I partnered with Hobby Lobby to create this festive party! All ideas are my own.

Why Valentine’s Day Has Totally Grown on Me

Over the past 18 years of blogging, I’ve come to really look forward to Valentine’s Day. I love taking down the holiday decor and filling my home with happy pops of pink and red—it instantly feels joyful and fun. Over the years, I’ve hosted quite a few Galentine’s Day parties, and they’ve always been some of my favorites. It’s such a sweet way to gather your family and girlfriends together and celebrate friendship.

A Quick (and Sweet) Valentine’s Day History

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14 and dates all the way back to ancient Rome. Over time, it evolved into a day centered around love and connection. These days, it’s not just about romance—it’s also about celebrating friendships, which is exactly why Galentine’s Day has my heart. In case you’re wondering, Galentine’s Day is usually celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day, February 13th.

Galentine’s Day, But Make It Bows & Conversation Hearts

This year, I wanted to create a Galentine’s party filled with big bows, conversation heart decor, and easy DIY crafts. I broke everything into simple projects that are fun, affordable, and easy to recreate!

One Easy Trip to Hobby Lobby

I headed to Hobby Lobby, where their Valentine’s Department is on sale, and found everything I needed. From ribbon and felt to party plates and decor, Hobby Lobby makes it so easy to throw a party with one stop. I’ve linked all of the party supplies at the end of this post for easy shopping!!

How to Make a Giant Bow (for less than $3)

This oversized bow is such a showstopper and surprisingly easy to make.

Steps:

1. Use a roll of plastic table cover material (found in Hobby Loby’s party decor section).
2. Tie a large bow, making each loop about 4 feet wide.
3. Wrap extra material tightly around the center to create a thick bow middle.
4. Secure the top of the bow with a hot glue gun.
5. Roll out about 20 feet of table cover material for the tails.
6. Cut the material in half so you have two tails.
7. Tie a knot at the top of each tail to create a gathered look.
8. Use duct tape to hang the bow over a large window—hang the bow first, then tape the tails underneath.

Tip: This giant bow is perfect to hang outside over your front door too! The plastic material makes it very durable. I plan on making another one out of the same roll of material for my front porch too!

DIY Felt Conversation Hearts

These felt hearts are adorable, reusable, and so fun to customize.

Steps:

1. Use pre-cut felt sheets (each sheet makes two hearts).
2. Cut one heart and use it as a template for the rest.
3. Cut out all of the hearts so they’re the same size.
4. Add extra-large adhesive alphabet letters (I used red and white).
5. Create cute texting abbreviations and playful sayings.
6. Use just one set of each alphabet color and plan words around the letters you have.
7. Create a small loop of duct tape on the back of each heart.
8. Stick the hearts around a window, leading up to the giant bow.
9. Add a few hearts around mirrors or near the food buffet.

Tip: The felt makes attaching the adhesive letters a little tricky. To make sure the stay on, I recommend using a small line of hot glue under each letter to make sure the letters stay on and you can use them year after year.

DIY Craft Paper Table Runner

This runner adds the perfect playful touch to the table.

Steps:

1. Roll out craft paper long enough to cover your table.
2. Cut the paper to drape over the sides of your table.
3. Use a white oil-based Sharpie marker.
4. Freehand “XOXO” across the runner, alternating letters.

Tip: Go over each XOXO a few times so the white really pops.

Candle Bow Centerpiece

This centerpiece is whimsical, layered, and full of Valentine charm.

Steps:

1. Layer heart-shaped doilies from the Valentine’s section down the center of the table.
2. Place candlesticks on top of the doilies.
3. Choose ribbons in red, pink, and white in varying widths.
4. Tie large, loopy bows around each candle.
5. Use lots of ribbon to keep it playful and dramatic.

Tip: I used battery-operated candle sticks, but you can also use regular candle sticks.

Ribbon Bow Chandelier Decor

This ties the whole room together beautifully.

Steps:

1. Use the same ribbon from the candle centerpiece.
2. Loop ribbon around the chandelier arms.
3. Tie bows in different sizes, colors, and lengths.
4. Keep it loose and uneven for a whimsical look.

Styling the Food Buffet

The Valentine’s department has the cutest party details.

Steps:

1. Use Valentine’s paper plates for easy clean up – Hobby has a few different options to choose from in their Valentine’s Department.
2. Add matching napkins.
3. Use wooden heart food picks in red or pink.
4. Mix and match items for a fun, festive display.

Why I Love Hosting with Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby makes hosting so easy because they truly have everything—from paper plates to ceramic dishes, ribbon, table runners, cupcake liners, and more. Their Valentine’s Day Department is packed with adorable finds that make throwing a party fun and stress-free.

Shop This Galentine’s Day Party Post!

Here are the Hobby Lobby items I used to create this festive Galentine’s Day Party!

