Create a Cozy Rustic Holiday Table

A sturdy log crackling in the fireplace as you gather around a cozy table set somewhere in a log cabin in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. Isn’t that a nice thought? Well you can create a rustic holiday table even if you have never set foot outside of Florida or if your Thanksgiving or Christmas table will be set in a small apartment in New York City. It is all a matter of decorating, accessorizing and setting the mood. Here are some ideas to help you create that rustic and cozy feeling of having a holiday in the mountains. … Continue reading

The Autumn Table: Pretty Plates

Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and so I have really been enjoying the Home Blog and all of the fun fall stuff that we can write about, especially when it comes to decorating and the Autumn Table. I have been picking up a lot of great tips from Sherry, such as the one where she explains, “What is a Tablescape?” And you may recall an article I wrote about choosing one of three designs in 3 Natural Autumn Centerpieces. I still don’t know which one to choose, so please leave a comment and help me out. … Continue reading

Creative Napkin Rings

Napkin rings are coming back into popularity, but with a twist. Instead of the old rings that might have been used by your mother or grandmother, today’s napkin rings are full of whimsey. And napkin rings can really turn a boring table into something special. Whether you have a formal party planned or just a casual family dinner, creative napkin rings can set the tone. Here are some ideas. I’d love to hear yours as well. Wooden drapery rings from your local home improvement store are an obvious choice for somethings that can double as napkin rings. The wooden rings … Continue reading

Quick Harvest Decorating

Do you need some last minute tips for fabulous harvest decorating around your home? Here are some quick ideas that require very little effort or planning. Sometimes life can be hectic, especially around the holidays. I remember one year when I suddenly found out that I was hosting Thanksgiving for our extended family. I found this out less then two weeks before the big day. Ouch. If this is happening to you this year, you have my sympathy. You also can have these quick ideas to get your home in a festive mood. For a quick harvest centerpiece, gather up … Continue reading

Should I Burn Leaves?

Before you decide to burn leaves, please take some things into consideration. First, it may very well be illegal in your area or you may be under a temporary burn ban if it’s been unusually dry. Also, please consider how easily such fires can get out of hand. For those that do burn, please keep a hose nearby and call your fire department in advance to let them know you intend to burn. Burning leaves (or other trash) also causes pollution. Certainly, this doesn’t come as a surprise. However, some people may not realize the health issues burning leaves and … Continue reading

Easy Cornucopias

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. I’ve been inspired by Sherry’s recent blogs about Thanksgiving and can’t wait to see what great ideas she has for us. As for me, I’m still firmly entrenched in fall minus the holidays, but there is that nagging little feeling that, yes, I need to start planning. The thought of a menu and a guest list is a little overwhelming for me at the moment, so I thought I would start small. I like the idea of cornucopias on the table. They can remind us of how very … Continue reading

Protecting Your Home from Pumpkins

Did you know that the pumpkins are just waiting to attack your home? It’s true. Just read on to find out how to protect your valuables. Fall is a wonderful time, but just look out for those pumpkins. No, not in a night-of-the-living-dead kind of way. That would be silly. I bet you had visions of crazy monster pumpkins with pointy teeth when you first started reading this article, didn’t you? What I am really talking about when I talk about protecting your home is all of those very real stains that pumpkins can cause when they start to mold … 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

Home Week in Review: September 17 – 23

It’s officially fall (or autumn depending on the term you prefer). Kids are back in school, the weather is changing along with the leaves, and holidays are on the way. Our focus has turned from summer fun and gardening to home and family and preparing for events to come. We’re already thinking about special occasions that will arrive soon, and there’s no better time to start preparing. Begin by getting all those Weekly Cleaning Chores and Monthly Cleaning Chores out of the way. Then you can move on to something a bit more fun such as decorating and adding some … Continue reading

Tips for Use and Care of Leaves for your Décor

The number of projects you can make with gorgeous autumn leaves is literally limitless. From creating your own artwork to simply sprinkling them across the top of your coffee table, there are numerous ways you can incorporate leaves into your fall decorating. Since leaves will soon be falling (if not already in your area), I thought that some tips for the use and care of leaves might be helpful. Clean Leaves Even if you decide to pick leaves from a tree instead of picking them up off the ground, you still need to clean them. Inspect each one carefully for … Continue reading