Decorating for a New Year's Eve Party

For those of you who are welcoming in 2015 by hosting a party, here are some inspirational photos that will help your gathering feel extra festive in all the right ways. Cheers!

Our Holiday Gift to You- Five Decorating Tips That Work For Any Home

 1.     Lighting

Lighting is so important for any functioning space, and proper lighting is key. You want your lighting at eye level, that way it serves its purpose, sitting or standing. Place lamps strategically where you feel the most used areas are, as opposed to sticking them in a corner. There are much better space fillers out there than lamps.  

2.     Rugs

The right sized rug makes all the difference. I know a lot of us have bought the smaller size to save on cost, but trust me, splurging a little is worth it. Your furniture’s front legs should be on the rug, and in dining areas the rug should be large enough that chairs can easily slide out and still be on the area rug, this way no one has to worry about tripping while being seated or getting their chair stuck.

3.     Layering

Adding throws and pillows to a couch, chair, or bed will make the space look more welcoming and lived in. Plain couches and beds look so sterile, I don’t think the look of “bachelor pad” is really the one you want to go for. Choose a soft, fluffy throw, and patterned or textured pillows to bring your space to life.

4.     Storage

You can never have too much storage in any space. The more creative you get, the more fun and unique your room becomes. Try using baskets, bins, shelving, and wall hangings to organize your space as opposed to a large clunky piece of furniture up against the wall.

5.     Window treatments

So many people seem to be so afraid of hanging window treatments, but they make a world of difference. Not only for function, like blocking out the sun on the days you can actually sleep in, but also for an all together finished, polished look.

Decorating for Holiday Get Togethers

The holidays are a time for celebrating friends and family. There are gatherings upon gathering upon gatherings. So how can you make your holiday party stand out from the rest?

Start with bringing some of the outdoors in. String twinkling lights around doorways to add a touch of sparkle to welcome your guests.

Put together a hot chocolate bar. This will not only be a hit for the kids, but also the adults, because who doesn’t love a warm mug of hot cocoa on a cold night? This is super simple. Place a whimsical on the table or counter for some added flare. In mason jars and bowls display all the goodies possible to make each guest’s mug special to them; peppermint stick, gingerbread bits, and of course marshmallows. 

Lets move along to the table, which will be the ultimate gathering area. No matter your style, there are tons of ways to dress your table. For a modern approach, start with a simple tablecloth, add sleek dishware, and monochromatic napkins. Instead of nametags, write guests’ names on an ornament. And sprinkle paper trees and candlesticks for a centerpiece.

 

For a more traditional, masculine look, layer a plaid runner, wood elements, and pinecones.

For a feminine look, add delicate details. Tie napkins with a pastel ribbon and a tiny single jingle bell. For a centerpiece cluster wrapped packages in fun, quirky patterns and add as must glitter as possible.

Do not ignore your chairs. Tie a coordinating ribbon and add an ornament or seasonal greenery for a little something extra.

When the party is over don’t let your friends and family leave empty handed. No one is ever too old for a party favor. In a gift bag put together a mini at home pedicure for your guests, with a travel sized foot cream and nail polish.

How to Decorate a Mantle

Whether your fireplace is real or just decorative, it is important to take advantage of this focal point. No matter your style there are certain elements that should be included. Start with the focal point- may that be a large mirror, a piece of artwork or even the television. Add seasonal greenery, by making a floral arrangement or garland, and for added dimension, incorporate a fun banner or another type of garland. Don’t forget about the little touches, such as reindeer figurines, glass pieces, lanterns, or wooden letters. 

 

Don’t ignore the space surrounding your fireplace. Group larger figurines or tall candle sticks for a more cohesive, put-together look. And lastly, if you do not plan on actually using your fireplace for function, think about adding a grouping of candles inside and light them at night or during your holiday party for that extra touch!

Holiday Wish List- 5 Things we are Loving for the Home This Holiday Season

1.     Monochromatic Schemes

This simplistic approach still makes an impact. The lack of color allows you to pay attention to detail rather than being blinded many colors. You don’t have to pick just black or white, using taupe, beige, and other neutrals gives a warm feeling and still keeps things classically simple.

2.     Adding in Radiant Orchid

 

If a monochromatic scheme just is not your thing. Try adding in the color of year, Radiant Orchid. This deep purple adds richness, and actually looks great with reds and greens.