• Roll of Pink Plastic Table Covering
• Felt Sheets
• Giant Adhesive Letters
• Ribbon (found in the fabric section)
• Kraft Paper Roll
• Large and Small Heart Doilies
• Red Velvet Bow Garland (I cut the bows apart for the centerpiece)
• Felt Mini Envelopes (I scattered these around the centerpiece)
• Oil-Based White Paint Pen
• Giant Velvet Bow Garlands (I used both the pink and red ones)
• Valentine’s Day Bow Plates
• Valentine’s Day Bow Napkins
• Heart Straws
• Pink and Red Heart Food Skewers

A Sweet Ending

I’m so happy with how my Galentine’s Party decor turned out, and I can’t wait to celebrate with my girlfriends and kids on February 13th. Head over to Hobby Lobby and grab these supplies so you can throw your own Galentine’s party filled with bows, hearts, and besties. Or recreate this party idea for Valentine’s Day too!

Follow Hobby Lobby for More Inspiration

I love following Hobby Lobby on their social channels for information on sales and new items as well as cute inspiration!

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

More Galentine’s Party Ideas

Here are a few more DIY Galentine party ideas!

• Galentine’s Day Bestie Brunch
• Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas
• DIY Galentine’s Day Printables
• Molten Lava Cakes

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello where I have shared the videos to these DIY Galentine’s Day crafts

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

The post Big Bows & Besties: Hosting the Cutest Galentine’s Party Ever appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Easy 10-Minute Valentine’s Day Wall Art

Here’s an easy way to decorate for Valentine’s Day or it would even be a beautiful handmade wedding gift.

And the best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to create!

How to Make 10-Minute Easy valentine’s Day Heart Art

Here are the instructions to make this easy heart art!

Heart Art Supplies

• Square canvas (either a 10 inch canvas or a 6 inch canvas, or both!)
• paper flowers – you can use or make paper flowers, but also small silk flowers would be pretty too. Get creative!
• 2 Squares of scrapbook paper (9.5 square for the 10 inch canvas 0r 5 inches square for the 6 inch canvas)
• Glue dots
• Print out of heart template (below)
• brads – for the canvas corners (optional)

Directions to Make Heart Art

• Cut out a square of scrapbook paper
• Print off the heart template and then staple it on top of one of the scrapbook paper squares
• Cut out the paper heart using the template
• Attach the other scrapbook paper to the canvas. You can Mod Podge it or if you have a Xyron sticker machine you can run the scrapbook paper through and then attach it to the canvas that way.
• Then attach the heart to the canvas with glue dots.
• Take the paper flowers and place them on the heart, attaching them with glue dots.
• For a final finishing touch you can add sticky dot embellishments to the corners of the canvas to look like decorative nails.
• Then hang them up or arrange them on a shelf and you have instant Valentine art.

And here’s the template to make the hearts on the easy 10-minute Valentine’s Day wall art!

How to Download Heart Template

Right-click this link and choose “save link as” or the image below to download the small template …

… or right-click this link and choose “save link as” or the image below to download the large template!

As always, these are for personal use only.

I love how they turned out – and how they pop off the canvases!

More DIY Valentine’s Day Projects

Free Valentine’s Day Printable Post Cards

Adorable Valentine Postcards – Free Printables! Brighten up someone’s day with a sweet postcard sharing why they are important to you!

Easy Valentine/Galentine Centerpiece

Celebrate Valentine’s Day or throw a Galentine’s brunch with a waffle bar and incorporate this adorable waffle cone flower centerpiece.

Throw a Family Valentine’s Day Dinner

Five easy ways to throw a festive, no-stress Valentine’s dinner for your family!

Make a 10-Minute Valentine’s Day Pillow Cover

I used the template above to trace a heart onto a plain pillow cover and added pretty felt balls for a really adorable pillow cover in under 10 minutes! I have all of the steps and directions on my @tatertotsandjello Instagram page!

What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day project this year?

xoxo

The post Easy 10-Minute Valentine’s Day Wall Art [and free templates!] appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Tissue Paper Valentine Tree Centerpiece

I love an inexpensive and easy centerpiece. Today I am sharing how to create this sweet tissue paper valentine tree centerpiece. All it takes is a few supplies and minutes to create!

Introducing the Handcrafted Society

Introducing The Handcrafted Society!! A collaboration of talented bloggers ready to revolutionize the DIY world with their brilliant ideas. On the first Tuesday each month, you can find eight unique ways to make something special from a shared theme or medium – and that’s not all! We’ll also be featuring an invited guest monthly to share their talents with you. Get inspired and join us on this creative journey! You can find us on the blog, Instagram and Pinterest. This month we are all sharing HEART ideas!! If you are here from Sonata Home Design, welcome! Aren’t Missy’s paper heart cones so beautiful??

How to Make a Tissue Paper Heart Tree Centerpiece

Here’s how to make this easy centerpiece idea!

Use Branches

To create the tree, use real or faux branches. I had a olive leaf garland that I found on sale, so I just cut that apart to make branches. You can cut some branches from a tree in your yard or use faux branches. Find a container to use. I used a simple white vase. Then put your branches in your vase.

Cut Tissue Paper Hearts

I used two different colors of PINK hearts for my tree. I used about 8 layers of tissue paper and cut out three different sizes of hearts out of both colors of the pink tissue paper. But you can use ANY color or multiple tissue paper colors for your project. White would also be beautiful!

