Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: decor

  • Let’s Celebrate Labor Day

    Summer is coming to a close, so make sure you enjoy the warm weather and sunshine by celebrating Labor Day the right way. Below you will find fantastic craft and décor ideas, an assortment of scrumptious recipes, and tons of outdoor activities.

    Creative Labor Day Décor

    Get crafting and tap into your creative side with these excellent décor and outdoor design ideas.

    • It’s time to upcycle! Use old glass vases or mason jars to create starry candle holders. Place star-shaped stickers on the outside of a clear vase or mason jar and spray paint the vase with a color of your choosing. Once the paint has dried, remove the stickers and place a candle in the center of the vase. The light will shine through the stars and create a beautiful ambiance.
    • Check out these red, white, and blue decorating ideas to make your home super stylish.
    • Transform old tin cans into stylish decorative vases. Paint the outside of the cans or jars with red and blue stripes, and once it dries, you can glue white stars onto the outside. Use the cans as centerpieces and place flowers or utensils in them.
    • Turn your balcony into an outdoor oasis using these tips and tricks.
    • Create red, white, and blue band sand candles that are perfect for a patriotic centerpiece.
    • Spruce up your pillows and give your plain white pillows a facelift. Cut a star shape out of cardboard and use it as a stencil. Hold the stencil against the pillow and spray around it with red or blue fabric paint. The result will be pillows that will leave you starry-eyed.
    • Uncover how to transform your patio into an incredible gathering space.

    Delicious Recipes

    The recipes below will result in happy stomachs.

    • Grab a toothpick and get ready to enjoy these scrumptious small bites.
    • Fresh and easy to make, your guests will love this cilantro cucumber-melon salad.
    • Perfect pesto! From sun-dried tomato pesto to basil pesto, you can’t go wrong with any of the following quick and easy pesto recipes.
    • This buffalo-style spicy chicken sandwich is finger-licking good.
    • You’re bacon me crazy with this maple-bacon corn on the cob recipe.
    • These healthy labor day recipes will keep you satisfied.
    • Dig into this berry delicious and berry refreshing blueberry ice cream pie.
    • If you’re in the baking mood, try making a three-layered funfetti cake with a Labor Day twist. You will need to make three cakes that are the same size. Add red food coloring into one, blue into another, and leave the third as is. Once the cakes have all cooled, stack them together using your favorite icing. When you cut into the cake, you will have a red, white, and blue surprise!
    • If you’re feeling patriotic, this red, white, and blue tart is tasty and quick to make.
    • Cheers to an assortment of fresh garden cocktail recipes.
    • Bake a strawberry or raspberry pie, but fill about 1/4 of the pie with yummy blueberries. Cut stripes out of a pie crust and place them across about ¾ of the pie. Cut out a few stars from the remaining pie crust and place them on the blueberry section, the ¼ that doesn’t have stripes. The entire pie will resemble an American flag.

    All Around Fun Activities  

    Discover a variety of games and activities that will result in lots of fun.

  • Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style. Below are fun activities, crafts, and recipes you can use to for a fiesta to remember.

    Let’s Taco Bout Cinco de Mayo Recipes

    • Don’t have any tortillas? These homemade flour tortillas are calling your name and easy to make using just a few ingredients you can find in your pantry. All you need is all-purpose flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil. There’s nothing better than a fresh–made tortilla hugging all your ingredients together.

    Cinco de Mayo Craft Ideas

    • Shake, shake, shake your maracas! Take plastic eggs and fill them with rice or beans. Place the eggs between the heads of two spoons and tape it in place. You can also wrap the spoons and egg in tinfoil and tape the outside for a smoother finish. Then just shake, shake, shake. Another option would be to fill empty water bottles with beans or rice and paint the outside with festive colors.
    • Create beautiful and vibrant tissue paper art that will brighten up your festivities. Let your creativity bloom with these beautiful paper flowers.
    • Get your hands in clay! Create clay pots by rolling your clay into a long rope and then starting at the bottom, coiling the rope around into the shape of a pot. Use quick-drying clay and once the clay is dry, paint it with vibrant colors.
    • No piñata, no problem. Learn how to craft your very own DIY piñata.

