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Does “Undecorating” make you want to Redecorate?

Christmas came and went then New Year’s and now Epiphany is over as well. There really aren’t too many more excuses I can think of to avoid taking down the rest of the Christmas decorations and the tree. My youngest isn’t happy and I just don’t know what the puppy will do for fun when it’s all put away. I’ve been taking some stuff down here and there over the past few days, but as I began to return the regular items to their places it occurred to me that I’d really like to do something different. I can’t really … Continue reading →

Fall Decorating and Design

How formal are you when it comes to fall decorating? I’m more of a “decorate” person than a “design” person. I arrange, adjust, and arrange some more until I achieve a look I like. I try not to do the same thing twice two years in a row, unless it’s just something I adore (the same is true for Christmas and other holidays). I have heard of people that create a specific design, and stick to it year after year, even taking photos of the completed design to store with the decorations. That way, the next year, they can decorate … Continue reading →

Seasonal Decorating: The Backdrop

We have begun discussing strategies for seasonal decorating. We have to start somewhere, right? The best place to begin is with the overall design plan of a space you’d like to redecorate, and one you’d like to be able to freshen up with each season and special occasion. By using basic colors and furnishings to create a neutral backdrop, you can make a space interesting through the use of accessories and art. You’ll be able to change the entire look and feel of a space instantly by altering these items, instead of having to redecorate the entire space. But, don’t … Continue reading →

Decorating Tips For Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table—Part 1

By now I’m sure you have your Thanksgiving menu set. But, how are you doing on styling your dining room table for the big feast? On the years that my parents hosted the Thanksgiving festivities my mom used to fret about the table decorations. My dad tried to convince her that the turkey was an adequate centerpiece and flowers were really not necessary, and no one paid attention to how the candles were arranged or if the napkins matched the tablecloth. All my mom heard was: “blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada…” and on she went trying to put together … Continue reading →

Past Time for Red, White, and Blue?

Even though Fourth of July has come and gone (so quickly!) that doesn’t mean that red, white, and blue can’t still work for home decorating. You can use them together, separately, or mix and match. The Americana look is a tried favorite and there’s something about it’s rustic charm that makes it perfect for bringing the outdoors in or indoors out as is so popular during warmer months. White is always a great summer neutral and various shades of blue and red can be quite summery. Putting bright red and white together always make a statement. A hot and a … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Unique Holiday Destinations and Good News for Directionally Challenged Travelers

Christmas is exactly one week away and by now most families have their holiday travel plans set in stone. I’ve covered dozens of destinations worth traveling to this season in the past month, and thanks to some well-heeled readers I have a few more to add to the list. Thank you to Angela who reminded me that reindeer parks make for great family outings this time of year. If you live near Redmond, Oregon consider yourself lucky. Operation Santa Clause at The Reindeer Ranch near Redmond bills itself as the home of the country’s largest herd of domesticated reindeer. If … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Travel—Touring Department Store Window Displays

I recently blogged about one my family’s favorite holiday rituals—-driving to Chicago to take in the spectacular holiday window displays at Macy’s on State Street. Each year the famous department store chooses a theme and fills their massive windows with intricate decorations and kid friendly animated characters. People line up for blocks and brave the vicious winds whipping off of Lake Michigan to take part in this annual holiday tradition. If I wasn’t one of the lemmings who took part in the event myself I’d surely think the people who stood in line for more than an hour to peer … 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 →

Another View of Window Treatments

Do you have great window treatments? You probably spent a lot of time choosing or making them, and you may have even spent quite a bit of money getting just what you wanted. Beautiful window treatments are like icing on a cake, so many of us find it well worth the time as well as the cost involved in order to get the perfect treatments. On the other hand, here is something we do not always think about… What do those window treatments look like from the exterior of the home? Of course, there are window treatments that look just … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: September 24 – 30

We hope you had a great week and are enjoying your weekend. Here’s a quick look at the articles shared in the Home Blog this week: Odds and Ends: Birthdays and Tailgate Parties Here are a couple fun ideas for birthday parties and after party memories, and some tips for tailgating (Go Bears!). Home Chore List: Quarterly Cleaning Chores Filters, windows, storm windows, screens, light bulbs, candles, baskets, dust ruffles… what do all these items have in common? They need a good cleaning at least quarterly. Hot Home Style Trends From green flooring and kitchen counter tops to the great … Continue reading →