Attach the Hearts to Your Branches

Once I had the hearts cut out, I used hot glue to attach the hearts to the branches. If you don’t want to use hot glue you can use glue dots or even a dot of regular white glue.

Distribute the Different Sized Hearts on the Tree

I used the largest size of hearts first. Once I had those attached, I worked my way through the hearts by ize, ending with the smallest size hearts. I love using tissue paper for this project because the tissue paper is so thin and the light comes through the tissue paper hearts which I think is so pretty!

Display Your Tissue Paper Heart Valentine Tree

This valentine tree is so fun as a centerpiece for a coffee table or dining room table, but it would also be so pretty on a kitchen counter or island or even on a entryway console or bedroom dresser. The possibilities are endless!

8 Adorable Heart DIY’s!

Now it’s time to hop over to Kim at Perfecting Places to see how she made her beautiful framed paper hearts!

More Heart DIY Projects

And here are a few other heart paper projects for inspiration!

Heart and Arrow Paper Valentine Art

Cut out paper hearts and use glue dots to attach them to red paper for a fun Valentine’s spin on specimen art!

Easy 10-minute valentine’s day wall art

Easy 10-Minute Valentine’s Day Wall Art. Make some easy art for Valentine’s Day with a free template, scrapbook paper and rolled paper flowers!

Free valentine’s Day Printable Post Cards

Adorable Valentine Postcards – Free Printables! Brighten up someone’s day with a sweet postcard sharing why they are important to you!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

The post Tissue Paper Valentine Tree Centerpiece appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Valentine’s Day Yarn-Wrap Cardboard Hearts

Do you decorate for Valentine’s Day? I’ve found that it’s not so empty to take down my holiday decor if I replace it with some simple and happy Valentine’s Day things!

Yarn-Wrapped Heart Supplies

• Cardboard
• Yarn
• Grapevine hearts
• Heart-shaped wood bowl
• Battery-operated twinkle lights with remote control and timer
• Large wicker tray
• Candle
• Small Pine Tree
• xoxo sign

Yarn-Wrap CardBoard Hearts

The best part about this craft if you probably already have all of the items needed to make these cute hearts! Just cardboard, yarn and a hot glue gun and you can make these festive yarn-wrapped hearts!

30-Minute Valentine’s Day Craft

The best part of this easy craft is it’s so fast! In 30 minutes you can have several heart-wrap cardboard hearts to use! And your kids will love making them too. I used a glue gun to keep the yarn on the curved edges of the hearts but you can use a glue stick too if your kids want to make some!

Yarn-Wrap Cardboard Hearts Can Be Used For Valentine’s Day Projects

Once you have a few hearts made, either use them by themselves on a table like I did. Or you can glue them onto ribbon to create a Valentine’s Garland. Sprinkle them throughout your home on shelves or add them to a wreath!

30 Minute DIY Crafts

Here are a few Valentine’s Day crafts you can make in 30 minutes or less!!

My 100 Year Old Home | Pink Apples Valentine’s Day Craft

This DIY Valentine’s Day Craft is so easy. This is a fun way to add pink foil leaf to any faux fruit in less than thirty minutes.

Thistlewood Farms | DIY Valentines Heart Pillow

Make this simple pillow to brighten up your February! All you need is an hour and extra fabric!

The DIY Mommy | DIY No-Sew Fabric Heart Banner for Valentine’s Day

 This DIY no-sew heart banner is a sweet decor accent for Valentine’s Day. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make and it doesn’t require any sewing at all.

How to Make a Yarn-Wrap Heart Valentine’s Day Centerpiece

I used the yarn-wrapped cardboard hearts to create a sweet little Valentine’s Day centerpiece on our dining room table. This is how I created this easy centerpiece idea:

• I added some pretty yarn to the bottom of the jars.
• Then I added fairy lights.
• I put a heart from my Pebbles Avenues Line on little houses and put a house in each jar.
• Then I added a couple of the yarn-wrapped hearts to each jar.
• The last thing I did was tie some red and white ribbon on each jar and put them on cake stands in the middle of our table.
• I sprinkled more of the yarn-wrapped hearts around the jars on the table!

Yarn-Wrap Valentine’s Day Heart Tips

Here are a few tips I found while making these hearts.

Start Each Yarn-Wrap Heart

Add a dab of glue to the center of each heart and start wrapping the heart by wrapping the yarn tightly and closely together in one direction.

Turn Heart and Start Wrapping in Different Direction

Once one section is covered, turn the heart and put a dab of glue at both ends of the heart and start wrapping in that direction. The hot glue (or glue from glue stick) will hold the yarn in that new direction.

Keep Turning the Cardboard Heart Until Covered

Keep turning the heart and adding glue as you turn until the heart is covered with yarn.

Add More Yarn to Sparse Sections

After the heart is covered, see if there are sections that need a little more yarn so that none of the cardboard is showing through. Add more yarn to places that need more coverage.

Add Glue and Cut Yarn

Once the heart is covered, add a dab of glue under the yarn strand and cut it right next to the glue you added to neatly finish off each yarn-wrapped heart.

