Mary Engelbreit Home Companion
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fan-tasia
(g) Each guest gets a fan for keeps. Simply cut out cardstock in an arc and glue on Asian newspaper. Adorn with die-cut flowers. Glue chopsticks so that they crisscross at the base. Decorative papers, Paper Source.

cool cuts
We made all the snappy flowers that decorate the table runner, napkin bands, luminaries, fan, and popcorn bags using the Ellison Big Shot die-cut machine. Some of the flowers are actually four to five layers of paper sewn together and bent upward for a 3-D effect. (h) For safety’s sake, use battery-operated lights instead of candles for luminaries. All decorative papers, Paper Source. (i) Tote, Gecko Traders.


patriotic pointers
1 For the projects, we mixed and matched a variety of papers: blue and red, brown kraft, and Asian newsprint (found at bookstores and global markets).
2 No two napkin bands or dessert bags are exactly the same. They’re made from a pastiche of papers, some with shapes cut out for a see-through effect. For best results, use a spray adhesive rather than glue.
3 Spray-mount decorative papers on cardstock before machine stitching.
4 Using a sewing machine, embellish the table runner with flowers and decorative stitches. Keep kraft paper on its tube, and roll paper out as needed. Adjust the machine’s tension to prevent tearing.

grand finale
(j) Adorned with paper scraps and lined with plastic, brown lunch bags become festive popcorn totes to take along to a concert or fireworks. (k) Quilts, pillows, Kerry Cassill. (l) You don’t have to drink sake. California winemaker Emmanuel Kemiji (at left) supplied his all-American selections from Miura Vineyards. He recommends Pinot Noir with savory meat sushi like the Cowboy Roll. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with veggie rolls. Lobster-based rolls are ideal with a sparkling wine.

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