I was collection samples of AstroTurf for an art project at Home Depot… Who knew there even existed so many styles from which to choose?! Samples are offered as 4″x4″ Squares pre-cut cut for you to take home. Once I did, not only did I find that the samples worked well in material choosing for my project, but the samples themselves ended up working for me in turn… As Coasters!

Slightly quirky in action, they make everyone stop and chuckle at second thought, and even more so when balanced in an elegant application. These “Cost Free Coasters” make for great last minute or resourceful gifts, as well as fun table decorations.

Supper Bowl Party, or Host’s Thank You Gift for the Sporting Season?! Ladies Luncheon in the Spring?! Just for Fun?! To further accessorize, hot-glue on a small silk flower in one corner for the “Ladies”, or a Miniature Golf Ball for the “Gents”? You may also take this theme to the next step and buy a larger piece of AstroTurf  in order to cut impromptu place mats or even a table runner?! The look is lovely over a white linen table cloth.

Regardless, whatever you do… Enjoy!…Haha!

-Palmer

P.S. Some AstroTurf Styles will frey after several uses. To prolong the life of your Cost Free Coaster, simply run a line of supper glue around the edges on the underneath side.

Here is an extremely simple, no expense, yet festive spin on a time saver idea in preparing to host a weekend long event.

If you do not already know, it is helpful to pre- set and stash away the different “condiments” involved before party time for the various needs throughout an event. For example, when organizing the different meals, don’t just plan ahead the meal to be served, but take one more step and organize ahead of time the dishes and utensils to be used in serving.

At our recent Birthday Beach Bash, we counted out ahead of time which plates, napkins and utensils we would need per meal per person. As usual, we bundled them into groups per meal and labeled each group with a sticky note. That way, when it was time to use them, anyone could just reach in the bucket and know what goes where and when! In honor of celebration, Brooke took one extra step further in preparation and tied each bundle with a birthday bow! The act was so simple, but transformed a strategic necessity into a birthday festive decoration all its own!

Good idea, Brooke, and thanks for your help!