Quick and Easy Steps to Going Green

While the green way of living may seem more natural, many of us need to begin with baby steps. After all, we’ve been use to driving our gas guzzling SUVs everywhere, leaving lights on in the house, and running water like it was never ending. I believe some people are hesitant to go green because they think it will be difficult, but here are some easy ways to start going green: Use rechargeable batteries – the only thing is you will need to remember to charge them from time to time! Purchase energy-efficient florescent bulbs – not only are you … Continue reading

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Only One more Day!

Tomorrow is Turkey Day! If you have baking or last minute cleaning left to do, now is a good time to get it done, and then… Get Ready Set out platters, and serving bowls and mark each one with a small piece of masking tape or a Post It note, indicating what will be served from each dish. If you are serving dinner buffet style, arrange your buffet (using the empty but marked serving pieces). Add flowers or candles. Make sure you have enough serving spoons. If not, these can be purchased separately (or borrowed). Don’t worry about matching your … Continue reading

Tips for more Functional Thanksgiving Entertaining

These tips will actually work for Thanksgiving or anytime. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or giving a dinner party they will help make things more functional when serving guests. While many people choose to serve a “family style,” Thanksgiving dinner, where platters and bowls of delicious food are passed around the table, some may find that the dining table soon becomes to full of good food to be very functional. Instead, you might consider setting up a buffet. A good way to do this and still keep the food the focus is to set a serving table or sideboard … 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

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

Home: Review of Week Ending Nov. 4

I decided to change things around a little bit, so Week in Review articles will now cover all posts from Sunday through Saturday. Since Sunday was already covered last time, this particular review will begin with Monday’s entries, covering October 30 through November 4. This week Marjorie, Michele, and I, covered several issues regarding holidays, guests, home care, and more. Michele and I both wondered if it’s really necessary to kick off the Christmas season before or even just after Halloween, in “Is it Time for Christmas Decorations?” and “Poinsettias Already?” Marjorie offered tips like “Houseplants That You Positively Cannot … Continue reading

Use Natural & Rustic Touches to Set a Great Table

Have you ever looked at natural and even rustic elements and found them attractive, despite the fact that they may not be what you have in mind for your home décor? If you have always wanted to use some of these items, but perhaps not permanently, you can try them out for a fresh new holiday look. Go for it and give your home the feel of a cozy lodge or cabin this Thanksgiving. You can still set a beautiful table without going so formal. Try some of these ideas: Baskets Use baskets for flowers and plants but also use … Continue reading