3.     White Winter Wonderland

Whether you add touches of frosted branches, cones, and other decorations, or you go all out and decorate in all white, your space will exude elegance. The look is soft and charming, perfect for the holidays.

4.     Anything sparkly

The holidays are a great excuse for adding sparkles to just about anything. Adding touches of sparkles throughout add an element of glamor and fun. Where it’s a little or a lot, your space will be a hit.

5.     Touches of fur

Adding touches of fur to your interior space will make your guests feel welcome. Your space will exude warmth and coziness, perfect for those cold winter months. Just be ready to curl up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate while you enjoy the view of snow falling and twinkling lights.

How to Decorate a Tree Based Upon Your Style

MODERN

 

Taking a modern approach to your Christmas tree decorating could mean a few things. It could mean putting up a tree, that is not the normal green, and going with black or something even more off the wall like pink or neon blue. It could also mean choosing sleek ornaments that in stark white or in bold bright colors. The key to harmonizing the look of any modern tree is to pick a color scheme and stick with it.

CLASSIC

 

A classic Christmas tree means pulling out all the stops. Including the festive reds and golds, garland and lights wrapping the tree, and a tree skirt to match it all.  These are the trees that house “my first Christmas” ornaments, and trinkets that belonged to your great-grandmother. They should be bright and a hodgepodge of good holiday memories.

COUNTRY

 

Having a country inspired tree doesn’t mean it has to look like you just drug it in from the woods in the back and plopped it down. But you should incorporate more rustic and natural. Feathers, burlap, twine, and wood cutouts pair nicely together to give off more of an unpolished and natural look. But do not be afraid to add in some sparkle and some color to pop against the neutral colors of all of the rustic elements.

Decorating for Thanksgiving That Goes Beyond the Traditional Turkey

 

Your front porch, whether it is big or small, is the perfect place to make a statement. After all, you want your guests first impressions to be ones for the books. This doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful one bit. Start off by swapping out your Halloween wreath with one that is a little less “creepy crawly” and a little more “pumpkin and spice”. Leave your pumpkins; even add more, the more pumpkins the better. For added interest vary them in size and color. Pick up seasonal potted plant or two and place them on either side of your front door. Depending on the amount of space provided you could add a few hay bales.

Mantles are a great little area to dress up since they are already a focal point. Add seasonal plants to pops for color and movement. Distressed baskets are wonderful for extra storage and added texture. Adding more tailored touches, such as glass, ceramic, or metal pieces, will not only add interest but will also be more pleasing to look at than a bunch of old sticks and twigs. Top it all off with a banner or garland and your mantle is complete.

 

Of course, I had to throw in a “little thing that counts”. This is just the most adorable idea. With left over craft paper cut out a small piece for each spot and write at the top “I am thankful for:”. Have your guest at some point during the meal jot down a few things they are appreciative for and share with the table. It’s a sweet and simple idea that everyone will remember.

You’re either one extreme or the other when it comes to table settings. They are either your worst nightmare or your favorite part about the holidays. Well, I’m here to tell you to fret no more, there are super simple and minimalistic approaches to jazz up your tabletops. For a more modern scheme, pick up a roll of craft paper, run it down the center of your table and write little sayings and quotes all over. Keep the colors to a minimum; use neutrals like whites, browns, and taupes. For a more traditional look but still on the minimalist side, skip the tablecloth. Instead run a piece of burlap or a light, neutral fabric down the center of the table. Keep the place settings simple with light dishes and to allow the center pieces to stand out. Use festive flowers and plants to line the center, scatter a few candles throughout, and let the festivities begin!

To Decorate or not Around a TV

TV too overpowering?  First thing first, look at your television as a large picture in a grouping instead of a big black box. When you stop fighting your TV, this will become a much more simple task.

Place your TV on a console and gather frames around the screen in a symmetrical or asymmetrical format. Place a lamp or two, and add a few bold touches below. Pick a consistent color to run throughout the grouping for a harmonized look.

For more sophistication, choose matching frames; same size, color, and matting, and hang them in a uniform manner around your TV. This also keeps the look simple and clean.

Another option is to the flank bookcases or shutters; both skinny and wide frame your TV. Place decorative objects about to balance the weight of the screen and reduce the TV’s dominance in the space.

And of course there is always the option to just own your TV. Let it stand all on its own, and become the focal point of the wall. But of course a few decorative touches could never hurt either, some nice patterned panels and a few picture frames will liven up your space.