More Valentine’s Day Ideas

Here are a few more Valentine’s Day projects that I love:

Be Mine Valentine’s Day Mantel

This was one of my favorite Valentine’s Day mantels. The signs are upcycled signs that I added metal letters to. The LOVE sign is a typographical sign that’s easy to make!

Valentine Yarn Pom Pom Wreath

Making DIY pom poms is so much fun! In just a few minutes you can make a wreath that is full of beautiful yarn textures!

$2 Dollar Store Felt Heart Garland

This is one of my all-time favorites! A package of Dollar Store felt hearts and ribbon = the cutest Valentine’s garland for your mantel or over your front door to celebrate the season!

Have a Beautiful Day!

xoxo

The post Valentine’s Day Yarn-Wrap Cardboard Hearts + Centerpiece appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Hello Tatertots & Jello readers! It’s Kristin from Yellow Bliss Road back again with an adorable free printable for Valentine’s Day!

Free LOVE Valentine’s Day Glitter Gold Banner

It just doesn’t seem possible that Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. Seems like just a few days ago I was taking down my Christmas decor…well, to be fair that actually was just a few days ago. Anyway, I wanted to add a little bit of festive color to my decor this year and I have a cute coordinating freebie just for you!

Just Print and Cut Out

I have been loving the digital gold glitter (all the sparkle, none of the mess!) so I decided to glam up my Valentine’s printables. It’s really easy to put together your banner. First of course you’ll have to decide which parts to use. There are four letters to spell out “LOVE” plus two decorative accents that you can use in place of the “O” or on the ends of the banner to some charm. Then print out the pages (there are three all together) and cut out the pieces. I recommend printing on cardstock, and for the best and brightest color, have your banner printed at a copy store. Use ribbon or string to tie the banner together, or just use a little hot glue or even double sided tape to attach the string to the banner.

You can download the printable banner at the end of this post.

This beautiful red, white and gold set would be perfect to decorate for a family breakfast, or for a little cupcake party. Or if you like, just use the pieces to decorate your home for the holiday. The digital set includes two additional banners, party invitations, cupcake toppers, gift tags, water bottle labels, straw flags, frameable signs and coordinating papers. See the whole set in the Yellow Bliss Road Digital Designs shop. Hurry, it’s on sale until February 3!

Before you go, don’t forget to grab your free printable LOVE Valentine’s Day banner!!

**********

Thanks Kristin!!  That banner is so sweet and perfect for decorating your mantel! I love it! Kristin always shares amazing ideas. Here are a few I know you’ll love:

She always has amazing recipes too! Why not try these Red Velvet Cake Mix Bars for a Valentine’s Day treat!

More Valentines Day DIY Projects

5-Minute Waffle Cone and Flower Centerpiece Idea

Turn ice cream cones into the cutest centerpiece for Valentine’s Day, Galentines or Spring!

17 Easy Valentine’s Day Crafts to Make

17 Farmhouse and Cottage Valentine’s Day ideas. Fast and beautiful ways to bring the spirit of Valentine’s Day into your home. 

xoxo

The post Free Printable LOVE Valentine’s Day Glitter Banner appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

10-Minute Sharpie Valentines Tablecloth

We had such a fun time throwing our first annual GALantine’s Party  a couple of weeks ago! Ladies celebrating ladies. Have you heard of GAL-antines? It’s a party inspired by the show Parks & Rec where Leslie Knope throws a Galantine’s party for her lady friends — waffles and friendship. It’s ladies celebrating ladies.

We kept it very low-key with simple decorating and food. Here is one of the simple projects I created for the GALantine’s party: A 10-Minute Sharpie Tablecloth. 

10-Minute Sharpie Valentines Tablecloth

I think it looks so cute with the Waffle Cone Flower Centerpieces I made.

Here’s how I made the 10-Minute Sharpie Galantine’s Tablecloth: 

10-Minute Sharpie Valentines Tablecloth

I knew I wanted to create a simple pattern for the tablecloth. I thought about what I wanted to draw. Hearts were a pattern I considered. I also thought a simple XOXO striped tablecloth would have been cute. You can draw ANYTHING you want on your tablecloth.

In the end I drew a simple scallop pattern with hearts. I think it turned out really cute. Simple but it echoed the heart theme of our GALantine’s party!

10-Minute Sharpie Valentines Tablecloth

You can find out more about our GALantine’s Party in this post — 5 Simple Ways to Throw the Ultimate GALantine’s Party!

Be sure to see all of these AWESOME handmade Valentine’s projects. I love this holiday!!

10-Minute Sharpie Valentines Tablecloth

Be sure to check out these amazing Handmade Valentine’s Day ideas: 

Have a LOVELY day! 

xoxo

The post How to Make a 10-Minute Valentines Tablecloth appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

How to Host a Magical Cookie Exchange Party + DIY Snow Globe Cookies

I’ve been hosting cookie exchange parties for over 15 years, and it’s one of my very favorite holiday traditions!! There’s something so special about gathering friends together, swapping homemade cookies, and kicking off the season with creativity, laughter, and a whole lot of sugar

This year, I wanted to bring something extra fun to the table, so I made DIY Snow Globe Cookies — and they were a total hit. They’re festive, easy to make, and perfect for a cookie exchange.

