It may only be mid-winter for us Canadians (it’s true, things really don’t get comfortable until May), but my mind has been on spring/summer patio entertaining for ooooh, about a month now. Sometimes I catch myself staring longingly at my snow-filled backyard willing the sun to shine, the snow to melt, and the barbecue to fire itself up for a summer fiesta. In anticipation of those warm lingering nights sitting at our backyard table with good wine and good friends, I have decided to occupy myself with a few DIY party projects to prep for patio season. It all begins with these easy-as-pie glitter votives.

You’ll need:

• plain glass votives (any shape is fine, but a straight cylinder is easiest to work with)
• a shallow dish
• Mod Podge (mine is homemade, just mix 1/2 white glue and 1/2 water in a jar)
• a small paint brush
• glitter in any colour
• masking tape

Step one: tape off the top half of the votive, being careful to secure the seal to keep glue out.

Step Two: brush glue over exposed lower half of the votive.

Step three: place glitter in shallow dish and roll votive around until completely covered. Be careful not to put too much pressure while rolling or it will create bald spots.

Step four: remove masking tape and tap off any excess glitter. Drop tea light candles inside, and voila!

xo Ali