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Ways to Make This Thanksgiving One Your Family Will Cherish Forever

November 9, 2018 by admin

Looking for ideas to make this Thanksgiving special? Edward Perotti is an event designer who has worked with artists like Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas. From intimate settings to spectacular events at the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and the Great Wall of China, he knows a thing or two about producing extraordinary experiences. We asked him for some ideas to make this the best Thanksgiving ever.

Incorporate natural colors in your design. Image: Anita Diaz for Far Above Rubies

“What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving?” Perotti asks. “Do you imagine a time of gratitude with your family, all the while counting your blessings? Or is it merely a day of eating, partying or watching sports on TV and showing your team spirit?”

Perotti grew up in San Francisco in a very traditional Italian-American home. Thanksgiving was a day for family and a celebration of togetherness.

“Over the years, I have seen and done many things to make this day special for my family and friends,” Perotti says. “Here are a couple of decor and tabletop ideas to make this year’s event one that your family will look back on with fond memories.”

Pumpkins add a decorative touch to your table. Image: Kitchen Magic

Thankful Table

Perotti recommends creating a Thankful Table by first focusing on your dining table centerpiece:

Take a potted Manzanita tree, wrap it in something simple like ivory or cream linen fabric and place it in the center of your table.
Add various mason jars and glass milk bottles around the table, spray painted in a color to match your decor.
Fill all but three jars with a single type of flower, like dahlias or hydrangeas.
Label the three empty jars with FAMILY, HEALTH and GOOD FORTUNE. Mix the three labeled jars with the others jars, all building out from either side of the tree.
As your guests arrive and get comfortable, have them take a slip of paper or index card to write down one or two things they are thankful for or consider a blessing this season.
Before your meal, take the cards and tie them to the tree branches with ribbon. This has now become your family blessing tree and the centerpiece to your table decor.
When you are ready for everyone to join the table, go around the table and have each person take a card off the tree and read it aloud.
Once they read the card, they can place it in the appropriate blessing jar.
When you’re done, you will have a fairly good view of your family’s strongest blessings. You’ll be amazed (and moved) when you hear how people truly feel.

A beautiful table makes food taste even better. Image: Sandra Bunn Designs

Thankful Table

“People who know me personally know how much I love to mix china patterns,” Perotti says. “Since Thanksgiving is about bringing together people of all backgrounds, it’s a time to embrace this concept. You can start by designing a table inspired by and honoring the women in your family.”

Start with a minimum of 40 mini orange and white pumpkins. Mix the colors to create a one-foot wide ‘table runner’ of the mini pumpkins. Strategically place 4 single candles within the pumpkin runner.
Add florals in small and subtle varieties, like mini ivory hydrangeas. Disperse the flowers randomly within and on top of your pumpkin runner.
For the actual place settings, ask your grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, etc. if you can borrow some of their fine china and stemware. You will only need a handful of pieces from each.
Set your table by using the salad plate from one set, the dinner plate from another set and so on with additional plates and glassware.
Don’t worry about matching. This table is all about your family and the blending of different styles to create one overall experience.
For dessert, gather a bunch of digital pictures from all your family members and create a photo collage of the pictures. Print enough 5×7 prints of the collage so that you have one for each guest, and insert the prints into frameless glass picture frames. These frames are your dessert plates.

Candles provide a soft, warm glow. Image: Sandra Bunn Designs

Family stories

“When everyone gathers around the table, have each person who donated china tell a favorite family memory, perhaps about why they chose the china that was used that evening,” Perotti says. “A story I loved hearing is about how my grandfather proposed to my grandmother.”

If you want to save this Thanksgiving memory, he recommends recording everyone sharing their memories with your phone so you can save it for future generations. “This is a great way to always remember your family story and journey.”

Be grateful for time with family and friends. Image: Chalk It Up Décor

Happy Thanksgiving from the Freshome team!

The post Ways to Make This Thanksgiving One Your Family Will Cherish Forever appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Top Tips for Arranging Your Home for Entertaining

November 9, 2018 by admin

With guests coming over for the holidays, you may be wondering how to accommodate them all. This can be especially true if you have multiple people coming over from different sides of the family or other separate social areas of your life. Without proper organization in your home, you could end up with crowded clusters of people milling about awkwardly. Luckily, it’s actually pretty easy to accommodate all kinds of different people. Some of these ideas just involve changing the furniture around. Others might have you planning for your next remodel. Below, you’ll find multiple tips for arranging your home for entertaining.

Arranging your Home for Entertaining Seating Area

Your guests will appreciate intimate seating areas. Image: Scott Weston Architecture Design PL

Think Intimacy for Sitting Areas

A hallmark of a well-organized home during a party is having multiple intimate seating areas. The photo above shows an example of such an area. Multiple individual seats face each other. They’re not too far apart, but not too close. An ottoman in the middle helps give some visual balance and organization to the area. The space itself is also set off to the side by a window, making it a cozy area to sit and enjoy some catching up with friends or family.

And as far as the color scheme goes, this space has a good visual cohesion to it. The blue chairs stand out slightly from the blue wall and curtains behind it due to the slightly different shades of blue. It’s a good example of monochrome layering. The teal chairs in the foreground don’t clash with the blue, but they still stand out for an additional layered feel. Paying attention to color can make a sitting area look like its own design element in the room.

Arranging your Home for Entertaining Foyer Space

Set a welcoming and well-styled tone for your home right in the entryway. Image: James Traynor Custom Homes

Have a Welcoming Foyer

You’ll also want to pay attention to the foyer area when you’re arranging your home for entertaining. Make sure it’s welcoming and stylish to set the tone as guests enter. The photo above shows a good example.

