Outdoor décor essentials for creating a winter wonderland

(NC)—While holiday decorating often begins with the Christmas tree, it doesn’t have to end there. As the importance of outdoor living space has increased, so too has the variety of holiday décor options.

Lights

Outdoor lights will help make your home the most festive house on the block.

Insider Tip:A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every foot and a half of tree or shrub you want to cover. Of course, if you love lights, add more.

After you know how many lights you need, your biggest decision is the type of bulbs to use:

LED lights are the newer option for outdoor decorating. They give off brilliant white light and remain cool to the touch, even after hours of use. Thanks to unbreakable plastic bulb covers in various shapes and colours, you’re sure to find a light that suits your style and needs. LEDs are up to 80 percent more energy efficient and last thousands of hours longer than comparable incandescent bulbs, saving you money.

Specialty lights are good for decorating certain areas of the house:

Shooting icicle lights or snowflake lights give the front of the house a magical look. Stand-alone shapes such as Lowe’s LED gumdrop tree and other mini trees, in addition to holiday-themed signs and figures, can be great additions to open spots in garden beds, lawns and porches.

Yard Art

For those wanting more than traditional lights, the options are endless. Let your personality shine through with the many inflatable and animated characters such as, the tinsel dog or velvet gecko available at Lowe’s. For a more sophisticated look, try tree or snowflake pathway markers that help illuminate walkways and create a welcoming ambience.

Insider Tip: The more multifunctional, the better. Go for larger sizes, lights, sounds, movement. The intent of inflatables is to provide grand entertainment.

Natural Beauty

Live potted evergreen trees flanking the front entrance are inviting and a great way to add a different look to the exterior of your home. Tie the look together with a live wreath adorning the front door and draping the railing with fresh greenery. Add personal touches to the greenery by incorporating pinecones, berries, ribbon or burlap.

Insider Tip: Natural and rustic decorating themes are popular, creating a holiday garden feel. Natural elements add earthy elegance: think natural greenery from rosemary or Norfolk pine, with a pop of colour by red poinsettia plants and amaryllis flowers.

www.newscanada.com

Related posts:

1. Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor (ARA) – What do the holidays mean to you? It’s...
2. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...
3. Seasonal sense: Using scent, sight and sound to stimulate holiday spirits (ARA) – From baking cookies with loved ones to caroling...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tips for a beautiful holiday - even at the 11th hour

(ARA) – As holiday decor springs up and seasonal tunes begin to flood the airwaves, it’s time to embrace the most wonderful time of the year. If you didn’t line up on Black Friday, and decking the halls is something you typically save for the last-minute, not to worry.

Lifestyle expert, celebrity stylist and television personality Robert Verdi shares his tips for putting together a beautiful and low-stress holiday – including his picks for great last-minute gifts that can be found at your local big box, grocery or drug store.

Set the stage
Instead of decorating your home in a sea of red and green, consider using more neutral shades like silver and burgundy. Silver is one of the easiest colors to decorate with for the holiday because it transitions seamlessly into the new year. Use mercury glass balls, silver balls and white for a festive, wintry look that you won’t tire of come Dec. 26.

Hostess with the mostess
The holidays are the time of year for gatherings. If you’re attending an event, always come prepared with a small gift for your hostess. If you’re hosting, be sure to stock up on extra food and beverages for unexpected guests. To make any spread more stylish, simply arrange meats, cheeses and other small bites on slate tiles from a home store. Not only is a tile attractive and durable, but you can let guests know what delicacies they’re be sampling by writing on the slate with chalk.

Gracious gifting
Being a thoughtful gift-giver isn’t necessarily about purchasing lavish, over-the-top gifts. Often, it’s best to give gifts that you know the recipient will actually use. For someone who loves to cook, consider loading a basket with the ingredients for a favorite recipe, pretty hand towels and other kitchen goodies. Or, for the beauty-lover in your life, stock up on P&G Beauty gift sets full of must-have products from Olay, Venus, CoverGirl, Herbal Essences, Pantene and Secret to spread holiday cheer to your children’s teachers and babysitters. Pick up high-tech finds like the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System or Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips for your beauty-focused friends. Best of all, these gifts are available at the stores you shop at every day, which means one less trip to the mall.