Cookie Exchange Party Tips I Swear By After 15+ Years

After hosting cookie exchanges year after year, I’ve learned that the best parties are simple, organized, and cozy. A little planning goes a long way and makes hosting feel joyful instead of stressful.

I share all of my tried-and-true hosting advice in this post:

8 Tips to Help You Host the Ultimate Cookie Exchange Party

A few of my favorite tips:

• Send invitations early so guests can plan ahead
• Be clear about how many cookies each person should bring
• Ask guests to bring containers for taking cookies home
• Encourage guests to share recipes
• Keep party food simple so the focus stays on the cookies and conversation

These small details make a big difference and help everything run smoothly.

Why Snow Globe Cookies Are Perfect for a Cookie Exchange

When you’re bringing cookies to a cookie exchange, they need to be easy to transport, sturdy enough to stack, and eye-catching on a cookie table.

Snow globe cookies check all the boxes. They look impressive, but they’re surprisingly simple to make — and everyone wanted to know how I made them

The Thick Sugar Cookie Recipe I Always Use

For these cookies, I used a copycat Swig/Crumbl-style sugar cookie recipe that makes super thick, soft cookies with thick frosting that holds decorations beautifully.

Here’s the exact recipe I used:
https://cookingwithkarli.com/crumbl-sugar-cookies/

This recipe is perfect for decorated cookies because the cookies bake up thick, sturdy, and incredibly soft.

Snow Globe Cookie Decorations (What You’ll Need)

These are the elements that turn a regular sugar cookie into a snow globe cookie. I’ll add links to all of these supplies later — this is just the ingredient list for the snow globe part of the cookies:

• Clear plastic ornaments that screw apart (use one half per cookie)
• Edible cupcake sugar decorations (Santas, reindeer, wreaths, snowmen, stockings, etc.)
• Fresh rosemary (cut into small tree shapes )
• Thick vanilla frosting (from the cookie recipe)

How to Assemble DIY Snow Globe Cookies

Once the cookies were baked and completely cooled, I frosted each cookie with a thick layer of frosting. Next, I added the edible sugar decorations and cut small pieces of rosemary into tiny tree shapes, pressing them gently into the frosting.

To finish, I placed one half of a clear plastic ornament over each cookie to create the snow globe effect. That’s it — simple, festive, and so fun

Printable Snow Globe Cookie Recipe Card (PDF)

I’ve created a one-page printable PDF recipe card for these DIY Snow Globe Cookies so you can easily save it, print it, or share it. It’s perfect for baking days, cookie exchanges, and holiday gifting.

Click here to download the printable Snow Globe Cookie Recipe Card

DIY Snow Globe Cookie Recipe (Printable Versio

DIY Snow Globe Sugar Cookie

Soft, thick sugar cookies decorated like festive snow globes. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and gifting

Cookie Base Recipe
This is my favorite copycat Swig/Crumbl-style sugar cookie recipe:
https://cookingwithkarli.com/crumbl-sugar-cookies/

Ingredients

• Sugar cookie dough (from recipe above)
• Vanilla frosting (from recipe above)
• Edible sugar decorations
• Fresh rosemary
• Clear plastic ornament halves

Instructions

1. Bake cookies according to recipe instructions and cool completely.
2. Frost each cookie with a thick layer of frosting.
3. Decorate with edible sugar decorations and rosemary trees
4. Place one ornament half over each cookie to create the snow globe effect.
5. Store cookies in a single layer or bakery box until ready to serve or gift.

Tips

• Use thick, sturdy cookies so the ornament sits flat
• The cookies can be kept in a dry storage container with a lid for up0 to 4 days before using OR frozen for up to 2 months.
• Assemble shortly before gifting for the best presentation
• Transport cookies in shallow bakery boxes

More Cookie Exchange Recipes on Tatertots & Jello

If you’re building a cookie exchange spread, you’ll find lots of favorite cookie recipes right here on Tatertots & Jello. I’ll update this section with direct links soon:

• Classic holiday sugar cookies
• Frosted Christmas cookies
• Easy no-bake holiday treats
• Festive cookies perfect for gifting

Why Cookie Exchanges Are One of My Favorite Holiday Traditions

Cookie exchanges are about more than cookies — they’re about tradition, friendship, and slowing down during a busy season. After more than 15 years, this is still one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays, and I hope this inspires you to host one of your own.

Cookie Exchange Recipes

Here are a few of my favorite cookie exchange recipes!

• Candy Cane Swirl Frosted Cookies
• Holiday Blossom Cookies
• Double Chocolate Bisquick Cookies
• Cowgirl Cookie Bark
• Grandma’s Favorite Sugar Cookies
• Four-Ingredient Orange Milano Cookies

Happy baking

xoxo

The post Snow Globe Sugar Cookies + Cookie Exchange Party Tips! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Make an Easy Giant Christmas Bow

Make an Easy Giant Christmas Bow. Turn inexpensive table runners into a show-stopping giant Christmas bow with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

How to Make an Easy DIY Giant Christmas Bow (Using Table Runners!)

