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How to Make Your Vacation Rental Appealing to Winter Guests

December 4, 2018 by admin

With over 4 million short-term vacation rentals competing for bookings on sites like HomeAway and Airbnb, catching the eye of a great guest can be tough. Keep your vacation rental top of mind this winter by making it look like a cozy space for vacationers to rent. Make a few wintertime tweaks, update your listing and off you go!

Warm up your decor

You don’t have to completely redecorate, but making a few adjustments can quickly add a wintry getaway feel to your Airbnb or HomeAway rental. Think fuzzy blankets, lots of textures and warm colors. Create an island vibe with greens, blues, oranges and yellows. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add seasonal throw pillows and cozy textures with deep, lush colors. Complete the theme with seasonal decor. Replace summery sisal rugs with warm, comfy rugs. You can also turn your bathroom into a comfortable space with a fresh, new shower curtain and seasonal scented soaps. This can make your vacation rental feel warm and inviting.

Fill a mason jar with water and pop in some beautiful blooms. Put up your most memorable vacation photos, maps of local attractions and cool travel art. Include some locally-sourced decorations in your space. This could be as easy as filling a small dish with stones or other mementos you’ve picked up on your own travels. Use keepsakes from your favorite trips to decorate the rooms, inspire your guests and spark conversation.

Play up winter activities

Your guests aren’t just sleeping and showering at your rental property — they’ll be hanging out, having fun and ready to live it up like a local. Help them enjoy their stay even more by giving their winter adventures a jump start. Winter essentials like these will make them hit that Book button!

Indoor dining and lounging area with great furniture
Fire pit for friends and family to gather around
Cozy couches for afternoon relaxing
Local guidebooks and magazines, plus a personal list of your favorite activities and restaurants
Books and board games for rainy days

Showcase a warm air conditioning unit

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a beautiful vacation rental and discovering that it’s freezing cold and you can’t sleep at night. Make sure your guests’ environment is as comfortable as their own home — with the right air conditioning unit.

Before your winter rental season starts, change your air filters and get your air conditioning unit serviced. You should also consider investing in a regular maintenance agreement that includes spring and fall service, so you’ll be ready for guests year-round. It’s an affordable way to have peace of mind that your renters will be comfortable during their stay.

If you’re outfitting a new Airbnb rental or upgrading your HVAC unit, look into getting a ductless cooling and heating system. Ductless systems are very popular for rentals and allow your guests to control their own temperature and comfort. And because ductless systems are a closed system with no ductwork, they’re more energy efficient and will help you save money on electric bills.

Spread the word and share pictures

Once you’ve turned your space into a vacation haven, be sure to take new photos and update your rental listing. Don’t forget to update your property’s title and description to mention the updates you made for the winter travelers. It could be as simple as GREAT WINTER GETAWAY. These words and images will paint the perfect picture, so potential guests can imagine themselves enjoying the ideal vacation week or weekend in your home-away-from-home.

The post How to Make Your Vacation Rental Appealing to Winter Guests appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Ways to Create a Country Christmas Table Setting

December 3, 2018 by admin

When decorating for the holidays, it’s important to focus on the table setting. After all, it’s the peak gathering area for any traditional holiday meal. This holiday season, consider going for a country Christmas theme. Rustic chic is a popular decorating option. There’s also something about Christmas that can make us all feel a little bucolic. Maybe it’s the things from nature we bring into the house, like evergreen greens and holly, or the sight of classic Christmas ornaments. If you’d like to give your home a rustic and traditional holiday look, below are some country Christmas table setting ideas.

Country Christmas Table Setting Candy Cones

Traditional holiday candies are a playful way to set the mood. Image: AJ Margulis Interiors

Traditional Christmas candy table setting

Nothing says traditional and country like classic candies. The creative peppermint and gumdrop displays in the photo above provide a sweet, rustic setting. They’re also an instant focal point and conversation starter. These are easy to make, as well. Buy a Styrofoam cone from a craft store, then hot glue the candy onto the cone in whatever design you can imagine.

There are other ways to use candy is a traditional holiday table setting, too. You might fill Mason jars with traditional holiday sweets, like peppermint ribbon candy, for instance. Feel free to tap into your inner Willy Wonka and get creative.

Country Christmas Table Setting Natural Textures

Go natural with elements like cranberry strings draped on the table. Image: AMR Design

A rustic look with natural textures

Another way to get a rustic look for your country Christmas table setting is with natural textures. The photo above shows how plenty of natural textures create a cozy, country look. From the traditional cranberry strings to the evergreen on the table, this table setting has a woodsy feel. The white candles offer a classic ambiance while the reindeer antlers add to the festive cheer.