The finishing touches
You don’t need to spend a fortune to put glamour into your gift wrapping. Brown craft paper makes a great holiday gift wrap because it’s earthy, inexpensive, and can be customized with ribbons, stamps or stickers. Or, add a little touch to any regular gift to make it visually appealing. For example, when you give a candle, present it with long matches and a beautiful bow. Remember, the holiday season should be a time for reconnecting with friends and family, so no gift is complete without a thoughtful hand-written note.

Related posts:

1. Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house (ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If...
2. Ten holiday tips on gifting, entertaining and celebrating without the stress (ARA) – The holidays are about seasonal traditions and making...
3. Tips for mounting that greatest of holiday gifts: a flat screen TV (ARA) – Flat screen TVs are sure to be a...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Gingerbread House

Christmas is coming and so is the time to make gingerbread houses!  To get us all in the mood here is a short video with a collection of some seriously good gingerbread houses.

Related posts:

1. Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house (ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If...
2. Christmas Lights Gone Wild Video Ok, this person takes getting in the Christmas spirit very...
3. Trapp Candles Limited Edition Seasonal Collection! I’m looking forward to trying the new Holiday Collection from...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

A Victorian Christmas Carol

I have adored Thomas Kinkade for as long as I can remember.  He is dubbed the “Painter of Light” and rightfully so.  He specializes in capturing light in his pieces and has a whole line of art for Christmas time.

Christmas Lodge

“Christmas Lodge” is a painting full of Christmas inspired love that will warm the heart and home.

Holiday at Central Park

“Holiday at Central Park” was inspired by the artist’s love of visiting Central Park.  The painting is meant to focus on the beauty and harmony that can be found in New York.

"Christmas Gate"

Something so simple as “Christmas Gate” brings so much meaning.  Home is where the heart is and where holiday memories are made.

"Blessings of Christmas"

“Blessings of Christmas” showcases a lovely home with a cheerful snowman.  Who doesn’t dream of a white Christmas after all?

Thomas Kinkade offers lots of art options for every Christmas lover!

Related posts:

1. List of U.S. Christmas-Themed Amusement Parks! What could be more magical than a Christmas-themed amusement park?...
2. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...
3. A Heartwarming Clip from Charlie Brown Christmas To me Charlie Brown transports me back to the sweet...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Create a tablescape to remember

(ARA) – Holiday traditions may vary from home to home, but one of the most cherished sites each year is universal. The holiday tablescape: the place where all the luscious treats of the season await all the special people in your lives.

Close your eyes for a moment and remember walking into the dining room where the table is overflowing with memories of holidays past. Remember the sights and the aromas. The red, green and cream linens handed down through generations are pulled out to form the foundation of the holiday table. The special china, crystal and platters that rarely leave the cabinet – except around the holiday season – are front and center.

And in the center of the table – with all eyes upon it – the main event; the star of the show. Will it be Chateaubriand? Prime rib? Hickory spiral sliced ham?

Now open your eyes – it’s time to plan your own holiday feast. So roll up your sleeves, open your browser, bring out the family treasures and let the magic begin. Start with the star attraction: the flavorful foundation of your holiday spread.

“Our customers ask us all the time for ideas to make their holiday meals special,” says Edward Scavuzzo, president of Kansas City Steak Company. “Year after year, they keep coming back to the tastes that bring back memories of holidays past. Once they’ve selected the meat that will be the star of the meal, the big decision is out of the way and there are lots of options to round out the perfect holiday meal.”

While there are all kinds of lists of best holiday menus, these stars are sure to be at the top of the list for your 2011/2012 centerpiece meats:

* A hickory smoked spiral sliced ham from the Missouri Ozarks, brown sugar-cured and slow-smoked over hickory. From the moment the smells waft from the kitchen until the last bite is gone, it’s always a crowd pleaser.

* A roasted steakhouse rub prime rib roast is perfect for making any occasion a celebration. There’s just something about a perfectly aged, well-marbled, succulent boneless prime rib, topped with delicious blends of spices that may include espresso beans, salt, brown sugar, garlic and chipotle pepper.

* A decadently juicy Chateaubriand is always a special holiday treat. You won’t find a more tender holiday treat to grace your holiday table.

* And last, but certainly not least, a hickory smoked turkey. For some, the traditional Norman Rockwell tablescape will always spur holiday memories that are so vibrant, you can almost taste the turkey.