For years I’ve loved the look of giant Christmas bows — they’re whimsical, oversized, and look like something straight out of a holiday storefront window. They make such a statement whether you hang them on a front door, over a fireplace mantel, or even on a Christmas tree. But every time I looked up a tutorial, they seemed complicated and SO expensive. Most of them call for yards of fabric, interfacing, stabilizer, or pricey materials I didn’t want to buy. And this tutorial is NO SEW!!! I wanted something simple, affordable, and easy to make, so I decided to come up with my own version — and I’m obsessed with how it turned out!

Hobby Lobby’s Christmas Department is 50% off!

I’ve been partnering with Hobby Lobby for over 10 years, and honestly, they’re still my go-to spot every single holiday season. They just have the best selection for everything — not only Christmas décor and crafting supplies, but also Christmas entertaining. Their aisles are filled with greenery, ornaments, ribbons, runners, bells, entertaining essentials, baking supplies, and tableware. And because their Christmas department is 50% off right now, it’s so easy to pick up everything I need for holiday projects without running all over town. It’s truly one-stop Christmas magic.

Why I’m Using Table Runners for This DIY Giant Christmas Bow

As I wandered through the Christmas department looking for fabric, I spotted the Christmas table runners — and instantly knew they were the perfect solution. They’re long, fully hemmed, sturdy, structured, and come in the cutest patterns. Even better? They were $10.99, but with the Christmas sale at 50% off, they came to $5 each. Instead of spending $60+ on materials, I made this entire giant bow for around $25 — and it looks so high-end. Truly the easiest shortcut ever. I used the plaid version, but there are a few different patterns to choose from!

Giant Christmas Bow Supplies

• 5 Table Runners
  • 1 for the bow top
  • 2 for each of the long tails (4 total for the tails)
• Medium-gauge wire
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Zip ties (optional)

Make the Top of the Bow

Step 1: Thread Wire Through Both Long Seams

• Cut tiny holes at the top and bottom of each long seam, only through the back side of the seam.
• Next, make a small loop at the end of your wire so it doesn’t snag and flatten it so it is as small as possible..
• Thread wire through each seam, leaving about 3″ sticking out on both ends.

Step 2: Shape the Bow Loop

• Flip the runner to the back.
• Fold both long edges toward the center.
• Twist the wire ends together to attach the ends together.
• Flip it back over to the front.

Create the Bow Center

Add a piece of material in the center of the runner to create a bow shape.

Step 3: Cut an 8″ Strip From One of the Tail Runners

• This becomes your bow “knot.”

Step 4: Finish + Wrap the Center

• Fold raw ends under and glue.
• Wrap around the bow center and glue on the back.

Make the Long Tails

I wanted the tails to be as long as my doorway, but you can use only ONE runner per tail if you don’t need as long of tails.

Step 5: Glue Two Runners Together Per Tail

• Create two long tails (two runners each).
• We will hide the seam will be hidden later.

Step 6: Attach Tails to Bow

• Gather the top of each tail.
• Hot glue them to the back of the bow.

Hang Your Giant Bow

Now hang up your bow where you want to display it – on top of your doorway, on a wall or on your tree!

Step 7: Attach the Top of the Bow

• Use wire, ribbon, or zip ties.
• I threaded a 10″ wire piece through the back and twisted it onto the screw above my door.

Step 8: Secure Each Side

• Now poke wire through the top corners of each bow loop.
• Next, Attach to screws/hooks (or branches if you’re hanging it on a Christmas tree).

Attach and Drape the Tails

Step 9: Create Cascading Sections

• Add a zip tie wherever you want a draped ribbon “tier.”
• Now attach that zip tie to your garland, hook, or branch.
• Repeat 2–3 times to create a soft cascading effect.

Step 10: Hide the Attachment Points

• Blouse the fabric over each zip tie to keep the drape looking smooth and natural.

Trim the Tails

Step 11: Even Out the Lengths

• Because of the cut center strip, your tails won’t match at first — trim them to be even.

Step 12: Cut the Tail Shape

• I cut mine into a V-shape, but diagonal or straight works too.

Coordinating Porch Decor

Step 13: Add Greenery Garland

• Mine is from the Hobby Lobby Christmas department. I layered the pine Norfolk garland and the Cedar Garland. Along with Twinkle Lights! And I added some brown ball picks that reminded me of gingerbread houses!

Step 14: Hang a Gingerbread-Themed Wreath

• Wreath + gingerbread cutting board = Christmas aisle.
• “Gingerbread cookies” = wooden snowflakes painted like cookies in the craft section of the Christmas Department.
• Wire from the ribbon dpartment.
• Here’s a link to the Gingerbread Christmas Wreath – with all of the links to the supplies I used and info!

Step 15: Layer a Buffalo Plaid Rug

• Festive red + white buffalo check rug — which is also from the Christmas department.

Step 16: Paint a Galvanized House Into a Gingerbread House

• Paint one of the galvanized Christmas houses with craft paint for the cutest porch accent. I’ve linked a sweet Gingerbread House below.