Small accents like plants can give a touch of warmth and life. Having personalized items like art or family photos in the foyer can make the space feel like a natural part of the house. Matching rugs, like in the photo above, give a sense of well-planned cohesion and can help set the design tone that guests can expect in the rest of the home. Seating areas by the door are good for guests to take off shoes or have a rest. And remember, foyer color is important. Little additions like these can help the foyer feel less cold and forgotten, as can often be the case with such a space.

Arranging your Home for Entertaining Pool Table

Guests will like multiple activity options. Image: Synergy Design and Construction

Have Multiple Spaces for Different Guest Interests

It can be tempting to have a pattern where the furniture is organized surrounding the TV when you’re arranging your home for entertaining. After all, that’s how we tend to live the rest of the time when we don’t have guests over. However, you might want to pay special attention to how your space is organized so different interests can be accommodated. Not everyone likes to sit around and watch football.

For instance, the photo above shows a pool table for people who like to be more active at parties. You might also try having tables and chairs set out with games on them or poker tables set up. Also, think about individual seating areas set away from the TV for people who like intimate conversations.

Arranging your Home for Entertaining Sectional Sofa

Try a sectional sofa for seating in smaller areas. Image: Brad Ramsey Interiors

Sectionals Can Be Good Visiting Spaces

The seating ideas above tend to work well if you have a larger space. But for smaller spaces, a larger sectional sofa can work well for seating guests. It’s counterintuitive, but larger one-piece furniture sets like this work well in smaller rooms since the spacing between chairs can actually take up more floor space.

The photo above shows how a larger sectional can work in a narrower room. People can either sit next to each other and talk or watch TV. The four-piece ottoman set can also be a good place to put serving trays for snacks, as long as there isn’t a grabby pet around.

Arranging your Home for Entertaining Seating Space

Multiple large-scale seating areas can accommodate different groups of people. Image: BUILD

Try Multiple Sitting Areas When You’re Arranging Your Home for Entertaining

You might also want to consider multiple sitting areas while you’re arranging your home for entertaining. The photo above shows a large-scale example of multiple sitting areas. This can work well for parties where people from different parts of your life gather, like work friends and family. That way, different groups can have enough space to talk to each other.

If you don’t have such a large space, you can also make the idea work by placing small groupings of chairs around your home. You might face two smaller sofas away from each other and surround each in chairs or loveseats. You can also place additional chairs around natural eating areas, like adding chairs to a breakfast nook.

The post 5 Top Tips for Arranging Your Home for Entertaining appeared first on Freshome.com.

24 Thanksgiving Table Runners That Can Add Flair to Your Table

November 7, 2018 by admin

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For as little as $18, you can transform your holiday table with a Thanksgiving table runner. You don’t have to go all out with fine china, pumpkins, leaves and a forest wonderland (although that would be pretty cool). All you need is a dining table, countertop or coffee table and one of these table runners. Layer as much or as little as you want to add Thanksgiving flair.

Once you add a table runner, consider layering your table setting with candles, dishes and a centerpiece. The more the merrier this holiday season. And the more delightful your table will look!

The foundation of your festive Thanksgiving table is the table runner. Add as much or as little as you like. Runner: Crate & Barrel Autumn Leaves Runner, $70

Thanksgiving table runners with an exotic or boho-chic vibe

Boho-chic and far-flung or folksy patterns are the biggest trend of 2018. Why not mix earthy Thanksgiving spice colors with sumptuous exotic patterns like the ones below? The combo is stunning.

Thanksgiving table runners featuring plaid

Plaid will always be a classic pattern for the holidays. Go with earth tones like browns, spices and mustard colors at Thanksgiving. Or for a modern take on the classic, choose buffalo checks or plaids in grey, black and white.

A lush Thanksgiving table setting featuring an earthy plaid table runner by Threshold from Target, $18.

Farmhouse-chic table runners

Natural materials like linen and burlap in soft, understated colors are the perfect table runner choice for a farmhouse-style Thanksgiving table. Image: Elle Decor

Thanksgiving table runners for a little bling

A little sparkle or shine goes a long way in adding a festive feel to your Thanksgiving table. These runners vary from very subtle metallic thread or embroidery – to bold metallic or beaded patterns.

Love the idea of a Thanksgiving table runner? You can run one down the middle of the table or arrange two or more across the table as a shared place setting for guests sitting across from each other. Don’t forget to add colorful coordinating paper or linen napkins for the occasion.

The post 24 Thanksgiving Table Runners That Can Add Flair to Your Table appeared first on Freshome.com.

Hosting Thanksgiving: Top Picks from Our Freshome Team

November 7, 2018 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

The holiday hullabaloo has begun. If you’re the one hosting Thanksgiving this year, you might be feeling a small tinge of stress about your upcoming entertaining. Of course, there’s the fairly daunting task of getting such a large-scale meal to table. But that’s not your only concern. You want every single friend and family member who walks through your door to feel simultaneously welcomed and wowed.

It sounds like a lot, but don’t sweat. We tapped our entire team of writers at Freshome to give you some ideas to make this year your most memorable Thanksgiving ever. Our team of home design experts has rounded up a manageable list of must-haves for hosting Thanksgiving. Grab these items and you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, bountiful celebration with your loved ones.

Set the scene for a memorable evening with candlelight. Image: HGTV

Candles

Creating the ideal Thanksgiving dinner comes down to a few things: good food, good company and good ambiance. You can create the last with a lot of effort – or you can use lighting to make your dining area feel magical. Candles are a fantastic way to create a warm setting that feels special and doesn’t require a lot of work to set up. Taper candles and tea lights are great options that leave plenty of room on your table for your centerpiece and serving dishes. Or, if you want to go for a bigger impact element, you can opt for something like this eye-catching Centerpiece Candle from West Elm.