Once you select the star of your tablescape, the anchor of your meal, it’s time to plan the rest of your meal. It’s never been easier to select side dishes – there is an abundance of holiday gourmet guides, dessert guides, wine lists and online resources to help you choose the perfect complements to your star.

If you’re hoping to simplify your life this year, companies like The Kansas City Steak Company can be a great resource for planning your entire meal. Just add family, friends, a table, your own unique holiday touches and perfectly prepared food. You get all the credit for creating a magical tablescape and a meal your family will be sure to remember for generations to come.

Related posts:

1. Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house (ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If...
2. Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor (ARA) – What do the holidays mean to you? It’s...
3. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Greet holiday guests with a warm, stylish, sensible home

(ARA) – Twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths and freshly baked cookies help set the stage, but holiday guests truly feel at home when you provide a warm, cozy environment.

As you prepare yourself and your home for colder temperatures, look for energy-efficient products that offer energy savings blended with tasteful designs. By making smart decisions, you can be sensible, yet super stylish as cold weather, holidays and dear friends arrive.

The place to start: your front door. Create a welcoming first impression by replacing an old, unsightly entry door with a stylish, more energy-efficient one. Pella Windows and Doors offers ENERGY STAR-qualified entry doors that can help you save energy and potentially lower your utility bills.

Save energy, save money
“Consumers continue to search for value – durable products that are built to last and help save energy,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella’s energy-efficiency expert. “Today’s budget-conscious homeowners are looking for ways to cut their utility bill while adding to the look and comfort of their homes. By replacing old windows and doors with today’s more energy-efficient options, you can gain long-term energy savings and a short-term defense against rising energy costs.”

The U.S. Department of Energy says replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can help a typical U.S. home save between $146 – $501 dollars a year in energy costs.

In the market for home improvements? Consider new Pella 350 Series vinyl windows that feature an exclusive energy-saving system that makes them the most energy-efficient line offered by Pella.

Create a cozy, energy-efficient home
During cold weather, keep window treatments open during the day to capture the sun’s heat and close them at night to help keep heat inside. During warmer months, close the blinds, shades or curtains during the heat of the day to reflect the sun’s heat away from your home’s interior.

Another smart energy investment is choosing double- or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Regardless of the type or style of windows and doors you choose, it’s essential that they are installed properly for best performance in sealing out air and moisture.

Stylish, durable fiberglass or steel doors
Looking for a new front door? A wide variety of doors from Pella, fit for any style home, now feature ENERGY STAR performance innovations.

* Want the look of wood without the work? Architect Series wood-grain fiberglass entry door systems are available in premium wood-grain fiberglass and offer exceptional energy efficiency and the ability to protect your home from the elements with little maintenance.

* Need the flexibility of fiberglass or steel? Entry door systems in fiberglass or steel offer an extensive array of finishes. These new entry doors are available in factory prefinished stained or painted options.

* Looking for quality at a competitive price? Encompass entry doors include popular options in low-maintenance fiberglass or steel panels to meet virtually any budget. For more information, visit Pella.com.

Related posts:

1. Get your home holiday-ready (NC)—As a stylist, I see first-hand how the holidays can...
2. Holiday travel and shopping season prompt increased concern for home safety (ARA) – We all fondly remember it – young Macaulay...
3. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Seasonal sense: Using scent, sight and sound to stimulate holiday spirits

(ARA) – From baking cookies with loved ones to caroling through the neighborhood or celebrating with family and friends, fond memories of holiday traditions abound. Each year, scents, sights and sounds promote the season’s spirit – continuing long-standing traditions and creating new memories.

Here are some ideas for stimulating your senses and evoking the warmth of the holidays in your home:

Savoring seasonal scents
Home fragrances create a warm, inviting environment during the holidays and all year-round. A whiff of a familiar scent often calls to mind memories of holidays past. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla conjures thoughts of freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, while a blend of evergreens, cedar, and musk reminds many of Christmas tree hunting in the woods.

One of the safest ways to recreate holiday memories is with scented, wickless candles. With no wick and no flame, there’s no worry or mess. After selecting a favorite seasonal fragrance, it’s easy to place a cube or two of the scented wax into a decorative, ceramic candle warmer. Just one whiff and you are on your way down memory lane.

