Decorative Boxes Gifts - More Than Just A Pretty Face

Elizabeth E Copeland (1866 - 1957) Covered Box, circa 1915 Metalwork, Silver and cloisonné (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Decorative Box (Photo credit: Dinner Series)

Copyright © 2010-2013 Robert Moore

Decorative boxes are more than just another box with a pretty face. These beautiful containers have adorned rooms and held treasures and keepsakes for centuries. They are also functional and practical. In fact, boxes dating back to the 17th century were functional first and then decorated for appeal. They were designed with compartments inside the boxes for needles, silk and embroidery supplies and then later adorned with silk and beading on the outside. Today's version of these treasure holders still serves both purposes - beauty and function.

Decorative boxes come in a variety of sizes, designs and shapes. In addition to being beautiful additions to any room's décor, you can find one to suit your storage needs as well. Decorative storage boxes do just that. Much like the earlier boxes, they are designed with multiple-sized compartments for a variety of uses. They are great for storing craft, embroidery and sewing supplies in an attractive storage space for any room. Choose a different one for each storage purpose. Wooden decorative boxes are great for keepsakes as well as storing cherished papers, clippings and mementos. You will find many uses for these appealing storage devices.

When we think of boxes, we think of square or rectangular containers. It's the first thought that enters our mind. However, you may be surprised to learn that there is an ample supply of other shapes that are suitable for many uses. Did you know boxes can be round? Round boxes are perfect for many needs and not just as hat boxes. Heart shaped decorative boxes are great for storage or keepsake boxes as well as decoration.

When you think of decorative boxes, a variety of keepsake and storage boxes may pop into your mind. However, you probably are not thinking of the best known decorative box - the jewelry box. Available in many styles and shapes, jewelry boxes are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Jewelry boxes also make great gifts. Who doesn't like an exquisite and beautiful place to store their precious gems? With compartments specifically made for rings, necklaces and other items, they are a perfect blend of function and style. Musical jewelry boxes enchant both little girls and grown women alike. The sound of music playing as you gaze upon a special ring or necklace makes the memories even stronger. A jewelry box is a great gift for a special occasion or any occasion.

Keepsake boxes also make great gifts. A heart-shaped box to keep letters, photos and mementos of your relationships and life is a thoughtful and caring touch. A wooden decorative box for high school, college or friendship memories is another great gift idea. Know an expectant mother? A keepsake box to store all the memories and mementos of her new baby is a unique and treasured gift. Any new life event or experience can be represented by another box. The possibilities are endless!

Decorative boxes are the perfect blend of style and function for gift giving and keepsakes alike. Decorative boxes are indeed more than just a box with a pretty face, they are beautiful memory holders and functional storage space.


About the Author:
To find these and hundreds of other great gift selections for all occasions, visit us online at http://www.LoveThoseGifts.com/ Always New Arrivals and Gifts On Sale. Written by Robert Moore.


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Dining Table Centerpieces

WHStateGWB (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Copyright © 2010-2013 Steve Dorboon

Ever hosted a party at your home and didn't have a clue about how to 'dress up' your dining table? Not to worry - you're not alone. I recently hosted a barbecue, and while I made sure everything was completed before the guests arrived, there was one thing missing: a gorgeous centerpiece on my dining room table. I once believed the knack for decorating dining tables was a gift given to only a few people, until I conducted a Google search. Adorning your table with beautiful decorations is not only simple, but inexpensive also.

The primary element of making a stunning centerpiece for your dining table is to get creative. For instance, follow a theme or make it seasonal. Are you having family over for Thanksgiving? Then decorate your table with fall-like colors, pumpkins and leaves. Do you host a barbecue every summer? Consider a Hawaiian theme and adorn your dining room table with grass skirts, leis and figurines—whatever you think is suitable to complement your theme. Dining tables don't always have to be formal; guests like some panache at your party.

Use Accessories!

