Home Decorating and Entertaining Tips

Decorative Fall Touches for the Home

2011-10-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

When summer is over, autumn fills the air and the landscape changes colors. Bringing this magic inside a home sets the stage for upcoming holidays and is easy to do!

As the autumn air becomes crisp, the scenery outside reveals nature’s hues of greens, oranges, browns and gold, and keeping stride with the changing seasons makes a home warm and inviting. Autumn brings to mind bare tree branches, fallen leaves, golden hues, and natural textures, so investing in a few pieces of seasonal decor that reflect those images will bring autumn inside. It’s not necessary to completely redecorate, but adding a bit of autumn-inspired decor will create seasonal ambiance. Here are decorating ideas that will keep a home in-sync with the season.

Add Autumn to the Table: Tablecloths, Table Runners, Napkins and Centerpiece

Changing out table linens is an easy way to reflect the changing season. Cooler Fall weather means bowls of steamy soup, baked breads and goodies, and harvest skies. Tablecloths, runners and napkins can evoke those feelings, by using fall colored prints or solids, or nubby, natural textures. The look can be a mix of autumn colors for a casual look, or coordinated hues for a more formal one, and the change can be subtle or bold.

Baskets, glass vases or harvest designed bowls can be used to create a natural centerpiece. The centerpiece could be:

An amber, crock-shaped bowl filled with pine cones or oranges.
Multiple glass vases of different heights and shapes, filled with acorns, pumpkins pods or pumpkin seeds.
Glass vessels filled with pillar candles surrounded by cranberries or coffee beans.
Eucalyptus or dried flowers arranged in a round, rustic basket.
A square basket filled with an autumn-colorful liner, filled with different shapes of bread loaves.(The loaves can be dried and coated with varnish or a sealer so they’ll last through the season.)

Continue reading "Decorative Fall Touches for the Home"

Cabin Details

2011-10-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Do you have a cabin that you want to make into the perfect retreat? For inspirational pictures and ideas from Southern Living click this link: Southern Living "Cabin Details"

Easy Decorating Ideas for New Year's Eve

2011-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of JY Cleaver/ morguefiel.com

Ring in the New Year with Quick, Glitzy Party Decor!

As soon as Christmas is over, the focus becomes the New Year's celebration with only a week to decorate! How can a host or hostess do it? To speed up the preparation for the New Year's Eve party, use the

Christmas decor as a base, but not all of it. Pull out the storage boxes and pack up part of your Christmas decor, re-working the rest.

What to clear away for the New Year's Eve Celebration:

Pack up the "aw factor" to make room for the "wow factor"; switch out the nostalgia of Christmas for those decorative items that reflect the beginning of a prosperous new year! (Be sure to click the link below to see the slideshow!

Pack up:
-All things Santa, Frosty, and Reindeer
-Cutesy kid's decorations and ornaments.
-Rainbow colored lights
-Christmas serving pieces with Christmas scenes, etc.
-Real candles
What to keep out for the New Year's Festivities:

There are many decorative items already on display that will work perfect for the glitz and glamor expected for a New Year's celebration. Keep out the:

-Christmas tree
-Mistletoe and poinsettias
-White lights
-Battery-operated candles
-All metallic ornaments and decor (silver, gold, copper)
-All neutral Christmas decor (Peacock plumes, icicles, snowflakes, etc)
-All non-traditional colored Christmas items (turquoise, purple, blue)
-Crystal, glass and silver serving pieces
-Berry and crystal garlands

Modify for the New Year's Celebration:

Now the decorating begins! Using the items that remain, modify the decor into an explosion of New Year's fun!

1. Starting with the tree, keep the white lights, shiny metallic, glass and non-traditional colored ornaments. Add to it some or all of the following:

(Continue reading here: "Easy Decorating Ideas for New Year's Eve")

How to Fold Napkins

2010-11-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how to fold napkins like they do in the fancy restaurants? Watch and then get the kids busy doing it for you before guests arrive!

Setting Your Buffet Tables

2010-11-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

I found this video that has some great ideas for setting that holiday buffet table!

