If you ever need to quickly and inexpensively cozy up a space for a special event, here are a few tips to make it a breeze.
- Use a canvas tarp/flat bed sheet to cover anything “unsightly” and provide a neutral backdrop (we hung ours with duct tape.)
- Borrow/make a large chalkboard to create a focal point to fit your theme (mine took $8 with a Goodwill frame, chalkboard paint from another project, and luan cut by Lowe’s.)
- Ask your local coffee roaster if he’ll sell/donate bean sacks for your project (mine came from a flea market in Texas & my favorite coffee dude.) Coffee sacks set a casual stage for a cafe theme when used as table runners.
- Use thrifted items in unexpected ways (ie: a mason jar holder to dispense plastic cups and silver candy dishes/trophies as elevations for food display.)
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Shop your stash (this stuff is from past projects/my home decor.) My faves are the chicken-wire baskets found at Target’s dollar spot last year and the thrifted “Virginia” basket (interior painted with chalkboard paint for fun.) - Spread aroma throughout your “cafe” by placing coffee beans inside votive holders and around centerpieces.
- Handmade pinwheels are cheap & simple. Hang as bunting, stagger in varying heights/sizes as a backdrop, and tuck around centerpieces…they’re a cute touch anywhere. We made 2 different types using hymn pages and tutorials from Ucreate Parties and Boho Weddings.
What makes you feel at ease and welcome when you attend special events?
Sharing these tips over at MercyInk and the Ironstone Nest
I love this! So pretty. There’s pretty much no place I’d rather be than in a coffeehouse. You know what would look cool here too? Those giant hanging pom-poms that are so popular in blogs, made out of unbleached coffee filters.
Also, I think your favorite coffee dude is my favorite coffee dude too. :) Love that place…
Ooooh, I have not seen said coffee pom-poms! Did you just give me an excuse to search Pinterest?
Is our favorite dude Greek with a place of business dangerously close to a thrift store? ;-)
I just love your blog! Your style is awesome! Erin
Wow, Erin, that is so kind of you. It means even more because when I visited your blog I thought, “I need to be more pro-active about being intentional, like Erin is doing here.” So nice to “meet” you.