Flowers. Tablecloths. Candles. Placemats. Fabrics. Fruits. Veggies. Making a dining table centerpiece is easy, as there are so many decorations to choose from. Nevertheless, if you're not a very creative person, keep in mind that enhancing your table doesn't have to be a laborious task—just a few embellishments will suffice. Will your guests actually sit at the table for dinner, or are you using it as a spot to place food? If the former, you'll need to make sure the centerpiece isn't too tall; otherwise, your guests will be stretching their necks just to make eye contact with one another. Remember that less is more. Dining tables that are too busy with over-the-top decorations look tacky.

Ask for Professional Help

If you still don't trust your creative side, ask for help. While the Web offers great ideas for dining table centerpieces, you can always ask an associate at an arts and crafts store. Dining tables look great when they're enhanced with decorations, but don't get stressed about the project. Include various design elements, such as balance and proportion, light, texture, color, and form.

Simple Tips for a Creative Centerpiece

Use Food as a Decorative Item - Simple and fun, food always provides some color and creativity to your centerpiece. From lemons, to apples, to pomegranates and beyond, use food that you'll actually eat, too.

Use Everyday Aromas - All too often, homeowners try out a new scent for the home and place it on their dining table, but it's either not enough or too much. In addition, they are usually artificial, which is bad for your health and the environment. Instead, use natural, inexpensive scents, such as dried lavender or dried rosemary, and place in a decorative pot.

Keep Away from Matching Decorations - Contrary to what you might believe, matching items for your overall dining table centerpiece is too cutesy. Live on the edge - get super creative and use all sorts of accessories that already exist in your home. This not only provides a little added flair, but also helps you save money.

Use Fresh Flowers - If you enjoy getting flowers from your significant other, then you'll love having fresh flowers on your dining table. Pick them from your garden or buy some at the local florist; get artistic with your own floral arrangement.

Enjoy Your Dining Table

Once your dining room table decorations are finished, it's time to have some fun and throw a party. Be confident that your table is creative and fun. More than just a decoration, making a centerpiece can even be a therapeutic experience!




About the Author:
Steve Dorboon writes about all kinds of furniture, including everything from dining table information to love seat information at http://www.roomstogo.com/


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Choosing a Homemade Soap Recipe

English: Handmade soaps sold at Hyères, France Français : Savons artisanaux en vente à Hyères, France (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Copyright © 2010-2013 J. Martin

If you are just starting out in soap making, it is important that you choose the right homemade soap recipe. Choosing a recipe that is too complicated will usually end in frustration and wasted ingredients. Below are some tips you can use to find a good soap recipe to start with in your soap making adventure.

#1 - Choose the Right Method

While it may seem obvious, you should first choose the soap making method you want to learn before you start looking for a recipe. If your intention is to learn how to make homemade soap completely from scratch, you'll want to start with the cold process.

#2 - Make Sure It's Simple

soap sale (Photo credit: jessamyn)

It would probably be best not to try your hand at a complicated recipe right off the bat. Start with a simple recipe that uses a few basic ingredients. Once you are able to make this simple soap well and have mastered the fundamentals, then you can move up to other techniques like swirling and embedding botanicals.

#3 - Use a Homemade Soap Recipe from an Established Source

Soap Box Co Order (1) (Photo credit: ovistine)

Due to the nature of soap making and the need for precise measurements, it is important that the recipe you choose comes from an established source. This will work to ensure that the recipe has been tested and has worked for other people. Imagine the frustration of using a recipe that was flawed to begin with! You may do everything right but the soap just would not come out properly.

#4 - Choose a Recipe with Ingredients You Like

You may be tempted to make a soap that has a scent that a family member or friend likes, however, it is best to stick to what you like at first. This is because you will want to make a batch or two before you are ready to let others try out your soap. You don't want to be stuck with a soap that has a scent that you don't enjoy for those first few batches!

A collection of decorative soaps, commonly found in places such as hotel bathrooms. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#5 - Choose a Fun Recipe

While it may seem like the only fun recipes are the complicated ones, there are plenty of simple recipes that are a blast to make! Look around and you will be sure to run into more than enough recipes to keep you busy.

Choosing the right homemade soap recipe to start learning how to make soap isn't very complicated. Use these tips and you'll be on your way to making soap using a great recipe in no time!




About the Author:
For more information on how to make soap go to Soap Making Fun. J. Martin writes for http://www.soapmakingfun.com/


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