Setting up a Bachelor's Kitchen

2010-05-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

(Image courtesy of Ingaversson/wikimedia commons)

Unless a guy plans on eating out every day of the week, he needs some core kitchen items. And the ladies agree, there's nothing sexier than a man who cooks!

Bachelors run the gamut, from GQ Pretty Boys with penthouse flats to Macho Dudes with a bench press in his living room. But the longer they are single, the less they will want to use their Swiss Army knife for everything and will realize there are some essential kitchen items they need. Both the store-front and online retailers are set up with testosterone-driven customers in mind, and they offer many options that negate the need for guys to own anything covered in flowers or cute little hearts.

Setting the Bachelor’s Table

Before a Bachelor invites his lady over for their first romantic dinner at his place, he must realize that paper or plastic is an absolute no-no when he wants to create romantic ambiance. He must invest in these basics:
Continue reading here: "Setting up a Bachelor's Kitchen"

Single guys, also check out "The Bachelor's Wife Blog" for more advice.

Decorate a Mardi Gras party with Bling!

2010-01-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Image in Public Domain/wikimedia commons

While the Mardi Gras parties are typically held between February 3 and March 9th, the actual Mardi gras celebration begins on January 6th! As outlined in the article, "What is Mardi Gras?", January 6th is referred to as “Twelfth Night” marking the start of the celebration which "ends midnight the day before Ash Wednesday, known as “Fat Tuesday”, (literal translation of the French term Mardi Gras). The purpose of Mardi Gras was to get the partying out so lent could begin!"

Mardi Gras is a fun party theme which reflects colorful and lively decorations. Here are the elements of Mardi Gras to incorporate in to the party theme and in decorating to create the right ambiance.

Mardi Gras party elements

Parades - Picture lavishly decorated floats traveling down Bourbon Street or in Rio deJaniero!
Costumes - Dress is elaborate, provocative and over the top!
Beads - Beads are handed out or thrown in payment of outrageous behavior!
Masks - Mardi Gras masks are adorned with bling: feathers, sequins, glitter and beads.

Read the entire article here: "Decorate a Mardi Gras party with bling!"

Phoenix Homeowners ask "Why don't they"......

2010-01-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of beglib/morguefile.com

Everyone has been there. Asking themselves and others why don't "they" invent this, have this or do that. It's so obvious what should be done, isn't it? Probably these questions are asked most often about things in the home, to include home design, maintenance, decor, and furniture. For instance, why don't they have that little hole in the vanity where tissues can be tossed like in the restaurants?

Phoenix residents have their special questions, because of the fact that Phoenix residents enjoy the casual lifestyle of the Southwest and enjoy an abundance of sunshine in the "Valley of the Sun". As well, even though the Phoenix metropolitan area is a melting pot of cultures and one of the largest cities in the country, the influence of its western past can't be ignored. Cowboys really do roam the city in boots! So what "Why don't they" questions do Phoenicians ask when it comes to their living spaces?

To see the list of questions and related slide show, continue reading "Phoenix Homeowners ask "Why don't they....."

Home and Garden Home Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds

2010-01-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

Got a home project in the near term? Well, you're in luck, because It's that time again! The Home and Garden Show at the Arizona Fairgrounds will be open to the public this week!

When: January 15, 16 and 17th
Hours: Friday & Saturday 10am to 7pm - Sunday 10am to 5pm

For more information continue reading here

Easy Decorating for New Year's Eve 2010

2009-12-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

As soon as Christmas is over, the focus becomes the New Year's celebration with only a week to decorate! How can a host or hostess do it? To speed up the preparation for the New Year's Eve party, use the Christmas decor as a base, but not all of it. Pull out the storage boxes and pack up part of your Christmas decor, re-working the rest.

What to clear away for the New Year's Eve Celebration

Pack up the "aw factor" to make room for the "wow factor"; switch out the nostalgia of Christmas for those decorative items that reflect the beginning of a prosperous new year!
Pack up:

All things Santa, Frosty, and Reindeer
Cutesy kid's decorations and ornaments.
Rainbow colored lights
Christmas serving pieces with Christmas scenes, etc.
Real candles

What to keep out for the New Year's Festivities

There are many decorative items already on display that will work perfect for the glitz and glamor expected for a New Year's celebration. Keep out the:

Continue reading, "Easy Decorating for New Year's Eve 2010"

Decorating with Doors

2009-12-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

Doors can be more than just the entry to a home. They can also be used as decorative elements inside the home, especially if the door has interesting carvings and some character.