Shop My Favorite Porch Items From Hobby Lobby’s Christmas Department

Christmas Table Runners | Christmas wood Lanterns | Christmas Sled | Buffalo Check Rug | Pine Garland | Cedar Garland | Twinkle Lights | Gingerbread Wreath | Gingerbread house

Below are some of my very favorite holiday porch items from Hobby Lobby that helped bring this whole festive look together. I’ll link everything here so you can recreate the same cozy, Christmas-y vibe at your own home!

Thank You, Hobby Lobby!

A huge thank you to Hobby Lobby for sponsoring this project. And right now, Hobby Lobby’s entire Christmas department is 50% off right now, so it’s the perfect time to grab everything you need for holiday decorating! — Grab everything you need, from table runners, greenery, ribbon, to galvanized houses, wreath supplies and everyting in between.

And be sure to follow Hobby Lobby on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok for endless inspiration.

Show Me Your Bows!

I LOVED creating this giant Christmas bow, and I would absolutely love to see yours! I’d love to have you tag me on Instagram @tatertotsandjello so I can see your creations and share them on my page. It seriously makes my whole day seeing what you make. I hope you’re getting excited for Christmas — let’s connect and make this season magical!

xoxo

The post Make an Easy Giant Christmas Bow appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by infusing your festivities with the warmth and coziness of hygge? If you’re unfamiliar with the term, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish concept that encapsulates the feeling of comfort, contentment, and an overall sense of well-being. It’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. As the days get colder and the nights get longer, incorporating hygge into your Christmas celebrations can bring a special kind of magic to the season.

Warm and Cozy Hygge Gift Boxes

In a recent post, we delved into the art of crafting Warm and Cozy Hygge Gift Boxes. Now we’re excited to share with you some delightful additions: free printable Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. These charming printables perfectly complement the cozy vibe of hygge, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday festivities.

Hygge Holiday Cards: Sharing Warm Wishes

The Hygge Holiday Cards are designed to spread warmth and joy to your loved ones. Featuring heartwarming messages and festive illustrations, these cards capture the essence of hygge. Whether you’re sending them through the mail or attaching them to a thoughtful gift, these cards are sure to make your friends and family feel cherished.

Download Hygge Holiday Cards

Simply download, print, and personalize your cards with heartfelt messages. The act of sending and receiving physical cards itself is a hygge practice, fostering a sense of connection and nostalgia.

Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags: Aromatic Ambiance

Enhance the cozy ambiance of your home with Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. These printable tags are designed to accompany jars of homemade simmer pot mixtures. A delightful and aromatic addition to any hygge-inspired space. The tags include instructions on how to use the homemade recipe, which combines ingredients like citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to fill your home with a comforting fragrance.

Download Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags

Download the Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags. Attach them to your jars, and consider gifting these aromatic treasures to friends and family. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to share the hygge experience. And bring the scents of the season into the homes of your loved ones.

Why Hygge for Christmas?

You might be wondering, why embrace hygge during the Christmas season? Well, Christmas is a time of togetherness, reflection, and creating lasting memories. Hygge perfectly aligns with these sentiments, encouraging us to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

The winter season, with its chilly weather and long nights, naturally lends itself to the cozy principles of hygge. By incorporating hygge into your Christmas celebrations, you’re not just decorating your home; you’re creating a haven of warmth and connection. From the soft glow of candlelight to the laughter shared over a cup of hot cocoa, every hygge-inspired element contributes to a holiday season filled with genuine comfort and joy.

So, as you prepare for the festive season ahead, consider infusing your Christmas celebrations with the hygge spirit. Download the free printable Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags, and let the cozy magic of hygge weave its way into every corner of your holiday festivities. Embrace the warmth, savor the simplicity, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Wishing you a hyggelig holiday season!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

The post Hygge Holiday Cards and Simmer Pot Potpourri Tags appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Whimsical Holiday Home Tour with Gingerbread Houses & DIY Decor

This holiday season, I’m thrilled to invite you into my home for a whimsical holiday home tour with DIY Christmas and gingerbread ideas! I’m also joining some amazing friends who are sharing their holiday homes, so be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post and hop over to see their gorgeous holiday homes and creative DIY projects. This year, I’ve gone all-in on a gingerbread theme to transform our space into a cozy and festive Christmas dream. Let’s dive into all the gingerbread-inspired ideas!

A Gingerbread Kitchen Wonderland

In our kitchen, the gingerbread theme comes to life with warm and cozy gingerbread touches. I started by transforming galvanized houses into a charming gingerbread village. These hand-painted houses are perched on our kitchen shelves surrounded by a blanket of faux snow and accented with twinkle lights, creating a magical glow.

Above the stove, I hung a cheerful Gingerbread Cookies sign that sets the tone for the space. On the kitchen hood, I added a show-stopping DIY gingerbread wreath. The wreath features a large gingerbread man, which I crafted by painting a gingerbread-shaped cutting board, and I adorned it with painted wood snowflakes and battery-operated lights for a cozy and festive touch.

A Festive Christmas Dish Cabinet

In the kitchen, I repurposed a vintage gun cabinet, adding modern tile for a fresh, updated look, and installed it as a stylish storage solution for cups, glasses, and dishes.

