Thrifted Home Decor–From Their Home To Yours

January 20, 2020 by Jackie Leave a Comment

If a trip to your local thrift shop gets you excited, today’s post is especially for you. Today we’re talking about thrifted home decor, and why you should make it part of your home decor. Scouting out hidden decor treasures in a thrift shop is one of the most fun things to do! Come along while we show you some ideas.

Why Use Thrifted Home Decor?

The reasons for using thrifted home decor in your home decorating don’t necessarily include budget constraints, although that’s certainly one. Plenty of people enjoy finding unique pieces, antiques and other fun finds that are usually only available in a thrift shop. The thrill of the hunt is real!

Thrifted Home Decor Tips & Tricks

The biggest tip for finding great home decor items at a thrift shop is to visit often. Inventory changes quickly in a thrift shop, depending on donations. So visit frequently to find the best deals before they’re snatched up by someone else.

When you buy decor at a thrift shop, you need to be willing to use your imagination. Maybe that amazing vintage dresser won’t fit in your bedroom, but do you need an entry table? Another item with chippy paint might look great with a can of spray paint. Think outside the box!

Thrift Shop Decor Inspiration

Keep an eye out for amazing, one of a kind pieces like handmade pottery. You don’t even need to use these in your kitchen–or buy them all. Purchase just one or choose three favorites to dress up a living room bookcase. Ceramic pottery is always a home decor plus.

Antique books are one of the best thrift shop finds for home decor. They look great on a shelf as is, just stack or arrange them in interesting ways. There are also plenty of things to make with the pages of old books. Check out Pinterest or use your imagination!

I love finding vintage pieces such as old cameras or record players to display on a shelf. They never fail to be a wonderful conversation piece in any home decor!

Rather than buy a set of run-of-the-mill lamps at the department store, check out what’s available at a thrift shop, Craigslist, Habitat for Humanity ReStore or nearby garage sale. You never know what interesting pieces you can find out there. You just need to look!

Thrift shops are always full of amazing glassware like this. Before you fork out for a fancy pitcher or set of glass tumblers, go see what’s at the thrift shop. You may be surprised with what you find, for only a fraction of the cost. These make unique vases for your flower bouquets!

Indigenous Indian Living Room Ideas

January 15, 2020 by Jackie Leave a Comment

When you’re considering ways to decorate your living room, don’t forget to check out indigenous Indian living room ideas before you settle on a style. Indian {Native American} decor lends itself well to living rooms, especially when you want a cozy, earthy feel for the space. You don’t even have to be living in the desert southwest! Let me show you some Indian living room ideas.

Indian Living Room Ideas

What Is Indian style?

Indian {Native American} style centers on the main elements of life. These include the directions of north, south, east and west. It also includes aspects of Indian life such as animals, seasons, and the elements. The elements of wind, water, fire and earth are important in your Indian living room decor. Colors to include in Indian decorating are white, yellow, red and black.

Elements To Include In An Indian Living Room

A circular space is always ideal in indigenous Indian decorating. That is because circles have rich meaning to Native American tribes. Each direction is important. If you have a circular room, consider using it, but if not you can incorporate circles in other ways. Consider arranging furniture in circular groups if you have the space. Or include plenty of circular Indian-style baskets or circular area rugs.

Earth elements are always included in Indian decor. Wind is often represented with wind chimes, indoors or out. Include water via art work or by incorporating a water feature into your living room space. If you have a living room fireplace, that represents the fire element. Hang a traditional peace pipe on the wall if you don’t have a fireplace. For the element of earth, use Indian clay pottery.

Other Motifs to Include

Indian motifs to include in your Indian living room can include the sacred turtle or buffalo. Incorporate Indian drums and lots of geometric patterns in Indian textiles. Many Hacienda styles and Western decor also work well in an Indian living room!

