Tag: Ikea

Our Favorite Ikea Hacks

Posted on by melissamuehlfeld

We recently moved into a new home and discovered that the furniture from our old house doesn’t quite fit.  Our new place is a little bigger and there are a number of places where we could use a new piece of furniture.  Unfortunately, we do not have an unlimited furniture budget.  So, I have found myself looking for very economical solutions.  Some of the best solutions I have found are DIY IKEA hacks.  There is no doubt that IKEA’s products are budget friendly.  And, while I love clean lines, I sometimes find IKEA’s products to be a little plain.  I have found, however, that through a little customization I can get exactly what I am looking for at a price that I can live with.  Here are some of my favorite ideas.

Office Storage
IKEA, IKEA Hacks
 
More details here.
Occasional Tables
ikea, ikea hacks
More details here.
Slide5
More details here.
Closet Solutions
Ikea, Ikea hacks
Closet solutions here.
Bedroom Storage
Ikea, Ikea hacksHemnes solutions here.
I can’t wait to try these hacks.  And, when I do, I’ll be sure to post the results.

Weekend Inspiration: Party Time!

Posted on by melissamuehlfeld

This weekend I am hosting a cocktail party on somewhat short notice.  With two small children, and now essentially two jobs, I have not had very much time to devote to planning. Thankfully, over the years I have put together a cache of party staples that help me pull together small parties without too much hassle. So, I got to thinking about what my go-to items are for these “affairs,” and thought I would share the list.

parties, supplies

1.  Nest candle, Blue Garden
2.  Six-packs of wine, champagne & water glasses
3.  Chafing dish
4.  John Robshaw Jats tablecloth 
5.  Appetizer plates
6.  MYDrap luncheon-size napkin rolls
7.  Galvanized beverage tub

In addition to having my supplies ready, I keep my sanity by making sure that the food and drinks are simple (it is only a cocktail party after all, not a sit-down dinner). I rely on really good cheese, crackers and bread paired which charcuterie and fruit. Sometimes I order fresh spring rolls from the local Thai restaurant and arrange them nicely on a platter. You can also never go wrong with caprese salad on bamboo skewers (i.e. fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves with good olive oil drizzled over the top).  For a little something sweet, I pick up some Lindt truffles or one-bite cupcakes.  Then I open some bubbly and call it a day.

When I am feeling uninspired, I turn to several blogs that consistently provide inspiration for seasonal décor and recipes. Here are few I’ve seen recently that have great party inspiration.
 

A spooky menu for a Halloween party.
How to throw the ultimate dinner party.
DIY Taco Bar.
Bagel Bar Brunch.

So, don’t just sit there. Find an excuse to have a party tonight!  You’ll be glad that you did.