New Martie Video: Easy Tailgating Tips from The University of Alabama Quad

We had so much fun with the team from Plastics Make it Possibleon the campus of the University of Alabama! We saw some world-class tailgaters, too... like "Mayor" Wayne Pullen and chef Brad O'Rear from the Bama Quad Squad who shared their tips and ideas for easy gameday get-togethers. Watch the fun and get some ideas for your next party!

Big Time Tailgating: Alabama Football Fun with Plastics from Plastics Make it Possible on Vimeo.

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS & FUN!

Martie's Use What You Have Holiday Ideas: Glass Bottle Vases

GLASS BOTTLE VASES

Another easy way to add some quick color to your table is to spray paint bottles to use as vases. I used a shiny red for these bottles I'd been saving. Add one or two inexpensive blooms to each bottle and you've got a cheap, chic centerpiece for your table. Perfect for weddings too!

MORE USE WHAT YOU HAVE HOLIDAY IDEAS FROM MARTIE KNOWS PARTIES

APPLE VOTIVES

TIN CAN HERB CENTERPIECES

MAKE A WOVEN TABLECLOTH RUNNER

PUMPKIN SNOWMAN & ANGEL

NO TIME TO BAKE? MAKE DESSERT COCKTAILS

EASY SWEET OR SAVORY GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS & FUN!

Martie's "Use What You Have Holiday" Ideas: Weave a Ribbon Tablecloth Runner

WEAVE A RIBBON TABLECLOTH RUNNER

So, you have the family coming over for some holiday cheer an all you have is a white tablecloth? No worries:) Just use some ribbon to make your everyday tablecloth something special. I always save my ribbon because you never know what you may be able to do with it. In this case, weave the ribbon into a pattern that is either centered or runs the entire length of your table. I always use glue dots or double stick tape to hold the ribbon down. That way, it doesn't require constant straightening. You can use a single color or a variety of shades. This isn't just an easy idea for holidays- it is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any other time you need a little something extra on your table. Bright colors for a birthday party   Use ribbon to outline a centerpiece or as a table runner 

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS AND FUN!

Martie's "Use What You Have Holiday" Ideas: Tin Can Centerpieces

HERB CENTERPIECE IN TIN CANS

Use old photos for placecards for your holiday dinner or for a family photo galleryA deliciously fragrant and easy way to decorate the house for the holidays... plus you can use them for gifts, too! Tin cans that you save can be covered with wrapping paper or scrapbook paper and used for planting herbs, small plants and even trees! Cluster these on the table for a centerpiece, put one at each placesetting for a favor, or wrap them up for a teacher or co-worker present, this one is a gift that keeps giving. For a wedding, just change the color to your wedding color scheme... it's perfect for so many different occasions!

For placecards or for a personal touch, add photos that you can easily attach to a stick (one from the yard is fine) with a small piece of double stick tape. You can do what we've done here and use a old photo of each guest to mark their place. This is really fun for a wedding reception. You can use old photos of the couple in grass flats or the way we have here.

MORE USE WHAT YOU HAVE HOLIDAY IDEAS:

APPLE VOTIVES

WOVEN RIBBON TABLECLOTHS

PUMPKIN SNOWMAN & ANGEL

REUSE GLASS CYLINDERS TWO WAYS

NO TIME TO BAKE? MAKE DELICIOUS DESSERT COCKTAILS

COMPANY COMING OVER? MAKE SAVORY AND SWEET GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS & FUN!

Martie's "Use What You Have Holiday" Ideas: Pumpkin Snowman & Angel

PUMPKIN SNOWMAN & PUMPKIN ANGEL

Why toss those pumpkins you used for decorations? They make perfectly lovely Christmas decorations when you dress them up!

All you have to do is to spray paint the pumpkins and dress them up. If you want, you can use a dowel to hold the pumpkins together. I usually just use a big blob of hot glue from my trusty glue gun and it works perfectly.

You can make pumpkin snowmen, angels, carolers, and even a manger scene if you are very creative! Here are a couple of our ideas. We used buttons, scrap ribbon, silk flowers, and a few odds and ends to create our pumpkin people.

 

Make Delicious Dessert Cocktails

Use What's in the Fridge: Make Simple Goat Cheese Truffles

Apple Votives

Herb Tin Can Centerpieces & Placecards

Woven Ribbon Tablecloth Runner

Spray Painted Bottle Vases

Cylinder Vases Two Ways

FOLLOW MARTIE ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE RECIPES, COCKTAILS, PARTY IDEAS & FUN!