Add New Twist To Old Tablecloth

To turn an ordinary party into something more unusual, "Wickedly Perfect" winner Kimberly Kennedy visits The Early Show with craft ideas and a recipe for her signature cocktail: Bloody Mary with a twist.

Try the following instructions to decorate a salad plate and add special borders to an ordinary tablecloth.

Salad Plate

"The concept is simple," says Kennedy. "Using an inexpensive glass salad plate, (found at discount stores for as little as 50 cents apiece) you can adhere any image you desire to the back of the plate using cling vinyl. The cling vinyl is invisible to the eye and unrecognizable to touch. Only you will know how the image got onto the plate. The best part is you can change the look for different parties without spending extra money!

To make each decorator salad plate you will need:
1/2 of a sheet of cling vinyl (available at fine art, craft, and some office-supply stores)
Pen
Scissors
Clip art image or any attractive print that fits inside the edges of the base of the plate.
Inexpensive glass plate

1. Draw a circle the size of the base of your plate on the cling vinyl's paper backing.
2. Cut out the circle and set aside.
3. Using a computer or photocopier, create an image on paper that fits within the boundaries of the base of the plate.
   
4. Trim excess paper around the image, leaving only the image itself.
5. With the plate turned upside down, place the image face down in the center of the base of the plate.
6. Remove the paper backing from the cling vinyl and center it on the base of the plate.
7. Smooth the vinyl with fingertips to remove air bubbles.
8. Flip plate over and check for areas that need extra smoothing.

Because cling vinyl does not use adhesives or glue, it can be used over and over again. If the vinyl becomes soiled, simply wash with warm water and soap, rinse, and air-dry.

Click on page 2 to get more craft ideas and cocktail recipe
Tablecloth:

Says Kennedy, "Instead of purchasing new tablecloths for different party looks or color schemes, I use a transitional tablecloth that allows me to attach different borders to the bottom of one neutral tablecloth. This project is also easy and inexpensive, and your decorating options are virtually endless. For an added punch of color, consider using some of the same fabric used in your decorator border for a table topper."

To make a transitional tablecloth you will need:
Inexpensive store bought tablecloth (mine was 60x104 inches)
9 1/2 yards* of Velcro (either adhesive backed or sew-on will do)
9 1/2 yards* of decorative trim or homemade decorator border (see Note bellow)
*Depending on the size of your tablecloth, the required yardage is determined by the entire length of the tablecloth's hem.

1. Either sew or attach Velcro with adhesive backing to entire length of the bottom hem of the tablecloth.
2. Take decorative trim or border and attach the other piece of Velcro with a sewing machine or with adhesive backing to its backside.
3. Attach trim or border to bottom of tablecloth.

1. Determine the desired width for the overall border and cut fabric to that width plus 3/4 inch extra for seam allowances.
2. Determine the length of each side of your tablecloth and add the lengths together. This is how long your border needs to be. My finished panel was 12 inches wide and 9 1/2 yards long.
3. Either sew hem around all edges of fabric, or use stitch witchery and an iron to finish the fabric edges.
4. Embellish your decorative border as desired.
5. Attach the other piece of Velcro to the backside of the border's top hem.
6. Attach decorative border to bottom of tablecloth.

• Instead of using a floral centerpiece, use other elements to pull in a dinner theme.
• Have wooden pedestal name place cards
• Homemade cocktail picks and martini skewers

Kennedy explains, "A signature cocktail can add a distinctive touch to any party, especially when it ties in with the overall theme of your event. Serving a drink that people have not tried before adds an element of fun and surprise and can really give your party an air of celebration. When selecting your specialty drink, choose something that's not too sweet, not too sour, and not an overly strong mixed drink. Also, remember to consider the season and choose something appropriate for that time of year.

For my party, I wanted something refreshing, coral in color, and a little sophisticated."

Coral Jane

This cocktail is a refreshing twist on the Bloody Mary. It is not as spicy or salty, and the orange juice adds a little citrus fun.

16 oz tomato juice
16 oz orange juice
2 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
4 oz tequila or vodka
1 tsp Worcestershire
Salt and pepper totaste
Tabasco to taste
Garnish with skewered olive or slice of lime