Thrifty and Chic | Cottage Style Home Decor & DIY Ideas

What Does the Leprechaun Do on St. Patrick’s Day? (Fun Naughty & Nice Ideas for March 17th)

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:26:00 +0000

Every year on March 17th, our house gets a tiny visitor.

He’s small.

He’s sneaky.

He loves glitter.

And he absolutely cannot resist causing a little bit of chaos.

Yes… the leprechaun comes to visit.

I have to come clean. This was not on my bingo card when I had kids. I didn't even know this was a thing. Then one day my kid comes home from school saying the leprechaun hit the class room, things were tossed and treats were left. Then the neighbor friends are talking about the mishap at their house. My kids wanted to make a trap like everyone else...so why would I stop them? Then...it turned into this whole thing every year. Just like the Elf on the Shelf though, I definitely keep it easy. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, expensive, or Pinterest-perfect. Just a little silly surprise when the kids wake up is enough to make it magical.

Today I’m sharing some of our favorite naughty and nice leprechaun ideas you can pull together with things you already have at home.

(be sure to go to the bottom of this post for a note you can save and print out from the leprechaun!)

Nice Things the Leprechaun Can Do

Let’s start with the sweet stuff — because sometimes he behaves.

Leave a Rainbow Breakfast

Add a few drops of food coloring to pancake batter or milk.

Leave a note:

"I added a little rainbow magic to your breakfast!"

Bonus: Arrange fruit in rainbow order on a plate. Easy and adorable.

Leave Chocolate Gold Coins

Scatter a few chocolate coins on the kitchen table or in lunchboxes.

It feels special, but it’s simple.

You can even put them in a small jar with a tag that says:

"You were too clever to catch me this year!"

Turn the Toilet Water Green

Okay this is technically mischievous… but harmless and hilarious.

Add a few drops of green food coloring to the toilet tank (NOT the bowl). When it flushes — surprise!

This one never gets old.

Leave a Tiny Craft or Activity

Set out a simple St. Patrick’s Day coloring page, a small craft kit, or even green beads to make a “lucky” bracelet.

He can leave a note:

"I heard you’ve been creative lately… keep it up!"

You know I love any excuse for a little DIY.

Naughty (But Harmless!) Leprechaun Tricks

Now let’s talk about the chaos. Because what’s a leprechaun without a little mischief?

Nothing destructive. Nothing stressful. Just playful.

Hide All the Shoes

Pile everyone’s shoes in one random spot.

The bathtub.

The couch.

In front of the fridge.

Leave a note:

"Looking for these?"

Switch the Cereal

Pour cereal into different boxes.

Cheerios in the Frosted Flakes box.

Granola in the Lucky Charms box.

It takes 5 minutes and causes maximum confusion.

Toilet Paper Trail

Unroll a little toilet paper trail from the bathroom to the kitchen like he got into trouble.

Add green footprints (you can make these with washable paint and your finger).

Turn Clothes Inside Out

Flip jackets or pajamas inside out in drawers.

It’s small enough not to cause frustration but funny enough to notice.

Flip Pictures Upside Down

Easily flip paintings and pictures upside down. Super easy and even more fun to see if they notice.

Tape the Remote

Put a small piece of clear tape over the TV remote sensor.

When it “doesn’t work,” leave a note nearby that says:

"Oops! I might have pressed too many buttons!"

Go Big: Leprechaun Trap Fail

If your kids make a leprechaun trap, you can:

Leave gold glitter behind
Bend a paperclip “escape tool”
Leave tiny footprints
Knock over a chair like he barely got away

Write a note like:

"You almost caught me! Maybe next year!"

It makes their effort feel noticed and magical.

Keep It Simple (Don’t Overdo It)

I’ve learned this the hard way — you do NOT need 47 different tricks.

Pick 2–3 small things. That’s it.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s surprise. It’s laughter. It’s that little sparkle in their eyes when they wake up and say:

"HE WAS HERE!"

And honestly? That’s the part I love most.

Quick & Easy Combo Idea (If You’re Short on Time)

If you only have 10 minutes the night before:

Add green food coloring to the toilet tank
Scatter chocolate coins
Leave a handwritten note
Turn pictures upside down

Done. Magical. Zero stress.

Creating these little traditions is what makes a house feel like home. Not the expensive decor. Not the over-the-top setups. Just tiny, thoughtful surprises.

Are you team “nice leprechaun” or team “chaos leprechaun”?

I think ours is a little bit of both.

Right click to save this note, and then print from your phone or computer! Make sure to cut below the line :)

Pin for later or next year!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What Should I Put in the Middle of My Coffee Table? Easy Styling Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:28:00 +0000

This post contains affiliate links

One of the most common decorating questions I get is:

“What should I put in the middle of my coffee table?”

