Forest Lake, Hamilton

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1324 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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1325 days ago

What’s New!!!

Hamilton Small Animal Veterinary Centre

❤️🚙There's A New VAN About Town!!
..........And We Love Him!🚙❤️

Watch this space for new services to come!

👀Let us know if you spot the team out and about👀

www.hamiltonvets.co.nz...

1325 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

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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1325 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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1326 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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1327 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.

1327 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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1327 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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1328 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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1328 days ago

Dress for Success Hamilton Women’s Clothing Pop-Up Sale

Dress for Success Hamilton from Dress for Success Hamilton

Dress for Success Hamilton Women’s Clothing Pop-Up Sale
Thursday April 29th 10 am - 6 pm
Friday April 30th 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday May 1st 9 am - 12 pm

The Long Room, Level 1, Wintec House,
Cnr of Angelsea & Nisbet Street
Hamilton Central,… View more
Dress for Success Hamilton Women’s Clothing Pop-Up Sale
Thursday April 29th 10 am - 6 pm
Friday April 30th 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday May 1st 9 am - 12 pm

The Long Room, Level 1, Wintec House,
Cnr of Angelsea & Nisbet Street
Hamilton Central,
Hamilton 3204.

After cancelling two sales in 2020, our Pop-Up Sale is back this April. Come to Wintec and browse our selection of gently used women’s clothing, accessories and shoes. All items are priced at $5, except the designer vintage and quirky rack, priced from $10. To register your interest in our sale, head to our Facebook events page fb.me....

Shop sustainably, meet our team of volunteer stylists and pick up some great deals for your wardrobe. All sale proceeds help Dress for Success empower Waikato women.

PRE-SALE EVENT - Thursday 29th of April, 9:00 - 10:00 am
We are also offering tickets for our Pre-Sale Event. For $20, you can gain exclusive access to ALL of our designer items before opening our doors to the public.
We will be serving light refreshments as you shop your heart out with the first pick!

All designer items will be out and available for ticket holders.
To secure a Pre-Sale Event ticket, see events.humanitix.com...

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1328 days ago

Mobility scooter for sale

Ashley from Nawton

CTM Model HS-898 mobility scooter for sale. Very little use. Tidy condition.

Price: $1,500

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1329 days ago

5 important learning skills for children

NumberWorks'nWords Hamilton Central

As educators, it is important for us to instil useful learning skills in children so that they can grow, develop, and gain the necessary skills to succeed in life. At NumberWorks’nWords, we can help your child build and strengthen their learning skills through a tailored curriculum.
Check out … View more
As educators, it is important for us to instil useful learning skills in children so that they can grow, develop, and gain the necessary skills to succeed in life. At NumberWorks’nWords, we can help your child build and strengthen their learning skills through a tailored curriculum.
Check out the full blog to explore 5 important learning skills for children! ?

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1329 days ago

wooden baby cot

George Wing from Pukete

used but still in great condition. change of plans so want to sell at $175.00 o.n.o.
PM George at 022 105 9072 if interested to nego

Negotiable

1329 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read more

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