Tag Archives: holiday decorating

Frugal Festive Looks from Existing Items

There are some very simple -and frugal- ways to dress things up for the holiday season using things you already have. While it’s always tempting to buy at least a few of the latest decorations and other trinkets, keeping purchases limited is a little easier when you get creative with what you already have on hand. Towels Even if some of your holiday towels aren’t looking their best, and you don’t want to display them on the towel rack, you can roll them up and place them on a shelf or in a basket. If you decide to pick up … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part III

Maybe you would like to try something different this year instead of decorating the Christmas tree the way you usually do. Even if decorating together is a tradition, family members can still help with creative decorating ideas. In fact, your loved ones may just come up with some awesome ideas of their own. You can also try some of these ideas: You may decide to use all one color or theme of ornaments. Start with lights and garland that coordinate with the ornaments you would like to use. A monochromatic Christmas tree can be very elegant. On the other hand, … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part II

Once you have your Christmas lights and garland in place, begin fluffing and arranging the boughs on the Christmas tree. This is especially important if you have an artificial tree, because branches can become bent and look less realistic. Once the tree is appropriately shaped, you can begin adding ornaments. Sort through your ornaments and set aside any that need hooks. It is always a good idea to have extra hooks on hand for ornaments or for use with creative decorations. Check for cracks and scratches on glass or ceramic ornaments. Throw away any that are not in good shape … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part I

Are you ready to put up your Christmas tree and start decorating? Some people already have or are getting ready to do so. I know people that start way early, some that put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, some who wait until the 1st of December, and still others who barely get the tree in place in time for Santa to stock presents beneath it on Christmas Eve. While decorating the tree can be a lot of fun, and making a plan helps, so try some of these tips to get started: Check your Lights Before you spend … 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 →

Home Week in Review: November 12 – 18

This has been a week filled with various holiday articles from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving, and even touching on Christmas. This is a busy time of year, so we hope some of our tips and ideas will help make things a little less hectic. We started the Countdown to Thanksgiving at Seven Days and Counting. More tips were added with Six More Days and again at Five Days Away and now we’re left with only Four Days to Go. Mary Ann offered a different type of checklist, with 12 Things to Do in November. Several of this week’s articles had … Continue reading →

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Five Days Away

How’s it going? Are you feeling good and getting things done? Today’s list contains at least one chore that most people dread: Cleaning the Oven There’s nothing worse than having the aromas of homemade pie and succulent turkey overtaken by the smell of something burning, so make sure the oven is clean and ready to go. A non-stick, dishwasher-safe, oven liner is a great investment and it will help you avoid this chore in the future. Decorating Okay, now that the oven is shiny and clean, how about something a little more fun, like decorating for Thanksgiving? It doesn’t have … Continue reading →

Handmade Touches for the Thanksgiving Table

Do you like to sew or otherwise make decorative elements for your home? While some people may do things like this year round, others may be more inclined to do so during the holiday season. Maybe, you have never tried to make your own decorations but if that’s the case, don’t let it stop you. One way to practice your skills is to make beautiful accents for your holiday table. Tablecloths are simple and can be made from most any large piece of fabric, by simply cutting to size and hemming the edges. Place mats and table runners can be … Continue reading →

The Snowman Conspiracy (1)

Is a snowman a fun loving holiday icon or a clever conspiracy? You decide. It finally happened, late last night. The kids fell asleep to the sounds of a cracking fire in the fireplace and the last lines “There’s no place like home” from “The Wizard of Oz.” As my husband carried the little ones off to bed, I padded through the house adjusting the thermostat, turning off the lights and cleaning up stray toys. As I headed back into the family room, I spotted something on the stair rail. Just another discarded sock, I thought, and sighed aloud. But … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: November 5 – 11

There are many different “rituals” families engage in throughout different seasons and occasions. For some of us, that first gust of chill wind in the fall brings on the nesting instinct. Mary Ann shared this with us in her Baking Day and Reaching Out to Nature articles. Don’t forget to check out the Home Blog archives for past autumn articles as well to see how other writers feed the need to nest. Or, check out past tips for preparing for the holidays and colder weather. I had to share my favorite ways to welcome cool weather too, and I’d like … Continue reading →