    • Make your very own beautiful paper flower headbands. Simply wrap a headband with green ribbon or pipe cleaners and then glue your paper flowers to the top of the band.
    • Get planting! Clean empty cans in order to paint and decorate them as planters. If you don’t have paint, wrap the outside of the cans with ribbon or colorful yarn. Fill the cans with the vibrant paper flowers you made to brighten up the room.
    • Discover tons of bright and fun Cinco de Mayo crafts that are perfect for kids. Make cute cacti out of socks or vibrant yarn banners to hang around your home.

    Cinco de Mayo Activities

    These ideas will help you throw a high-color, low-stress gathering filled with authentic fun.

    • Become the hostess with the mostess and check out these ideas for an outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration.
    • It’s important to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully. Read about the traditional Mexican holiday with a fascinating history.
    • The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place in the city of Puebla, where the original battle took place. There are parades with dancing, singing, and re-enactments. Discover the beautiful traditional flowing dressings and traditional Mexican pantsuits.
    • Share these Cinco de Mayo fun facts with your kids.
    • Host a virtual happy hour with friends and family. Stir up some fun with these delicious cocktails.

  • New Year’s Eve – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    2020 has been unique. It has drastically altered our daily routines and lives, but it has also reminded us of what’s important. 2020 led to more people spending time at home with their families. It allowed nature to thrive. It led to people reconnecting with loved ones and old friends they hadn’t spoken too in a long time. Let’s go into the new year with a fresh outlook on life. Let’s go into 2021, focusing on the positive and uncovering ways to we add more good into the world. Whether you want to have a relaxing night in, or celebrate with a few friends, below are activities, crafts, recipes, and ideas on how you can give back. 

    New Year’s Activities 

    Check out these fun New Year’s activities–perfect for a relaxing night in or a small party with friends. 

    • Get decorating with these clever and easy ideas for New Year’s tables.  
    • Here are great tips and tricks for hosting a great NYE party.  
    • Instead of looking at the negative aspects of 2020, sit down and write a list of things you are thankful for from the past year. Think about the things you might not have appreciated or gotten to enjoy if it had gone differently. In 2021, start a gratitude journal. Each night before you go to sleep write down one thing you are thankful for from that day. Keeping a gratitude journal can reduce stress, increase positivity, help you sleep better, and even improve your self-esteem.   
    • If you prefer a romantic night in, take a look at these New Year’s Eve ideas for couples.   
    • Ring in 2021 with a relaxing and cozy night at home.  
    • Get it popping with a few friends with this chic champagne party.  
    • Perfect party games for all!
    • Create a family goal list for the upcoming year. Below is a list of potential things you can add: 
      • Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. 
      • Give back more! Visit www.volunteermatch.org for tons of ways you can virtually help out others.   
      • Spend more time as a family without screens. You can schedule a game night once a month or cook dinner together and each time have a different theme or type of cuisine.  
      • Learn how to do something new. There are tons of virtual and free classes online. 
      • Instead of a weight loss goal, try just having a goal to move around more. Dance in your room for 10 minutes a day or take a walk and enjoy nature.  
    • These New Year’s toasts will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the New Year.  

    New Crafts for a New Year  

    Wrap up 2020 with remarkable crafts.  

    • Ring in the New Year with this festive party decor.  
    • Create a centerpiece out of bottles. Find 4 bottles, paint them all black, and place them in a line. Using gold or silver cardstock cut out 2-0-2-1. Glue each number to a stick and then place them in the bottles in order.  
    • Create a family friendly New Year’s bash.  
    • Make your very own countdown clock using a paper plate. Paint the plate whatever color you want and paint numbers around the edge to represent the time. Make a small hole in the center of the plate. Cut two dials with arrows on the end out of cardboard and paint them a different color than the plate so you can see them. Connect the dials to the plate using a pin so the dials can rotate.  
    • End the year on a high note with homemade disco balls, firecracker centerpieces, and more DIY New Year’s Eve crafts.
    • Create personalized party favorites like confetti poppers and more with these New Year’s crafts.