However you choose to incorporate candles, don’t forget to light them as guests arrive. Here’s a tip from our Freshome team. Task someone who probably won’t help much in the kitchen with this chore. It’s a great way to get someone like a teen or football-loving adult involved in hosting Thanksgiving and prevents you from having to stress about a last-minute to-do.

With a platter, you can present your food beautifully without any additional work in the kitchen. Image: Crate & Barrel

Serving platter

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the focus is on the food. With all eyes on the dishes you bring out of the kitchen, you want to present them in an attractive way. That could mean spending extra time on the presentation of the food itself, but with all the work you’re already going to be doing in the kitchen, that can be taxing. Instead, simply put the food on a large, beautiful platter. We love this Antique Brass Leaf Platter from Williams Sonoma as a way to take your table to the next level.

If you’re looking for a platter that will work in every season but can still add some fall warmth to your Thanksgiving table, our Freshome team loves wood. The Tondo Serverware collection from Crate & Barrel comes in a variety of sizes and shapes to help you beautifully present every dish.

Natural decor makes it easy to set an impressive table when hosting Thanksgiving. Image: Amanda Carol Interiors

Natural table decor

Ah, the Thanksgiving centerpiece. The crowning glory of your table at the upcoming holiday. But you already have to create enough storage in your home for other holiday decorations. We get that carving out even more storage for a bounty of Thanksgiving table decor – which you’ll realistically use one, maybe two, times each year – isn’t a priority. And it doesn’t have to be! Our writers have found a workaround.

To fill out our tables when hosting Thanksgiving, we turn to natural options. Gourds and pumpkins are classics that set a seasonal tone. Don’t be afraid to incorporate less common additions like lemons or halved figs, too. And if you’re looking for a high-impact centerpiece, turn to the classic: fresh flowers. A bouquet of blooms in seasonal hues livens up your table and delivers both a high-end and homey feel.

A table runner – especially one with a textured edge – can establish your tablescape. Image: Cost Plus World Market

Table linens

If you want to add depth and visual interest to your Thanksgiving table without it looking cluttered, turn to table linens. At Freshome, we love table runners for the holiday. They’re a great way to add both structure and softness to your table without the stuffiness of a full-blown tablecloth. Plus, if you’ve got a beautiful table, this is the time to show off this piece of furniture!

And if you really want your table linens to pack a punch, mix textures. Smooth napkins with a rough-edged runner – like the Khadi Runner from World Market – give your table depth. The mixed textures call to your guests’ tactile senses, inviting them to sit at the table and feel all the different textures.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to help you pick the perfect table linens, we’ve got you covered. Here is a roundup of Thanksgiving table decorating ideas.

Don’t forget the plates and glasses! Image: Pottery Barn

More picks for hosting Thanksgiving

Of course, you can’t have a proper dinner party without dishes and glasses. We love mixing and matching your seasonal dinnerware with your normal sets to give your table some flair. Plus, combining your different sets makes it easier to find enough plates and bowls to serve your large gathering. If you don’t already have fall plates to pull out, these Harvest Pumpkin Salad Plates from Pottery Barn are a great addition to your cabinets.

And don’t forget to add drink receptacles. We love large wine glasses (check out these goblets from Williams Sonoma) and classic coupes (you can grab them at Target) so your guests can liberally enjoy the libations.

Do you really want to make Thanksgiving a breeze? One of our writers has a surefire tip for you. Get it catered!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family here at Freshome to yours. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season – and that we’ve made it a little bit easier on you.

The post Hosting Thanksgiving: Top Picks from Our Freshome Team appeared first on Freshome.com.

10 Hostess Gift Ideas Under $25

November 6, 2018 by admin

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Doesn’t it feel like summer was just here? And yet somehow, the holiday season is already kicking into high gear. Don’t ask us how we got here, but it’s time to prep for one of the most fun, busy times of the year. With so much going on during the weeks ahead, stress is inevitable. On top of all the other gifts you have to buy this time of year, it’s easy to forget to bring a little something when you’re invited to a holiday party. But a small token of appreciation can go a long way. We’ve got you covered with 10 hostess gift ideas under $25. Consider it our holiday gift to you.

Give a modern spin on fresh flowers with these vases. Image: CB2

Von geometric vases

Flowers are a thoughtful hostess gift – until you realize you’ve just added another task to your host’s to-do list. Now, on top of taking coats and pouring drinks, they’ve also got to get those bad boys into some fresh water. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem: Leave your host with a beautiful gift that will far outlast fresh flowers by presenting them in a Von Geometric Vase ($13 each). Metallic and modern, these vases are a perfect addition to any home’s decor. And, because their mouths are small, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a large bouquet.

No refill needed! If you’re looking for hostess gift ideas that get the party started, this is just the thing. Image: Brookstone

Guzzle buddy wine glass

When you’re rushing from event to event during the holidays, it’s common practice to pick up a bottle of wine en route to present to the event host. And, let’s be honest, with the stress of hosting during the holidays, they will probably need a little liquid therapy. So why not contribute a playful complement to the inevitable bounty of bottles your host will receive? The Guzzle Buddy Wine Glass ($20) is a conversation-starter – and a gift your host just might end up leaning on during this busy time of year.

