Home Decor HD

The best Christmas tree decorating ideas and tips to help you create a beautiful Christmas tree!
It's easy and free, so find out more now!

I love the Christmas holidays and put up the Christmas tree early in the season.
My philosophy is this - Christmas only comes once a year, so I want to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents as much as possible. 

We're usually pretty well decorated for the Christmas holiday by the time Thanksgiving weekend rolls around, then enjoy the holiday decor through year end.

No matter when you decide it's time to do the holiday decorating, the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of traditional Christmas decor. 

There isn't really a 'right' or 'wrong' way to put up a Christmas tree, but there are some Christmas tree decorating ideas that will make the task a little easier and result in a beautiful Christmas tree.


Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #1:
THE TREE

First, decide what kind of tree you will use, real or artificial, and what size will work the best in your space.

I'm always an advocate of natural looking artificial Christmas trees.


As for the size of your Christmas tree, make sure you are taking into consideration:
1) the size room it is going into,
2)ceiling height and
3) the space allocated for the tree.  


Whether your tree goes together branch-by-branch or in two to three main sections, here is a very important piece of advice: make sure that you fully open and 'fluff' each branch before putting it into the trunk of the Christmas tree.

When I put our Christmas tree up, I literally take each branch and pull every piece of greenery out, rotating some greenery above the branch and some below.  


Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #2:THE LIGHTS

Your next Christmas tree decorating idea is a fool proof method for putting the lights on the tree. It doesn't matter what style of light or color you select; follow these steps and it will be absolutely beautiful.
NOTE: If you have a pre-lit Christmas tree, feel free to skip this portion!

First, make sure you test all of your lights before putting any of them on the tree. It's not a 100% guarantee that you won't have any issues down the road, but at least you'll know they work.


You should have a strand of 100 lights for every vertical foot of the tree. So if your Christmas tree is 7 feet in height you should have a minimum of 700 lights. I use more than that on my trees - my 8' tree has about 1,200 lights on it because I put them very close together and enjoy that look.

I also use a multi-outlet surge protector to handle all of the lights, stringing together no more than four strands of lights. It makes turning the Christmas tree lights on and off very simple - just flip the switch on the extension box.

Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #3:
THE GARLANDS & ROPING

Now for the next Christmas tree decorating idea - the garlands or roping for the tree. Of course, this is optional depending on the style of tree you are creating.
There are many different types of garland available, and it's a point where your creativity comes into play. You can fashion Christmas tree garland out of just about anything that suits the style of your tree.

• Traditional Christmas tree roping found in the 'tree trimming' section of your favorite holiday store is always an option.
• There are many types of beautiful, wide ribbon that has wire inserted into it, so you can shape it as you rope it around the tree.
• Beads, fabric, silk floral roping, faux berry/natural element roping, etc.
• Use your imagination!

Beads and narrow roping usually looks best when draped, or swagged, around the tree. The top of the tree should have smaller swags that get larger as you go down the tree.

Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #4:
THE ORNAMENTS


Yes, we are finally to the most fun part of the Christmas tree decorating ideas - the ornaments. Here is a really important tip, so listen up!

Gather all your Christmas tree ornaments and separate them by size, style, etc. so you know what you have to work with. It takes a few minutes to do this but is well worth the time.

Hang your larger ornaments first, using the lower part of the tree for the majority of those. Save the smallest ornaments for the upper portion of the tree.

If you have both matte finish and shiny finish ornaments, be sure to vary them around the tree.
Hang the ornaments on the inside of the tree as well as the outside, just like the lights (although the majority of ornaments will be near the outside of the tree).

Step back and look at your handiwork as you progress, to keep things evenly distributed.
I always like to use fillers on my Christmas trees to cover the inevitable gaps that occur between layers of branches. I use a variety of silk flowers and greenery, birds nests, etc. You can literally use any type of 'filler' that you want, depending on the theme of your Christmas tree.

These decorating ideas will help you create a beautiful Christmas tree. If you want even more details, ideas and tips, read Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas here!

Christmas Decorating Ideas...are you ready for the holidays? Well, here they come! 

