When I first told my sister that I wanted to throw her baby shower, I knew I not only wanted to create a fun party atmosphere, but I wanted the guests to feel like they were part of something beautiful and special.
In a non-COVID world, we like to host friends and family more often, so I thought a fun way to welcome our guests would be with a glass of champagne. I drafted a sketch of what it would look like, figured out the dimensions for each piece and the supplies I needed to purchase. Then, off I went!
My 7 year old son, Pierson, snapped this picture of me in my GAP overalls from 1998 just as I started the project. He was so proud capturing me in an angle, too!
I pre-purchased the plastic gold glitter champagne flutes from Amazon to help gauge the distance between each individual flute, the height between each horizontal board and the diameter for each hole. Then, let the marking begin!
I don't have a lot of tools in my garage, but luckily I had a drill bit that was wide enough to create the holes for the base of the flutes to rest on. I'm not going to lie, this part was the most tedious and tiresome. I had to put my whole weight into the boards to create each hole.
Once the drill bit went through the board, it didn't always create a smooth hole. I had to go back and forth with the drill bit and use sandpaper to smooth out the splintered wood.
Next, I took what I think is called a circular saw (you can saw it on the garage floor in the background) and I had to cut lines leading directly into the circle.
Since it could only reach so far (see the first hole in the image above), I then had to use a power saw to cut the rectangle piece out in order for the flute to slide back into the hole.
Before using the always handy staple gun to secure the boxwood squares (purchased off Amazon), I nailed two 2x6 boards to each side of the board. I will later use that to build out the bottom support brackets (aka the legs).
Looking back, I should have spray painted the board green before applying the boxwood. It isn't a must, but I think it hides and blends the natural wood from peeking through. Just a suggestion if you're a perfectionist like me!
Do not stretch the boxwood squares which will show gaps and the bare wood. Keep it fluffy and full.
You will DEFINITELY need a second person to help with the next task.
Stand the board back up and use a leveler to ensure your horizontal boards for the glasses are straight. Then, determine the spacing you need in between all the boards to make sure the glasses will fit when stacked.
While the second person is holding the main board upright AND holding the horizontal board in the correct position (that is not a simple task to ask someone to do, btw), go on the back side and screw in a few screws to secure the horizontal board.
I don't have an image for the final step, adding the "legs" to help stabilize the board; however, it's a quick and simple task.
I added a 2x3" board on the inside of the side board to create a "L" shape. CAUTION/NOTE: Adding the bottom board to create the "L" (the legs) will NOT stabilize the champagne wall. You must add some sort of weight such as sandbags to keep the wall from falling. I didn't have time to purchase sandbags, so I used 25lb dumb bells to secure it.
OPTIONAL: Add a pretty floral to the top and ta-da!
Now with Thanksgiving around the corner, I have another reason to use it!