Give a gift that will keep on giving every time your hostess entertains. Image: Cost Plus World Market

Charcuterie cutting board

If your host is crazy enough to throw a party during the holidays, they probably entertain on a regular basis. It can become tiring to constantly have to come up with new and interesting finger foods to set out at a party. That’s why a charcuterie board or cheese plate is a favorite – just rotate in whichever items caught your eye during your last trip to the grocery store. Give your host a beautiful place to display said food by presenting them with a sheesham wood (also known as Indian Rosewood) charcuterie cutting board ($25). It has an eye-catching shape, and the hole at the top makes it easy to hang out of the way when it’s not in use.

A tea set gives your host something they can use for a quiet moment before tackling cleanup. Image: Le Creuset

Tea set

Have we harped enough on the stress of the holiday season? When searching for hostess gift ideas, you’ll see a lot of alcohol-based suggestions. And while those are probably most welcome, they’re not the healthiest way to deal with the social heat of the holidays. Pair a couple of teaspoons ($6) and this tea bag holder ($9) with some of your favorite tea for a gift that invites your host to practice some healthy self-care after the party. These items come in a wide range of colors so you can get something that truly fits your host.

These cherries are a game-changer – and the perfect gift for any host who loves to whip up craft cocktails. Image: Williams Sonoma

Luxardo maraschino cherries

Treat your host to something delicious and help them simultaneously step up their cocktail game. You might think a jar of cherries is a weird gift, but the difference between these Luxardo Maraschino Cherries ($20) and the maraschinos you’re used to in your Shirley Temple is astronomical. Think Rolls Royce versus a second-hand unicycle – really. For the host who loves to make craft cocktails and is always experimenting with new recipes, this is an ideal gift.

Show up to the party with a touch of magic in hand with this bottle stopper. Image: CB2

Unicorn bottle stopper

Sprinkle a little magic on your host or hostess this holiday season. This iridescent Unicorn Bottle Stopper ($10) is equal parts youthful, elegant and affordable. And, as we mentioned, your host is sure to have plenty of wine bottles in which to use it this holiday season. When the holidays are over and the wine runs out, it could be a fun addition to a bar cart’s decor or a conversation starter atop a crystal decanter.

Jingle all the way to the party with this gift in tow. Image: Pottery Barn

Jingle bell bottle opener

When you’re hunting for hostess gift ideas, it’s natural to seek out ones that spread some seasonal cheer. The problem? A lot of them are ho-ho-hokey. But not this beautiful Jingle Bell Bottle Opener ($13). With an eye-catching brass sheen, this opener is equal parts seasonal decor and useful bar addition. Come on, you’ve been at the party where people couldn’t find an opener and ended up using the countertop. Protect your hosts’ home and help them celebrate the season with this small-but-impactful gift.

This gift keeps hands free from garlic smell and makes cleanup a snap. Image: Sur La Table

Garlic rocker

When you’re cooking and the recipe calls for garlic, a freshly minced clove is a must. It’s also a huge hassle. Sure, a garlic press can take some of the work out of the process, but then you’re inevitably stuck trying to clear the leftover bits from your press before they cement in place. Make your host’s future food prep simpler by presenting them with this Garlic Rocker ($15). With a few presses of the palm, you’ve got a beautifully minced clove without the daunting cleanup. Plus, you protect your host from odorous hands. The rocker captures the minced pieces in its shallow bowl so you can easily dump them into any dish.

Help your hosts protect their holiday table linens with a bottle coaster. Image: Williams Sonoma

Marble wine coaster

Are you sensing a theme? Wine is a key player in a number of the best hostess gift ideas. Help your hosts protect their tables by adding a sleek, stately marble wine coaster ($20) into the mix. It’s a pretty addition to any centerpiece and it gives people a place to put those pesky bottles of red that inevitably drip and leave rings as the night wears on. No one wants to see their nice holiday linens stained. Help them help their guests keep a tidy table by bringing this thoughtful gift with you.

Help your host find some respite during this busy time of year with a little detox gift set. Image: West Elm

Activated charcoal gift set

During the holiday season, finding time to unwind is key. Treat your host to a mini spa setup with this Activated Charcoal Detox Gift Set ($25) from Little Seed. This set comes with an activated charcoal farmstead milk soap bar that’s handmade with goat’s milk from Little Seed’s family farm in Tennesse. It’s paired with a detox scrub – and who couldn’t use a little detox this time of year? Heck, you might just need to grab one for yourself while you’re at it.

What’s your favorite hostess gift to give? Have you ever received one that really blew you away? Share your thoughts in the comments so we can all get some additional hostess gift ideas to make this holiday season a little simpler.

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2018 Candles Gift Guide to Get Shopping Done Faster

November 5, 2018 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Are you looking for a gift for that difficult-to-shop-for person in your life? Then you might want to consider buying them a candle or two. These make surprisingly wonderful gifts because candles can fit into any room design. They’re an attractive, classy accent in any space. Many also let off inviting scents. A candle can also make a great seasonally themed gift, thanks to the attractive seasonal designs some of them have. Take a look below to see some of our top picks for candles. The list contains both flameless and wax styles.

Seasonal candles

This designer item paints a traditional holiday scene right inside the candle for a classy gift. Find it at Wayfair ($75).

A classic smelling candle from Crate & Barrel ($20) can make a good general gift that helps anyone add some festive cheer to their space.

These two glitter mason jar candles at Target ($30) are an attractive addition to just about any room design around the holidays.

These holiday candles with seasonal names can be found at Etsy (Set of 4 , $38).

These two delightful flameless candles with holly decorations, which you can find at Amazon ($22), would make a nice accent in a home around the holidays.

This set of three candles is hand-painted for crafted holiday cheer. Get them at Wayfair ($27).

Not all candles need to include a flame. Incense is a great alternative . Source: Anthropologie

A set of LED candles with a snowflake design from Kohl’s ($24 to $40) would make a great addition to a winter wonderland home theme.