    • Make your own photobooth at home! To construct your own props you’ll need scissors, heavy weight cardstock, a glue gun, and either chopsticks or plain art sticks. To create a backdrop, you can simply use a solid wall or hang up a sheet or curtain. For a more fun background add metallic balloons, hang fun streamers or string lights. The props can be anything you want! Make your own things to cut out or look up free downloadable photo booth prop designs. Use the cardstock and cut out silly mustaches, talking bubbles with funny sayings, or silly hats. After you write what you want in the talking bubbles, add glitter or anything else you want just the glue the end of a stick to the back of the prop. All that’s left is take fun photos you will cherish forever.  

     

    New Year’s Recipes 

    Before the clock strikes 12, make sure you try these delicious food and drink recipes.   

    • These drink recipes will be a hit.  
    • Stir it up with dazzling cocktails.
    • Finger-foods that are as cute as they are delicious.   
    • From sweet-and-sour to cranberry-sauced, these meatball recipes are a must-have.   
    • Check out the following New Year’s Eve party menus and recipes–great for any type of gathering you choose. 
    • Dip pretzel rods into melted white chocolate and then immediately pour silver or gold sprinkles onto the chocolate before it melts. Place the candy-coated pretzel rod onto wax paper, let it dry, and then enjoy! 
    • The best way to end 2020 would be with cakes, truffles, cookies and tons of luscious desserts. 
    • It’s no surprise that this surprise-inside New Year’s Eve cake is not only fun but tastes incredible.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    Start off the New Year by giving back. Discover several ways you can help those less fortunate.  

    • Get stirring! Bringing someone baked goods or food will surly put a smile on someone’s face! Here are several things you could whip up for a neighbor or a hungry family.  
    • Help neighbors with tasks around their home or run errands for them if you are able. People might need help raking leaves, cleaning out their gutters, shoveling snow, or picking up groceries and other items.  
    • Donate clothes and warm weather items! You might have lots of clothing you haven’t warn in years that could benefit many people. If you can purchase items many people will be in need of socks, hats, warm clothing, mittens, and blankets as it starts to get colder outside. 
    • Many parents are trying to work full time while also teaching or monitoring their children, which, to say the least, can be a bit overwhelming. Lend a helping hand by offering tutoring services. This not only helps kids learn but can allow parents to focus on work and other things. Plus, you can do it all virtually!  

  • Kwanzaa – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Discover great ways to celebrate Kwanzaa this year. Below are activities, recipes, and crafts you can do with the ones you love. Get ready for seven great nights of celebration!  

    Kwanzaa Activities 

    Dance, decorate, and explore with these fun Kwanzaa activities.  

    • It’s time to dance! Look up traditional African dances and learn them together as a family. If you can’t be together in person, set up a virtual party with friends or family and dance together.  
    • Spend time together learning about Kwanzaa history traditions. 
    • Make an unforgettable Kwanzaa tabletop decoration. Place fruit in a basket on the table to represent the beautiful harvest and add a pop of color to the table. Some things you can incorporate to add a mix of texture are straw mats, ears of corn, and of course the zawadi for the last night. Make beaded napkin rings using red, black, and green beads on a wire and simply wrap them around the middle.  
    • Break out some of the zawadi from previous years and play games together as a family. 

    Kwanzaa Crafts 

     Check out fun craft ideas to get you ready for Kwanzaa.  

    • Make a handprint kinara by painting the palm of your left-hand gold, your middle, ring, and little finger red, and your index finger black. Place your hand onto a piece of paper. Then paint the palm of your right-hand hold gold, your middle, ring and little finger green and your index finger black. Place your hand on the paper overlapping the index finger where the other index fingerprint was previously placed. Then dip one of your fingertips into yellow paint and place your print at the top of each candle on the paper to look like they are lit.  
    • Buy air dry clay to shape and make your very own kinara. Mold yellow or brown clay into a rectangle and before it dries use the bottom of candles and push them into the clay so when it dries you can pop the candles in easily.   
    • Make flower vases that will brighten up the table. Take an old glass and cut corn husks to match the height of the glass. Then simply glue the corn husks to the outside of the glass and trim any overlap on the top. Then take a paint brush and paint a red, black, and green stripe around the side. All that’s left is to place beautiful flowers in it!  
    • Learn how to make a clay necklace using traditional Kwanzaa colors.  
    • Create bright and colorful tie-dye items using red, black, and green! 