Three Tips to Make a Large Room Seem Intimate

Large rooms seem to be so desirable. But what happens when you have too much space? What do you with all of it? Well rest easy, these three tips will make the task of filling all that extra room quite easy, and stress free.

With such a large space, you’ll naturally feel obligated to fill it with all kinds of furniture, but large seating arrangements can make the space feel even emptier if there is too much space between the sofa and the coffee table. Swap out your coffee table for an oversized ottoman. This will close that gap, add softness, and make the room feel cozy.

 

If your room is really large, you may have to create two seating areas. Create zones but keep the flow between the two. Place a sofa table behind your floating couch to define the area, or even but the backs of two sofas together to create more intimate seating. Big spaces were made for entertaining so take advantage of all of this room and provide as much seating as possible for you future dinner party guests.

You’re bound to have dead spaces when you have so much room to fill. But do not, I repeat, do not just throw a floor plant down and think you’ve worked some kind of magic. Fill these dead spaces with purpose. Occasional chairs and sofa tables were made for these areas. Place two chairs with a table between them to create a reading nook. Or Place a long console table against the wall and hang a piece or artwork or a mirror above it. There are so many combinations to create with these two it’s unbelievable.

Three Tips to Make a Small Room Look Larger

Small rooms are something that can be rarely avoided. You’ll find them in old homes, new homes, farmhouses, and of course, in that darling apartment you just love downtown. So instead of throwing your hands in the air and giving up on the space all together, test out some of these tips on how to make your itty bitty space feel a bit more spacious.

Think light and airy. Painting the walls a light neutral color will expand the space visually. Embrace as much natural lighting as the room allows! Don’t cover the windows with that dark, somewhat dingy, tapestry your grandmother gave you. Instead opt for shear panels to keep the space open, do not be afraid of color here. It is acceptable to choose a color other than white for your sheers, but don’t go too dark, pick a happy medium. In fact, choosing sheer panels the same color as your walls make your room seem even bigger.

    

Using smaller printed fabrics allows your eye to enjoy the delicacy and movement of the print, instead of having the print be too overbearing and making the space feel too crowded. Choosing patterns that aren’t so busy, especially in color, will visually expand your room. So check out patterns with more unified color schemes.

Use mirrors in your small space, the reflection will make the space look bigger.

This tip is an oldie, but a goodie. Hanging small mirrors in a grouping, or leaning a full-length mirror against the wall, will reflect the lighting and make your room appear bigger.

How to Decorate for a Halloween Party Without Breaking the Bank

You will be able to find all kinds of Halloween decorations for low-costs at almost every super market this season. Paper lanterns and garlands can be found at local discount and party stores in all assortments of colors. Pick up your favorites and pair them with your old decorations for a more eclectic look. Doing this over time will save you tons of money, expanding your collection bit by bit.

Keeping beverages nice and chilled for any gathering is a no brainer, but why not add a little fun to the task? Pick up a pack of assorted glow sticks for about $12.00. Crack them and throw a few in your drink cooler to add an eerie radiance to your party.

 

I’m a firm believer in “It’s the little things that count” and this is a perfect example. This small touch will add something extra special, and indeed startle your unsuspecting guests, but all in the spooky spirit of Halloween of course! You can find vast amounts of these plastic spiders for incredibly low prices. A bag of around 144 will cost you less than $5.00! If you end up with more than you need to make these fun ice cubes no worries, scatter them around in cobwebs and on tabletops for even more Halloween excitement.

There’s a skeleton in your chandelier! This will easily be the talk of the party and it’s so simple to accomplish. Almost everyone’s Halloween collection starts off with a life size plastic skeleton but, if you don’t already have one you can pick one for around $60.00. These guys are incredibly light so placing one in your chandelier is a piece of cake. Just use clear zip ties to anchor down the parts that you want attached.

 

Who wouldn’t be a little scared of rats scurrying up and down their staircase? This is so easy and inexpensive to accomplish, trace outlines different rats in various poses onto black construction paper, cut them out, and tape them to the riser of your stairwell. Another upside to this project is that it can be accomplished on stairs of all materials; wood, carpet, tile, ect.

You can use these mason jars to add mood lighting in dimly lit areas around your get together.  You can find the bags of cobwebs with plastic spiders for easily less than $2.00 and the LED tea lights are between $0.50 and $1.00 each. This craft is quick, easy, and cheap. Perfect if you need a last minute decoration!