It’s the night before (insert any special event here) and there’s absolutely no way that your home will be nicely decorated in time. You’re pacing around your house nervously in hopes of somehow coming up with a last minute save-the-day type solution. Flipping through magazines for inspiration is only making you wish you went to interior design school (who would think to hang a plate on a wall?!) and you’re really regretting the bland DIY job you did decorating. No worries, your home will soon be party-ready after just a few simple Shabby Chic touches.
Dress The Door
What better place to start decorating than from the very first thing your guests will see – the entrance to your home. You can make a pretty, seasonal wreath with minimal effort, so your guests will know your home is party-ready even before they enter. Here’s how:
- Make a base using two wire coat hangers, stretched out to form a circle. Wire the hangers together and cover with duct tape.
- Cut several 8″ to 10″ long branches of greenery (redwood, pine, douglas fir, etc.)
- Using lightweight floral wire, secure the branches to the wreath base. Overlap the stems. Keep adding stems until the wreath base is fully covered.
- Add and secure decorations with floral wire or hot glue.
Start From the Bottom
Layering rugs can quickly and easily bring your home decor to the next level. If you have time, look to purchase another area rug for your space. Besides for providing a home-y, designer’s touch, a rug will protect your expensive carpet, Persian, or hardwood underneath. Now you won’t have to scrub that wine stain out of your expensive carpet or rug with a toothbrush, or worry about those new marks your friend’s aggressive Louboutins made on your floor. Even if you have carpeted floors, layering a rug on top can look effortlessly chic and totally party-ready.
Style Your Table
The last time you played thought of a table in a creative way was probably when you were a child, but I’m sure some of the energy you used to Sharpie your stick-art all over your parent’s kitchen table and walls can be revived to inspire your creativity. Your table is like a canvas, and you should let your artsy spirit shine. Don’t be afraid to purchase mismatched patterned runners, plates, and cups. You can pair complimentary designs and test out different color schemes until you reach the look you’re going for.
Who has time to purchase fancy flower vases seconds before guests arrive? I love the girly-rustic contrast when fresh flowers are placed in empty kitchen bottles. They look even better when you paint them. It allows for a laid back, casual, country-like vibe that is especially perfect during the summertime and warmer seasons. I also keep a stash of silk flowers and some metallic paint on hand for occasions like these.
Scentsational Mason Jar Air Fresheners
Everyone loves the feeling of walking into a warm, apple-cider smelling home on a cold winter night, or an airy, lemon-scented summerhouse after a long day at the beach. Why not bring these wonderful scents into your own home yourself, and kiss that Bath and Body Works visit goodbye? It’s one less stop to make before the guests arrive…
Besides for the fact that you could practically make them in your sleep, these Mason Jar room fresheners could perk up any space with their bright colors and fresh looks, ideal for any party setting.
Citrus Mint Freshener – I love how the citrus compliments the mint in this fresh scent combination.
Ingredients: One lemon, grapefruit, lime, or orange cut into circles. Water. Mint leaves.
Instructions: Place fruit and water into a pot, and bring to a simmer. Add more water to the pot as it evaporates. When ready, transfer the liquid to the mason jar, and put in a few mint leaves. Enjoy the scent!
Cinnamon Freshener – This scent is especially great during the autumn and winter.
Ingredients: Whole cinnamon and water. Place ingredients into a pot, and bring to a simmer.
Instructions: When ready, transfer the liquid to a mason jar, and display in your home. Breathe in the goodness! For a nighttime party, add floating (beeswax or soy) tea lights.
Tip: To keep your bathrooms smelling fresh during your party, place a freshener in each one. If you want to make the scent even stronger, add some essential oils to the mix.
How will you spruce up your home for your next event?
Start from the bottom? Is that a Drake reference? “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.” haha sorry! Just couldn’t help myself. 🙂
Thank you for stating out the importance of the choice of rug. I wasn’t aware that it mattered so much. I have recently started getting into this whole decorating thing, and it seems I have a lot to learn.
I’ve always wondered why the word “shabby” has a meaning in our language, when in fact, as a deco-style shabby is purely amazing and beautiful. Anyway, sorry for the random rant lol. I’m absolutely loving and copying these ideas for my livingroom. 🙂
What a timely article for me! I am about to get married in a few months, and started decorating our new house, which we will start living in once we get married. So many of your home-deco ideas I came across this blog will take place in our new house. Thank you so much for all the inspiration.
Such breathtaking ideas ?? However I’m a total failure when it comes to DIY projects. These things take some talent, and I sadly don’t have what it takes. So, could anybody please let me know when and where we can get these?
I love everything I’ve seen / read here. Especially loving the natural feel of the air fresheners. I must make some. I absolutely need those.
Excellent ideas and great photos, Hilary ? You and your ideas are always all around amazing.
I find shabby deco very romantic for some reason. It has a fairytale-likeness to it. Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know. But I know I love it!
Ahh! I really love these! 🙂 In my humble opinion, shabby is the way to go. Because it never goes out of fashion.
Hello! I’ve just stumbled across your blog, this article to be precise, while Googling shabby diy ideas. I won’t have to look any further! Everything I need is right here. Thank you so much!