    Kwanzaa Recipes 

    Here are some delicious recipes that will have your mouth watering.  

    Ways to Give Back 

    Help others and learn how you can make a difference in your local community.  

    • Collect books to donate to those less fortunate.  
    • Create gifts for those who won’t be able to afford their own this year. You can spend time together as a family making beaded jewelry and baskets.   
    • Cook and bake a few of the delicious recipes above and bring the meals to an elderly neighbor.

  • Hanukkah – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Below are activities, recipes, and crafts you can do with the ones you love this Hanukkah. Tzedakah is also important, so don’t forget to help those in need whether you donate your time, energy, or items. Get ready for eight great nights of celebration!    

    Hanukkah Activities

    The festival of lights is approaching! Here are some fun things you can do to celebrate.  

    • Light the candles as a family. Each night set up a video call so you can celebrate with those near and far. Send out an invite, get dressed up, and share a virtual meal together. 
    • Have a small and cozy Hanukkah party outside. If you have a heater, you can have an outside gathering and still be nice and toasty. Since Hanukkah is the festival of lights, set up candles and string lights and enjoy! If you don’t have a heater, have your gathering during the day so you can feel the warm sunshine. Lay a giant blanket or sheet in the grass and place pillows and blankets in a circle.  

    • Create a new family tradition and do one unique thing each night. Maybe you can build something together and add one piece each night? Perhaps it’s a game where each night you get a new clue.  
    • Click here for beautiful and unique ways to set the Hanukkah table. 
    • After you light the candles have a dance party! Cue the happy music!  
    • Play pin the candle on the menorah.  
    • Spend time together as a family with a game night.
    • Build a menorah out of Legos.  
    • Put on a play about the story of Hanukkah. Another option would be to put on a puppet show. 

    Hanukkah Gift Ideas

    Give a gift that will put a smile on your loved ones faces. This year try giving personal gifts or even making your own gifts for friends and family. 

    • Find a glass jar or cute bag and fill it with your loved one’s favorite things. Some items you can include are their favorite candy, something that will remind them of a moment you shared, your favorite photo of you together, and a list of your five favorite things about them. 
    • Create a customized calendar using photos of their favorite things.  
    • Discover personal and easy crafts with photos your friends and family will appreciate.  
    • We could all use a little relaxation this holiday season. Create a relaxation kit with some of the following: bath salts, candles (with relaxing scents such as ylang ylang, lavender, or lemon), warm string lights, face masks, a soft blanket, tea, or coloring books. You could make your own coupons to include such as “two hours of YOU time” and “breakfast in bed” that they can cash in whenever they want.   
    • Frame a map of somewhere you went on vacation together and pin photos from that trip around the map. 

    • Photo transfers are personal, homemade, and something your loved one will treasure forever. Just pick the photo they would love and follow these photo transfer steps. Here is another how to photo transfer tutorial.  
    • Buy someone an online learning class for something they love. You can find cooking classes, wine tastings, craft classes, acting classes, exercise courses and tons more.  
    • Take drinking glasses up a few notches by etching something personal onto them. All you need is armor etch, an exacto knife, masking tape, and a set of plain beer glasses, cocktail glasses or whichever drinkware they use. One option would be to tape a stencil to the outside of the glass wherever you want the shape or letter to go. Put on gloves, dip a paint brush into the armor etch and apply a coat on the stencil carefully. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and then wash off the etching cream and peel off the tape and stencil. You can also use the exacto knife to cut out a shape, sports logo, or anything you would like out of thick paper and tape that to the glass. Make sure the paper isn’t so thin the armor etch will go through it, otherwise just follow the same steps above.  
    • Homemade gifts from the heart… and for the stomach. Baking shows you took the time to make your loved ones something tasty. Click here for delicious holiday baking recipes.  

    Hanukkah Crafts 

    Break out the scissors, popsicle sticks, and glue… it’s time to make some Hanukkah crafts.  