Along the mirror, natural textures like twigs and greenery add to the rustic, country feel. The pom-poms hanging from the light fixtures also have a natural texture, reminiscent of fuzzy cattails or burs.

Country Christmas Table Setting Bright Green

Small trees can give a country vibe, thanks to their natural texture. Image: Jules Duffy Designs

Minimalistic trees

You can also go for a slightly updated country Christmas table setting. The bright lime green gives this table setting an contemporary feel that just pops. The green shades also combine well with clean white shades in the candles, tableware and white tree. A green and white Christmas color scheme is a fun twist on the traditional red, green and white color schemes in most holiday decorating designs.

This table setting still has rustic textures in the wood around the vases and the trees on the table. Small trees are a good way to add natural, rustic textures to the table. The minimalist texture of the greenery on the table, however, still gives a stark, updated look. This is a great example of a rustic chic table design.

Country Christmas Table Setting Plaid Style

Green and red plaid is a good way to coordinate holiday colors in a space. Image: M&S

Country plaid

Nothing says classic and country like plaid. This kitchen table setting makes great use of the pattern in the table runners. Elements like the traditional English party cracker and the little present on the plate add to the pattern.

Other elements on the table also make the whole setting look delightfully country. The red pillar candles in the traditional Christmas cups are a fun feature. Sprigs of greenery in the center of the table round out the classic Christmas look.

Green and red plaid works well in a variety of different ways for a country Christmas table setting, too. You could go for plaid napkins, plaid chair skirts or even subtle plaid accents on dishes.

Country Christmas Table Setting Understated Look

You can use one element of greenery stretching the table to define the setting. Image: Houseology Design Group

An understated country Christmas table setting

The photo above is an example of a very subdued country Christmas look. The greenery running the length of the table gives this style a natural, traditional feel.

If you look closely, you can also see that there are bird figures on the napkins and reindeer figures on the two table ends. These animal-themed elements on the table add to the natural country feel. Small tea lights give off a classic ambiance and accent the large pillar candles. It all goes well with the rustic, textured dining room table. This display is a good example of a simple design that’s still effective in crafting a country style.

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4 Ideas for a Traditional Christmas Room Design

December 1, 2018 by admin

Christmas is a unique time. You can deck out your home in the most traditional of ways and never have it go out of style. That’s because our cultural ideal of Christmas is one from a traditional era. It’s the scenes set in our favorite holiday songs and stories: lush evergreen decorations, festive ribbon and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. A traditional Christmas truly is timeless year after year. Below, we’ll cover some key ways to establish a traditional Christmas room design this season.

Traditional Christmas Red and Green Style

Pops of bright red bring any holiday decorating design to life. Image: Leanne Michael

Use red and green

This idea may seem obvious, but a trend in many modern homes is to eschew the traditional Christmas colorings. All-white color schemes, blue color schemes and even black and white color schemes are all modern choices for decorating at Christmastime.

To keep it traditional and timeless, you’ll definitely want to stick to a red and green color scheme in your holiday decorating. Pops of bright red are especially popular; you might want to think of using red as an accent color. You have many options, like bright red throw pillows, presents under the tree and seasonal figures around the room.

Then you can balance these red accents with plenty of deep forest green. The natural green can come from the Christmas tree itself, garlands, throw pillows, small table trees or seasonal green statuary.

Traditional Christmas Textures and Layers

Different textures like lush plant life and smooth ornaments can give a layered look to the decorations. Image: The Yellow Cape Cod

Go traditional with layers

A common design trick in traditional homes it to decorate in layers. Traditional designs favor lots of texture and layers of color. It’s part of what makes traditional design and Christmas decorating go so well together. The traditional look allows you to fill up your space with all those seasonal heirlooms, trinkets and other decorations you’ve accumulated over the years.

In order to get those layers, you should first focus on placing different textures around the room. Layer deep textures like wreaths and smoother textures like ceramic figures, for instance. You should also layer color. For instance, you might have cherry red throw pillows and deep burgundy seasonal floral arrangements. You can play with this idea and get truly creative with it.

The mantel is a great place to assemble your holiday treasures. Image: M&S

Get a traditional Christmas by using groupings

A challenge with decorating for the holidays is how to incorporate all those disparate items into one cohesive design. We tend to get all kinds of holiday items as gifts from family, from Secret Santas at work and by finding items we like ourselves. And then there are all those family heirlooms that come down to us through the ages. Often there’s no way to make sure all our holiday home items look like they’re from the same collection.

One way to bypass this problem is to use small groupings throughout your home. If you have a collection of snowmen, for instance, think about placing them together. For example, you could gather them on top of a long side table. This creates a sort of diorama that stands on its own as a distinct element in the room. You could also do this with different items sharing similar colors. Or arrange a table setting devoted to just heirlooms.

