I had some buffalo check fabric left over from my drapes so I made this little valance/shade/window covering for the bathroom under the stairs downstairs. Well, I made two. The first one didn't go so well. Scallops are a bit harder to sew than I thought they would be. I read a few different tutorials and the parchment paper method ending up being the winner. I still need a lot of practice. I went to far up on the points between the scallops and when I tried to unfold them, they were all puckered. Nothing a seam ripper couldn't fix.
As much as I love this fabric, I hate that the sun comes through it (and you can see my hem lines in this case). My drapes in the living room do the same thing and it's bothered me since the day they went up. They're all fully lined but I guess I should have gone with blackout liner. Lesson learned!
Here she is at night. You can't see through it but you can see the wrinkles. I just can't win!
We had dinner with some of my family last night and we decided that Thanksgiving would be hosted at my house this year. The whole time I was saying, 'Yes!! That's a great idea! I can't wait!!" I was entering pure panic mode on the inside. All I could think about was my half furnished living room and where 30 people were going to sit. Surely everyone can take turns on the one chair that I ordered last week. I've got some work to do...
Any first time hosting tips???
Here's a couple of tips...don't try anything for the first time! If you don't think you can make everything yourself, let people bring something. (My sister's MIL cannot cook to save her life, but she makes great potatoes. So that is her contribution. Every time.)
ReplyDeleteTry to have most things ready ahead of time so you can relax with your guests (and a glass of wine!) when they arrive.
I used to make a simple spreadsheet to help with what had to be done when (so I wasn't stuck with two things needing different oven times) and shopping.
Good luck!
I love those curtains! Last night we had three of our friends over for dinner...and we only have four chairs at our table. Husband dined while sitting on a tall step stool....it was very classy haha!
ReplyDeleteI hosted my first Thanksgiving last year for a group of friends the week before Thanksgiving. There were about 30 people. In a condo that was tricky, to say the least. Fortunately, my living and dining rooms connect with no wall so I was able to set up two folding tables. I rented orange linens and chairs from a party rental company (the chairs were $1.00 each). I just pushed my furniture to the side and had the guests sit at the tables upstairs. I agree that not having a ton of furniture can actually benefit you in this situation. I also had my mom on speed dial when making a turkey for the first time!
ReplyDeleteSquee! Love the shade. I never learned to sew despite my mother being a seamstress, even running a drapery business out of our attic when I was young. A real shame now - mostly for the cost savings!
ReplyDeleteAs far as Thanksgiving goes - everyone understands that you are still working on furniture for the house. Don't go and spend money on things you don't love just to get something to go in there. As far as where they will all sit, you can always rent long tables and put tablecloths on them, and set them just like your real dining room table. With a group that big, you will have tons of help and plenty of understanding guests. My only tip is plan the menu and table settings far in advance - but I know you will do that anyway. Have fun!
I hope it all gets easier for you! Thanksgiving I know will be a blast and I can't wait for your post!
ReplyDeletexx,
Maia
highcottonhoney.blogspot.com
First time hosting tips...stick to the staples. Don't make anything you haven't tried before! Also, no one will notice the little things around your house that you notice. And if you need more seating, grab some folding chairs - people (hopefully) won't care so much about the material things since the point of the holiday is to be together and celebrate thanks for the things you DO have :) Don't stress too much and have fun!
ReplyDeleteA $30 6ft folding table from Target and there $10 folding chairs (6), comes out to less than $100 bucks and I use mine for every party we have... best $100 you can spend and use forever. Also, you can use your new sewing skills and make chair covers.
ReplyDelete30 people?! Holy crap!!! That is a lot of people! haha. I agree with Jess's comment. Folding tables and chairs are such a great idea. We always have Christmas at my great-grandmother's house. This house is probably 800 sq. ft. at most and we all end up eating wherever we can find a place: the kitchen table, the bar stools, the couch/recliners, the floor. Definitely not fancy at all! I wish I could offer some advice, but I'm still considered a "kid" in the family. I don't have to cook/clean! Wonder how long that will hold on... (WOW, long comment! haha)
ReplyDelete1) Don't panic. 2) make one of your famous lists and stick to it 3) if you are going to do the cooking plan it out soon and don't go crazy! 4) Timing is everything. You probably only have one oven and four burners. Plan accordingly. If you have space in your house you can rent those round tables, chairs and table cloths for not a lot of money. But most importantly repeat #1) Don't panic!
ReplyDeleteIna Garten would recommend not making everything yourself! Either order some stuff or let your guests bring some items. If you are ordering, Bottega Bella Sera (Catering by Liz) is great (Located by Kickbacks). I think Matthew's has a catering side also. Take the day or two off beforehand.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my first Thanksgiving hosting too. I'm planning on making as many of the sides ahead of time that I can so that the day of, they just need to be cooked. I also might cheat a little bit and pick up a couple of pre-made items from Publix - hopefully no one will know the difference!
ReplyDeleteCouple of tips: first, get one of these: http://amzn.com/B002FWMJI2 or, two of those. They are so helpful! Let guests bring some things. Set the table the day or two before and mostly, just enjoy. Oh, and leave the dishes until you're ready to get them done.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute!!! I definitely need to do this in one of my rooms. 30 people! I think I would have had a meltdown. at least you have a little bit to work your magic! xo
ReplyDeleteNot to panic. . .call a rental company and order up some tables and chairs. You might consider ordering some dinnerware, silver and glassware as well. Make it easy on yourself. Let Publix (if there is one up there) do your bird. Everything will be perfect.
ReplyDelete