Hamilton Central, Hamilton

1328 days ago

Tablescapes Done Simply

Naturally Healthy

If you've ever hosted, well... anything before, you'll know that it's very easy for the price to somehow get a bit out of hand.

While hosting a meal can become an expensive ordeal, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're hosting a luscious meal for a special event or just … View more
If you've ever hosted, well... anything before, you'll know that it's very easy for the price to somehow get a bit out of hand.

While hosting a meal can become an expensive ordeal, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're hosting a luscious meal for a special event or just want to make everyday a little more exciting, creating the perfect tablescape is the best way to upcycle your dinner table without costing you a cent. This way, you can turn a regular dinner into a communal celebration and feast.

It's time to talk tablescapes!

Before we jump straight into the creation of a tablescape, we need to start at the very beginning because as Julie Andrews says, it’s a very good place to start.

I recommend choosing a theme – this helps you create a beautiful environment that’s somewhat cohesive and looks pre-planned. Let your creative spirit run free and choose anything you like.

Maybe you love a garden style with some flowers or pots from the garden; maybe you’re into oceanic views and want to pick up a few seashells and corals, or maybe you’re into minimalism and want things plain and simple! If you’re big into colour-coding, you could choose one block colour or a few colours and textures. Find a feel that works for you.

Next, you must decide your base. If you’re going for a theme that’s loud, a plain white table cloth may be your go-to, or maybe, choose a colourful one! You know what? You can even ditch the cloth and use pieces of fabric instead. If you want to know my helpful hint, inexpensive brown paper works like a charm too. I also like parts of old wood - wood you look at that?!

It's now time we figure out the plates you’re going to serve the food on, the most important part of a dinner party. I love going into second-hand stores for pre-loved and quirky finds that are super vintage. Remember, not everything needs to match. You can use contrasting colours, textures and patterns. Just think about the overall look you’re trying to achieve; if it works, then it works.

Now, it’s decorating time. Let your creative juices flow! Whether it’s dinner for one, a romantic candle-lit dinner for two, a family gathering or girl’s night in, let your imagination roam free.

One of my favourite ways to decorate a table is by letting the food provide colour on the table. If you're a lover of all things red and deep purple, citrus fruits, pomegranate seeds and pumpkins always look gorgeous. I love using cinnamon sticks, lavender and rosemary (not at the same time!) to create a beautiful aroma; who needs a diffuser anyway?

For a larger gathering, you may choose to place cutlery in a wooden box or rustic second-hand container or tin. If you’re going outdoors, feel free to use flower pots as utensil holders too.

Like any good Instagrammer, remember to recycle and upcycle your jars! You can use these jars to create a bohemian wonderland. Save all your spice jars and glass jars and cluster them together to hold flowers or even hand-made condiments.


That's it - my guide to tables capes!
Source: Lee Holmes. Supercharged Food

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1329 days ago

Is that a teahouse on Stewart Island?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Why yes it is, and it's also a man cave, a shed, and a builder/engineer's retirement project. Little wonder Allan Jones' quirky build is a runner-up in the 2021 Resene Shed of the Year competition run by NZ Gardener.

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1329 days ago

Moving and Delivery Services

Devan from Smart Express Hamilton

Our new Hamilton truck ready to start completing house moves. If you are planning on moving house, get a quote with Smart Express.

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1333 days ago

We Say/You Say: trans-Tasman Bubble

Reporter Hamilton Press

Hi Hamilton!

After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble will be operational from April 19.

With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more … View more
Hi Hamilton!

After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble will be operational from April 19.

With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more likely to head across the Tasman or travel domestically?

Fronting Australian media yesterday, Jacinda Ardern not only spoke of the excitement of families being able to be reunited, but also pitched New Zealand tourist activities to Australian viewers.

"If there is a hot spot in one of the states of Australia we may just act in the same way that another state would ... Just prepare that there may be disruptions, but what better place in the world to be stuck. Am I right?," she said.

The trans-Tasman bubble will operate on a three tier basis: Continue, Pause and Suspend. If there are a few cases in Australia linked to the border, quarantine-free travel will continue. Travel may be paused for 72 hours if there are rogue community cases and in the instance of a state or nationwide lockdown, travel will be suspended.

Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Conversations page of the Hamilton Press.

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1329 days ago

Resene Upcyling Awards - don't forget!

Resene

Don't forget to submit your upcycled creations in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your work!

Submit your entry in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your … View more
Don't forget to submit your upcycled creations in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your work!