Natural textures like intricate centerpieces and evergreen on the light fixtures can give an instant traditional feel. Image: Dawn Hearn Interior Design

Go for lots of natural textures

Another element of a traditional Christmas is keeping it natural. Traditional Christmas scenes are full of lush evergreen textures in garlands and trees. Colorful poinsettias often sit on multiple surfaces. Other seasonal flower arrangements like deep red and white flowers make great centerpieces. Wall hangings commonly have sprigs of evergreen in them. Rings of natural seasonal plant life go well around candleholders.

Outside of using realistic plant life, traditional Christmas decorations also often have natural motifs. Think everything from throw pillows depicting poinsettias to table runners with rich flower and berry patterns. Faux items can be good stand-ins if you don’t want any of your pets eating real poinsettias, since poinsettias can make them sick. (You can also learn how to use natural textures year-round here.)

Do you like the traditional Christmas look? Let us know your favorite designs below.

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5 Minimalist Holiday Decorating Ideas

November 29, 2018 by admin

With the holidays coming, you probably have enough on your plate. Between sending cards, shopping for gifts, cooking large meals and entertaining guests, it can get to be a lot this time of year. One way to simplify your holidays is to go for some minimalist home decorating. With a few key design principles and ideas, you can have your home decorated with as few as one or two large focal point items. Other ideas rely on smaller accent items that are easy to place in the home. Take a look below for several minimalist holiday decorating ideas.

Minimalistic Holiday Decorating Large Ornaments

Ornaments of all kinds are an easy way to add festive cheer. Image: Cortney Bishop Design

Minimalist rafter ornaments

If you have exposed rafters in your space, hanging larger ornaments from them is a great way to get some easy holiday spirit into your space. This works especially well in a rustic chic design, like the space above. The ornaments are a wonderful festive accent and hanging them from ribbon looks simple and traditional. They also go well with the oversized red ornaments on the tree.

Even if you don’t have exposed rafters, you might think about this easy idea in other types of spaces. For instance, you could place a larger ornament in the middle of a wreath. You could arrange large ornaments in clear vases. You might also consider hanging them from the pull chains on ceiling fans. Any way you incorporate them, ornaments add an easy festive cheer that works as a great holiday accent.

Minimalistic Holiday Decorating Color Wreaths

Subtle wreaths can match the existing color scheme in the room, leading to less decorating effort. Image: AMR Design

Minimalist holiday decorating with subtle accent hangings

Another idea is to simply hang some accent wreaths in the space. Wide red fabric for hanging them adds some festive color. This is a great idea if you have a certain accent color in your space, like in the photo above. In that case, you can match the fabric the wreaths hang from to whatever accent color is in your space. This gives you a festive look and keeps to the overall style of the room.

Part of going minimalist for the holidays is to simply add accents to the room. Since you’re using fewer holiday items, you will not be able to overpower the usual style of the room. You simply want to add a bit of festive flair to the style you already have in the space. Another good example of this principle is the festive-themed wall hangings next to the window in the photo above. They keep to the red accent color that’s already in the room, but the holiday sayings add a festive look.

Minimalistic Holiday Decorating Mantel Garland

A larger garland makes a strong focal point. Image: Regina Gust Luxe Seasonal and Floral Décor

Colorful garland

Another key principle for minimalist holiday decorating is to find a piece that works as the focal point. As an example, the garland in the photo above is suitably large enough to stand on its own. Because it hangs from the mantel, it also takes advantage of the fact that the mantel is already a natural focal point in a room. The garland doesn’t have to work to draw attention away from natural focal areas.

With this idea, you can either hang the garland alone or find other subtle ways to add festive cheer. For instance, the ornaments in the tray on the coffee table and in the vases next to the fireplace are nice additional accents.

Minimalistic Holiday Decorating Branch Design

Go for branches over a traditional tree for a stark, minimalist look. Image: Carousel Media

Getting creative with branches

If you really want to go stark and creative with your minimalist holiday decorating, you might think about substituting your Christmas tree with a branch, like in the photo above.To make it festive, a garland and some ornaments hang from the branch. A neutral-colored present even sits underneath.

You might be wondering why anyone would possibly want a branch instead of a full evergreen tree. For starters, the stark look of the branch immediately gives a sense of minimalism. It’s a creative idea that works well in unconventional, artsy home designs. The neutral tone to the branch also helps it fit in with a neutral color scheme, meaning you don’t have to play with color too much. And a natural texture like a branch works well in rustic and country-themed homes, too.

