Upcycled pedestal plate with Diet Coke bottle, Luncheon Party Table and Appetizers

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ItsMyMasterpiece #CollectiveBias #ad

Have you seen the one of a kind designer Diet Coke bottles yet?  They are finally at my frequent shopping spot, Walmart!  I nabbed some for a girly lunch party because I am a total Diet Coke fan and each bottle is one of a kind just like me and my girls.  All those colors and designs make me feel like I’m in a kaleidoscope so that is my theme for the party plus I’ve included an upcycle tutorial using an empty bottle for a quick and easy pedestal display stand to show off our “stick to the New Year’s Resolution” low calorie menu.
 

I put together a diet friendly menu that included a vegie tower, a few baby carrots, tuna salad on deli bread and fruity gelatin desserts.  The decorations are inspired by the Diet Coke bottles – lots of colors!  I had planned an outdoor lunch because we’ve had some absolutely beautiful warm days but I live in Texas where it can be sunny 85° one day and rainy 45° with high winds the next.  On the day of my luncheon it was “the next” [sad face].  I put my big girl panties on and came up with a new plan.  I moved a dark red table from the entry into the brightly lit serving area.  Next I strung some yellow, peach and green toile and dark yellow ribbon on string as a banner backdrop.   I used a mix of colorful salad plates and festive napkins in colors from the Diet Coke 12 oz. It’s Mine glass bottles I found at Walmart. The bottles are just so pretty I had to come up with an upcycle project as a focal piece for the table like a pedestal food plate. And of course we’re drinking straight from those gorgeous bottles of cold Diet Coke.



Since I wanted to use a bottle for my one of a kind pedestal food plate I just had to enjoy a cold Diet Coke the day before.  [smiling as I sit in the yard sipping from a pretty Diet Coke bottle while the sun goes down]  With my empty bottle I started an upcycle project that is easy enough for a beginning crafter but elegant enough to inspire a more experienced crafter.
 

Easy Diet Coke bottle upcycle project instructions:

1. You’ll need a Diet Coke bottle, sturdy glue, plate.
2. Wash out the bottle and let it dry.  (I used a hairdryer to speed drying the bottle inside)
3. Fill the bottle about half full of sand to give it more stability. I made a cone out of a scrap piece of paper to help funnel in the sand.
4. Apply a sturdy glue like Gorilla or E6000 around the bottle lip.
5. With the bottle standing up on a table or counter, place a clear plate on top of the glue area.  I used clear because I wanted to see that fancy designed bottle.
6. Apply a little pressure by placing a couple of books on the plate and let the glue cure according to the directions on the glue package.

How easy is that?  Now all that is left to do is to set up the table, arrange some great looking food and enjoy some girl time. 
 

(P.S. guys like the bottles too, so think about a dinner for two.  Just saying.)

I’m a huge fan of Diet Coke and in love with #ItsMyMasterpiece bottles

 

Bonus:  Make a vegie tower 

Cut a Styrofoam ball in half then use florist sticky stuff or some hot glue to secure it to the center of your elevated plate.  Cover the ball with fresh lettuce or spinach from the produce isle in the grocery.  I broke some toothpicks in half and punched them through the lettuce to keep it in place.  Now, use toothpicks or skewers to spear some vegies- leaving about an inch exposed at the tip to stick into the Styrofoam (through the lettuce).  I love all kinds of vegie combos but the caprice combo is a favorite.  Skewer an olive, fresh basil leaf around a cherry tomato, and cube of mozzarella. Drizzle with Balsamic Vinaigrette.  Fill in with some skewered olives.  This one is for a small luncheon, you could make a dynamic display with a taller cone shaped Styrofoam base for a larger group.
I am so excited about how the upcycle turned out  I posted a photo in the Share Your Masterpiece movement featured on the Coca-Cola sharerefreshingideas.com website.  I hope you’ll participate by uploading a photo of how you upcycle those lovely one of a kind bottles too.  I can’t wait to see your creation. 



Look for the new Diet Coke Kaleidoscope bottles at your Walmart.  Here’s a picture to help you spot them as easily as I did in the soda isle.

Upcycled antiques and display ideas

Hubs and I have going to auctions on our retirement “to do” list.  The first couple years we spent all our time renovating and preparing to sell our home of over 45 years and have been busy renovating our current home.  We are finally at a point we can enjoy going and doing some things on that list.  DIL brought by an auction notice that was only 15 miles away.  The description looked intriguing so we headed over to the neighboring town to check it out.  The upcycled projects and display ideas were worth the trip!

DIY table refinished

I've had this little side table for a long time.  The finish was overdue some attention.  With the completion of the guest bath [visit the One Year Project page] and my new found color for the cabinetry, I sanded and stained the table to match.  Oh my goodness... it is amazing what a little attention makes!


the before and after

Tools needed: 
 Minwax Poly Shades Stain & Polyurethan 1 step (I bought mine at Home Depot)
2 sheets Sandpaper in a rough grit and a fine grit.
Cotton rags (I used old bath towels)
Good quality paint brush

First the table was sanded with a rough 80 grit sandpaper to remove the little finish that was on it.  Second a finer grit 220 sandpaper was used to give a smooth, fine finish.
Once I was happy with the sanding, which on this little table took about 2 hours, I dusted and wiped it down to ensure no sandy grit was left on the table.
Next I used Minwax Poly Shades Stain & Polyurethane in 1 step to paint on a light even coat.  The color in this project is Espresso Satin.  Wait 6 hours before applying the second coat.  The deep brown finish is perfect with only 2 coats and a second 6 hour drying time wait.  I replaced the silver knob that came with it and moved it indoors. This was not a hard project and I would recommend any ammeture to go with it!  Skill level on a 1-10 scale... about a 3. 

Check out the rest of the bathroom remodel project. http://forwhatitsworth-jeannie.blogspot.com/p/one-year-project.html