Christmas Gifts for Newlywed Couples

I'm always looking for unique gifts that won't break the bank and last year I saw this one on a blog and tucked it away for safe keeping.

Simple, even for someone like me. I wish I had a better tutorial but trust me, it's easy.

It starts with a wedding invite.

And, simple clear Christmas balls that are capable of being opened.

Simply cut up the invite with scissors and stuff it into the ball.

I say 'cut', because, I saved a friend's wedding invite from December in an attempt to make them one and decided to use our shredder.

BAD decision.

The invite turned to powder.

BOO!

No ornament for them.

Tie a ribbon on the top and you have a cute and special memento for the tree!

Nothing too fancy but fun!

I gave them to my cousins and a friend, all of whom are getting or did get married this Fall.

I even made one for our tree with our wedding invite!

Again, nothing too earth shattering but simple and it's the thought that counts.

Right?

Decorative Wine Bottles

It's no secret that I'm into wine.

When people ask what is your drink of choice? I'm not one that says -- Grey Goose dirty martini.

I'm boring.

I say chardonnay.

HA!

So, giving that we drink lots of wine means we have a lot of wine bottles hanging around the house.

What to do with them?

Decorate them!

(warning..sideways pictures. It's IPhone thing. Has anyone else experienced this? it bugs the crap out of me!)

All you need is a roll of masking tape.

Tear the tape into little pieces and cover the entire bottle.

 Then paint whatever color you want them to be with a sponge brush and acrylic paint!

I know, this yellow isn't for everyone but I wanted it for Mardi Gras.

 Don't think I came up with this on my own.

My Mother is pretty crafty, even though she's not into 'crafts' any more these days.

Many years ago she made this for me.

She talked a wine shop into giving her the box then she painted wine bottles to put in.

I've snatched a few of them and used around the house.

 Good way to fill space up high on an amoire.

 But, for this weekend I'm using the wine bottles as decoration for our kitchen table.

I can't wait for you guys to see all the decorations for our Super Bowl party on Sunday! 

 I'm pretty impressed with myself because I'm so not crafty.

But, again.. you'll have to wait until Monday to see.

 For now you get to see these cheesy bottles.

Don't you love the votive holders?

My MIL bought one for me last year and I picked up another one at Childress Winery last weekend.

 So, if you're bored and want something to do.

Wrap a wine bottle with tape!

HA!

 Happy Friday!

and.. Happy Mardi Gras season!

Back tomorrow with pictures from the circus!