Minimalistic Holiday Decorating Twig Decorations

Twig decorations are a classy, subtle idea that fit just about anywhere. Image: GreenCraft Associates

Subtle twig displays

If you’re looking for minimalistic holiday decorating ideas for your outdoor displays, the photo above shows how some twig designs can work wonders for keeping things simple. The twig reindeer set an immediate festive tone. The twig balls help add a playful style. However, the neutral color and natural texture of the twigs help the look stay minimalist.

You could even put some white holiday lights around the balls and reindeer to light them at night. Going for white lights keeps the look classy and minimalist. The trees in the photo are actually faux Christmas trees with lights on them. The stands are buried out of view.

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Get a Nautical Holiday Theme Using Blue and White

November 28, 2018 by admin

If you want to go for a Christmas color scheme that isn’t the traditional red and green, the second most popular option on the list is a cool blue and white scheme. The icy blue and the snowy white go well with the tones of winter. One way to have a blue and white Christmas is to go with a nautical holiday theme.

Most nautical themes make use of blue colors to match the sea, so a blue and white Christmas goes great with nautical decor. Whether you have a nautical theme in your home now or you’re planning one in the future, take a look below to see how to make seasonal decorating work with this popular home style.

Hanging oars on the walls gives an instant nautical feel. Image: Robeson Design

Blue and White Tree with Oars

The photo above shows how well a basic tree with blue and white colors pairs with a nautical theme in the living room. The blue on the tree matches the blue tones in the ocean painting on the wall. The white tones on the tree also match the white sands in the painting.

This photo also shows how easy it is to get a nautical theme in your home if you’re thinking of trying it out. By placing a simple painting with a water theme under some wall-mounted oars, you have an instant oceanic look. And that can go great with your blue and white Christmas.

Go subtle with collage wall art that has water themes. Image: Home At Last Interiors

White Tree and Nautical Art

Another idea for a nautical holiday theme is to go a little more modern and subtle. In the photo above, you can see how a simple white tree with blue ornaments makes an easy, minimalistic blue and white Christmas. The ornaments also match the aqua blue candle on the table and the blue throw pillow.

What gives this space a distinct nautical feel is the wall art. Part of the collage has a fish and there’s a sign pointing to a beach. The beach sign matches the other blue elements in the room. By choosing collage-style wall art with some water elements like in the photo above, you can easily create a subtle beach or water theme.

Seashells make wonderful additions to a Christmas tree. Image: At Home

Seasonal Seashells

The photo above is one of our favorite ideas for a nautical holiday theme. It incorporates blue seashells right onto the tree itself, making your Christmas tree a natural part of the nautical home theme. If you look closely, there are even textures that look like coral, as well as ships and a life preserver on the tree.

The tree goes well with little wall accents like the nautical wreath and the seashell mirror frame. The throw pillow on the chair also has a fish theme. And then there are the “NOEL” and “JOY” pieces on the table with sand dollars as the Os. It goes to show how you can get a nautical holiday theme with some easy decor choices.

Create a feeling of vacations near the water with a conceptual holiday diorama. Image: Jamie Merida

Diorama

The photo above is an interesting idea for a nautical holiday theme on a porch. The compass on the wall and the lantern on the table already give a nautical look. An evergreen wreath around the lantern gives an instant holiday feel.

But the real showstopper is the interesting diorama under the compass. The small trees and little holiday trailer give a look of holidays spent at the lake for some ice fishing. The white snow, trailer and trees combine well with the blue in the windows of the trailer, too. It even matches the white and blue-gray on the trim and siding of the home.

A tree with white decorations can fit with a blue and white nautical theme. Image: Jamie Merida

White Tree for a Nautical Holiday Theme

You could also try just going for a tree with white decorations since those are easier to find (not all stores carry blue and white Christmas themes). By adding some simple white decorations to a regular green tree, you can help it fit in with a blue and white nautical theme. If you have enough blue in the rest of the space, like the blue ship painting and upholstery in the photo above, you’ll naturally end up with a blue and white Christmas.

On the mantel, you can also see how natural evergreen fits around nautical elements like the lighthouse lantern and netting. Again, it just goes to show how surprisingly well nautical items fit with Christmas decorations.

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Artist Heather Gauthier Makes Art of Beauty and Wildlife

November 26, 2018 by admin

San Antonio artist Heather Gauthier captures the beauty and whimsy of our love of animals. Photo courtesy of Heather Gauthier

Artist Heather Gauthier doesn’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t creating things. From her childhood days as an imaginative, home-schooled “weirdo” growing up in Lubbock, Texas to her early married life living in South Africa, Gauthier has been sketching and painting scenes of beauty and wildlife her entire life.

