Dare to DIY: Entertain

It’s time for the second challenge for the Dare to DIY. 

The “dare” for Monday is to entertain.  DIY something for your table. This could be something from Thanksgiving table or a new Christmas look. Get creative and use things in new ways. Or go true DIY and make something totally new. Ideas include place mats, table runners, place cards or centerpieces.

I decided to set my table for a fake Christmas dinner party.  I love fake dinner parties.  You don’t have to cook, clean up, or make small talk.  Bonus.

So, my dinner party is a little lame.  Let’s just say I misjudged my time before I left for the holidays.  But use your imagination and expand on what I have here.  I think the world needs more imagination and less Pinterest.  (That’s a lie but I’m going with it.)

I busted out the Pottery Barn reindeer plates that I received for Christmas a few years ago.  They make me smile.  I realized very late in the game that I needed to actually DIY something for my table and not just set it with fun plates and china.  Oops.

I have been meaning to stencil some napkins for awhile now.  What a better time than for the Dare to DIY?  That’s what this challenge is all about, right?  Getting. Stuff. Done.

I decided to stencil the reindeer names to go with the plates.  How cute are they?

Stenciling napkins is super easy.  I bought inexpensive white napkins, a Martha Stewart stencil set, and some black fabric paint.  The two napkins I did took me about 10 minutes.  I think I will actually finish the set…when I find time…after the holidays.

I also decided to make some fun napkin “rings”. 

I found a set of 25 vintage Christmas bulbs at the Salvation Army for $1.00.  I thought they’d look cute in a table setting. I was correct.  You could also tie a name card in the ribbon.  Let’s imagine I did that.  I’d Photoshop them in if I wasn’t falling asleep while writing thing.  Mmm, tryptophan and rhubarb pie.

Our dining room table centerpiece is simple.  Three candles.  Two little Crate and Barrel elves holding candle sticks. One metal reindeer.  Easy peasy.

There you have it. I took the dare.  I pretended to entertain.

Need some additional inspiration to get you headed in the right direction for Monday’s party? 

Check out the Dare to Entertain projects from my partners in crime: NewlyWoodwards, Maybe Matilda, and Two Twenty One!

We’ll see you back here Monday morning at 8am for the big ol’ par-tay.

What do you think of the ol’ table?  Are you good at using your imagination?  How was your turkey day?  I made my first pie.  Yeah, fake dinner parties and pie.  I’m totally old and domestic.

Also linking up to: Bliss at home

Dare to DIY Be Thankful Features

Did you have a chance to check out all of the “Be Thankful” awesomeness from Monday’s Dare to DIY?

If not, be sure to check out all of the creative ideas right here.  I encourage everyone that linked up to visit at least a few other blogs.  Or else.

I would like to share my three favorites with you today!  The other co-hosts will also be sharing their three favorites.  That is twelve DIY action packed projects between four blogs.  Try to contain your excitement!

I’ll share my favorites in order of link up.

Party Goer #5 was Wills Casa sharing their “Give Thanks” photo collage.

The amount of time, effort, and thought that went into this display is impressive.  There are 123 little reminders of precious memories in one awesome display.  I want one.

Party Goer #20 was Desert Domicile sharing this creative take on a guest book.

Such a fun idea for guests to share all that they are thankful for. Do you love the design?  Me too.  Head over for a free download.  Oooo. I’m also drooling over that frame but that’s besides the point.

Party Goer #51 was Sweet Pea sharing this simple burlap and dropcloth tea towel.

A burlap and rick-rack on a tea towel.  How could I not love this?  I need one of these too.  Dear Santa…

Be sure to check out the other featured projects over at :

• NewlyWoodwards
• Maybe Matilda
• Two Twenty One

I’ll be back on Friday afternoon sharing my awesome Black Friday knockdown finds “Dare to Entertain” Project.  Loyal American readers, enjoy your Thanksgiving.  Eat lots of turkey. Be thankful.  Nap.  Bond with the family. Nap. Loyal rest of the world readers, enjoy your Thursday!

What were your favorite projects from the week?  Big Thanksgiving plans?  Who is crazy enough to shop on Friday?  If so, what’s your on your “to-find” list?

Dare to DIY (Be Thankful) Link Party

The much anticipated first link up for the Dare to DIY is here!

On Friday, the co-hosts all shared their “be thankful” project.

Decor and the Dog    Maybe Matilda Newly Woodwards    Two Twenty One

Now it’s your turn!

Each Monday, the link party goes live for that week's Dare to DIY challenge. You can link up as many projects as you wish, as long as the posts correspond with the theme of the week.

You can link up on any of the co-hosts blogs. The linky below will stay live through Wednesday. This Wednesday, each co-host will spotlight at least 3 projects we loved from the week on their blogs. We'll also pin those projects on our shared Pinterest board!

The only rules:

1. Please follow the Dare to DIY theme of the week (this week is “be thankful”). 

2. Please link back to Dare to DIY on one of our blogs (preferably all but we understand that time is precious).

3. Please go to at least one other blog and comment. This is a party. No wallflowers allowed! :)

Okay, it's time for the fun. We can't wait to see your projects!