corner of the bag and 200g milk chocolate Cachous
fill half of the spoons with white
You can cover these in clear cello-
chocolate and half with the milk
phane and give them as gifts.
chocolate. Tap each spoon so the chocolate is a level spoonful.
Coated chocolate chips
Cheung for Kidspot, Australia’s best
Pour the remainder of each chocoPlastic spoons
This recipe was created by Jennifer recipe finder.
late into fresh ziploc bags. Snip a very small corner off and pipe your
Ziploc bags
chosen designs on the spoons.
Christmas style ribbon
Add the cachous and coated chocolate chips. Tie ribbons
Method:
around the spoons. Place spoons in the refrigerator to set.
Lay spoons out on a tray covered with baking paper. Prop the end of the spoons up so they are level.
Notes
Article courtesy kidspot.com.au. Australia’s leading parenting website.
KIDS XMAS TREAT
Reindeer cupcakes recipe
How cute are these Christmasinspired cupcakes? Easy to make, they are the perfect Christmas gift for friends with littlies. Ingredients
place 1/3rd cup measures in each patty pan and bake for 20 minutes.
1 pkt Betty Crocker Mud cake mix
Leave to cool on a wire rack.
3 eggs
When cooled take the icing and
Cheung for Kidspot, Australia’s best recipe finder.
give each cupcake a generous 1/4 cup vegetable oil
coating.
3/4 cup water
Place Jaffas on each one for the nose and smarties etc for the eyes.
1 tub of Betty Crocker chocolate icing
Cut the pretzels to make the antler shapes and push into cupcake.
1pkt Jaffas Smarties or M&M’s candy coated choc chips or ca-
Notes
chous These little guys are super cute and
1 pkt pretzels Method:
my kids loved them. Cutting the pretzels is tricky and I discovered a quick downstroke with the
Preheat oven to 200°C. Place sil-
knife makes a clean cut and stops the
ver foil patty pans in a 12 cup tray.
rest of the pretzels breaking.
Prepare cake mix as directed and
This recipe was created by Jennifer
Article courtesy kidspot.com.au. Australia’s leading parenting website.
KIDS XMAS TREAT
Christmas tree brownie recipe
they are a traditional brownie recipe with a Christmas spin! Prep Time: 15 mins
Method:
Note:
Cook Time: 2 mins
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a round
These brownies are great to take to
cake tin with baking paper and set
a Christmas party on a platter - or to
Ingredients:
aside.
give as gifts.
3/4 cup butter, melted
In a bowl, beat the sugar and eggs
Your kids will LOVE being in charge of
together and light and fluffy.
the decorations. Just try to teach them
1 1/4 cups sugar
that ‘less is more’ when it comes to Beat in the flour, melted butter, cocoa
2 tsp vanilla extract
and vanilla until well combined.
3 eggs
Pour into cake tin and bake for 25-30 minutes.
3/4 cup self-raising flour
Smarties!
This recipe was created by Jennifer Cheung for Kidspot, Australia’s best
Leave to cool and slice into 8 wedges.
recipe finder.
1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted Place the vanilla icing in a ziplock bag
1 tub Betty Crocker Vanilla icing
and snip the corner off. Pipe the icing onto the wedges to cover the whole
1 pkt rice crackers
brownie.
Cachous
Place a rice cracker into the bottom to create a tree stump.
Coated choc chips Decorate with various decorations to
M and M’s
your liking.
Article courtesy kidspot.com.au. Australia’s leading parenting website.
23 |DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
these are easy and look great!
Rim your glass, pour the alcohol, stick the swizzle stick in and you’re done!
create holiday cheer with these white chocolate peppermint martinis Recipe found on http://www.cookingwithsugar.com/christmas-cocktailswhite-chocolate-peppermint-martini/
Celebrated imprudence few interested especially reasonable off one. Wonder bed elinor family secure. It want gave west into high no in. Depsee and. An he observe be it covered delight hastily message. Margaret no ladyship endeavor ye to settling. Turned it up should no valley We loved these Christmas-inspired wedding cocktails with snowflake swizzle sticks we found over at the Hostess with the Mostess blog (click image for more) Directions to create the rim: Rub the rim of the martini glass with marshmallow creme (we won-
Ingredients: ■ 2 oz vanilla vodka ■ 1 oz peppermint Schnapps ■ 2 oz white chocolate liquor ■ 2 peppermint candies crushed
dered what that was as well!). Luckily we found some at Mar-
■ 2 tablespoons marshmallow
tha’s Backyward (http://www.
sundae topping
marthasbackyard.co.nz/). Place crushed candy canes on plate
Coat the rim as described.In a
and turn the martini glass upside
shaker with ice, add the vodka,
down on a plate to coat with the
peppermint schnapps, and the
pre-crushed candy canes.
white chocolate liqueur. Shake for a minute. Remove glass from freezer.