“There wasn’t much to do or see in Lubbock, the flattest, ugliest, cowiest town in West Texas. It meant my inner life was a lot richer,” Gauthier says. Both she and her brother are artists. She attributes their artistry to the fact that both of them had to rely on their imaginations for stimulation.

Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

A dining room is illuminated with a piece of art from artist Heather Gauthier. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Though she took art classes briefly at Texas Tech (“I left running and shrieking for the hills, far, far away from Lubbock”), Gauthier has mostly been self-taught. Years of practice helped her hone her craft and find her voice as an artist. Her goal is to make art that is beautiful and that makes people happy. With pieces often featuring flora and fauna in exploding colors, Gauthier creates pictures that have a whimsical depiction of life and beauty.

“I am all about beauty. I create art that depicts a reality I wish was real,” she says.

Lions, tigers and bears, along with hippos, zebras and birds of every variety, are often the subjects of Gauthier’s art. Though the animals themselves are gorgeous and glorious and regal, Gauthier often lightens the mood of the painting by adding beautiful bouquets of flowers, hats, beads and other adornments on her subjects. Her art is playful and done with a sense of humor, despite her subject matters being serious creatures.

“I take pride in my work but I can’t take myself too seriously,” she says.

Playing the Artist Card

A client is dressed in black and white to complement her Heather Gauthier original. Photo courtesy of artist Heather Gauthier.

Asked what the best thing about being an artist is, Gauthier responds with “my Artist Card.”

“Why am I wearing hot dogs in my hair? Artist. Why does my house look like multiple factory explosions? Artist. Why can I never remember to sign my kids’ homework? Artist.”

Her offbeat sense of humor resonates with a particular audience and Gauthier has grown a following particularly in San Antonio, her current home base, along with a few other cities like Napa and Aspen. However, she says that New Orleans is her “artistic mothership” and it is there that she has been the most successful.

“People get me there and I deeply appreciate it. I paint the things I do for all the same reasons that I love New Orleans,” says Gauthier. Her work can be found at Gallery Orange on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

“I think the unusual and unique fun spirit of her work fits well into Nola, plus her love for anything flowery, joie de vivre and love of food all resonate with people here,” says Tracy Gielbert of Gallery Orange.

Work and Life Balance

Artist Heather Gauthier has a collection of homewares for sale on her website. Photo courtesy of Heather Gauthier.

Speaking of fitting, as a mother of two young children, Gauthier balances being a parent and an artist and paints in great bursts when her schedule allows. Sometimes, she says, she’ll let her kids pass some time in front of the television and work at a furious pace while they’re otherwise engaged. Often, she paints once they’ve headed off to bed. With school back in session, Gauthier plans to spend more time in her studio and on her easel.

The fall of 2018 will be a busy time for the adventure-seeking traveler. She’s working on a book cover for Harper Collins, a line of china and home linens and larger shows in San Antonio and New Orleans. Despite clocking in many hours painting, Gauthier says one of her goals this year is to take a little more time to just relax and ease up on her pace.

“I really want to chill some more this year,” she says. Gauthier has, to date, packed her schedule with events, launches and lots more painting. Her love for the creative process and painting means she will continue to produce works that will entice fans to keep buying her art – and will undoubtedly keep her busy.

The post Artist Heather Gauthier Makes Art of Beauty and Wildlife appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas

November 23, 2018 by admin

There’s no denying that Christmas and Thanksgiving have blurred together over the years. Christmas songs start on the radio on November 1. It’s common to see Christmas trees up in homes and holiday lights ablaze right on Thanksgiving. In many homes, Thanksgiving has almost become “Christmas: Part One.” But Thanksgiving still deserves its due, so you’ll want to focus on how to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Luckily, if you can’t wait to get a bit of a jump on Christmas, there are plenty of gorgeous ways to combine both Thanksgiving and Christmas styles. Below are some classy ways to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas using creative styles from both seasons. The overall idea is that you have a little bit of Christmas with your Thanksgiving, and then after Thanksgiving it’s easier to move your space to all Christmas decorations.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Patio Space

Subtle holiday wreaths and pumpkins go well together. Image: Leanne Michael

Combine wreaths with pumpkins

The first photo above shows how you can combine harvest themes with a light touch of Christmas in a patio space. You can see how the pumpkin menagerie around the door gives the home a solid harvest theme for Thanksgiving. Pumpkins work in the home right up to Thanksgiving Day. However, the wreath gives a look of impending Christmas festivities, with the evergreen, seasonal red flowers and large holiday bow.