Wood You Be Mine? Valentine’s Wood Decor Ideas

January 8, 2020 by Jackie Leave a Comment

The holidays are over, so it’s time to think about your Valentines Day decorations. How do you feel about Valentine’s wood decor? We’re obsessed! We’re so sure you’ll love it too, that we’ve got some inspiring ideas to show you just in time for your Valentine’s decorating. Wood you be mine?

Valentine’s Wood Decor Ideas

Let’s start with an idea for your front door! Wreaths are a fantastic way to greet your family, friends and neighbors during any season, Valentine’s included. We love this fab Valentine’s wood wreath you can hang on your door for all of February if you want to. Everything in it is wood or an element of wood, making it naturally rustic and appealing. What do you think?

How about this Valentine’s wood tray with matching cups? The little cups are perfect for holding an assortment of small candles and single short-stem roses. Arrange it however you like, then set this tray on an ottoman, entryway table or your dining room table. The best thing about it is when Valentine’s Day is over, you can change the red ribbon and other adornments and dress it up for the next holiday!

Have you heard about Valentine’s Day trees? Some people leave their Christmas tree up and just change the decorations to a Valentine’s Day theme. That’s the inspiration for this Valentine’s wood decor idea. You don’t have to leave the Christmas tree up–instead, bring in some branches from outside. Put them in a vase, and hang them with an assortment of cute felt and fabric hearts, ribbon and twine.

Willow branches bend easily into heart shapes, and then you can hang them on your front door, an interior door, or a wall. The simplicity is everything here, but don’t be afraid to dress up your willow hearts with ribbon or twine if that’s what you prefer.

These ideas wouldn’t be complete with a nod to wood letters. Purchase an assortment of wood letters at Michaels. Paint or stain them according to your preference, and then arrange them on a shelf or your fireplace mantel. Timeless!

Before you go, check out our ideas for some super sweet DIY Valentine’s Day candy bouquets!

DIY Valentines Candy Bouquets Are Really Sweet

January 2, 2020 by Jackie Leave a Comment

Flower bouquets are pretty, but DIY Valentines candy bouquets are pretty sweet! And they aren’t that hard to put together. So this year, why not give your sweetie a DIY Valentines candy bouquet that you made yourself? It’s sure to be a surprise they’ll love!

What Is A Valentines Candy Bouquet?

A candy bouquet is modeled after a bouquet of flowers, but this bouquet won’t die in a few days! The type of candy you use in your candy bouquet is versatile. Use chocolates, candy bars, lollipops or whatever type of candy you like best. Throw in some confetti, ribbons and other accessories to make it more fun. Your candy bouquet is up to you!

Ideas For DIY Valentines Candy Bouquets

Who wouldn’t love this beautiful blue DIY Valentines candy bouquet made from cake pops? It just shows that your candy bouquet doesn’t necessarily have to be made entirely of candy–cake pops work just as well! Throw in a cupcake with icing that looks like a flower, and you’re set to surprise your sweetie on Valentines Day!

Is your Valentine a guy? Even guys can appreciate a Valentines candy bouquet as much as a girl. Just give your DIY Valentines Day candy bouquet a more masculine look by choosing tissue paper and ribbon in more masculine colors. This bouquet features an assortment of caramels, fudge and chocolates. Yum!

One way to make a beautiful Valentines candy bouquet is to purchase your sweetie’s favorite boxed chocolates, and then arrange them into a bouquet. Wrap the whole thing in pale pink tissue paper to give it a definite Valentines Day flair.

A coconut mix makes a beautiful candy bouquet as well. Any type of candy you like is easily skewered and arranged into bouquet form. Try it!

Here’s a simple idea for the lollipop lovers among us. Purchase a Valentines Day stemmed glass. Fill it with pink confetti, and add an assortment of Valentines lollipops. Tie a bit of ribbon on one or all of the lollipops for extra flair!

Looking for more DIY Valentines Day gift ideas? Try some pretty bath bombs!

