Halloween Downloadables
While planning setting up the bar and buffet table at your next Halloween Party, incorporate these creative and fun Bottle Labels and Tombstone Tent Cards. These create an interesting theme to capture your guests attention, allowing them to concoct their own Mad Scientist Cocktail and pick through the graveyard of yummy food!
I used these RADIOACTIVE RUNOFF and PLUTONIUM ELIXIR labels for The Mad Scientist Bar segment which was featured on Better TV. I removed the manufacturer’s labels from liquors, mixers, and wine and added these fun, toxic labels to the bottles.
You can also add them to jars and canisters of garnishes. Print these images on 8.5″x11″ label paper, cut them out and adhere them to the bottles.
I used these Tombstone Tent Cards during another Halloween segment on Better TV. These cute tent cards can be printed at home on card stock paper using your home printer and are easy to cut out and assemble.The Tombstone Tent Cards are a great way to label the food and drinks on the bar or buffet table at your party.
All you have to do is print, cut, fold, and label!
Click here to download the Bottle Labels and Tombstone Tent Cards!
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If You Missed Mark’s Father’s Day Segment on Better TV
If you missed Mark’s Father’s Day Segment on Better TV or you missed Father’s Day and still need to get your dad a present, you can catch the clip on Mark’s vimeo channel! Click here to get to watch it now!
The Royal Wedding
At your next celebration, bring the chic class of the Royal Wedding to your table with details only Buckingham Palace could inspire. With sustainable flower arrangements, monogrammed plates, and napkin rings that become fascinators, your guests will surely feel like royalty.
Inspired by the 20 ft. maples Kate and Will had brought into Westminster Abbey, these small topiaries bring to mind old English gardens and specifically the Palace Gardens, where much of the greenery for the wedding came from. PK and PW (their street names) wanted to be sustainably green and entirely British for their big day!
Let the flowers speak for you. Not only does a good centerpiece transform a table, but flowers have meaning, too. These arrangements were created in bowls from Ruth Fischl, in white and green, the same colors as the royal wedding florals. The flowers included white roses, which are a natural symbol for love, as well as England, pear blossoms for good fortune, and lilies of the valley, which symbolize sweetness and humility. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, all of the flowers were regional and representative of either the qualities that the couple will strive to bring to their relationship, and to England.
For the first time in history, the monogram of a royal couple shows the lady’s name on top. To avoid any crass remarks about a Water Cabinet, the Queen did the sensible thing, and reversed tradition. You can create your own monogram by printing it out on vellum paper. Use copy fx paper (found at your local art store) in gold or silver and use your home printer to transfer the design you made onto vellum paper. Lay these over your plates and make your guests feel like royalty when they see their own initials!
Every detail counts, and sometimes it’s the smaller ones like gold rimmed glasses that make your event seem truly chic. After all, it’s such a subtle touch your guests might think you always drink this stylishly.
Inspired by Pippa’s controversial foray into disco at the Royal Reception, these table mirrors in various sized bring a sophisticated shimmer to your tabletop. They catch the reflection of glassware, florals, and light, which makes it almost as though you have a chandelier on top of your table rather than above it.
The Brits are famous for hats. From those which have the wingspan of two eagles to those which jut out from the forehead like small cakes, there is perhaps no other fashion tradition which carries with it such repute. Inspired by these ornate status symbols worn at the Royal Wedding, I created fascinators – the napkin ring that also makes your guests chic and posh by doubling as an accessory that is almost as elaborate as those hats themselves.
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget the gentleman guests. For them, the fascinatiere! A napkin ring that doubles as a boutonniere to heighten the appeal of any dashing fellow.
Get ready for a classy affair.
Lucky Shamrock Place Setting
As you may know, I am all about purposeful design and using what you have at home… I’m 3/8 Irish and I have a green tablecloth at home! If you don’t have a green tablecloth then you can just get inexpensive green fabric. None the less, a green table cover is a must have for an Enchanted Shamrock Table!
I believe everyone should have simple white dishes & as you’ve seen me do this before, I am huge fan of decorating your dinnerware! It is the simplest and most effective way to bring home a theme. You are not going to believe how simple this was to make this four-leaf clover decorative rim… I used a hole puncher, post-its and Wilton icing color!
