"A Shining Example"

Christmas Ornament Decor

     Now that the holidays are over and the Christmas tree has been put away, there are a lot of things you can do with those glass balls besides hanging them back on the tree next holiday season. They can be used to make many wonderful, whimsical decorations for your Afternoon Tea Table. All you need are some embellishments from the craft store, and you can set a uniquely beautiful table to entertain your guests for tea.

      As you can see from the photo above, there are a variety of decorative trims and accessories to use. The basics that you will need, however, are:

                         * Glass ball ornaments
                         * Small round mirrors
                         * White glue
                         * Hot glue gun
                         * Blue painter’s tape
                         * Sponge brush
                         * Wire cutters

     To adorn the glass balls, here are a few suggetions:

                         * Silk flowers (small buds)
                         * Plastic decorative charms
                         * Thin tapered candles
                         * Feathers
                         * Scented sticks or 
                            Oil diffuser sticks
                         * Glitter glue (or plain glitter)

     No matter how you decorate and use the ornaments, start by applying a small dab of hot glue to the center of a mirror round and adhere the ornament to it. Make sure the ornament is standing upright with the hanger on top.

     Here are two examples, using the ornaments with the hangers removed. The ornaments can be used as small vases holding pretty silk flower arrangements and decorated with a variety of charms that can be purchased from any craft store. What a pretty decoration they would make at each place setting. Or, you can use them as candle holders, adhering a small taper candle to the bottom of the ornaments inside with a dab of hot glue. Again, they can be decorated with small charms purchased from any craft store. You can cluster them in the center of the table or place one at each setting.

     Your ornaments can also make wonderful place setting markers. By leaving the ornament hanger in place, you can hot glue a place card to the metal ring and adorn the ornament with feathers for a feminine touch to your Afternoon Tea table. Red feathers would be perfect for a Red Hat Society tea. Or, you can simply use glitter glue and write the guest’s name directly on the ornament and then decorate it with a spray of silk flowers.

     For another decorative variation, you can mask off sections of the ornament, paint the desired areas with white glue, then sprinkle glitter on them for an overall decorated look.

     Finally, here’s an idea that will freshen the look and aroma of any room. Simply fill your ornament with a favorite scented oil and drop in several diffuser sticks and use your ornament as a scented oil diffuser. Or you can purchase scented incense sticks to fill your home with a lovely scent that is also pretty to look at. And don’t forget to decorate the ornament with a charm or filigree of some kind that you can find at any local craft store.

     Don’t be afraid to experiment with new uses for everyday items around the house. You will be amazed at what you can create with a few supplies and lots of fun!

Photos:  Copyright 2007  Lighthouse Literary, Inc.                                                                                                                                        


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