Countdown To The Holidays

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

05 Nov 2006 09:43 PM

It's official (just pop into any retail store) the Holiday countdown has begun. As of today there are 18 days left until Thanksgiving, 41 days until the start of Hanukkah, and 50 days until Christmas. Are you ready?

If you aren't then you'll want to make frequent visits to the HOME blog over the next few weeks. I have a feeling you won't be disappointed. Sherry, Marjorie and I will provide you with some our favorite holiday decorating tips and share practical information about preparing your home for all those out-of-town guests.

To get you started, here are a few tips to help you get a jump start on the holiday rush:

· Freshen the potpourri before company arrives, and stock up on the newest scented candles.

· Purchase new guest towels. Mix and layer a new pattern or color towel with your existing set. If you really want to play the perfect hostess consider using sprigs of fresh herbs or a stem of a silk flower to cinch small decorative towels.

· If you are expecting a house full of guests consider rearranging your furniture to create more open space. For example, move lamps from one table to the next, switch chairs around, split one large seating arrangement into two intimate groupings. You can always move it back the way it was when your company leaves.

· Check out your local farmers' market, flower market wholesaler or florist for Hanukkah and Christmas decorations. Store the dried flower arrangements and opt for a fresh holly wreaths or bouquets of fresh herbs.

· Gather up your collectibles and group them together. You might be surprised how objects that seem very different have a commonality to them, such as size or color.

· Spice up your bookshelves. Before each major holiday I rearrange books on the shelves and tuck in a picture frame or two. You could also add a crystal bowl, a paperweight or a pair of new bookends

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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