I paired the green tablecloth and Shamrock rimmed plates with simple white napkins – again a staple for any home entertainer. To jazz things up, I made these green fabric florets napkin rings with some extra fabric and green buttons.
Traditionally they don’t wear green in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day… and not everyone looks good in green – I don’t! The tradition is to wear a spot of green in remembrance of St. Patrick in the form of a ribbon in your hair or a pin.
To be more interactive with my guests, I made these floret fabric napkin rings that not only serve as the napkin ring, but also come off and can be worn by your guests!
To Make A Floral Floret:
1. Cut or rip strips of fabric- Note: the longer & wider the larger the layer.
2. Sew a running stitch on one side of the strip. Pull the string to ruffle up the flower. Form into a circle & sew to keep the form.
3. Repeat for all layers. Keep or cut off the frayed edges based on your taste.
4. Stack all layers & attached by sewing a button in the middle.
5. Glue a magnet, pin, rubberband, or hairclip to the back of your floret for your guests to use!
Another alternative to the lucky napkin rings is to make Shamrock pins. You can either make them in advance or have your guests make their own and put them on magnets and they can be worn anywhere.
MYO Heartfelt Messages for any Occasion
Valentine’s Day is over, but love is year round. Mark Addison has created unique and clever templates for MYO (make your own) heartfelt messages that fit any occasion to tell the people in your life how important they are.
I am so inspired by on of my Facebook fans comments:
“What and ideal memory-maker that could be added onto each year. Using some other form I envision it for Christmas, geriatric birthday/memory party, etc. The options could be endless.” I’ve re-purposed my ideas for Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home to be used for many other occasions when you want to tell the people in your life how important they are to you! They work for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers or any time you want to let someone know you’re thinking of them.”
Click Download all of the templates:
Share your Heartfelt moments with me and post pictures and comments on my Facebook Page
Heart Time-line Valentine’s Day Card
(click on image to enlarge)
My signature Hand-made Love Timeline Valentine is one part valentine card meets paper doll chain. Each heart represents moments and/or milestones in your relationship…from when you met to your first date!
The longer the relationship, the longer the time line and more hearts!
I have made the template for the hearts but get creative! Add ticket stubs, dried flowers, anything to symbolize your growing relationship!
(click here to download the Heart Time-line Card template and step-by-step instructions)
Sweet Nothings Flower Arrangement
Who doesn’t LOVE flowers? Especially on Valentine’s Day? I began my centerpiece using a roses and I’ve added paper flowers that are made of individual hearts each with a “sweet nothing” about your lover written on each heart shaped petal. There’s none of that “he loves me, he loves me not…” It is all “he LOVES me!”
I am all about re purposing what I already have and using it in an unexpected way… for the base of my rose flower arrangement, I filled a square vase with my remaining M&Ms and added other iconic Valentine’s Day candies creating a sand-art effect. By adding a sheer pink ribbon, it make the square glass vase look like an extra sweet gift to perch the sticky sweet, sweet nothing flowers. All this is so sweet that it is giving me a tooth ache!
Instructions for Sweet Nothings Flower:
Tools:
Colored Paper (Recommend A Heavier Stock)
Heart Template
Push Pin
24-Gauge Wire
Small Beads
Ribbon or Floral Tape
Hot Glue/Hot Glue Gun
Marker (Black, Gold, Silver, or Red)
Scissors
Step-By-Step:
1. Using our template cut out six hearts of the same size and write loving notes on 2-3 petals using a marker.
2. Stack hearts together and use a pushpin, make a hole near the pointed end of each heart.
3. For the wire stem, cut a piece of wire 12-24” and fold in half. Thread 3 small beads onto the cut wire and twist the wire so the beads stay at the end.
4. Thread hearts onto the wire until all the hearts are stacked against the bead. Twist the wire again to keep the hearts in place.
5. Cover the stem with floral tape or glue ribbon around the wire
(click here to download the Sweet Nothings Flower template)
Hidden Forget-Me-Not Notes
Surprise your partner with this fun and easy craft! Create these fun envelopes with heart-felt hidden messages. Take it one step further & hide them inside a linen or satin napkin tied with ribbon so when your guest opens it, a surprise flurry of Forget-Me-Not Notes tumble into their lap! Add a bit of confetti inside the envelope for an extra surprise!