This gorgeous, intricate design will draw in the eye of anyone who looks at it, and you can find it at Etsy ($40). It’s definitely in the “too pretty to burn” category.

This set of flameless candles from Kohl’s ($30 to $60) combines a modern LED functionality with the traditional look of evergreen encased in wax.

A small Christmas tree design from Etsy (Set of 4, $16) can make a good accent around the home. (Think stocking stuffer with this small item.)

Scented candles

If someone on your gift giving list loves rich scents, they’ll adore this Colonial Candle from Wayfair ($18).

Along similar lines, this lemon verbena candle from Pottery Barn ($69 to $149) packs the added herbal scent of bergamot and comes in a natural leaf pattern jar.

If you were under the impression that flameless candles couldn’t be scented, think again; this set of three candles from Wayfair ($22) has a vanilla scent.

These have a more geometric shape to them than the LED scented candles above; you can find the set of two vanilla-scented candles at Wayfair ($37).

For a scented seasonal item, try this Christmas Cookie scent from Yankee Candle, which you can find at Target ($22).

This item gives off a sugar plum scent, making it a good option for people who enjoy holiday scents; you can find it at Wayfair ($12) featuring a primitive look that’s good for rustic homes.

Book lovers in your life will rejoice to receive this as a gift, with their favorite bookstore smells right at home; you can find this candle at Etsy ($18).

For the people in your life who like the finer things, this Cognac and Cubans candle from Etsy ($8.48) is a good gift-giving choice.

Soy candles

Soy wax burns longer and with less smoke, so this eucalyptus-scented candle can provide ambiance and boost a feeling of wellbeing. Find it at Wayfair ($26).

This personalized soy candle from Etsy ($15.50) is a heartfelt gift for someone close to you.

This soy candle from Kohl’s ($18 to $23) has layers of scents, so it’s like getting three candles in one.

This peppermint and eucalyptus candle from Etsy ($27) is made with natural essential oils and eco wax (great for the environmentalist in your life).

Looking for a seasonal stocking stuffer soy candle? Consider this roasted chestnut-scented candle from Target ($5).

These soy candles from Etsy ($8) have some of the strongest scents around – which is important with amazing scents like bubblegum, birthday cake and cinnamon apple.

This lavender soy candle from Target ($7.39) is housed in a classic jelly jar.

We hope you’ve found some great candle ideas to fit any seasonal room theme or year-round theme. These might just make it a little easier to get that holiday gift shopping done this year.

The post 2018 Candles Gift Guide to Get Shopping Done Faster appeared first on Freshome.com.

20 Pinterest Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas You’ll Want To Try

November 2, 2018 by admin

If you’re looking for some fresh inspiration to get your table ready for Thanksgiving this year, we’ve got you covered. We’ve spent hours looking at the best Pinterest Thanksgiving table setting pins. We’ve pored over all the details: how the table is set, what linens were used and how they styled the table with cool ideas like colorful pumpkins, herbs, candles and more.

Here are 20 of the best Pinterest Thanksgiving table setting ideas you’ll want to try this year.

Custom Table Decor

Get creative with a roll of brown or white kraft paper and paint markers to customize your table setting with one-of-a-kind art or messages.

Some calligraphy on a brown kraft paper runner adds to the Thanksgiving theme. If your calligraphy skills aren’t up to par, you can buy a stencil to paint a message of your choice. Pin: House of Harper

Pinterest Thanksgiving table setting ideas

To get this look, paint your guests a custom placemat with their name and decorate the center with candles, pumpkins and greenery. Pin: My Wedding

Black Thanksgiving Table Ideas

For a dramatic and ultra-chic look, go with a black table setting for Thanksgiving. A black table is the perfect backdrop for gold cutlery and the reds, golds and oranges typically used to decorate the Thanksgiving table.

The theme of this luxurious Thanksgiving table includes a color combination of black, gold and white. Varied, rich greens and pheasant feathers complete the look. Pin: My Domaine

Earthy materials like black slate and black stoneware create an elegant yet very rustic Thanksgiving table. Pin: Wohnen Mit Klassikern

Unusual Thanksgiving Table Runner Ideas

Get crafty (like these Pinterest pinners) this holiday and create a unique table runner to serve as the foundation of your Thanksgiving tablescape.

On the left, vintage book pages were torn out and glued together as a table runner. On the right, a long swath of gauze drapes gracefully to the floor. Layer either style with plenty of candles and greens like eucalyptus leaves and succulents. Pins: Answers.com and Arcadia Designs

A stenciled brown kraft paper tablecloth is topped with whimsical cut paper flowers for a Thanksgiving alternative to pumpkins and pinecones. Pin: Montando Minha Festa

Unexpected (Yet On-Trend) Thanksgiving Table Color Themes

Think outside the box this holiday and skip the traditional orange and gold. Here are some fresh new Thanksgiving table settings in unexpected colors.

Sage

The color sage is the current darling of Pinterest fans. Here’s a centerpiece featuring white and sage-toned pumpkins, layered with artichokes, eucalyptus sprigs and a graphic placemat. Pin: In Honor of Design

Pale Blue

A few painted pumpkins in what promises to be a big color for 2019 (blue) can add a fresh look to your Thanksgiving table. Pin: Becki Owens

Purple

best table setting ideas for Thanksgiving

A gorgeous violet color coordinates with the full-bodied merlot served at this Thanksgiving table. Pin: Decoist

Pastels

A pretty Thanksgiving table featuring pastels, ivory and grey painted pumpkins will be well-remembered by your guests. Pin: Lauren Conrad

Deliciously Sumptuous Tablescapes

Start the mouth-watering evening by adding edible flowers and finger foods to your setting. For a unique Thanksgiving look, create a cheese and charcuterie board down the middle of your table.