    • Create a stained-glass Star of David using 6 popsicle sticks. Glue three popsicle sticks together to make a triangle and then repeat with the other three. Then place them on top of each other and glue them together in the shape of a star. Put some glue in a bowl and mix in water to thin it out. Lay different colored strips of tissue paper over the popsicle sticks and paint the glue mixture on. Let it dry and let the light shine through!  
    • These traditional Hanukkah handcrafts are perfect for decorating. 
    • Since Hannukah is the festival of lights, here is a classy way to shed some light on your eight nights. Take large glass vases and fill them with small string lights and place a few dreidels around it. It will light up and would make a beautiful centerpiece.  
    • Buy air dry clay to shape and make your very own menorah. Mold the clay into any shape you want and before it dries use the bottom of candles and push them into the clay so when it dries you can pop the candles in easily.   
    • Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel… make a paper dreidel garland.  
    • Use fabric markers and paint to design your dog their very own Hanukkah bandana.  

    Hanukkah Recipes

    L’Chaim and to delicious food and drinks.  

    • Get your Latke on! Click here for a recipe to make mouthwatering classic potato latkes. Don’t forget to dip them in sour cream and applesauce! 
    • Check out these yummy side dish recipes.  
    • For scrumptious sweets look into these Hanukkah desserts, including dreidel-shaped cakes and traditional treats.  
    • Cheers to Hanukkah themed cocktails.  
    • Marshmallow dreidels anyone? Dip the bottom of a chocolate kiss into melted chocolate and then press it onto a marshmallow. Place it into the fridge for 15 minutes. Then slowly press a pretzel stick into the other end of the marshmallow to serve as the handle. Dip the entire bottom of the dreidel into a bowl of melted chocolate. Fill a plastic bag with melted white chocolate or white icing and pipe the Hebrew letters onto each side. If you want to make it sparkle, before the chocolate fully melts sprinkle some blue sprinkles on the outside.

    Ways to Give Back:  

    This holiday season open your heart and discover several ways you can make a difference.   

    • Since Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, gather one item of clothing or thing you can donate each night. Every night you can add to a donation box and after Hanukkah is over, take it to a donation center.  
    • Tzedakah time! Teach your children the significance of charity. Do something generous. Donate your time or items, listen to someone in need, or reach out to those less fortunate.  
    • Make or donate gifts to those in will not be able to afford their own this year. 

  • Thanksgiving – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Thanksgiving is all about being together, enjoying yummy food, and thinking about the things we are thankful for. This year has certainly looked different, but it has also made us stop and really think about what matters most. Below are activities, recipes, and crafts you can do with the ones you love. This season don’t forget to focus on ways you can give back, be it with financial support, energy or your time. 

    Thanksgiving Activities

    Here is a wide variety of activities to try this Thanksgiving season.   

    • The small things can feel big to others. Show how much you care by sending your loved ones a card or note with the reasons you appreciate them and why you are thankful for them.  
    • Here are tips on how to have a safe thanksgiving dinner. 
    • Discover some clever ways to add fall flair to your porch.  
    • Celebrate a virtual Friendsgiving! Schedule a time that works for all of your friends. Everyone can make their own meal, or you could change it up and pick a theme such as Italian or only desserts. Don’t forget to check out these thanksgiving cocktails so you can toast and tell all your friends what you love about them.  
    • Start a new family tradition that you will always remember. Create a wall of gratitude by having everyone in your household write down what they are thankful for on sticky notes. Collect them and post them on the wall. You can date and save them to read in the following years.  

    • Make a giant Thanksgiving card out of a poster board folded in half. Take your life-sized card and have everyone write down what they are thankful and sign and date it. Every year you can read the previous ones and add to it. You can spend time as a family designing the front of the card.  
    • Whether your hosting two people or ten, here are some hosting tips to help your holiday run smoothly. 
    • Game on! Instead of watching tv, try playing some fun games such as charades, heads up, or Pictionary. 
    • Tis the season to be thankful and a great time to start a gratitude journal. Grab a notebook and every night before you go to sleep jot down one thing you are grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal helps you appreciate things and can even make you happier.  
    • Carve out some time to eat turkey with your loved ones. Set up a video call after you carve the bird and enjoy the meal together. 
    • Enjoy the fresh Fall air and take a walk. Start a new tradition and take a walk after dinner to make room for dessert.  

    Thanksgiving Crafts  

    Thankfully we have some pretty great crafts you can try.  