“A festive, welcoming atmosphere stimulates our senses and reminds us of holidays past as we celebrate with our family and friends,” says Heidi Thompson, president and co-owner of Scentsy, a leader in home fragrance. “A home filled with classic holiday scents not only evokes memories but inspires new seasonal traditions for young families.”

Behold the sights
Twinkling lights fill the indoor and outdoor landscape during the holidays. To capture the spirit of the season and add a shimmering glow to any room, consider a simple string or two of miniature lights strung along a mantel or displaying a holiday-themed wickless candle. From snowmen to Santa, there are festive designs in all shapes and sizes to complement any decor.

Sounds of the season
The sounds of the season create happy holiday memories. Adding traditional tunes from Bing Crosby or modern interpretations from Harry Connick, Jr. can set the mood as you decorate your home, entertain dinner guests or simply escape the hustle and bustle of the season. Music creates a cheerful atmosphere and often encourages listeners to sing along.

Enjoying the scents, sights and sounds of the season is simple. To learn more about how to fill your home with festive fragrances and decorate with wickless candles, visit www.Scentsy.net.

Related posts:

1. Trapp Candles Limited Edition Seasonal Collection! I’m looking forward to trying the new Holiday Collection from...
2. My Favorite Smells for Christmas From Scentsy! I’m new to the world of Scentsy but I love...
3. Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house (ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Get your home holiday-ready

(NC)—As a stylist, I see first-hand how the holidays can be both joyous and overwhelming. With so many things to do, getting the house ready for entertaining can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

No matter what you’re planning, here are the three things I recommend to get your home holiday-ready:

1. Create an air of celebration in your home throughout the holiday season. One of the easiest—but most overlooked—ways of doing this is with scent. Look for a product that creates an inviting atmosphere and eliminates odours, like cooking smells. I like to stock up on Febreze Fabric Refresher, especially with the scent of ‘cranberries & frost’,which I use on cushions, couches and curtains before guests arrive. (Tip: Febreze holiday scented candles also make lovely hostess gifts.)

2. Keep cleaning products within easy reach for quick touch-ups. I always have a bottle of Mr. Clean Disinfecting Spray in my bathroom to make sure surfaces are sparkling and clean before guests arrive. And a Swiffer Sweepervac in the front hall closet means I can quickly touch-up the floor as guests are walking to the front door.

3. Maintain order in the kitchen. People love being in the kitchen at parties, perhaps because it’s the heart of the home. Keep a selection of nice biscuits and an assortment of teas on hand—perfect for welcoming unexpected guests. And try to load your dishwasher as the evening progresses to keep your counters clear and uncluttered. I also recommend using a tough grease-cutting dish detergent, like Dawn Power Scrubbers (which is from the makers of Cascade) for pots, pans and other tough jobs that you’re washing by hand.

With just these few simple tips, you’ll be able to create a guest-ready home, and have more time to enjoy spending with family and friends.

Janette Ewen has been one of Canada’s leading décor and lifestyle experts for more than a decade, passing on her passion for design to avid fans through magazines, newspapers and television.

www.newscanada.com

Related posts:

1. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...
2. Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house (ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If...
3. Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor (ARA) – What do the holidays mean to you? It’s...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Get ready for the holidays with easy tips for around the house

(ARA) – ‘Tis the season for gathering and celebrating. If you’re hosting a party or get together with family or friends, get your home party-ready in no time with these simple tips that will be a breeze to tackle.

Make a lasting first impression – the entry way of your home will be heavily trafficked during the holiday season. Try replacing a worn out rug with a festive or brightly colored rug to create a welcoming feel. Next, take a look in the front hall closet. Create room for guests’ winter attire by moving some of your family coats, hats and scarves to a bedroom or guest room. A closet with open hangers will make your guests feel right at home.

Once past the foyer, evaluate the common areas that guests are likely to gather – the kitchen, living room and dining room. It’s easy for clutter to gather on surfaces, especially when decorations are on display. Clear off counters and table tops and consider removing year-round decorations in favor of holiday decor. The overall look will be warm, festive and inviting.