The price of a used door spans a wide range, depending on the type of door, its antique appeal, and origin. A standard six panel door from a warehouse store will be less expensive than an antique Moroccan Moorish Carved Door, so it's important to establish realistic expectations when shopping for a door.

How to reuse doors as home decor
The dimensions of most entry doors provides a generous amount of design material, and can be re-purposed to make beautiful interior decor in many ways.

Continue reading "Decorating with Doors"

Tend to your home's flooring in 2010

2009-12-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Flooring is a huge component to your home's architecture as well as its aesthetic appeal. On an annual basis, it is recommended to take stock of its condition and either clean or replace it. Make it your 2010 New Year's resolution to tend to whatever your home's flooring needs are.

Fix flooring flaws

Carpeting and rugs - Rugs and carpet takes a beating. Do your rugs have edges that are frayed or have they shrunk into a twisted, puckered square of fabric? Is your area rug or carpet stained and in need of a cleaning? Since flooring covers such a large part of the home, keeping it in good condition will go a long way in making a home appealing.

Read entire article, "Tend to your home's flooring in 2010"

Change your home's air filters regularly in 2010!

2009-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Changing your home's air filters is important to any homeowner, but is especially important if you live in the Phoenix Valley of the Sun where the temperatures soar during the summer months! Make it your 2010 New Year's resolution to establish a regular schedule to change the air filters in your home!

Why is it important to change the air filter in Phoenix?

Dirty air filters are a definite distraction from a well appointed home. It doesn't make sense to spend money on wall paint, plantation shutters and expensive Southwestern art work if a dust-filled air filter sits above it all in your Phoenix home.(Read entire article here.)

Homemade Christmas tabletop topiaries

2009-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Topiaries are a nice way to dress up a tabletop for the Christmas holidays, and making them is relatively simple and fun to do. (Be sure to watch the slide show at the end of this article.)
Basic materials needed to create a holiday topiary:

A pot or small urn
Twigs (trunk for a round topiary)
4 - 5 inch Styrofoam balls
or 10-12 inch cone
Florist Clay or foam
Toothpicks, ball head pins, glue (Styrofoam or hot glue gun)
Decorative material to cover Styrofoam (see ideas below)

Read full article, "Homemade Christmas tabletop topiaries"

Setting up a vacation home

2009-12-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

When someone buys a cabin, beach cottage or other vacation home, they are looking for a place to which they can regularly escape the pressures of their everyday life. They are looking for that get-away retreat where they can reconnect with their spouse, family or just be by themselves. Their vacation home might be in the mountains, by the ocean, in some sunny desert climate, or even a tropical paradise.

A Vacation Home Should be a Retreat

Once someone has invested in a vacation get-away, they've taken a giant step toward putting balance back into their lives and they should be congratulated! Their next step is to get that vacation home in order so they can make an escape for a weekend.

Read full article: "Setting up a vacation home"

Christmas holiday guide 2009

2009-12-05T23:42:00.001-08:00

by Jan Peterson

The holidays can get crazy. Everyone has too much to do in too little time; too much to buy with too little cash in a tight economy. There are parties to plan, family schedules to coordinate, a house to decorate, inside and out. The list goes on and on. But don’t despair, this recap of ideas and resources will help ease some of the pain and bring 'Merry' back into Merry Christmas.

Decorating the tree this holiday season
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of every home during the holidays. For ideas to add more “unique” to your Christmas tree, read “Unique Christmas tree decorating themes” and learn how to create an Angelic or Rustic tree, or create salt dough ornaments.

Decorating inside your home
Creating a magical home during the holidays is fun but sometimes stressful. For stress-reducing decorating ideas for the home that are a snap, read “Christmas home decorating made simple" and “Ten creative Christmas candle decorating ideas”. If guests will be visiting for the holidays, “Christmas Bedding on a Budget" will provide ideas for finding bedding that will help create a guest room they’ll never want to leave! For great ideas for the font door, view the slide show in the article, "Christmas wreath ideas".