    • Click here for some unbe-leaf-able crafts using leaves. You can create some leafy center pieces for Thanksgiving dinner.  
    • Put people in their place with these beautiful pumpkin place settings.  
    • Time to get crafty! Check out these 7 clever crafts ideas to liven up your home.  
    • Add flower power to your napkins. Take a few faux flowers and wrap the stems using florists’ tape. Position the arrangement on top of the napkin and attach it by wrapping a twine or ribbon around it. Floral napkin rings are a simple way to incorporate colors on neutral dinnerware.  
    • Try out these incredible and easy thanksgiving craft ideas.  
    • You will gobble up these turkey crafts. 

    • We all love the classic turkey hand we made as kids. Turn it up a notch by making it sentimental. First, have your kid trace their hand on construction paper and cut it out. Then have them write 3 things they are thankful for on it. Glue it to the back of a pinecone or small pumpkin to serve as the turkey tail. Glue googly eyes and a small yellow triangle on the front of the pinecone or pumpkin to complete your little turkey friend. You can also use feathers or leaves as a tail. 

    Thanksgiving Recipes

    Whether you’re cooking for two or ten, these recipes will have everyone smiling and satisfied. If you can try cooking extra food and giving it to those less fortunate or an elderly neighbor.  

    • Don’t let the turkey hog the spotlight. Here are some delicious recipes and ideas for sides and appetizers. 
    • For an easy yet adorable appetizer make your very own turkey face veggie tray.  
    • There’s nothing sweeter than a sweet potato casserole. 
    • Get cooking, because these are some of the best Thanksgiving recipes we’ve ever tasted.  
    • Check out these incredible desserts perfect for Thanksgiving, including a no bake pumpkin cheesecake that will knock your fuzzy socks off. 

    • Tis pumpkin season and nothings beats a classic pumpkin pie. 
    • If you want to spruce up your pie crust, try adding a few simple, yet cute designs. Try cutting out different sized leaves and placing them around the edge. You could also roll out the pie crust and cut out any design you want. Cut out little flowers, diamonds, or chevron shapes before laying it on top.  
    • Warm up with this pumpkin spice latte recipe.  
    • These turkey desserts will have you and your family shaking their tailfeathers. Dip a pretzel rod in melted chocolate that covers about half of the pretzel. You can use chocolate icing if you prefer. Before it cools, attach a ring of candy corn around the top of the rod that will look like feathers. Using fondant or white icing, pipe on small white circles for the eyes and add a small black dot in the center. For the beak, pipe on an orange or yellow triangle.

    Ways to Give Back

    Don’t just give thanks, give back, with these great ideas.  

    • Many people won’t be able to afford a luxurious Thanksgiving dinner so donate food and canned goods to those in need. You can also bake some yummy things for those less fortunate.    
    • Be neighborly and lend a hand to those in need. Check on your neighbors and see if there is anything you can help them with.  
    • Discover how to have a sustainable thanksgiving dinner.  
    • Support local restaurants by ordering your Thanksgiving meal. Many restaurants and local businesses have Thanksgiving meal deals or great options for sides and desserts. You can support them and not spend hours in the kitchen. Win-win!  

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

       

  • Stylish and Space-Saving Small Room Décor Ideas

    Make a small space a place for big living. From tiny houses to studio apartments, these small room décor ideas will maximize any space with both style and storage.

    Less is More

    If you have a small room, keep it simple to make the space feel open and airy. Make sure a room isn’t cluttered with too many decorative items. Pick just one piece to add visual interest instead of multiple items. Embrace a minimalistic mindset by adding only the pieces you love. Adding an oversized painting above the sofa keeps the lines of the room clean and fresh while also giving the room a striking splash of color. Remember, the less clutter, the better!

     

    Paint Walls White

    Two words of advice for wall color: use white. White paint on the walls and floor makes any room feel more expansive. Having a light color scheme also offers the flexibility to play with decorative items, throw pillows and bedding, which can be changed as frequently as you wish.

