Suggests a variety of tablesettings and centerpieces for everyday as well as for holidays, parties, and special occasions.

With more than 1.5 million copies in print, 14,000 Things to Be Happy About is the iconic impulse gift book that celebrates all the little things that make life worth living. Now it is even more of a mood-altering pick-me-up, with the use of cheerful watercolors throughout plus redesigned pages, all of which give this new edition a fresh, joyous feeling. At the heart, though, is its unique list of thousands of items, places, thoughts, and moments...

A delightful sample from Character Cake Toppers, including a Mucky Pup; Daisy's Birthday; First-Class Meercat; Knit One, Purr One; and Panda Playtime.Learn how to make amazing fondant cake topper designs, with five fun ideas for sugar characters, bases and accessories.Whether it's a playful mummy panda with her mischievous cubs, or a kitten with a comfy cushion and a ball of yarn to play with, each cake topper design has three unique features for y...

Flowers are probably the most popular choice of all cake decorations. The simplest representation of a flower is a cut-out shape. Other more interesting ways of representing flowers are to create fabric-effect flowers out of paste or to try your hand at creating lifelike flowers. There are many books written on the art of sugar flower making; LindySmith touches on this subject here, showing you how to make lifelike poppies and peonies, as well as fabric roses, blossoms and dahlias, and sim...

Stenciling is an extremely effective way to add impressive decorations to your cakes and cookies quickly. For the best and most satisfying results, Lindy Smith recommends using laser-cut culinary stencils made from durable food-grade plastic. How you choose to add a stenciled pattern will depend on the effect you wish to achieve and the size of the item to be stencilled. This chapter, taken from The Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible, shows you various techniques using both edible...

In today’s economy, decorating for wedding receptions and ceremonies within a strict budget can be a challenge. The secret to beautiful wedding decor on a budget is in the planning, it’s vital to clarify your vision and to know where you need decorations as well as where you do not need to waste time and money on decor. This guide will help you create a clear plan for your wedding decorations that will save you time and keep you organized and on budget.If your wedding decorations ar...

Bring some serious wow factor to your cake displays with a sumptuous sweet table of sensuous desserts softly textured with piped swirls, frills and ruffles in dreamy, muted tones. Includes how to make a trio of celebration cakes, white chocolate truffles, flouncy flower cookies, ruched ribbon cupcakes and tempting twirls of meringue.A sample chapter from Zoe Clark's The Cake Parlour.

Toddlers and preschoolers can be difficult to keep busy because their attention spans tend to be short lived. Yet, they are curious and imaginative and so much fun to spend time with. Furthermore, most young children just want to be entertained throughout the hours of the day and are eager to learn anything they can. Now, you too can collaborate with your little one on art masterpieces and decorative crafts, as well as play educational games. Whether you’re a ...

Paper Flowers are Always in SeasonMake playful party decorations, luscious bouquets, and sophisticated floral centerpieces with inexpensive tissue and crepe paper. Paper to Petal walks you through the easy basics of transforming simple materials into a vibrant display of fanciful handmade blooms suitable for every occasion.Design experts Rebecca Thuss and Patrick Farrell inspire you to get creative with their time-tested techniques. Customize every ...

Valuable flea market finds...A peeling, antioue vanity in muted sea green...An elegant, cracked chandelier...An enormous, slipcovered sofa with deep, cushions...Comfort, the beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living: these are the cornerstones of what has come to be known as the Shabby Chic style. Like the cozy familiarity of a well-worn pair of faded jeans, the dilapidated elegance of an Italian viIla, ...

Shabby Chic designer Rachel Ashwell shows readers how to turn any house or apartment into a comfortable, functional, beautiful, and stylish home, in this bestselling guide to getting the most out of flea-market finds and vintage treasures.

Packed with creative suggestions for both indoor and outdoor activities, this illustrated deck will provide inspiration when boredom strikes. Try Treasure Hunt, Secret Writings, Science Cubes, and Nature Wind Chimes. Perfect for any day—rain or shine—these cards will keep kids engaged and entertained.