Keep reading the Christmas Holiday Guide 2009 here.

Decorating a teen's room with removable wall decals

2009-12-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

By Jan Peterson

A cool new product for a teen's room is removable wall decals and graphics. The decals are vinyl, can be used on almost any surface, and repositioned at any time without damage to the wall Since the decals aren't permanent, they are great for a teenager whose parents are renting, or for jazzing up a dorm room.

Online stores that sell removable wall decal products

The wall decals are available through several companies and come in a variety of designs, guaranteed to fit any teenager's style.

The Wall Slicks website has wall decal graphics that come in over 100 patterns including damask, paisley, butterflies, polka dots, skate half-pipes and more. A teen can add a 4-foot tall Eiffel Tower to their wall for $48.00 or create a cool graffiti wall for $25.00 to $250 depending on how crazy they want to get!

Continue reading "Decorating a teen's room with removable wall decals" here.

Christmas holiday guide 2009

2009-12-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson
(Image by Caz1958/morguefile.com)

The holidays can get crazy. Everyone has too much to do in too little time; too much to buy with too little cash in a tight economy. There are parties to plan, family schedules to coordinate, a house to decorate, inside and out. The list goes on and on. But don’t despair, this recap of ideas and resources will help ease some of the pain and bring 'Merry' back into Merry Christmas.

Decorating the tree this holiday season
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of every home during the holidays. For ideas to add more “unique” to your Christmas tree, read “Unique Christmas tree decorating themes” and learn how to create an Angelic or Rustic tree, or create salt dough ornaments.

Decorating inside your home
Creating a magical home during the holidays is fun but sometimes stressful. For stress-reducing decorating ideas for the home that are a snap, read “Christmas home decorating made simple" and “Ten creative Christmas candle decorating ideas”.

Continue reading Christmas holiday guide 2009 here.

Christmas shops and lighting decorators in Phoenix

2009-11-29T22:19:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson

Image courtesy of Mike Spasoff/wikimedia commons

Looking for that perfect decorator item or trinket for Christmas? How about a decorating company who will plan a light show for the front yard or just hang those twenty plus strands of Christmas lights? Here's a resource list of Christmas businesses that specialize in the holiday season and its nuances.

Christmas Specialty Stores

While there are plenty of retailers who dedicate a section of their stores to Christmas holiday decorating, the following stores specialize in the season and stock more items.

Christmas Cottage

5742 W Palmaire Ave
Glendale, AZ
623-937-4266

The Christmas Cottage is located in the downtown Glendale Catlin Court shopping area. Their website describes their shop as "Where it’s Christmas in the desert every day of the year, bringing you the finest in holiday ornaments and collectibles".

A Mad Hatter's Antiques & Collectibles

5734 W. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85301
Email Us: info@amadhatters.com
(623) 931-1991 | (866) 931-1991 (toll-free)

A Mad Hatter's is located in historic downtown Glendale, specializing in collectible and antiques that fill their 20,000 sf shop. They also sell Christmas ornaments and decorations year-round.

See the complete guide here.

Ten creative Christmas candle decorating ideas

2009-11-29T22:14:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson

Image courtesy of richcd/morguefile.com

Candles illuminate life year-round with an ambient glow, but their light is especially magical during the Christmas holiday season. Using candles to decorate during the holidays is an easy way to add holiday spirit, illuminate a corner of a room or just ignite seasonal romance. Here are ten ways to add that Christmas holiday glow to any home!

1. Votives en masse – Buy a dozen or so votive candle holders of uniform size and color, fill with scented votive candles and encircle a table centerpiece, or line up on a mantle or bookshelf atop a strip of wide Christmas ribbon.

2. Mason jar illumination – Mason jars make great nostalgic candle holders. Fill the bottom with fresh cranberries or coffee beans and place a white vanilla candle in each jar. Tie a holiday ribbon around the neck of each jar and voila!..low cost holiday ambiance! A wire can be wound around the neck of the jar for easy hanging.

Continue reading article here.

