Embellish

Most households have two sets of dishes: the “good china,” used once or twice a year, and the every-day dishes.
I have one set of dishes I love – a strategy I think saves hassle and expense.  And none of my family or friends has complained about eating off my everyday dishware yet!
Casual or moderately priced sets of dishes are typically sold in boxes of four place settings. Buy three boxes; use two sets and store the third. Replace the plates that get chipped with those from your spare box over time.

For a colorful setting buy two or three solid-colored sets of dishes and mix them together.
Pick up mismatching antique dinner plates at closeouts, rummage sales or flea markets. When placed on lace placemats, the effect can be charming.

- Kit Davey

A favorite purchase of mine for the home is a set of tea light sized votives.  I have found so many uses for the same glasses that they have become an entertaining must-have in my home.  Here are a dozen ideas for using votives in your home:
1.       Votives look great spread around a table and in the guest bathroom to illuminate a party.
2.       Votives can be used as mini flower vases, displayed on a table or at each placesetting.
3.       Votives can be wrapped in colored vellum paper and secured with double sided tape.
4.       Votives can be wrapped in ribbon; this looks especially nice with ribbon along the rim and secured with double sided tape.
5.       Votives can be filled with candy, colored sand, salt or colored sugar and then used to place lollipops, flags, or anything on a short stick.
6.       Votives can be used to raise small decorative plates at a place setting to create drama.
7.       Votives can be used as planter pots for tiny flowers.  Place one at each place setting and give away as a party favor.
8.       Votives can be decoupaged with printed or tissue paper.
9.       Votives can be decorated with flat sided stones and affixed with hot glue.
10.   Votives can be monogrammed or decorated with stickers and etching crème.
11.   Votives can be used as shot glasses, which is especially handy when a large group is going to enjoy a shot together.
12.   Votives can be placed on top of the center of fresh or silk flowers, like this craft project from Michael’s Craft Store.

No matter what the occasion, votives are great to have on hand when entertaining.

- Jamie K. Garcia