By combining pumpkins and a festive wreath, you pay homage to the holidays as a whole. This style can either work outdoors on the patio or you can use the same concept around your home indoors.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Word Banner

Holiday-themed word banners are an easy way to decorate for both holidays. Image: Live Love Create

Use holiday-themed words to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas

Another way to make your home move cleanly between the two holidays is to use holiday-themed word art around the home. The red and green plant on the table in the photo above already sets an early tone for Christmas. But the larger “gratitude” banner sets the theme for Thanksgiving.

Then, when it gets to be closer to Christmas, you might want to simply switch the word banner to read something more Christmas-themed, like “Yuletide,” “Santa” or something else related to Christmas specifically.

This style is also an example of a great idea for a minimalist holiday decorating scheme. The word banner creates a strong focal point, meaning you have to place fewer holiday decorations around the space.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Small Tree

Placing small trees out during Thanksgiving gives a hint of the Christmas days to come. Image: Janet Paik

Add small trees early

A good way to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas is to add some small tabletop trees in the home around Thanksgiving. This gives the hint of Christmas days to come without going full hog yet and putting up the large tree. You might also put sparse ornaments on the smaller trees to start out, and then load them up with decorations the closer it gets to Christmas.

This idea focuses on moving your holiday decorating in stages. As you get closer to Christmas, your home gets more seasonal. It helps create a sense of momentum in the space, rather than putting everything out too early and risking getting sick of Christmas in November.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasonal Plant

Seasonal container plants work well for both Christmas and Thanksgiving. Image: Le Jardinet

Try seasonal container plants

Another easy way to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas is to go for container plants with seasonal plant life. For example, the photo above features red berries, pine cones and an ornament.

Red berries are a decorating accent that moves well between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cranberries tend to be staples on both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables. And red berries tend to grow in fall already, so they make a good harvest decoration. But you can keep the red berries up because the red coloring goes with other Christmas decorations.

As you move towards Christmas, you can add more seasonal items to the display. Examples include more pinecones, ornaments or seasonal table pieces around the potted plant.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Owl in Hat

This owl has a harvest feel in his materials, but he’s easy to update for Christmas. Image: Interiors Unleashed

Use harvest characters with Christmas items

This cute idea in the photo above is a good way to combine harvest themes and early Christmas themes. The owl himself has a harvest feel about him. He’s made of a straw texture and stands on some branches, which are common materials to find in harvest decorations. Then by adding an early Christmas seasonal hat, you can essentially update him for Christmas.

You can handle an idea like this in a couple of ways. You could keep just the harvest character out through Thanksgiving and then add the holiday hat before Christmas. Or you could have the harvest character and Christmas hat out on Thanksgiving, if you want to blur the two holidays together in a more modern sense.

Transition Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Table Setting

A conical tree on a harvest table setting is a good item to hint at Christmas. Image: Expert Touch Interiors

Go for holiday colors and conceptual items

Another idea to transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas is to get more sneaky in how you introduce Christmas elements early. For instance, in the photo above you can see how the table setting has an overwhelmingly harvest theme. However, the tall tree starts hinting at Christmas trees to come. The white and red berry formations on the tree also start to introduce Christmas colorings into the home.

So even though your home still has a harvest theme for Thanksgiving, it’s can start to have more subtle themes that you’ll see later for Christmas. You could also keep subtle pieces like the tabletop tree up during the holidays, since the red and white colors match traditional Christmas color schemes.

How do you transition your home from Thanksgiving to Christmas? Let us know in the comments.

The post How to Transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas appeared first on Freshome.com.

Totally Chic And Affordable Tabletop And Furniture Finds For Your Holiday Dinners From Jet.com

November 19, 2018 by admin

This article is sponsored by Jet.com. The opinions and statements below are those of our writer’s experience. Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

The holiday entertaining countdown is on! Thanksgiving dinner, holiday cocktails, Christmas roasts and New Year’s Eve parties are all coming up. Are you ready to host the best (and most fabulous) dinners and cocktail parties around?

We’ve got a secret for you – Jet.com is a great source for the urban dweller who loves modern style and a good deal. And we’ve found great prices on dining room furniture, table accessories and dishes. Check these out:

Table Settings

Let’s work backward and start off with the icing on the cake: the table setting. A good table setting of interesting colors and textured layers is the perfect backdrop for any event from a multi-course Thanksgiving meal to a Chinese takeout New Year’s Eve night.

Layers of browns, coppers and golds can work for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Add pinecones or rustic twigs and berries for Thanksgiving or red accents for Christmas. All images: Jet.com

Get the look:

Other jet.com table setting ideas for the holidays:

Dining Chairs

Sometimes all you need to update your dining space is a striking dining chair. Mix and match yours or order the same style in several colors for a personalized look.