If you’re looking for changes that will make an impact, consider replacing old switch and outlet covers with new ones. Replacing old cabinet handles can also give your kitchen an updated look and feel. The SKIL iXO – a 4-volt palm-sized screwdriver fits into tight spots, and is a great tool to keep in a kitchen drawer to take on these tasks. It is also great for assembling toys Santa left behind.

With your house ready for guests, there’s just one more thing to do – make a list and check it twice. If you’re still coming up empty handed for loved ones, www.skil.com offers great gift ideas. From advanced do-it-yourself tools like circular saws and routers to handy tools such as a tiny cordless screwdriver, there’s something for everyone.

Visit www.skil.com for additional gift ideas and do-it-yourself projects that will help all season long.

Related posts:

1. Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates (ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is...
2. Tips to keep the holidays happy and healthy for asthma and allergy sufferers (ARA) – For millions of allergy sufferers, “allergy season” doesn’t...
3. Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor (ARA) – What do the holidays mean to you? It’s...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Make your home ready for the holidays with easy, affordable decor updates

(ARA) – Welcoming friends and family into your home is one of the best ways to celebrate the season. One of the keys to making visitors feel right at home is to be a happy host. So, do yourself – and your guests – a favor and put a little effort into getting your home holiday houseguest perfect.

Since your house will be full with visitors over the holidays, go beyond cleaning and organizing. Adding touches of festive decor will create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and if there are do-it-yourself projects still on the to-do list, now is the best time to finish them. Not only will your home look fresh and revived to you, but your guests will certainly notice your home’s updated appearance.

To get your home ready for hosting holiday guests, follow this room-by-room checklist. Whether you want to tackle one room at a time or do it all at once, breaking down your tasks can make the process much easier.

The kitchen

As the central hub of the home, guests will naturally congregate in the kitchen, so spend time making small, budget-friendly updates to make the space more comfortable, for both chef and audience.

* A fresh palette: Make an update that will instantly refresh your space with a new paint color. Be empowered to experiment with a bold, food-inspired hue such as coffee date by allen + roth at Lowe’s. With its limited wall space, the kitchen makes an ideal place to use a bolder hue for just the right pop of color.

* Details matter: Clear the clutter and make room for all the chef’s necessities in your kitchen, making the chef’s job easier. Add updated cabinet and drawer pulls as well as a touch-faucet that offers style and ease of use.

The living room

You’ll be spending a lot of time in your living spaces with your guests, so make sure they’re decorated in festive spirit and ready to accommodate a crowd.

* Layer lighting: Don’t just rely on overhead fixtures. Adding softer ambient light (like wall sconces), task lighting (under-cabinet lights or desk lamps) and accent lighting (such as art lighting or candles) will help set your desired mood.

* Decor details: The mantel is a perfect focal point for holiday decorating. Add some atmospheric scent, color and texture with fresh evergreen garlands and holiday plants. Spray paint terracotta pots silver and gold and plant amaryllis, Christmas rose or rosemary. Or, personalize your display by placing family photos of holidays past and treasured heirlooms over the fireplace, where everyone can see them.

Guest rooms

Both guest bedrooms and bathrooms should be given extra special attention when hosting overnight holiday visitors. Consider everything a guest might need and then add some little extras to make their experience even better.

* Practical fixes: For your guest bedroom, adding portable lighting like small table lamps will make the room seem friendlier when added to overhead lighting and will keep guests from running across the room in the dark after switching off the lights. Adding a decorative mirror is a much-appreciated touch and takes little effort.

* Comforts of home: Ensure that your guest rooms, particularly the bathrooms, make visitors of all ages feel comfortable. Update your bathroom hardware with stylish faucets, knobs and even grab bars to ensure no guests slip or fall when entering and exiting the shower. New products, like a dual towel rod and grab bar by Moen, offers both style and function to make your guests feel at home.

As important as it is for your guests to be comfortable at your home during the holidays, it should be a relaxing place for you too, and one that you can enjoy long after the holiday season. By preparing your home well ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the holidays with your family and friends.

Related posts:

1. Simple ways to personalize your holiday decor (ARA) – What do the holidays mean to you? It’s...
2. Tips to keep the holidays happy and healthy for asthma and allergy sufferers (ARA) – For millions of allergy sufferers, “allergy season” doesn’t...
3. Celebrate the holidays with travel deals and discounts (ARA) – The holiday season is the perfect time to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.