Both Thanksgiving tables feature layers of flowers and edible fruits, herbs and vegetables for a unique way to decorate for the holidays. Pins: Liz Marie Blog and Domino

A table runner of edible finger foods will keep guests happy and relaxed while the turkey is carved. Pin: Apartment 34

Pinterest Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas Featuring Plaids And Checks

Plaids are classic for the holidays. This year, the buffalo plaid or check seems to be on-trend for a modern yet homestyle holiday season. Here’s a look at what Pinterest pinners have their eyes on this holiday.

This buffalo plaid setting looks modern and lively, thanks to the emerald green monogrammed napkins. Pin: Domino

For a modern farmhouse look, layer blacks and ivory tableware over a buffalo plaid table runner. Pin: Amy Kimble

A favorite plaid throw can double as a tablecloth for your harvest table. Pinterest: Canadian Living

Thanksgiving Tables Using Creative Greenery

To add polish and an architectural effect to your Thanksgiving table, get creative with greenery. Herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme have beautiful silvery sage leaves. Plus, their aromatic scent can create an unusual but pleasing feel at your table. Succulents are sturdy enough to withstand the most unusual ways you can think of displaying them. Check these Pinterest table setting ideas out.

A simple, rustic table is decorated with candles and fragrant rosemary. Pin: Williams Sonoma

A cool way to repurpose your ordinary pumpkins is by using them as planters for groupings of sturdy succulent plants. Pin: Hannah Horom

A modern Thanksgiving table is decorated with a simple combination of eucalyptus and succulents. The hexagonal plates add a contemporary feel to the setting. Pin: Harlow and Grey

For the most dramatic and memorable of holiday tables, use several of these top Pinterest Thanksgiving table setting ideas together. How are you planning to decorate your table this holiday season?

The post 20 Pinterest Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas You’ll Want To Try appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Ways to Decorate with Christmas Mason Jars

November 1, 2018 by admin

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Mason jars have become a favorite for home decorating over the years, and with good reason. Before they adorned wedding tables, Mason jars were used to preserve food. They date all the way back to 1858, when they were first patented. Because of their vital history in traditional homes, today they make a regular appearance in traditional, country and rustic design styles. As such, they also fit in well with the Christmas season as part of a traditional or rustic Christmas decorating scheme. Read on to find creative ways to incorporate Christmas mason jars into your home this holiday season.

Wreaths make a natural focal point around the holidays, and the candles in the jars help draw attention. Image: Rene Zieg

Wreath display

A classic way to incorporate Christmas Mason jars into a holiday design is to combine them with a wreath. The photo above shows a classy display where the Mason jars sit in front of a wreath. The candles in the jars help illuminate and draw attention to the wreath.

Finding a rustic sign to put in front of the jars also gives them a classic look. The candles are actually sitting on Epsom salt. The jars are a nice way to have candles around a wreath, minus the fire hazard, since the jars do a good job of protecting the nearby greenery.

Mason jars are a wonderful way to decorate a table during the holidays. Image: Rikki Snyder

Mason jar centerpiece

Christmas Mason jars also make a good centerpiece for a traditional, country or rustic holiday table setting. The photo above shows how well a few Mason jars with candles sit among the seasonal greenery. The evergreen, pine cones and cranberries immediately give off a rustic, country look, thanks to the natural textures. To make the display easy to transport, the whole ensemble also sits on a cut log. The log also helps add even more rustic texture to the display.

You could also get creative with this idea. Put the Mason jars on the cut log and place anything you can think of around them. For instance, you might place candy canes, garland or seasonal ribbon around the jars.

Christmas Mason Jars Tree and Candy Canes

Feel free to get creative with what you fill your Mason jars with. Image: Kootut Murut

Filling jars with candy canes and evergreen

Part of what makes Mason jars so versatile in decorating is that you can fill them with anything. The large openings make them convenient. These wide Mason jar-style containers are great for filling with candy canes, as in the photo above.

What’s really original, though, is the tiny Christmas tree that sits right in the jar. A little sprig of evergreen placed upright gives the feeling of a small Christmas tree. The sparse ribbons are also a nice touch to add to the Christmas tree vibe. Between a large Mason jar and the natural texture of the evergreen, it’s a good addition to any traditional or rustic decorating scheme. It could also fit into a minimalistic theme, since the small tree has stark and minimal elements to it.

Red fruit and seasonal berries add a splash of festive color. Image: Rikki Snyder

Using fruit with Christmas Mason jars

Here’s another example of how well a simple Mason jar with a tea light fits in with natural seasonal items. The photo above shows the evergreen and pine cones natural to the season, but what make this display special are the cranberries and pomegranates. These give a lush seasonal red tone to the display.

Those red items also match other items on the table, like the tablecloth. This can be a wonderful idea if you are going for a traditional red and green seasonal theme. It would also work well in any seasonal design that has pops of bright red accents.

Put nuts in a Mason jar for a classic way to get a seasonal feel. Image: Julie Ranee

Going nuts

The large Christmas Mason jars work well in this country Christmas design. Having nuts out during the holidays was common in traditional homes, and still is in some homes today. The nuts in the Mason jars fit with the holiday theme and add some natural elements and visual texture to the space, along with the sprigs of evergreen and over-sized pine cones.

The natural Christmas theme also goes well with the rest of the room’s rustic vibe, with the natural wicker textures, country hats on the wall, Texas star and rustic crate on the floor. It shows how a rustic Christmas theme can work with an overall room’s design.

