An Ombre Christmas

Most holiday seasons I find myself buying new ornaments in a new color scheme for the DTBD studio tree.  But this year I decided to put to use all my past color schemes and create an ombre christmas tree.  It was simple and made a BIG statement in the room.

Here are a few of my tree decorating tips:

1. Gather your tools before starting. (see image below)
2. Place your tree in a spot where you can enjoy it while lounging or watching TV. Avoid placing it directly in front of a TV as the glare/reflection in the TV can be distracting.
3. Dark green pipe cleaners are a good alternative to christmas ornament hooks.
4. Place down a thick blanket and unpack and gather all your ormanats in a workspace close to the tree.
5. Create your tree layout on a flat surface before actually placing them on the tree.
6. Place lights on first, followed by ribbon, large ornaments and then smaller ornaments.
7. Remember a good tree plays with depth so place items way deep and in the forefront.

I dare you to be domestic!

Great Finds: Flatware

Over the past two weeks I've been searching high and low (literally high budget and low budget) for a set of everyday flatware in preparation for the holiday season.  Finally my search has come to an end.  Target saves the day with its Threshold Arkita Flatware Set.  I fell in love with its design,  weight and finish.  So now that my search is over here are some DTBD tips to help you find the best flatware for your needs.

Quality material: Stray away from any product that just says "stainless". It should read "stainless steel".

Read fine print:  The best stainless steel has either a little chromium or nickel mixed in and is identified with the numbers "18/0" or "18/10". The numbers “18/10” and “18/0” are simply figures that illustrate the amount of chromium and nickel content present in stainless steel. 

Chromium, or chrome, is a tough white metal, used in stainless steel and other alloys, because of how hard it is and its stain-resistant properties. Nickel is a corrosion-resistant silvery-white metal, often used for its shine to coat other metals 18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel content. 18/0 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 0% nickel matter. Source - foodservicewarehouse

Find your style: Find flatware that matches your personal style. Your table is an extension of your personal style.

Purchase complete sets:  I highly recommend only buying sets with all the proper parts for a complete table setting: Teaspoons, Salad Forks, Dinner Spoons, Dinner Knives and Dinner Forks.

Weight/Design:  Does it feel good in your hand? Does it rest well on the edge of a plate and on the table?

Purchase enough:  Purchase at minimum eight sets but if you are a big entertainer/host like myself I'd go for 12 sets.

Wash: Wash new sets in mild soapy water. It's always best to wash by hand even dishwasher safe flatware. Use nothing with lemon ingredients and dry with a soft microfiber towel.

I dare you to be domestic!

A Creepy Halloween Table Setting

DTBD along with Damon of The Paper Door are at it again. This time we are hosting a small intimate Halloween dinner.  We decided to lighten things up a bit and turned our spider inspired dinner into a pallet of creams, gold tones and a touch a black.  The custom invites are my favorite part. Happy Halloween. I dare you to be domestic!

Dinner Party For Two

When a client called to create a romantic surprise dinner for his girlfriend, we knew it couldn't be a typical rose petal celebration. We transformed this bachelor pad into a private garden dinner party just for two. We chose an array of beautiful jewel toned flowers and base of crisp white.   When night arrived you couldn't tell if you were inside or outside.

I Dare You To Be Domestic

Add Some "Adult" to Your "Kid's" Party

Who says adults can't have fun at a one year old's birthday party? This past weekend Dare To Be Domestic helped coordinate a party thrown by Mom and kids party enthusiast Courtney Mitchell, for her one year old son Gavin.  Courtney is known for throwing great children's parties and always keeps in mind her adult friends when planning.  Here is a look at how Courtney keeps both the kids and adults entertained.  All of the fun paper goods and signage was created by Damon at The Paper Door.

1. Grown Folks Candy: Adults love candy too. Courtney served candy from the adults childhood.
2. Small Bites: Serve smaller sized treats so anyone on a diet won't be able to resist.
3. Adult Signature Beverages: Stick to one fun signature drink for adults with light to little alcohol.
4. Photo Booth:  Great for both kids and adults.
5. Family Fun Toys: Rentals like Jumpers should be adult friendly.
6. Live Entertainment: Helps keep the kid busy for at least an hour.
7. Cocktail Tables: Give adults a place to talk and keep their drinks out of the way of the kids.

I dare you to be domestic!