Just walk into any department store and you'll see the sights, sounds and sometimes even the scents of the holidays.

For me, I love it. Not only for the meaning of the season, but I love to decorate my home. Some years I go all out and use all of my holiday decor and other years I keep it very simple. But it really doesn't matter how much 'stuff' is around me.

There is just something unique and special about Christmas holiday decorations that does not take place any other time of the year.

For some, just the idea of decorating for the holidays can make them sweat. It can be an overwhelming process. Well, no worries here!

I have taken the pressure off by giving you my holiday gift...Christmas Decorating Ideas that are organized for you. All you have to do is read and do. 

               First, organize what you have...
               Second, plan and create your theme...
               Then, decorate your home


You can also find some great tips for holiday decorating in general, holiday wreaths, Christmas Party decorating, great holiday table decorating ideas, and more.


So, go ahead and plan to enjoy the holiday season this year. Everything you need to decorate your home is right here for you!


Til next time,
Candi

I’ve been inside many, many homes as a design consultant and as a real estate agent.

And you know what? No matter how beautiful the interior of a home is, that first impression as you drive up is what can stay in your mind, for better or worse.

No matter what your motivation may be, here are some ideas and tips to enhance the curb appeal of just about any residence. Pick and choose the ideas that suit your home.

• How does your home fit into the overall style and color of other homes on your block and/or in your neighborhood?Does it need a good power washing? A new coat of paint? Perhaps a different paint color selection for the exterior walls and trim would be the most beneficial if it fits your budget.


• If your home has a mailbox at the street, take a close look at the overall condition as well as what is, or isn’t around it. A nasty old mailbox can make an otherwise neat and clean home lack curb appeal.Clean it up, paint it, replace it, or perhaps install a mailbox that reflects the style of your home.


• This may seem like an obvious point, but take an objective look at your lawn and landscaping. Neatly mowed grass, trimmed trees and shrubs that aren’t overgrown with weeds are the goal in attaining curb appeal.


• Does your home have a sidewalk or walkway? If not, does it need to have one installed in order to get to the front door without tromping through the grass? There are pavers in many sized and colors that can be installed fairly simply and will create just what you need.While you’re at it, make the walkway interesting, perhaps with a graceful curve to it, to enhance the exterior appeal of your home.
  
• Take an objective look at the windows in the front of your home. Do the interior window treatments complement and/or blend into the exterior nicely? If you see quite a bit of ‘this and that’, including a mixture of colors, consider installing some simple wood blinds to create a more uniform appearance from the outside.


• Can the house numbers be read easily? Consider stylish numbers that reflect your personality and decor, and use your imagination for placement as well as color.


• Give the front entry door a careful look. A new coat of paint in a contrasting color could give your porch a whole new personality and is just one of many curb appeal ideas. Or, a natural wood door might fit the style of your home more appropriately.


• Consider the entire porch area...are there pillars, posts, decorative trim, stone, brick and/or wood finishes? If so, consider an accent paint color where appropriate. Or, if your porch is looking particularly drab, the addition of one or more of these elements might be just what is needed.

Find more great Curb Appeal ideas!

Looking for some inspiring faux finish ideas? It’s a great way to create drama, dimension, and texture in your home’s decor.
If you have some patience, are willing to practice and want to learn a new skill (and most of these techniques are NOT hard!), check out these faux finishes:
Here are some of the more interesting finishes I found in my search...

Chalkboard Paint - now you can turn any wall, or portion of it, into a chalkboard. How about some chalkboard paint in the kitchen to keep track of schedules and update the grocery list? In the kid’s room...how much fun would that be for them? The photo at left is from MarthaStewart.com and includes easy directions.

Textured - create a natural, earthy feel in your room and hide wall imperfections with the textured faux finish ideas from Benjamin Moore. Warm, organic colors such as warm greens, golds, browns, and grays will look great with this technique.


Washed Stripes - create a look of sophistication with washed stripes, which add a touch of texture and sheen for a soft, subtle look. If you enjoy French Country or a traditional Country style, this faux finish technique could work very well for you. See all the details for this finish and many more at BenjaminMoore.com.