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6 Ways to Get Amazing Pumpkin Menageries This Fall

October 30, 2018 by admin

Pumpkins are a powerful element in autumn decorating. They pack a colorful punch. Since they’re harvested in the fall, they make everyone think of the autumnal season. They’re also extremely versatile. It’s easy to paint pumpkins, add jeweled accents or buy different types with wild textures. And one way to make the most of pumpkins in your autumn decorating is to go for a whole menagerie of them. That way, you can work with different colors, textures and styles. And a grouping of pumpkins can serve as a whole large focal point in your fall decor. Below, you’ll find several ways to work with pumpkin menageries.

Separate your pumpkin menagerie to create balance. Image: Kirkendall Design

Add Balance to the Doorway

Pumpkin menageries work well on the porch. They add a splash of color to what tends to be a fairly neutral space. And having them on the porch sets an instant fall harvest vibe for any guests coming to your door.

The photo above shows how placing a pumpkin menagerie on either side of the door is a great way to add balance to the space. The style also does a great job of using different pumpkins with multiple sizes, colors and textures. Groups of pumpkins also pair well with other fall colors, like the bold yellow flowers and deep red and orange door wreaths.

Painted pumpkins add style and layers to the design. Image: Sarah Greenman

Use Multiple Colors and Textures

You can also go bolder in your colors and textures. The photo above shows how some white pumpkins combine well with bold metallic painted pumpkins. Little accents like polka dots update the traditional harvest pumpkin, making this style a good choice for chic home designs.

You can even paint one of the pumpkins a less common pumpkin color, like sage green, to add a bit of an accent. You can also use more conceptual pieces, like the twig pumpkins, for added texture. The photo also shows how easy it is to place pumpkins on shelves and in planters to get different heights for each piece.

Add jewel accents for a chic take on the design. Image: Kirkendall Design

Go for Textured Designs

Another idea is to add jeweled designs to natural pumpkins. This is a good way to get a more updated, chic take on the look, too. These pair well with other natural elements, like the yellow flowers and twig pumpkin.

The photo above highlights another good idea for displaying pumpkin menageries. A retro produce cart is a natural choice. You can also prop up some of the elements of the design using classic wooden crates. Overall, it makes you feel like the fall harvest has just come to sell at the fair. It’s a classic country look that goes well with the fall harvest theme.

You can get creative on where you place your pumpkin menagerie. Image: Hunt Laudi Studio

Put Pumpkins in Unexpected Places

Feel free to place pumpkin menageries in creative places around the home. An example from the photo above shows how well a line of pumpkins can go under some stairs. Some accent lighting behind them can draw the eye to your harvest accent.

The photo also shows how a pumpkin menagerie can work in the most modern of spaces. The orange of the pumpkins acts as an attractive accent color in this otherwise clean, white space. The lighting behind the pumpkins keeps the display looking more modern. Yellow flowers on the table also add a complementing fall color accent.

A smaller menagerie makes a great accent in a room. Image: Kirkendall Design

Go for Small Accents

Your pumpkin menagerie doesn’t have to be a giant spectacle. The photo above shows how a few pumpkins and some fall foliage on a counter can add a nice harvest accent to a room. This is an easy, attractive idea that can work on end tables, on a mantel, on a shelf or in the middle of a kitchen island, as a few examples. It’s an easy idea that you can place anywhere.

As in the photo, try to go for pumpkins with different colors and textures. That will add visual interest and help the element pop in the room. It is on the smaller side, so different colors and textures will help draw attention to the display.

Find different pumpkins and gourds for a full-textured display. Image: Julie Ranee

Use Unique Textures in Pumpkin Menageries

Have you ever looked at those weird, misshapen pumpkins in the store and wondered why anyone would ever want them? The photo above shows why. If you’re creating a pumpkin menagerie, the name of the game is texture and color. And the photo above shows how different textures, colors and shapes of pumpkins can make an eye-grabbing display. Unique pumpkins are a good idea if you’re going for a natural display that is not accented with paint or jeweled additions.

The photo above also shows how well pumpkin menageries can work on and around classic items, like the old distressed toolbox. Pumpkins also work well placed on distressed wooden furniture, as you can see in the background. It all combines for a delightfully rustic look.

The post 6 Ways to Get Amazing Pumpkin Menageries This Fall appeared first on Freshome.com.

15 Awesome Foodie Gift Ideas for Your Friends

October 29, 2018 by admin

The ultimate gift for your favorite foodie. KitchenAid’s Limited Edition stand mixer with ceramic hobnail bowl is a dream gift. Image: Williams Sonoma

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Finding the perfect foodie gift is a matter of taste. Though your foodie friends may share a love of all things food, their gift needs go way beyond picking up a tray of something at the grocery store on the way to their party. If you truly want to be the best gift-giver, then you’ll need a strategy to find just the right gift. Though foodies do love food, your gift list should also include a several non-food options. If you’re bringing a food gift to a party, your recipient may feel obligated to share it with you and the other guests. We love the idea of a non-food gift, with a delicious treat tucked inside your foodie friend can enjoy once the party is over. Here’s a list of our favorite foodie-friendly gifts:

Practical gifts for foodies

A practical gift for your favorite foodie doesn’t have to be all work and no play. You can choose a gift that serves a useful purpose with a twist on color or design. Look for gifts that make cooking or entertaining easier, but are also fun to open, too. The best practical gifts are the “why didn’t I think of that?” items that delight the recipient.

A butter bell

The butter bell is the unsung hero of the dining table. Image: Williams Sonoma

A butter bell is one of those kitchen items that you don’t know you need, until you get one. The butter bell keeps butter soft and easy to serve, which is great for entertaining. Today’s butter bells are stylish and perfect for tabletop use.