Candle care tips during the holidays

2009-11-29T22:09:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson

Image courtesy of dieraecherin/morguefile.com

When decorating a home, candles create a magical glow and relaxing atmosphere. especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. Here are a few tips to help them burn safely, cleaner and longer during the family festivities!
Candle storage

Store candles out of direct sunlight to preserve their color. A cool, dark spot is best, such as a closet, drawer or kitchen cabinet. A refrigerator is not advised for storage, as the cold atmosphere can crack the candle and cause it to burn poorly. However, placing the candle in the refrigerator for a short time before using will allow for a slower burn.

Continue article here.

Christmas bedding bargains

2009-11-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson

It’s nice to bring the holiday spirit into the home with more than just a Christmas tree and a wreath. Now’s the time to start shopping for those perfect touches for your home and scoring that great bargain while doing so! Bedrooms are easy to decorate so that they reflect the holidays and there are many places to find bedding and blankets that would make a thrifty Santa smile!

Christmas Bedding at BrylaneHome.com

Brylane Home offers great deals on bedding and home décor year round. During each holiday season they showcase bedding to match the season. For Christmas they have Poinsettias, Santas, and Christmas tree prints in quilts or complete bedding sets that include a comforter, bedskirt and shams. Costs range from $49.99 to $69.99, depending on the size of the bed or. They also have microfleece bedding in holiday reds and greens, and cozy, flannel sheet sets in Christmas solid colors or a cute penguin design for $19.99 to $43.00. They also sell cute 50” x 60”Christmas throws covered in Reindeer, Teddy bears or Snowmen for $19.99.

How to decorate a teenager's room on a budget

2009-11-23T21:13:00.000-08:00

by Jan Peterson

Decorating a teen's room is fun and challenging all at the same time. A teenager's room is multi-functional, so it needs to be a sleep space, play space and entertainment central. But most importantly, it has to look cool!

Inventory the teen's room

Yes, decorating a teen's room can get those cash registers ringing! But before pulling out that charge card and running it sky high, a parent and their teen should determine together four things:
nt and their teen should determine together four things:

The look they want to achieve, and the budget of the project.
The items in the teen's room that will still work in the new theme or can be re-purposed to do so.
The big items that are absolutely necessary or "must haves".
The decorative items that would add the most punch for the money.

Find a Stylish Teen Inspiration Room

PB Teen is a great online store to buy cool teen decor, but is somewhat pricey if decorating on a tight budget. However, They have great examples of rooms (click on "shop rooms") put together with their merchandise which can be used as an inspiration room when shopping for thriftier items. Pick a room, such as their "Flower Pop Stuff-Your-Stuff Bedroom" and focus on the primary elements:

Continue reading article here.

Unique Christmas tree decorating themes

2009-11-23T21:08:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of Elbeth00001939/morguefile

by Jan Peterson

It’s almost time to pull down those boxes of Christmas ornaments, lights and trinkets and put up the tree! If this year begs for a new look instead of all those worn out glass bulbs and ages old school-made memories, how about a new, fun theme? A themed tree can be as casual or formal as the family or event dictates. Here are a few ideas.

Angelic Christmas Tree Theme – Cover the tree in Angels and Heavenly decorations for a warm and comforting designer look. Ideas here: "Angelic Christmas tree theme".

Hand Crafted Christmas Trees – Hand crafted decorations add a personal touch that many families crave during the holidays. Continue reading article here.

Holiday Seating Tips

2009-11-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of Phaewilk/morguefile

by Jan Peterson

One challenge for Thanksgiving Day is where to sit the entire family. Gathering the group to one common area is an important aspect of this day; bringing everyone eye to eye to reconnect on many levels. There aren't many dining tables long enough to hold a large family, even with a leaf or two. TV trays and bar stools work, but spread the family all over the house. To bring everyone together try these ideas.

Rent Tables and Chairs:
Renting tables and chairs for a day is relatively inexpensive. The tables can be lined up end to end for a long "last supper" arrangement or in a horseshoe shape. Round tables can be rented too, providing seating for 8-10 people per table. 8 ft Rectangular tables or 60 inch round tables can be rented for one day for around $10 each. Continue reading "Holiday Seating Tips" here.