Looking for something fun to make a cake-or any dessert-something special? Try a miniature Cake Candelabra.

Scaled to accommodate regular cake candles, this unexpected cake topper will be sure to surprise guests and possibly divert them from counting the number of candles.

I ordered one to have on hand for an upcoming shower, birthday and anniversary. I may embellish it a little or leave as is, depending on the rest of the decorations and the dessert.

Slice of Tuxedo Mousse Cake anyone?

People tell me all the time that they love the entertaining ideas I share each month but that they have no time, energy, confidence or enough of a budget to make their house look perfect or provide enough food and drink for their guests.

The ideas I give you can be customized to fit nearly any budget, energy level or time frame. The confidence comes with accomplishing the steps and jumping right into the adventure. You learn with each gathering and gradually develop your own style. Trial and error will tell you whether you and your friends enjoy one type of party over another. Experimenting and developing your creativity are all part of the fun.

A relatively simple party is the Fiesta, perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5 or for any time this spring or summer. It can be an indoor or outdoor event held during the day or night, a brunch, a large gathering or a small dinner or tasting party.

Do ahead dishes make any party easier and a self serve brunch, luncheon or dinner buffet can work well for this gathering. You can make the recipes yourself, have it catered, ask guests to bring their favorite dishes or any combination that fits your lifestyle, budget and comfort level. You don't have to be a fan of Mexican food to have a Fiesta. Make it a cook out and incorporate the foods that you and your guests enjoy cooking and eating. Do try to incorporate something of the cuisine just for fun. (See below for ideas).

Don't forget music! You aren't locked into Mariachi bands for hours. Try a mix of Latin vocals and instrumentals geared to the tone you want to set. Check out Latin dance music as well-especially if you are a fan of Dancing With the Stars.

As for having your house in perfect order, it's easier to begin straightening your home well in advance of your date so that you don't stress or wear yourself out. Set your table days to even a week before your party so that you can enjoy it long before you guests are due to arrive. If you want to protect it from little hands, pets or dust, cover it with a sheet and add fresh flowers or any delicate decorations the day of the party.

To inspire you, I've created a Pinterest board of ideas for decorations and recipes and will be adding to it throughout the summer. Please click on the link below and as always, I appreciate hearing from you about the ideas shared.

When you build a deck (or have one built for you), you tend to have confidence in a name brand product and/or the reputation of the company who sells it.

When a problem comes up, you expect that the warranty will be honored and that the company will stand behind its work. Warranties are in force as long as the company states or as long as the company is in business. If another company acquires the company or the division that manufactures your particular product, the warranty may not be honored. The way the warranty is written may leave you little or no legal recourse, or the time and expense of legal options might get you very little in return.

If your contractor or installer is not certified or recommended by the manufacturer (or seller), it may not stand behind any defects in the product and blame the installer. If your installer/contractor should retire or go out of business, you may have have no recourse.

If you buy a product to save money and hire a contractor to do the installation, you could be placed in the middle with the contractor blaming the manufacturer and the manufacturer blaming the way it was installed.

If you are considering any project that will depend on a manufactured product as well as installation skills, keep these examples in mind. Using a contractor who is recommended by the manufacturer or the company who sells the product, even if it costs a bit more, may be worth it. The contractor will be familiar with the product and will install it properly, but like everything else, it's not a guarantee. Get everything in writing. Ask questions. Get recent references and call them to find out what others have experienced. Do your homeowork-it can be time well spent.

Spring means warming days and cool nights. Spring showers leading to May flowers can mean rainy days perfect for curling up with a good book or to watch a video. What better weather than this to have a soft, lighter weight throw?

One of these throws from West Elm can be a practical and colorful accent for a comfortable chair or draped on a bed with a decorative pillow or two. You can even take it outside with you to enjoy a cool evening on the patio or deck, too.

Prices for throws will often be lower this time of year. (Currently this style is on sale.) Throws are a staple item so if you don't find one now, no doubt the perfect one will be in stores in time for the waning days of summer and the cooler fall nights.

Outdoor living has been evolving for many years, but recent technology has made it easier and more comfortable to take advantage of a home's outdoor spaces.

Skipping the annual vacation was once only a time/budget necessity. Now "Staycations" can be a welcome alternative to the hassles of travel. Technology, necessity and choice combined to give homeowners the opportunity to create their own outdoor oasis; a place to escape the 9-5 routine just by stepping out of their back door.

Outdoor cooking and dining has become more convenient. Grill units come in sizes to fit even small spaces with easy care finishes. Features can allow multiple foods to cook with less time hovering over the heat.

Outdoor lighting styles look and function more like indoor lighting, extending the time that can be spent outside.

Furniture style options have increased and quality has greatly improved, resulting in pieces that not only look and are as comfortable as indoor furniture, but can be even easier to care for in season and out.

Storage, once a drawback to equipping outdoor rooms, can be accomplished with the use of heavy duty covers and decorative outdoor storage structures, bins, containers and trunks that look like wood, wicker, stone and more.

Some pieces are so stylish and comfortable you may want to bring them inside at the end of the season, allowing them to do double duty and eliminate storage issues. Chairs, ottomans, coffee tables and lamps can find homes in various rooms. Outdoor rugs may be perfect in the kitchen, family room or bath. Many outdoor pillow fabrics feel just like indoor fabrics and have the benefit of being easy care. You may find that you prefer them over your old pillows.

Let this be the year you take advantage of all of the space your home encompasses, both indoors and out. If you thought you would never be as comfortable outdoors as you are inside, think again. It can be accomplished affordably and in increments to make your transition grow with your needs.

For inspiration for your outdoor rooms, please click below to view a collection of ideas on my Pinterest board for outdoor living, gardening and entertaining.

...that my redesign consultations cover more than how to arrange furniture, accessories and art.

...that color consultations cover more than the selection of a room's wall color?

...that I can not only tell you how, but but also show you how to revamp your furniture, art and accessories on the spot?

...that I can help you make informed choices when picking tiles, countertops, finishes and other items when you remodel?

...that one of the perks I offer my clients is the ability to virtual shop with me from the comfort of their home?

...that when we shop together, whether virtually or locally, it comes with design tips and information you can use to be more confident in your choices, now and in the future? It's like taking Decorating 101!

...that Interior Redesigns aren't always about re-doing entire rooms and they aren't major upheavals in a household.

My consultations are chock full of information you can use right away. The result is easy to live with changes that can jump-start your decorating projects while stretching your decorating budget..

Are you ready for redesign, staging and decorating help? Contact me and we can talk about your ideas and needs. Call me at 703-689-9886 or click on the link below to email me. Let's get started!