Hint: use multicoloured candy
Pour mix from shaker into glass
canes for a brighter effect!
and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
24 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz
XMAS DECORATING TIPS
Quick & Easy Tricks to decorate your tree Easy ideas that anyone can do!
accentuating metallics you will
an average or larger sized rooms, a
use. Gold or silver? Using me-
full branched tree is ideal (as op-
tallic ornaments that are both
posed to a narrow tree). So, if your
gold and silver will help create
ceiling height is about 8 feet, a 7.5
a shining, dazzling effect.
foot tree is good. However, the size of the tree stand or base, diameter
Size Matters
of the tree and placement of the tree (corner, centre or middle of the
If you are wondering why your
room) also need to be considered.
tree doesn’t look like the tree
Colour Scheme First decide on your colour scheme. It might be green and red, red and white, pink and white, aqua, purple, pink. In parts of the world where Xmas is celebrated during winter, it’s also a trend to go for natural colours and create your festive masterpiece with shimmery bronze, coppers and earthy tones. Next, decide what
down at your local mall – con-
The jumbo packs of decorations can
sider this: Large oversized
be a cost-effective way to fill up the
ornaments, decorations, tinsel,
tree. Don’t feel like you need to stick
and ribbon should be used on
to the same style of decorations. Get
your tree. This can help create
different budget packs from differ-
that professional look and help
ent stores and mix up the different
fill the ‘gappy’ parts in the tree.
shapes and sizes. Combine, say, shiny baubles, with velvet ribbons,
Tree Tips
mirrored ornaments, butterflies, mini santas, spray painted pine cones,
If you are in the market to buy an
chocolate and candy canes. Clip-on
artificial tree which will be the main
bows and icicles are easy to add and
centrepiece for your room, a tree that
helps to fill gaps. The icicles give the
is 6” lower than your ceiling height is
tree length. Remember, fill it right up.
ideal. It will allow for tree toppers and
Ensure you stay loyal to your chosen
not hit the ceiling! A ‘slim or skinny’
colour scheme to avoid your tree
tree is good for smaller spaces. For
looking junky!
See the light
fect and matching’. Mix it up with different fabrics, textures, a handmade
For every foot or so in height of
craft your child made at school,
Christmas tree, you should have a
sweets and chocolate. Let your orna-
strand of approximately 100 lights.
ments tell a story. Use a photo orna-
The lights should be placed in the
ment bauble and place your child or
tree first!
loved ones picture inside it.
Ornament hanging “dos” Place your larger ornaments and favourite ones on the tree first.
Garland Tips
of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World event for 20 years, sug-
If the decorative mesh, tinsel, or
inside of the tree (com-
lower end of the tree and the smaller ones nearer the top and middle of the tree. By filling in the tree this way, it gives the tree depth and best reflects the lights. Sandi also suggests an effective finish by decorating the outside layer with white snowflakes. Combine the technique of placing ornaments towards the centre of the tree and work towards the outside of the tree. Placing them towards the trunk of the tree will give your tree more depth. Decorations don’t need to all be ‘per-
ORNAMENTS
LIGHTS
then wrap it loosely around the tree –
a strand of 100 lights
this will help in balance and depth. Always start at the top
GARLAND
of the tree and slowly increase
gests filling in the
ments should go towards the third
need:
bon – hang these from the branches.
Colour coordinate gift wrapping paper to match your colour scheme
all one colour balls. Larger orna-
height of Christmas tree, you’ll
10 large xmas ornaments
beaded garland is thick
mon for gaps and holes) with
For every 30cm (about a foot)
If you have thin tinsel, beads or rib-
Sandi, a tree decorator for the Museum
a quick summary
the amount of
2 strands of garland (xmas tin-
garland between each
sel, coloured beads, decorative
wave as you work your way
mesh)
down the branches (source: Better Homes and Gardens).
Have a topper Use a star or angel on top of your tree. A great idea used by Mum of 3, Belinda, was a cardboard angel topper made at her child’s daycare with a picture of her daughter, Stella’s face on top of the angel cutout – it sat very proudly at the top of the tree
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and the 2 year old star topper was beaming!
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