Tools:
template
themed paper
scissors
bone folding tool
Step-By-Step:
1. Cut out your heart template.
2. Trace the heart on your favorite paper and cut it out.
3. Follow the template to make the folds on the themed paper using a bone folder.
4. Write a message or put some confetti in the center of the heart.
5. Following the folds made, fold heart into the envelope shape.
(click here to download the Victorian Hearts template)
Valentine WOW Table!
WOW your lover with my signature Romantic Valentine’s Day dinner table. I really dove into the holiday & theme by incorporating iconic Valentine’s Day elements with an unexpected twist! I started with a red satin tablecloth to set the sexy stage, bright red charger plates for a bit of drama, and ordinary white dishes – embellished to fit the holiday. M&Ms are my favorite candy to add a candy-beaded rim to ordinary white plates. They come already packaged in holiday colors and can also be personalized – GO TO My M&M’s website
To jazz up your plain white plates follow my easy steps below!
Candy Beaded Valentine’s Day Plates
Tools:
white salad plate
white dinner plate
red charger plate
M&Ms candies in light pink, dark pink, red and white.
For icing:
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 cups (330 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.
Step-By-Step:
Step 1: Begin by mixing the icing and pouring into the corner of a plastic bag (Ziploc, etc.). Tear the corner of your bag to pipe the icing.
Step: Begin piping the icing in small pea-sized dots that are about 1/2” apart.
Step 3: This icing hardens very quickly, so make sure you place your candy on in a timely manner.
Step 4: Continue piping the icing all the way around the plate.
Step 5: Once complete, add a colorful napkin and silverware. Begin your place setting by putting your dinner plate on top of your charger plate.
Step 6: Place a bowl or salad plate on top of your dinner plate.
Step 7: Have your guests enjoy eating from a festive place setting for Valentine’s Day!
A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing your love for your lover much more than most of us do all year long. I created a dinning experience that celebrates the and explores the journey of love – that is fun, easy(ish) what you have at home along with some of my tips and tricks, you can create a lovers dinner that is unique to the two of you and speaks to your relationship!
I have infused everything on the table with messages to and about your lover from a hand made love time-line valentine to sweet nothing flowers and even hidden heart felt messages. I also have fabulous recipes for exotic candies and candy cocktails that break the mold!
Watch the Video from Fox’s Good Day – ‘Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home’
See Mark @TodayShow Sunday 8/29
Mark Addison, designer and entertaining expert, designs three fabulous party ideas to create the feeling of an affordable Labor Day away but at home, showing you three of his favorite summer destinations.
Tune in to the show to find out how Mark uses what you have in your home together with some of his great finds to create the perfect summer entertaining spaces!
Mark’s Hamptons Style on Better!
Entertaining expert Mark Addison will be showcasing ways that hosts can bring the chic “over-the-top but understated” style of Hamptons to their own home. With a balanced mix of whitewashed table accessories and colorful prep-inspired prints, this Hamptons WOW Table will leave guests with an undeniable feeling that they’ve traveled into an exclusive Hamptons resort.
Elements:
- canary-colored table linen
- madras napkins layered with peacock blue and picnic red napkins
- seascape-inspired napkin rings
- whitewashed plates
- whitewashed vases bursting with blue hydrangeas
- unique glassware pieces filled with a variety of shells and bear grass reeds
- sets of colored flatware
Watch below for even more tips and tricks to instill a bit of Hamptons glamour in your home…
Step-by-Step: Jelly-Jeweled Place Setting
With Easter peeking around the corner, most people break out the tie-dye and color 10 eggs to show their festivity. Yes, this is fun but creative? Not so much. This year, take a stroll down Uniquely Creative Lane with a few clever ideas from my bag of tricks. Create a WOW centerpiece using Peeps and jelly beans or decorate a festive place setting that will amaze even your most festive friends… just do something that is outside of the box this year to surprise your guests. And hey, maybe you’ll even surprise yourself!
Tools:
colorful bowl
colorful dinner plate
colorful charger plate
multi-colored jelly beans
icing in piping pack (Ziploc or similar bag will work great!)
For icing:
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 cups (330 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.
Step 1: Begin by mixing your icing and pouring into the corner of a plastic bag (Ziploc, etc.). Tear the corner of your bag to pipe the icing.
