Melamine--is it time for Spring?

For some it’s that first robin sighting, for others it’s the daffodils and forsythia that are blooming, for us it’s the abundance of melamine dishes we’re spotting that is signaling warmer days ahead. Melamine is a resin material that is shatterproof and inexpensive. Translation: you have permission to splurge on some affordable and fun new dishes. They’re durable and casual; just like the perfect backyard party guest! Just remember to keep them out of the microwave and oven. Here are some of the season’s best…

This sophisticated set evokes the look of Turkish pottery.

This classic grovestand design would mix ‘n match well with other solid dishes.

We dig the bold modern graphics on this hip dinnerware collection.

Save 20% and receive free shipping on this colorful collection by entering TABLETOP at checkout.

This last playful set celebrates the flora and fauna of summer.

So as the weather warms, go ahead and invite the gang over for some backyard grilling, chilling and pretty plate filling. Delish!

Easter Craft Ideas

Yikes, where has March gone? And with Easter falling in early April this year, it’s likely to bite us in our big chocolate booty.

Image from cafepress.com

With the kids home for spring break this week, we’re looking for some easy and fun projects to do. Luckily, these just landed in my inbox. With a quick jaunt to our local crafts store, we’ll be able to knock some of these crafties out AND keep the little fingers busy for a few hours, bonus!

But first, a key point. Instead of hard boiling our eggs to decorate (which always results in broken shells and bizarrely veined eggs that no one wants to eat anyway), this year we’re going to follow this advice from Debra Steilen, Senior Holidays Editor at Better Homes & Gardens: “Eggs are easier to decorate if the shells are empty, so start by blowing out the contents. Use a long needle to prick a small hole on both ends of the egg. (Break the yolk with the needle to make it easier to extract.) Blow through one of the holes until the contents come out the other end.” My kids will LOVE this last part.

To make this lovely Easter Egg Garland, click here.

A trip to your backyard could be all you need for your own variation of this project.

Finally, something to do with all those outgrown baby socks! For materials and instructions, click here.

Hope these family-friendly Easter projects keep you and your crew inspired this week.