Best Jet.com Small Dining Sets

If you’re dealing with a small space, look for small-scale or multi-purpose pieces with storage or that can also work as a desk or kitchen prep table.

The LumiSource Sedona 5-Piece Industrial Counter Height Dining Set, $800, can also work as a bar, breakfast counter or kitchen prep table.

Modern And Farmhouse Style Dining Room Furniture

If you’re working with a regularly-sized dining room or eating area, you can add a table for six or more guests. For the ultimate flexibility, a bench can expand the seating area of a dining room. Jet.com has some good deals on these modern dining sets.

The Yumandale Teak Finish Acacia Wood 3-Piece Dining Set, $612, can be dressed up or down according to your table setting.

Turn your dining room or small eating space into an intimate, inviting place to gather this holiday. Start with the right dining furniture and dress it up with a fun and creative layered table setting.

The post Totally Chic And Affordable Tabletop And Furniture Finds For Your Holiday Dinners From Jet.com appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Ways to Make Clever Holiday Wall Decorations

November 18, 2018 by admin

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When decorating your home for the holidays, key items to keep in mind are the holiday wall decorations. These work as strong focal points that set the seasonal design tone and help bring the whole room together. Alternatively, they can also work as small accents that add to the overall design scheme.

There are many different holiday wall decorations for sale. However, getting crafty and creative can help you make a memorable, personalized holiday season. Below are some crafty ideas for how to get homemade holiday wall decorations that will be sure to start some conversations this season.

Holiday Wall Decorations Using Chalkboard

Chalkboard walls are natural places to add a seasonal theme. Image: Katie Grace Designs

Using a chalkboard wall

If you have a chalkboard wall in your home, that is a ripe area for holiday wall decorations. The photo above shows some Christmas-themed drawings on a chalkboard wall. The added seasonal lights and the wreath complete the look. As the photo shows, you can add your favorite seasonal sayings, draw trees and make a Christmas countdown. You can get as creative as you want with this idea.

If you don’t have a chalkboard wall, you can achieve a similar look by hanging a large classic black chalkboard on a wall. Then add items like small wreaths and ornaments, along with Christmas-themed drawings and sayings. A traditional blackboard would be a great addition to a country, rustic or classic home style, too.

Sticks can make a stark, rustic tree design. Image: Robeson Design

Rustic texture holiday wall decorations

The neat idea in the photo above makes the most of some simple tree branches. It’s great for rustic or country Christmas styles. You can easily make a triangular frame with long, thin sticks. Then use wood glue to glue the branches into the tree shape. You could also drill small holes in the sticks and hang them together using twine.

A display like this is also a great idea for using seasonal lights and small ornaments. A present under the tree and surrounding seasonal items round out the festive look. The oversized ornaments surrounding the stick tree are a wonderfully whimsical touch.

Mirrors can reflect the themes and colors of the room’s seasonal design. Image: AMR Design

Making the most of mirrors

Another easy idea for holiday wall decorations is to angle mirrors so that they capture seasonal lights and colors. An example is the mirror in the photo above behind the Christmas tree. Because of the way it is placed, it actually captures the lights and colors from the Christmas tree itself. It’s basically a very creative cheat to make it look like the mirror is its own wall decoration, but it’s actually taking the colors from another element in the room. This is a good way to spread the seasonal colors about the room for easy design cohesion. Mirrors also really open up small spaces.

If you look closely, you can also see that the mirror has the decal word Christmas written on it. This is a good idea if guests are not facing the exact direction to reflect the tree. That way, the mirror still has a seasonal look, rather than looking out of place.

Holiday Wall Decorations Peacock Decoration

A gorgeous seasonal peacock is sure to draw the eye. Image: Robeson Design

Natural bird display

The idea in the photo above is a great option if you are designing a Christmas theme with a natural look or want an upscale seasonal home design. What makes this design so original is how the bird sits atop seasonal greenery and feathers. It makes it look like the seasonal greenery is part of the bird’s plumage. Crystal embellishments add a gorgeous sparkle.

Also, putting the bird on a shelf in front of the classy dividers gives the whole display a cohesive look that makes it one distinct element in the room. The dividers in the back frame the bird, making it a strong focal point against the wall, even if it’s not a traditional wall hanging.

This customizable option makes your space uniquely you during the holidays. Image: Louise de Miranda

Seasonal word decals

Another idea for holiday wall decorations is to find some seasonal decal words and put them on the wall. The words in the photo above give off a cultured feel. You can get black ones which would fit with the most modern of Christmas decorations, or you can go for a more traditional red or green display. It’s a great option if you want to personalize your space, but you don’t have the time to get extremely crafty.