First We Feast: New Years Eve Dinner Ideas

December 19, 2019 by Jackie Leave a Comment

This New Years Eve, welcome the new year with a dinner worthy of the occasion. Today we have New Years Eve dinner ideas to help you bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one in delicious ways. Because first, we feast–so please feast with your eyes right now!

New Years Eve Dinner Ideas

New Years Eve Appetizer Ideas

Have you tried serving your appetizers on a spoon? It really is a thing, and it’s unique and fun, especially for New Years Eve. These caprese shrimp cocktail spoons require fresh shrimp,. mozzarella, tomato and herbs. Delicious!

Other ideas for appetizers on a spoon include the following:

A bite of a chilled gazpacho
Ricotta cheese and herbs drizzled with balsamic glaze
Avocado salsa
Chopped cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil

New Years Eve Charcuterie Board

Whenever you throw a party, including a New Years Eve dinner, you can never go wrong if you put together a beautiful charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards commonly include a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, vegetables, fruit and fruit spreads. Whatever combination you choose is sure to be a hit. Find charcuterie boards and accessories at Amazon.

New Years Eve Entrée Ideas

New Years Eve dinner ideas usually involve some sort of fancier cut of meat that you don’t eat every day. Think lamb chops, New York steaks or prime rib for the star of your New Years Eve dinner. New potatoes and roasted root vegetables make wonderful accompaniments to any of these meat cuts. Include a fresh green salad on the side.

New Years Eve Finger Foods

Sometimes we get to New Years Eve and the last thing we want is a heavy meal. And that’s okay! If that’s how you’re feeling this year, then break out the finger foods instead. Pair up a charcuterie board with slider rolls so everyone can build a sandwich or two to their liking. Include mini desserts such as cheesecake or brownie bites to round it out.

If you plan to decorate for your New Years Eve dinner, check out 12 DIY decorations {for any occasion!}.

4 Stunning Ways To Add Ribbon To A Christmas Tree

December 11, 2019 by Jackie Leave a Comment

If you have always wanted to add ribbon to a Christmas tree but are overwhelmed by the idea of getting it to look just right, today’s post is for you! Though you may see Christmas trees with ribbon that looks perfect, know that it really isn’t that hard to add ribbon to a Christmas tree. And there are lots of ways to do it! Check out 4 stunning ways to add ribbon to your own Christmas tree.

4 Stunning Ways To Add Ribbon To A Christmas Tree

1. Ribbon Bows

Some people love bows, and they look so pretty on the boughs of a Christmas tree. You can also make one large bow for the top of your Christmas tree. To use ribbon for bows, wired ribbon works best. Wired ribbon is easier to manipulate and holds a shape better than non-wired ribbon. For a great tutorial on tying professional-style ribbon bows for your Christmas tree, see Jennifer Decorates.

2. Ribbon Wrapping

We’re fans of wrapping ribbon around the tree, from top from bottom, instead of the tinsel everyone used to use. Again, you want wired ribbon for this because it holds it shape. Wired ribbon also stores well from year to year. If it gets smashed, simply re-shape it and it looks as good as new! We like to put ornaments on the tree first, and then wrap the tree in ribbon. Start at the top, and leave several inches to a foot between rows, depending on the height of your tree.

3. Drape The Tree With Ribbon Curls

Good news! Curling ribbon is inexpensive, but it looks amazing on a Christmas tree! Cut lengths of ribbon from 2-3 feet long, curl, and then place on your tree. Drape the ribbon curls horizontally across the boughs of the tree. Or cut shorter lengths from 6-8 inches long, curl, and hang vertically on the tree. Either way is simply beautiful!

4. Cover The Tree With Ribbon Curls And Bows

You aren’t confined to one method, so if you like ribbon curls and bows, put both on your tree! This tree has solid gold ribbon cascading vertically down the tree, and see-through ribbon bows on the branches. Matching bows dress the presents underneath the tree. Isn’t it beautiful?

For more Christmas tree ideas, see our post on Going for Gold.