The perfect combo cutting boards

Versatile and stylish, these wood and stone boards do double duty. Image: Williams Sonoma

This clever and beautiful board is a must-have at a party. Slice and serve bread on the wood half, then arrange an assortment of cheeses on the cool marble. Give two or three of these boards with cheese knives for a beautiful gift.

Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Bread + Cheese + Everything in Between cookbook

Indulge your love of grilled cheese with a Grilled Cheese Kitchen Cookbook. Image: Barnes & Noble

A cookbook is a great gift idea for any foodie. This simple and delicious cookbook, Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Bread + Cheese + Everything In Between, has a simple goal: to make the most basic sandwich into something special. We say they succeeded.

Gifts for adventurous foodie friends

We know that many foodies are also adventurous. The love of food can bring out the explorer in our friends as they discover new flavors and cultures. The best gifts for adventurous food-lovers celebrate the diverse food around the world.

Kitchen linens foodies will love

Spice up a foodie kitchen with these colorful towels. Image: World Market

Whimsical and worldly, the Los Muertos kitchen linens add color and fun to any kitchen. Plus, let’s face it, we all could use more kitchen linens. A set of kitchen towels or pot holders is always a welcome gift and are also easily personalized with your recipient’s interests.

Delight your foodie friend with small plate inspiration

Find small plate inspiration in Graze. Image: Barnes & Noble

Serving “small plate” dishes is at the center of most international dining styles. There’s more to this trend than just smaller portions, however. This foodie gift can inspire countless dinners with Graze: Inspiration for Small Plates and Meandering Meals by Suzanne Lenzer.

Let’s make crêpes!

All the tools a foodie needs to create the perfect crêpe. Image: Sur la Table

We love everything about Crêpes, both savory and sweet. Your foodie friends have probably thought about trying to make crêpes, but without the right tools it won’t be successful. Enter the Staub Cast Iron Crêpe Set with all the tools they’ll need to create crêperie magic.

Food gifts for foodie friends

It’s understandable when you can’t resist gifting food for your foodie friend — after all, that is their passion. Be sure your food gift is special enough to express the care you took in choosing it. These food gifts will not be found in your local grocery store (which makes them even more fun to shop for).

Spanish saffron is the ultimate indulgence for foodies

Spanish saffron is an exotic treat for foodies. Image: Sur la Table

Known as the most-expensive spice in the world, saffron probably isn’t on your foodie friend’s shopping list. This Spanish saffron is a small indulgence that makes a big impact as a gift. Consider pairing it with other exotic spices as a gift.

Sustainable, beautiful, Bitterman’s craft salt

Specialty salts and spices make excellent gifts. Image: Sur la Table

Craft salt is a culinary star right now. Gift your foodie friend with the Bitterman’s Foundation Salt Set to open up a world of taste. If you’re gifting salt or spices, look for sets to give your foodie friend more options for experimentation.

Specialty vinegar and oil make simple and delicious foodie gifts

Raspberry vinegar is a versatile accent for more than just salads. Image: Crate & Barrel

A gift of specialty vinegar or cooking oil is a favorite for foodies. They can combine the two to create a simple salad dressing, or use either for marinating or roasting vegetables.

Stylish foodie gift ideas

Stylish designs make any gift more special. A unique shape or finish gives your foodie gifts that “wow” factor when opened. Though your stylish foodie gift is meant to be used, strive for gifts that looking amazing on display, too.

A showpiece pitcher that is meant to be displayed

Stylish and practical, the Ona pitcher makes a tabletop statement. Image: Crate & Barrel

The Ona’s signature off-center handle makes it the center of attention. Handmade in crystal-clear glass with a thick, cut and polished rim. This is one pitcher that is meant to be left out every day.

Stylish cutting board gift ideas

This stylish cutting board brings the popular herringbone pattern home. Image: Crate & Barrel

Herringbone pattern is everything right now. This beautifully-crafted cutting board makes a stunning gift. Pair your foodie gift with specialty cheese and crackers for a party-ready combo.

Shake it up with a gorgeous cocktail shaker

Shake it up with the champagne gold Neil cocktail shaker. Image: CB2

The Neil champagne gold cocktail shaker is a sophisticated take on an already-swanky gift — this is a gift with impact. If your foodie friend enjoys serving cocktails at home, a shaker makes the perfect gift.

Luxury gift ideas for foodies

The best part about giving a luxurious gift is knowing that it is something your foodie friend would not buy for themselves. Your gift doesn’t have to be expensive, just special. Look for cooking and serving tools in unusual finishes, colors, and shapes.

Fondue pots are always in style

Copper fondue pot with gold accents makes a statement. Image: Williams Sonoma

Fondue pots are still wildly popular, and it’s not surprising. One or two fondue pots can liven up any party, and they definitely make excellent gifts for a foodie that loves to entertain. Pair your fondue pot gift with rich chocolate and specialty marshmallows to get the party started.

Metallic serving pieces work with any decorating style

Melt Reactive Gunmetal Grey server is an inexpensive gift that looks luxurious. Image: CB2

Exotic finishes can elevate even the simplest of foodie gifts. Look for serving pieces in unusual colors or textures — they really make a statement on any table. Organic shapes also keep metallic service pieces from looking too modern.

Chargers for the dinner table are back

Brighten a dinner table with the gold Verona Charger. Image: Perigold

Have you heard about chargers? Using a charger under a dinner plate adds color as well as style to a sit-down dinner. Look for chargers with updated textures and metallics for a trendy style that your foodie friends will love.

What is your favorite foodie gift? Let us know in the comments.

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