     

  • Add Designer Flair to Your Front Porch for Fall

    Add Fun Fall Decor to Your Porch

    Just because summer’s over does not mean you can’t still enjoy sitting in the fresh air. With autumn weather quickly blowing in, now’s the time to give your porch a makeover. From festive seasonal decorations to thoughtful touches, we’ve pulled together a handful of our favorite ways to add fall decor to your porch.

    Stay warm

    First, make sure your porch can be used during autumn. If you live in an area where fall brings cooler temperatures, gorgeous crisp evenings can turn into cold nights. Invest in either a propane or electric patio heater. There are many models on the market. Some of them are set on the ground to warm your feet, while others are hung overhead. A few models look a lot like indoor lamps, adding a warm, room-like feel to your porch.

    In addition to heaters, set out a couple of wool blankets for guests to put over their legs. Not only do blankets keep loved ones warm, they also give a cozy vibe that inspires conversations to run long into the night.

    Buy new patio furniture

    Most people buy new patio furniture during spring and summer. It’s in fall, however, that you should head to your local home and garden stores to check out items on clearance. Choose durable fabrics in neutral colors so the furniture will match any season. Design the rest of the porch around your new seating areas.

    Fall foliage… right to your front door

    Tis the season for collecting brightly  colored autumn leaves. Why not take things one step further by making an arrangement of leaves to enjoy year after year? Pick up a handful of faux leaves from a local fabric store and coat them to handle the weather. Add a little sparkle by sprinkling glitter of various colors over the project as it dries. Try out similar projects with found objects such as pinecones. Finished arrangements can be hung on windows or your front door. Make a large fall wreath by using a pre-assembled twig wreath and decorating it either with silk flowers or fresh marigolds from a local florist.

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  • Ask a Pro: A Repurposed Entertainment Center for Get-Togethers

    An entertainment center is essential to any home, as it’s the perfect place to bring everyone together, but what if you’re building one from a re-purposed vintage piece? Interior design expert and Dream Team member Jennifer Adams has the answers to turn old furnishings into new functional – and stylish – decor  in the latest edition of Ask a Pro!

     

    Q. I need to create an entertainment center on a main wall of my living area.  I have an old sideboard buffet piece with marble top and 4 drawers. It is sort of traditional in style. It is low to the ground and 48″ wide.  I want to add shelves on the side I think to extend the width on the wall. (My wall is 16′ long).  Can you suggest a style to look for? I was also thinking I should paint all 3 pieces to create a more modern look.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

    — Linda S.

     

    A. What a great idea to use your sideboard in a new way, I love this. Adding shelves to both sides will help make much more of a statement, and will frame your sideboard to highlight it like the treasure it is. I agree with you that the 48” wide sideboard all by itself is not going to hold its own against your big wall!

    I’m assuming you want to add a TV. If you don’t have one yet, think about getting one that is close to 48” wide to match your sideboard, or go a little smaller. Note that it’s 48” in width, not what size the TV is considered! When you buy a 52” TV, that’s the dimension of the diagonal, measured corner to corner. You’ll have to dig deep or measure the display model to find out what the actual width really is.

    Look for shelving units that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A sleek, modern system would contrast your sideboard nicely. I love to mix and match vintage treasures with modern pieces. Choose two tall units for the sides, ideally to be taller than the TV.

    And to finish off the look, add another shelf to go above the TV. Ideally the top of this shelf would align with the top of the side units, but the center part above the TV could be taller if the pieces aren’t working out, or if you need more space above the TV. Also, please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about securing your shelves to the wall if necessary.

    As far as painting goes, I don’t think it matters if all the pieces match or not, it’s just what you prefer. I would definitely have all the new shelves match each other, and be a color that coordinates with your sideboard. You could always live with that for a while and paint later!

    —Jennifer A.

     

  • 5 Decorating Tips for Your Backyard

    Your backyard is a very important part of your home and deserves to have the same elegance as the interior. It can be the ultimate place to entertain, dine, and lounge under the sun or stars. With these five decorating tips for your backyard, the outdoors is about to be just as beautiful as the inside of your home.

    5 Decorating Tips for Your Backyard - bhgrelife.com1. Create a gathering area

    The best way to get use of your backyard is to create a spot to gather. Whether it’s around a fire pit, fountain, garden, or shady tree, arrange some attractive seating options to create a welcoming hangout spot for friends and family to come together.