Holiday DIY—in a jiffy!
with Christine Janda Design + EventsFor our Holiday Fashion + Gift Guide issue, we’re glamming up the glitz with the ever-so-cute party planner Christine Janda. Christine’s namesake business is brand spankin’ new, setting up shop in West Town with inspired ideas for events, floral and more. We couldn’t help but pick her brain on holiday celebrations. Her favorite unexpected way to entertain guests is to mix vintage pieces and modern designs to create a unique scape that really embodies personality. “Pairing gorgeous, mismatched crystal glassware with big black and white striped chargers create a bold place setting,” explains Christine. And for the holidays it’s all about heavy metal! From rose gold to silver, Christine says go ahead and mix metallics. Christine showed us 3 ridiculously-simple DIY’s to create a super cool and uber glam table setting—perfect for Christmas dinner or ringing in the New Year. Put on those Holiday beats and follow along below to get your DIY on in a jiffy for a memorably, chic Holiday table.
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO: Tim Musho / CREATIVE: D. Graham Kostic / TEXT: Alaina Africano
MEET THE GOLD + BOLD HOLIDAY TABLE: We have three simple DIYs to transform your table into a charming old New York meets Hollywood Regency setting—gilded candlesticks, the sweetest place card and the perfectly printed table runner. Grab all your materials from your local craft store and start with crisp white table linens to create the perfect winter white canvas to make the black and gold decor pop. “You can’t have too much sparkle at the holidays,” says Christine. “Embellish your everyday dinnerware with craft store finds like gold glittery bows, rhinestone appliqués and more!” Watch our videos to see these simple DIYs step-by-step come to life. >>
DIY ONE: DALMATIAN PRINT TABLE RUNNER The perfect backdrop to you gold and bold table is a hand printed runner—doggy style! Remember to create spots in different shapes and sizes. No need to be perfect! Roll of Black Kraft Paper / Gold Folk Art Metallic Acrylic Paint / Circle Sponges / Bowl (for paint) Cut black paper into runner on table. Pour paint into a bowl. Dip sponges into the paint. Sponge the paint onto the runner making bean-shaped spots in different sizes and variations. Allow time to dry. Instant Chic!
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DIY TWO: EDIBLE PLACE CARD There’s no better way to exercise excess at the holidays than starting with dessert first! Your guests will feel oh so special, sitting down to a larger-than-life sparkling sweet made just for them. Don’t have time to bake? Pickup store bought cookies and write each guest’s name on the place card, tucking next to the sweet treat. 1 Large Cookie for Each Guest / 1 Tbsp. of Frosting for Each Cookie / White Wilton Fondant / Rolling Pin / Gold Wilton Edible Color Mist / Black Wilton Edible Decorating Pen Using a rolling pin, roll fondant about ¼ in. thick. Use the top of a glass to cut a perfect circle in the fondant. Place 1 tablespoon of frosting on a cookie to adhere fondant on top of the cookie. Use the decorating pen to write your guests name. Sweet and simple!
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DIY THREE: METALLIC CANDLESTICKS We nabbed some candlesticks from the dollar store and sprayed them with gold spray paint. Then paired them with colorblocked tapers for an instant upgrade to the centerpiece. Gold Taper Candles / Candlesticks / Blue Painters Tape / Gold Spray Paint / Black Spray Paint Coat candlesticks with gold spray paint. Let them sit to dry. Use blue painters tape to wrap around the middle of the taper candle a few times—this will ensure you have a straight line when you paint. Spray the bottom half of the taper with black spray paint. Let them sit to dry. Glitzy table accents for under $15!
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And don’t forget the extras, too!
PLAYFUL BUD VASES: Top small vintage milk glass bud vases, in various patterns, with playful whirly buds like black and white anemone and ranunuclus. A quick snip is all they need – let their natural playful stems shine.
DALMATIAN COASTERS: To compliment our hand sponge-painted runner, these small black shimmery doilies make the perfect coaster. Add a few dalmatian spots with a gold sharpie and voila! Such a playful, fun accent to your holiday table. Black Doilies
DALMATIAN STRIPEY STRAWS & MESSAGES: Download our spotted template to embellish gold paper straws. Simply cut and fold in half, then glue near the top of the straw with a glue stick. Leave each guest a special holiday message with our dalmatian cards.
Want more? Visit ChristineJanda.com.