For the holiday season, I transformed it into a festive Christmas dish cabinet. I brought out my collection of Santa mugs, Christmas plates, and red bakeware, creating a cheerful display. To add an extra festive touch, I lined the shelves with holiday McKenzie-Childs tartan napkins, making the cabinet a charming focal point in the kitchen.

A Plaid Christmas Kitchen Nook

Adjacent to the kitchen, our dining nook is dressed in cozy plaid. A tiered tray filled with festive treats and ornaments sits atop a tartan throw, creating a warm and inviting holiday scene.

Across from the nook is our little reading corner, where I added some mini Christmas trees, a festive pillow, and another tartan throw. This cozy spot is perfect for sipping hot cocoa and enjoying a holiday book.

Gingerbread-Themed Christmas Tree

The centerpiece of our holiday decor is our main Christmas tree, decked out in all things gingerbread. I crafted DIY gingerbread house ornaments and added velvet bows in warm, rich tones.

Gingerbread-shaped ornaments complete the look, turning our tree into a sweet and whimsical focal point. It’s a gingerbread lover’s dream come true!

Colorful Gingerbread Village Mantel

The mantel is another area where the gingerbread theme shines. I painted colorful gingerbread houses that line the mantel, adding a playful and cheerful touch.

A Norfolk pine garland draped across the mantel is adorned with velvet bows and faux candle lights that mimic the flicker of real flames. The combination of greenery, soft lights, and bright gingerbread details makes this space truly magical.

Gingerbread-Themed Dining Room Glow

In the dining room, I created a stunning DIY gingerbread village centerpiece. Painted and decorated gingerbread houses sit on cake plates of varying heights, surrounded by paper trees and twinkle lights.

A lighted branch centerpiece in the middle adds height and an ethereal glow. Seeing the dining room illuminated in the evening is a highlight of the season, making it the perfect spot for festive dinners with family and friends.

And on the buffet, behind the table, I added some sweet Christmas decor. I love this little mirror.

Sparkling Disco Ball Tree

One of my favorite additions this year is our DIY disco ball tree. Adorned with shimmering disco balls, it’s a modern, playful twist on holiday decor. To tie the look together, I added a pinkish mauve ribbon that complements the color of the rug and brings a cozy warmth to the sparkling display.

When the sunlight streams through the windows, it dances off the disco balls, creating a magical, light-filled moment that never fails to make me smile. It’s a glamorous yet cozy addition that perfectly complements the rest of our holiday theme.

Spiraling Staircase Showstopper

Our spiral staircase is dressed to impress this year with festive garland. I added velvet ribbons, gilded branches, and wooden ornaments to create a cohesive and elegant look. This eye-catching display wows visitors the moment they step into our home and ties together the gingerbread theme with a touch of classic holiday charm.

Hop Over for More Holiday Inspiration

Thank you for joining me on this whimsical holiday home tour! I hope these DIY gingerbread ideas inspire you to bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday decor. Don’t forget to scroll down and visit my friends’ holiday homes. Each one is brimming with unique and creative ideas to make this season magical. Be sure to pin these beautiful Christmas home ideas for your holiday inspiration board!

Happy Holidays and happy decorating!

Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours

This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Holiday Home Tours. Twenty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each holiday home tour by clicking the links below. Be sure to pin the ideas to make later!

Monday’s Tours

Lazy Girl’s Garden Club / This Is Simplicite / Amy Sadler Designs

Cottage In the Mitten / The Ponds Farmhouse / DIY Beautify

Tuesday’s Tours

Midwest Life and Style / Robyn’s French Nest

Sonata Home Design / StoneGable / Thistlewood Farms

Wednesday’s Tours

Living Large In a Small House / Shiplap & Shells / She Gave It a Go / Southern Home & Hospitality

Thursday’s Tours

Pasha Is Home / A Hundred Affections

tatertots & jello / Returning Grace / Perfecting Places

Find All the DIYs and Products I Used

To make recreating these festive ideas easy, I’m linking all of the products and DIY tutorials I used in our Christmas home BELOW. From the DIY gingerbread village, turning galvanized houses into DIY gingerbread houses, Gingerbread Snowflake Wreath, Gingerbread Houses Wreath, Disco Ball Wreath, DIY Gingerbread Houses Ornaments, DIY Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments, DIY Gingerbread Gift Bags, DIY Gingerbread Baking Soda Ornaments, you’ll find everything you need to bring these holiday touches into your own home. Be sure to check out the links for detailed tutorials and to shop for the supplies to make your Christmas magical!

• DIY Gingerbread Village Centerpiece
• DIY Disco Ball Wreath
• Turn Galvanized Houses into Gingerbread Houses
• DIY Gingerbread House Ornaments
• DIY Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments
• Gingerbread Gift Bags
• Gingerbread Man Salt Dough Ornaments
• Anthropologie-Inspired Bottle Brush Tree Centerpiece
• How to Tie the Perfect Velvet Bows
• DIY Scandinavian Snowflake Ornaments

And I hope to connect with you on Instagram (@tatertotsandjello) where I share my latest projects and finds!

Have a Festive Day!

xoxo

The post Whimsical Holiday Home Tour with Gingerbread Houses & DIY Decor appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.