And the truth is, there isn’t just one right answer. The best coffee table styling starts with how you actually use your living room. A beautifully styled table that doesn’t fit your lifestyle will always feel slightly off.

Before adding anything, ask yourself one simple question:

What is this room for?

Your answer will determine what belongs in the center of your coffee table. Here are some ideas for some common ways living rooms are used and how to style them to fit that lifestyle. Let's get started!

You can see all the items or like items for coffee table decor ideas linked here

If Your Living Room Is for Games & Family Time

If your home is the gathering place for puzzles, board games, or card nights, your coffee table needs to be practical first and decorative second.

Instead of delicate pieces that have to be moved every night, consider:

A large tray that can be easily lifted off when it’s game time
A decorative box to hold cards or small game pieces
A stack of board games styled neatly
A lidded basket underneath for quick storage

In this type of space, durability and flexibility matter most. Choose items that can handle everyday use and won’t feel frustrating to move.

Example:

items linked below:

Products linked below:

Similar suitecase:

If You Love Reading

If your living room is more of a cozy retreat, your coffee table can reflect that.

Some timeless ideas include:

A stack of coffee table books (vary the sizes for interest)
A small vase with simple greenery or seasonal stems
A candle for warmth
A decorative dish for glasses or bookmarks

Books instantly make a space feel layered and lived-in. They also add height and dimension, which keeps your table from looking flat.

Example:

Items linked below:

If You Love Entertaining

For homes that host often, your coffee table should feel welcoming and functional.

Try:

A large tray to corral drink
Attractive coasters
A low floral arrangement
A decorative bowl for snacks

Keep arrangements lower in height so guests can comfortably see and talk to one another. Balance beauty with usability.

Example:

items linked below:

If It’s Primarily Everyday Living

Most homes fall into this category. You want your coffee table to look styled but still feel approachable.

A simple decorating formula I often use is:

Something stacked (books or boxes)
Something organic (flowers, greenery, wood beads)
Something sculptural (a candle, bowl, or decorative object)

This combination creates balance and visual interest without overcomplicating things.

Another option is to corral items within a tray, but leaving one intentional item outside of it.

Example:

Consider Scale & Proportion

Scale makes all the difference.

One tiny item centered on a large table will feel lost.
A cluster of 3–5 items grouped intentionally feels balanced.
A tray can anchor smaller items and make them feel cohesive.

If you have a large coffee table, don’t be afraid to go bigger with your arrangement. It often looks more intentional than several small scattered pieces.

Example:

Favorite Coffee Table Styling Ideas

Here are a few combinations that work beautifully in most homes:

A wooden bowl filled with moss balls
A stack of neutral-toned books with a brass candlestick
A stone or ceramic vase with simple greenery
A woven tray with a candle and decorative box
A lidded box paired with a strand of wood beads

Each of these options feels styled but not overly formal.

Example:

Change It Seasonally

Your coffee table is a small area that can easily reflect the seasons.

In winter: layer in deeper tones, wood elements, and cozy textures.
In spring: lighten it up with fresh stems and softer colors.
In summer: simplify and use glass or airy pieces.
In fall: incorporate natural textures like wood, stone, or dried elements.

Small changes can refresh the entire room without a full redesign.

There isn’t a universal answer to what belongs in the middle of your coffee table. The right choice depends entirely on how you live in your space.

Start with function. Add beauty second. When those two things work together, your coffee table will always feel styled — and never staged.

Pin for later:

How to Make a Beautiful Jewelry Organizer from Dollar Tree Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Alicia@Thrifty And Chic) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:28:00 +0000

This post contains affiliate links

Okay, I have to admit something… I’m a bit of a ring hoarder — I mean, collector. I love the big chunky statement rings, and I love the tiny delicate ones too. Rings are actually my favorite thing to pick up as souvenirs when I travel, which means I’ve gathered quite the collection over the years. For the longest time they’ve lived in little stacks, bowls, and containers, and while I recently tried a few store-bought organizers (linked here) that worked functionally, they just weren’t very pretty.

So today I’m sharing an easy DIY Dollar Tree ring holder and jewelry organizer tutorial that turns simple ring storage into a beautiful display. This project is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect if you want your rings organized and styled on a dresser or vanity. And the best part? It’s made with dollar store supplies, so it won’t cost much at all.

To make your DIY ring display, here are the two main supplies you’ll want to grab from Dollar Tree:

Thrifty and Chic | Cottage Style Home Decor & DIY Ideas

What Does the Leprechaun Do on St. Patrick’s Day? (Fun Naughty & Nice Ideas for March 17th)

What Should I Put in the Middle of My Coffee Table? Easy Styling Tips

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