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What Kind of Decorator are You?

When it comes to Christmas, what kind of decorator are you? Is your home decorated in a more traditional, old world style? Or are you more modern? Maybe you are somewhere in between. I’ve always had this Martha Stewart vision of a perfectly decorated home that looks like something out of a magazine. The reality is something quite different. Ever since that baby I brought home from the hospital was big enough to help with the decorating my tree was far from magazine perfect. It’s a collection of ornaments documenting my daughter’s life. When she was little all the ornaments … Continue reading →

The Most Amazing Holiday Light Displays

This weekend we are planning a trip to our local botanical garden to check out their holiday light show. It’s a Christmastime tradition in our family and my daughter can’t wait to climb on the horse drawn wagon again this year and take in the high-wattage spectacle. Each year the Green Bay Botanical Garden hosts a Festival of Lights. Even when it’s well below zero hearty Wisconsinites stroll the gardens to see more than 200,000 lights made to look like flowers, butterflies and babbling brooks. This year we are looking forward to seeing the new additions, including a giant dragon … Continue reading →

The After Christmas List

There are always great sales after Christmas. This is where I often gather new items for the next year. So, I’ve decided to make a new list, an after Christmas list, of things I want to pick up at those tremendous sales. Last year, I was able to obtain some very nice, new Christmas ornaments for mere pennies on the dollar. They were marked down anywhere from 50% to an incredible 90% off the regular price. I found some lovely hand-painted glass ornaments in a variety of styles and colors. My favorite set has four deep green, four deep red, … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: Nov. 26 – Dec. 2

Thanksgiving has come and gone and we have moved right into winter and Christmas. Here are this week’s articles at a glance: Remove Musty Smells Do you have some old furniture that has been stored too long in a basement or garage? It happens to the best of us… Household Germs: Try this Hand-washing Test Are you sure your hands are really clean? Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Some environmentally friendly ideas instead of wasted packing materials… More Ways to Recycle for the Holidays More ways to use stuff you already have around the house… Fighting Soap Scum Who doesn’t … Continue reading →

Frugal Festive Looks from Existing Items

There are some very simple -and frugal- ways to dress things up for the holiday season using things you already have. While it’s always tempting to buy at least a few of the latest decorations and other trinkets, keeping purchases limited is a little easier when you get creative with what you already have on hand. Towels Even if some of your holiday towels aren’t looking their best, and you don’t want to display them on the towel rack, you can roll them up and place them on a shelf or in a basket. If you decide to pick up … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part III

Maybe you would like to try something different this year instead of decorating the Christmas tree the way you usually do. Even if decorating together is a tradition, family members can still help with creative decorating ideas. In fact, your loved ones may just come up with some awesome ideas of their own. You can also try some of these ideas: You may decide to use all one color or theme of ornaments. Start with lights and garland that coordinate with the ornaments you would like to use. A monochromatic Christmas tree can be very elegant. On the other hand, … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part II

Once you have your Christmas lights and garland in place, begin fluffing and arranging the boughs on the Christmas tree. This is especially important if you have an artificial tree, because branches can become bent and look less realistic. Once the tree is appropriately shaped, you can begin adding ornaments. Sort through your ornaments and set aside any that need hooks. It is always a good idea to have extra hooks on hand for ornaments or for use with creative decorations. Check for cracks and scratches on glass or ceramic ornaments. Throw away any that are not in good shape … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: November 27 – December 2

What happened this week in the Home Blog? Well, you can find out quickly with this rundown. Find articles about anything you’re interested in from cleaning tips and holiday decorating to finances, charity, and everything else that has to do with home and family. If it wasn’t covered this week, be sure to check out other Week in Review pages for many more titles. Marjorie gave us lots of great cleaning tips this week as well as cool notebook ideas to help get organized for the holidays, in this series: Have a Merry, Organized Holiday: Part One Sections For Your … Continue reading →

Creating A White Christmas–Indoors

In previous blogs I listed ways you could add a few touches of nature to your home’s holiday décor. Some people living in warmer climates may have a harder time finding some of the items needed to pull off a completely “natural” look. If that’s the case with you–don’t fret–this blog’s for you. I grew up in Hawaii, where the closest thing we had to a true white Christmas was a flocked tree. (Which was technically more silver than white and only stood in our living room for one year–that’s all it took before my mother decided we would “never … Continue reading →