Gingham - this is such a cute idea for a child’s room, country cottage kitchen, laundry room...you name it. The faux finish is created using a modified potter’s rib through color glazes.

Raw Silk - a steel wool pad is the tool of choice for this faux finish. Dress it up or down depending upon your decorating style.

Find all of the simple instructions for these two faux finish techniques plus many more at MarthaStewart.com.

If you think you're "faux finished challenged" and want to see the easiest technique ever, see my sponging faux finish.

Well, I think I’ve just talked myself into several new home decorating projects...how about you?

Living room makeovers can bring new life and interest to a living area that has remained unchanged for awhile.

Do you have a living room that fits this description... A little tired, ordinary (in your eyes, at least) and in need of some new color and excitement?

The thought of a living room redesign can seem overwhelming, but don't worry, it's not! And the result will be well worth the effort, so read on and get ready to have some fun.

I define living room makeovers with the term, 'LIVE'. After all, that's what most of us do in our living areas...we live in them.

What does 'LIVE' stand for? 


 'L' stands for 'Look and List'.
Take a pen and paper, walk into your living room and take a long, unhurried look around the room.
List the pieces in the room that you want to, or need to, keep in the space, and make a list of the pieces that could go somewhere else. (You don't have to figure out where they're going right now, just make the list)....

'I' stands for 'Itemize'. I know, it sounds like we're all accountants, but it is important to write down what you want to accomplish in living room makeovers.

So, itemize, or record, the aspects of the room that you want to change....

'V' stands for 'Visualize', and that is what your next living room makeover step is going to be.
Take the thoughts and ideas you have written down...your List/Itemization...and visualize the changes.
 
This comes more easily to some than others, but do your best to 'see' the changes you have documented, because your list is more than just a list. It's the dream of what your living room can be, and that is very significant!...

'E' stands for 'ENJOY', and that is exactly what you're will do once that you've completed the living room makeover!


Read all of the details, tips and advice for Living Room Makeovers

When you think of the laundry or utility room in a home, the immediate image description is plain, functional, boring, task oriented, dirty clothes...ho hum. Just close the door so no one can see it.
But laundry room decor can be simple and fun, with results that will make it almost a pleasure to enter the space. Well, almost.
Here are some ideas that will make even the smallest functional space gain instant personality and charm:
Paint. I know, it’s nothing new and forward thinking, but I have seen so many homes that are well decorated and coordinated except for the laundry area. It tends to be a forgotten space.

Combine function with your decor. Most homeowners find that cabinetry is very helpful for storing cleaning products,etc. out of sight. Depending on your budget, you can create a useful yet beautiful display of cabinetry. Tiny budget? Old, boring cabinets? How about painting them to create some fun and interest in the space.

Hang some artwork on the walls. And I don’t mean the ‘LAUNDRY ROOM’ reproduction vintage plaque that states the obvious. If you love that look, cool. But it’s okay to use artwork, framed posters, collections, and other types of wall mounted decor that express your decorating style.

Read all the details about Laundry Room Decor! 

'Til next time,
Candi

 If you love the look and characteristics of several different decorating styles, you’ll be happy to know that there is a method to pulling a cohesive, stylish, unique and naturally appealing look to your home.

Eclectic decorating style combines the elements of two, sometimes more, distinct decorating styles and creates a unique, unduplicated look that is unmistakenly individual.

Notice that I didn’t say, “throw anything and everything you like into a room and you’ll end up with a fantastic eclectic style space.” You’ve probably been in one of those rooms before, and your first instinct is to turn and run.

With a style of decor that is defined as eclectic, there is a method to the creation of the space. While you are mixing and matching styles, there are three main elements that you will use as guidelines.

First, think function...color...shape. Use one or more of these elements to create your eclectic space.

Next, combine two styles with accents of a third, as a general guideline. Don’t throw too much together.

Finally, find the commonality in the pieces you’ve elected to use in this space.


Want all the details? Read more about Eclectic Decorating Style

'Til next time,
Candi

The trend today is toward larger kitchens, even though homes themselves are getting smaller. Homeowners are consolidating barely used dining rooms and other potentially wasted space to create a comfortable and multifunctional kitchen area.