The art of the Throw

Nothing warms a chair, bed or sofa like an artfully arranged cozy throw. Here are some Do's and Don'ts to make your throw look just right....

*Don't fold a throw in half--it looks far too formal and proper.

*A throw is a popular, updated dash of color and texture and should look casual and vibrant.

*The art of a throw is in the actual motion of throwing. Unfold the throw, ridding it of any folds and wrinkles, and find a point just off-center. Do hold the throw, allowing it to hang, and just flick the wrist, tossing the throw on a sofa or chair. Leave the throw just as it landed.

*Do use a throw to cover mars, rips, or other imperfections in fabric. A throw can be a marvelous decoration and covers a multitude of shortcomings.

(Article by Pam Milam... www.reinventedrooms.com)

January Blues...

Happy New Year! There is nothing better than flipping the calendar, and starting a fresh new year! Ok, let me ask you, how many of you took down your Christmas decorations, and forgot where things went? Does it feel a little bare? And I don’t know about you, but after 2 seasons of decorating, I’m kinda in a slump. And then, there is question, how or what do I decorate with? It's too early for spring, not quite Valentines day...so what to do?

Personally I love white! Yes, I know, it's really not a color, but it always seems fresh and new, and CLEAN! If you just can't live without color, red and blues always will do!

Adding things to your decor like little hints of spring...lemons, limes, greenery, etc., always adds a pop of freshness, and life to the duldrums of winter.

We also have our NEW Spring Southern Living at HOME catalog with tons of ideas as well! Feel free to check out my website and view the online catalog! I would love to LIVE in the rooms of these pages!! :)

A Little Something...

Tis the season for Holiday parties, dinners, and get-togethers. It is always a thoughtful gesture to bring a little something for the host, to show your appreciation. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate, remember, it's the thought that counts!

Hostess Gift Ideas:
A gift for your hostess need not be extravagant, but a little creativity does go a long way toward making the present surprising and special. Here are some ideas:

*A bottle of wine, cider, or Champagne

*An ornament

*Flowers (you can even deliver or drop them off before the party)

*Goodies, Coffee, Tea, etc.

*Dish towels

*Picture frame

*Candle

*Note cards

*CD of party or holiday music - purchase or make your own on iTunes!

*Entertaining items - spreaders, wine corks, napkins, etc.

*Gift Cards

Preparation is the key. Try to have some items in your gift closet, and even wrapped for those last minute dates! The presentation of the gift is also important...remember....ribbon can make anything pretty!

Happy Holidays!

Setting a Table

The art of setting a dinner table can be a lot easier with some simple instructions. Thanks to eHow.com for some tips!

Step1 - Figure out how many guests will be attending. If several children will be in attendance, consider having a children's table. If you would like the children at the main table, consider booster chairs if the children are small.

Step2 - Determine where everyone should sit. For convenience, the cook may want to sit near the kitchen door. Parents should sit next to their children. If there is a male guest, he is traditionally seated on the hostess's right. A female guest is traditionally seated on the host's right. For large parties, determine who would interact best with each other. Some people like to alternate between men and women, but this isn't necessary. You may want to use name cards to avoid everyone rushing for a seat at the last minute.

Step3 - Decide if you will use a tablecloth. If the tablecloth is white damask, you will need a pad under it to prevent it from slipping. Also, the middle crease should be arranged so that it runs in a straight and unwavering line down the center of the table from head to foot. When the tablecloth is on, it should hang down about a foot and a half if it is a seated dinner. If it is a buffet dinner, it should hang down to the floor.

Step4 - Set the table once you've adjusted the tablecloth. Begin by folding napkins and placing them in the center of each diner's place.

Step5 - Place the large dinner fork to the left of the napkin and the smaller salad fork to the left of the dinner fork.

Step6 - Place a salad plate to the left of the forks. The dinner plate should not be on the table when guests sit down.

Step7 - Place a knife to the right of the napkin, with the cutting edge toward the plate. For chicken or a game bird, you might want to use a steak knife.

Step8 - Put out two spoons if you're serving both soup and dessert. The small dessert spoon should be placed to the right of the knife. Place the soup spoon to the right of the dessert spoon. (You can also wait and bring the dessert spoons out just before dessert.)

Step9 - Place a bread plate with a butter knife (if you have them) about 2 inches above the forks.

Step10 - Place a water goblet about 2 inches above the knife. To the right of the goblet and slightly closer to the dinner guest, place a wine glass.

Step11 - Place a cup and saucer, if you're serving coffee or tea, to the right of the setting, with a coffee spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Enjoy your dinner!!!

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

I know that Christmas decorations are hung in the shopping areas, Christmas music is being played on the radio, and holiday ads are upon us...but let's not forget about Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past, and be thankful for our many blessings. I love the simplicity for fall too! It's my favorite time to decorate. I love the comforting colors, the calmness of it all! I have found some simple centerpiece ideas, that are inexpensive, yet beautiful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Many Blessings to you and your families!

Holy Hurricanes!

If I could recommend one decorative piece...I would recommend a glass hurricane! This is the most versatile piece you will ever own! I am constantly amazed, how you can drastically change the look of them, just by changing their fillers!


Here are a few very low cost fillers to use with your hurricanes this holiday season:


*Popcorn kernels, green peas, black beans - you can also layer these - buy in bulk at discount stores



*Coffee beans - smells great with a vanilla candle



*rocks/pebbles




*fall leaves, dingle balls, pine cones, pine branches - make sure if you use with a candle, that they are far away from flame!

*Fresh cranberries

*Fresh apples, citrus, pomegrante, etc. - leave whole, or float in water

*Artificial snow flakes



*Cinnimon sticks


*Colored water



*Ornaments

*Pumpkins/gourds

*Candy

*Fresh bubs - amarylis, paper whites



*Tiny wrapped packages



*Beverages - punch, eggnog, etc.



*Potpouri



*Sand/Shells



*Miniture Christmas tree



*Picture