Party Crashers Magazine - Christmas 2012

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!

3 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz

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

sparkles

shine

shimmer

02

Silver Dolce & Gabbana Dress

01 Zig Zag Shift Dress from MAX.

Halle Berry shines at the premiere of her latest movie, Cloud Atlas

04 03

Silver Trelise Cooper Shadow Dress Trelise Cooper Sequin dress. Model wears a NZ size 8.

Click the images above to take you shopping!

...now accessorise

earrings and nude satin o if you’re wonder- heels,. ing what to wear amp it up with the with your silver seasons gorgeous dress and not sure about black patent wedgshoes. - then use these es we’ve seen in the celebrity-inspired ways stores. to accesorise. r stick to the dramatic look of bejewelled shoes that ou could go for the dazzle and shine - go on, stunning look of just throw caution to the flawless makeup, wind and ‘do a J-lo’ - gordainty drop diamond

S Y

V

O

geous silver platform peeptoes?

H

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

14 | DECEMBER | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz

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

17 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz

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.

18 | DECEMBER 2012 | PARTY CRASHERS MAGAZINE | www.facebook.com/partycrashersnz

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

KEEN TO ADVERTISE WITH US? Whether you are a small or large business. Talk to us about your brand, product or service.

Social Media.Internet Marketing

and the 2 year old star topper was beaming!

info@partycrashers.co.nz