A neat way to completely personalize this idea is a custom wall quote decal from Etsy. You can have the maker form any quote you’d like, making it a great way to create your own wall hanging without as much effort as the other ideas.

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The Most Important Items for Any Kitchen

November 16, 2018 by admin

What room in your home could you absolutely not live without? With the exception of perhaps the bathroom, no room matters more to your family’s comfort at home than the kitchen. This room is often the heart of the home. And even if you don’t love cooking, your kitchen is still a room you’ll use a regular basis to grab coffee, a quick snack or a throw-together meal.

Whether you’re an expert chef or a have never stood over a stovetop, a well-stocked kitchen can make your life at home a little easier and more pleasant. We polled our team at Freshome to figure out which items we all agree are needed for a functional kitchen. Here are our kitchen must-haves.

A quality refrigerator is the cornerstone of a functioning kitchen. Image: Haven Design & Construction

Refrigerator

There is no shortage of kitchen appliance options. But none of them are as critical as the fridge. It might not seem glamorous, but the refrigerator is a superstar in any cooking space. If you’re just moving into your first apartment, a smaller, standard fridge is a great place to start. If you’re ready to upgrade, however, shop around. Glass door refrigerators are beautiful and trendy. They’re ideal for people who want a sleek, modern look to their kitchen. Or, if you like a more traditional look, you can panel the fridge doors in material that matches your kitchen cabinets.

Alternately, smart fridges are ideal for the tech-savvy family – or those who just want to save time and money. They can do everything from help you remember to use items before they expire to serve as a message board for the house. Whichever type of fridge you choose, be willing to invest. This is a staple appliance and it’s worth getting a good one.

Knives

Another important investment, a good kitchen knife makes chopping easier and can even help you avoid injury. The good news is that quality knives will last for years and years, so you can feel confident about investing in them. If you’re looking for something to get you started, our team loves this three-piece knife set from Williams Sonoma.

A coffee or tea station adds a fun touch to your morning routine. Image: Lisa Robazza Design

Coffee or tea station

Food isn’t the only reason to use your kitchen. Beverages can be equally important, especially if you’re looking for a quality way to start your day. Setting up a well-appointed coffee or tea station makes the ritual of enjoying a warm beverage easier and more pleasant. Stock your station with plenty of mugs you love and whatever equipment you need to whip up your beverage of choice. If you’re looking for a starter option, check out this extremely affordable coffee pot from Target. Or if you want to add a splash of color, try this vintage-style tea kettle from Williams Sonoma is aqua or red. Then, add other fun touches like stir sticks, a sugar jar and fun art.

Functional stovetop

Much like the refrigerator, a stovetop is a non-negotiable in a kitchen. Our team has a variety of preferences on the type of cooking surface; some of us prefer a gas range while others love a glass-top stove. The latter is easy to clean and adds a nice streamlined aesthetic to the kitchen while the former allows you greater control over your cooking temperature. Ultimately, either option will suffice as long as it provides you with a quality place to fry, sautee and stew.

Even if you don’t love to cook, a stovetop is still important. Our team loves meal prep services like Blue Apron because they take so much of the guesswork and headache out of prepping dinner. If you want to make cooking easier and more fun so you actually enjoy standing at your stovetop, we recommend trying one out.

Kitchen seating gives the room more usefulness and creates a space your family can enjoy. Image: JKA Design

Eat-in area

Even if you’re lucky enough to have space for a formal dining room, that may not be the vibe you want for all of your meals. Creating an eat-in area in your kitchen, whether it’s a few stools pulled up to your kitchen island or a sunny breakfast nook, gives the room extra functionality and creates a space where all your family members – even those who don’t cook – can enjoy the room.

Grab and go food

While the kitchen is a place to occasionally invest hours creating masterful meals, many of us are so busy that it also needs to offer quick-service functionality. Keep your kitchen stocked with your family’s favorite grab-and-go options. You’ll find our pantries prepped with cereal and granola bars (we love KIND). A bowl of fresh fruit on the countertop makes it easy to get in our recommended daily servings. Or we’ll throw some English muffins in a Cuisinart toaster for a quick, versatile breakfast base. Whatever options work well for you, keep them handy so your kitchen can serve you even when you’re in a rush.

What items could you not live without in your kitchen? Image: Lake Country Builders

Other kitchen essentials

Obviously, we haven’t even gone into some of the other, more straightforward must-haves like silverware and dishware. Choosing your ideal sets all comes down to marrying your needs (i.e. durable dishware is key with young kids) with your tastes. Have fun with it!

What items do you think are most important for a well-stocked kitchen? What did we miss? Tell us about your kitchen essentials in the comments below.

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