This cupcake display from Martha Stewart has everything going for it. It's an edible centerpiece that's perfect for the 4th of July-simple, colorful, space saving, most of the components can be prepared in advance and it can be assembled quickly. Individual servings are always a plus, and these don't require utensils!

I've used a short, sheer table topper as a cover for outdoor tiered servers. The corners can be weighed down with tiny gift bags filled with sand or the weights used to tether balloons.

To read more about creating this display, click on the link below.

You've probably seen lamps made from all kinds of interesting containers, figurines, pitchers and even teapots, but have you seen one made from what looks like the contents of a china cabinet?

This lamp from Anthropologie is definitely whimsical from it's stacked base to the balancing tea cup on top of the shade. Comes without a shade so you can pick the one that goes with your decor. One with contrast would be my suggestion rather than the one shown-think toile, classic silk in black, red, teal, cinnamon or another accent color.

If this lamp isn't exactly your cup of tea (pun intended), you could make your own from things you have but weren't sure what you would do with them. Read on for instructions on how to make your own lamp base. Click below for more on this lamp and others at Anthropologie.

For those who love a challenge, enjoy being creative, and/or like the idea of repurposing, making your own lamp base may be the perfect summer project.

Objects from flea markets, odds and ends of china like the lamp above, stacked books or sports equipment are some examples of things that can make interesting lamp bases. The key is planning ahead, having your equipment in place and following directions step by step.

Click below for instructions on making a lamp base from About.com.

These cotton linens are perfect for your July 4th entertaining and all through the summer. Paired with red and white stripes, this runner makes a patriotic statement. With white placemats, white dishes and white votive candles, it can be used as a base for a summer evening under the stars centerpiece.

The reversible runner features stars on one side, stripes on the other., giving you even more tablescaping options.

It's machine washable and 90" x 16"; available from Williams-Sonoma.

If you decorate for the 4th of July and have lots of red, white and blue accessories that only come out once a year, consider now how they might be repurposed for Christmas and other times of the year.

Star items are easy enough to repurpose-think garlands, ornaments, and a grouping combined with mixed evergreens, holly and berries. Create an Americana tree with flags, stars, candy canes, drums and miniature Uncle Sam hats with holly and berry embellishments.

Red and white striped runners and placemats are perfect linens for Christmas table settings. Coordinate with any number of prints and plaids to dress up or dress down your tablescape.

As you pack up your 4th of July decorations, keep the repurposing ideas in mind and put those items with the most potential within easy reach. You may want to make notes and tape them to the storage container so that both ideas and items are easily accessible.

Of course, the opposite is also true. The Shooting Star light display shown is from Martha Stewart's ideas online. It's a Christmas display that could be very effective mixed with sparklers or to frame the night sky full of fireworks.

What inspirations will you find when exploring your attic or basement?

A blank expanse of stone, brick or siding on your deck or patio could be enhanced with all-weather outdoor art -if you could display it without ruining the siding.

One solution might be the WeatherPrint Easel. It was designed to display outdoor art, rain or shine and even comes with yard stakes to stabilize it in grassy areas or flower beds.

It's also an innovative way to display art and signs around pools and bath houses, spas and entranceways to parties and events. It could be just the thing to display art on a tub deck in a master bathroom suite or other areas in your home.

Find out more about it by clicking the link below.

Many travelers have fallen in love with paintings from a local artist, hand made pieces of pottery, sculptures, rugs and more only to return home to find that these treasures look out of place. Avoid buyer's remorse by packing a swatch packet of your home's wall colors, fabrics, photos of rooms that could use furnishings, and measurements of floor, wall and display spaces in case that perfect piece appears. Take photos of your item from different angles and inspect the piece for flaws or damage. You'll have proof if the wrong item is sent or in case of shipping damage.

Why not bring home something from this list? You'll have an accent, a remembrance and a maybe a conversation starter.

• Candlesticks-classic shapes that can be dressed up or down
• Serving trays-functional and decorative. Choose with clean lines and minimal ornamentation for versatility
• Boxes and containers ring box size to trunks
• Vases and decorative bowls-for arrangements or as sculptural accents
• Small framed art, decorative plates or platters-use in bookcases or as table top accessories
• Books-interesting reference books, favorite novels or childhood books, coffee table books and those that are or look like family heirlooms
• Linens-tablecloths, napkins and runners in basic colors and simple patterns that will blend with your color palette
• Pillows and throws-think color and texture and don't over do
• Architectural accents-corbels, finials, door locks, keys and door knockers are examples of antique store, fair and flea market finds
• Art glass and ornaments-a little goes a long way with these pieces. Select timeless designs and colors to blend with different decorating styles

You are a shopping marvel and have found THE perfect things during your travels. But how do you get them home?

With the airline restrictions on bags, weight restrictions, surcharges, as well as what can be brought aboard, you may have to forget that set of antique candlesticks, for example. They could be weapons; seriously, they won't let you carry them on. You could be setting yourself up for a bad time at the airport.

Or a tense drive home hoping that nothing breaks. Some stores will ship your purchases for you and though it will add to the cost, it can free you in many ways. If this isn't an option, consider using a shipping service.

You may not realize it but carriers like FedEx offer full service pack and ship services in many of their shipping offices. Checking out your options in advance of your trip can make the sending of any purchases home quick and easy. Click on the link below to read more. Don't let that perfect purchase get away!

We all take photos on our vacations, so why not plan your photo shoots in advance? You'll come home with pictures that can be turned into art for your rooms.

People who scrapbook their photos already know the power of cropped and embellished shots. Even if you aren't interested in getting quite that involved in preserving your photos, you can create a collage on your computer with your digital prints using relatively simple effects found on programs like Microsoft Power Point.

On our recent trip to Charleston, my husband and I went to the Tall Ships Festival where we had the opportunity to go onboard and tour a boat before it started to rain. My husband loves the sea and ships, so I took the usual panoramic shots but also concentrated on the architectural elements of the vessel.

Using Power Point, I grouped the four photos shown and applied a 3D effect to each. The result is a very different "picture" of the boat we toured, a study of some of its equipment and construction .

This idea could be applied to the gardens of the plantation we toured with closeups of the plants or to the restaurants and the food we sampled during the trip. The point is to consider your many options for capturing your vacation. You may find that that the photos may be incorporated into your decor more easily, and be more effective in preserving the memories.

There are many free options for online editing and sharing photos, too. If you haven't tried one, why not do so this summer? Check out Picasa from Google by clicking on the link below.