Step 2: Begin piping the icing in small pea-sized dots that are about 1/2” apart.
Step 3: This icing hardens very quickly, so make sure you place your jelly beans on in a timely manner.
Step 4: After the plate has been decorated with the jelly beans, begin piping smaller dots in the spaces left between your colorful beans.
Step 5: Continue piping the icing all the way around the plate.
Step 6: Once complete, add a colorful napkin and silverware. Begin your place setting by putting you dinner plate on top of your charger plate.
Step 7: Place your colorful bowl on top of your dinner plate.
Step 8: Have your guests enjoy eating from a festive and friendly place setting for Easter!
Step-By-Step: Peep Topiary
With Easter peeking around the corner, most people break out the tie-dye and color 10 eggs to show their festivity. Yes, this is fun but creative? Not so much. This year, take a stroll down Uniquely Creative Lane with a few clever ideas from my bag of tricks. Create a WOW centerpiece using Peeps and jelly beans or decorate a festive place setting that will amaze even your most festive friends… just do something that is outside of the box this year to surprise your guests. And hey, maybe you’ll even surprise yourself!
Peep Topiaries
Tools:
Small Square Container
Patch of Grass (Wheatgrass works well)
Small Terracotta Planter
Larger Colorful Vase
Glue Stick
6” Wooden Dowel (1/4” diameter)
Small Styrofoam Ball (White or Green Floral)
Colored Tissue Paper
Overnight Sealant (like Kwik-krete)
Toothpicks
Jelly Beans
Peeps (at least 30)
Step 1: Create your base by placing a bit of sealant inside the small terracotta planter. Using your glue stick, glue all edges of you wooden dowel. Begin spiraling your colored tissue paper down towards the base of the dowel. Once completed, place your dowel in the center your terracotta planter. Let sealant dry overnight.
Step 2: Check to see that the sealant has completely hardened overnight. Place a small bit of plastic (like a small trash bag) in the bottom of your colorful vase. This will add height to your planter.
Step 3: Place your terracotta planter inside your vase (shown).
Step 4: Fill the vase and surrounding spaces with colorful jelly beans. I’ve used Easter colors like yellow, pink and teal.
Step 5: To create your Peep topiary topper, cover your small Styrofoam ball in a sheet of your colored tissue paper (preferably a color matching your Peep selection); this will give the topiary a uniform look once the Peeps are tacked on.
Step 6: Begin tacking your Peeps onto your colored ball using toothpicks. I find it easiest to split the toothpick in half.
Step 7: Continue tacking the Peeps onto your ball until the ball has been completely surrounded with Peeps. Feel free to fill in gaps with any leftover Peeps you may have.
Step 8: You topiary should resemble the one shown above upon completion.
Step 9: Very gently push your topiary on top of your wooden dowel. The Styrofoam will give way and allow the dowel access and support.
Step 10: Using a box cutter, carefully cut out a center square from your patch of grass.
Step 11: Place your planter in the hole you’ve cut in your grass patch. Decorate with colorful Easter candies or goodies. I’ve used butterfly and flower cookies on lollipop sticks.
Step 12: Go one step further and create a WOW centerpiece by adding some home-decorated eggs!
Step 13: Enjoy your new WOW Easter centerpiece.
Three-Layer Floral Arrangement
Need a fresh and inviting centerpiece for the holidays? Follow along as lifestyle expert Mark Addison demonstrates how to create a unique and beautiful all-white centerpiece in three easy steps. And the best part? This centerpiece is one that will last season-to-season!
Check out below how Mark incorporated this unique project at a recent event for a beauty client…
Bring-it-Home: From Ordinary Bookcase to Simply Chic Bookshelf
Looking for a way to revitalize your shelving units before the holidays? Transform those drab, everyday bookcases to a chic shelving unit fit to display all of your treasures. Just a simple addition of mirrors and acrylic risers bring museum-like quality to your living room without breaking the bank. Make a statement with an extra pop of accent lights or bring a soft glow with a decorative candle. Customizable and fun, this project will brighten up your home, as well as your day!
Check out how Mark incorporated this project into an installation for beauty brand COVERGIRL at a recent EVENTSTYLE-produced event…