Submit your entry in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your upcycled masterpiece with your neighbours. Multiple entries are welcome - don't forget to include your before and after pics and mention any Resene products you've used!
Get Upcycling now

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1330 days ago

Battery hens desperately need new homes

Michelle from Hillcrest

Hi neighbours. Just read a message that some 2000 battery hens are due for the chop by Anzac weekend as the farm has suddenly closed.

If you can help with a new home for one or more (as pets only), please contact Sally Hart: franklinfarmsanctuary.co.nz...

1330 days ago

Glass Table - Black

Matt from Glenview

Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Height: 750mm
Glass is 9mm thick
Comes with 5 seats (one is damaged but can be repaired)

100ono
Pick up

Price: $100

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1330 days ago

Study a new language with EarthDiverse

todd from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse currently teaches the following languages: Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese and Urdu. New intakes of introductory students happen in Terms 1 and 3 each year. We also have new language programmes in German, Spanish, Swahili and Tamil coming on line in Term 3, and we're … View moreEarthDiverse currently teaches the following languages: Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese and Urdu. New intakes of introductory students happen in Terms 1 and 3 each year. We also have new language programmes in German, Spanish, Swahili and Tamil coming on line in Term 3, and we're developing programmes in Afrikaans, Malayalee, Punjabi, Russian and Thai. See our website for more information.

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1330 days ago

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund … View more
Come together for good with friends, whānau and workmates by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May. You’ll be joining thousands of Kiwis around the country to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

You can host any time in May, and by taking part, you’ll be helping fund ground-breaking work by some of our country’s top breast cancer researchers, educate people about breast health, and provide free support services for breast cancer patients and their families.

What are you waiting for! Sign up today.
Find out more

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1330 days ago

Urgent found cat

Summa from Frankton

URGENT: Please share!
This elderly neutered male cat has been taken into CareVets Chartwell today by a member of public. He is not microchipped or wearing a collar, but has been desexed. We do not know exactly where he was found, but we need to find an owner ASAP.
If this is your cat, or you know… View more
URGENT: Please share!
This elderly neutered male cat has been taken into CareVets Chartwell today by a member of public. He is not microchipped or wearing a collar, but has been desexed. We do not know exactly where he was found, but we need to find an owner ASAP.
If this is your cat, or you know where he is from, please phone SPCA on 078474868 or Chartwell Carevets on 078559072.

1330 days ago

Time for a laugh?!

The Team from Riverlea Theatre and Arts Centre

Forget 2020, and ignore the cold winter nights setting in – come down to our warm theatre for this hilarious slapstick comedy. Sondheim takes us on a joyous, musical romp through ancient Rome, where there are desperate lovers, a cunning slave who’ll do anything to win his freedom, scheming … View moreForget 2020, and ignore the cold winter nights setting in – come down to our warm theatre for this hilarious slapstick comedy. Sondheim takes us on a joyous, musical romp through ancient Rome, where there are desperate lovers, a cunning slave who’ll do anything to win his freedom, scheming neighbours and secrets behind every toga! Broadway’s greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent - and one of the funniest musicals ever written. Join us for ‘A Comedy Tonight’!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two.

Check out special matinee prices and concessions. Ideal entertainment for adults. Strictly limited season from 15 - 29 May.

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D
1332 days ago

Looking for a car, prefer hatchback

Dianne from Hamilton East

Are you or does someone you know thinking of selling their 2nd hand car. Prefer Toyota or Suzuki 2002 upward, and am willing to pay $4000 maybe a little more.
Most important things are excellent servicing over its life, tidy inside and out.
Thanks

1331 days ago

Independence with support you can count on

Serviced apartments come with the support that makes life easier.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes a chef-prepared meal every day, morning and afternoon tea and housekeeping.

Your electricity, heating, air-conditioning costs and building maintenance are also covered, providing you with … View more
Serviced apartments come with the support that makes life easier.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes a chef-prepared meal every day, morning and afternoon tea and housekeeping.

Your electricity, heating, air-conditioning costs and building maintenance are also covered, providing you with certainty about your living expenses.
Learn more

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1331 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Science at work

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo’s High Canopy is now open – a spectacular new habitat for siamangs and orangutans!

Spot the primates as they live the high life, swinging 25 meters off the ground! The new sky-high habitat lets them behave and move as they would in the wild.

Visit Auckland Zoo with your … View more
Auckland Zoo’s High Canopy is now open – a spectacular new habitat for siamangs and orangutans!

Spot the primates as they live the high life, swinging 25 meters off the ground! The new sky-high habitat lets them behave and move as they would in the wild.

Visit Auckland Zoo with your whanau these school holidays.

Book your ticket online here.
Find out more

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1332 days ago

Why not make a birdbath out of your rhubarb leaf?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Yes you can! NZ Gardener's DIY guru Jacob Leaf shows you how.

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