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Holiday Sale Tips

One holiday seems to run right into another. One good thing about that fact is the sales from one can sometimes help you get ready for another. We don’t get too many trick-or-treaters out here on our dirt road, so I don’t buy a lot of candy before Halloween. However, I do like to go out the day after Halloween and hit the candy sales. I can pick up snacks, treats, and candies for 50% off and sometimes more. I like to grab bags of mini granola bars,and those treat sized bags of chips or pretzels for the kids’ lunches. … Continue reading →

Holidays: Seven Tips to Set the Stage

Here are seven quick, easy tips to set the stage and the mood for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion: Set a Great Table Let your dining table become the focal point. Even if you do very little decorating elsewhere, your table can set the entire mood for any occasion. Set the Mood with Music and Lighting Soft, soothing music floating gently through the air can help create a special ambience. Lighting can also play an important role. Keep entertaining areas bright, airy, and upbeat. Do Seasons instead of (or along with) Occasions You don’t have to have turkeys, pumpkins, dried … Continue reading →

Are You “Martha Stewart Challenged”?

My friend is funny. She always says things that make me laugh. Her latest is her new habit of calling herself “Martha Stewart Challenged.” When she asked how I would like it if I was thus challenged, I replied, “Hey, who isn’t?” I’ve got nothing on Ms. Stewart. I just like decorating and finding new ways to do things around the house to keep from becoming bored (and boring). I don’t want to get to the point where the only things I have left to talk about with my husband are the best carpet cleaners for pet stains or just … Continue reading →

What Will You Splurge on for Thanksgiving?

While I’m usually looking for ways to cut costs, there are some things I splurge on when it comes to holiday entertaining. It seems that hardly a year goes by that I avoid being tempted by decorations and attractive serving pieces. I’ve actually purchased divided dishes, pretty trays, and other items, even though I had no idea what I’d serve in them. Then, I had to get creative so I could use them. I have a thing for fabric too and I usually end up purchasing some to make a new tablecloth (unless I find a great pre-made cloth). I … Continue reading →

Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange!

Have you ever been invited to a Christmas cookie exchange? Some people just call it a cookie swap, but whatever you call it, it’s a cool concept. You meet with others and bring along your favorite cookie recipe, enough ingredients to make several batches, and any utensils and pans you need. Then, everyone bakes a set number of cookies and trades with each other. You’ll have a good time baking, chatting, and laughing together. When you leave, you’ll be armed with an assortment of wonderful homemade Christmas cookies. You not only have a nice variety without all the trouble, but … Continue reading →

Interchangeable Holiday Decorations?

You might not think of holiday decorations as being interchangeable. After all, each holiday has its own purpose and generally its own themes as well as certain traditional colors. While any color can be used and trends vary throughout the years, there are certain colors associated with each. Thanksgiving tends to include earth tones, Christmas red, white, and green, Easter pastels, and so on. Yet, there are different shades and tones as well as neutrals that can be used for most any occasion. One example is deep red. Golden brown turkey looks enticing sitting atop a warm, red tablecloth at … Continue reading →

Home: Week in Review Nov. 12 – 18

Here’s your weekly rundown of articles, posted in the Home Blog between November 12 and 18. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we’ve had lots of articles filled with tips and ideas for holiday decorating, traditions, organization, and entertaining. We also talked about holiday stress and safety, and we had some sentimental thoughts and lighthearted articles as well. For example, did you know there was such a thing as National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day? I didn’t know, but as usual, Michele found something new and interesting to share. It’s a pretty cool concept, intended to get the fridge ready … Continue reading →