Quick Fixes for the Late Winter Blahs

So, here it is -- late winter.  Easter is more than a month away and the early blooms have yet to start peeking their heads out.  It’s the late-winter blahs . . . You look around your house and it feels gray, drab and dreary.  This means it’s time for a quick room-brightening fix or two!  And there’s more you can do than just a pretty bouquet of flowers on the coffee table.

Take a look at your curtains or sheers.  When was the last time you laundered them?  For that matter, when was the last time you replaced them?  If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to either get them cleaned or replace them with something eye-catching and brand-new.  This easy little task will instantly brighten any room.  While you are out, pick up a few new throw pillows.  A fabric with a cheerful, contrasting color will easily update your living, family, or bedroom.

When was the last time you rearranged your decorative pieces?  This is another quick and easy fix to give a room new life.  If things look a bit crowded on the mantle, it’s time to edit.  Perhaps just a few bold pieces will do.  Next, check out the bookshelves.  Are they neat and tidy? Everything lined up properly?  How about using a beautiful piece of pottery or glasswork as a bookend? 

Remember, for true sophistication less is more.   No need for overcrowding of all the wonderful things you have collected the world over.  If shelves are crowded, go ahead and stash some of your treasures in a protective storage box.  Then, every few months you can rotate pieces, changing the look in a room just a bit.  Your things will have more meaning when you can truly showcase their beauty (and that won’t happen when looking at 15 things on a little shelf!).

Enjoy your easy, new changes while enjoying these last days of winter.  Spring is just around the corner!

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Easy and Memorable Valentine's Day Table

Still trying to come up with a plan for Valentine’s Day?  Are you past the need to head out for that romantic restaurant with all the other couples?  Well, why not set a pretty table for dinner in! Kids/no kids, paired up with friends/just the two of you, take-out/homemade -- it’ll make for a nice change from the typical Sunday night routine.

Start by repurposing holiday items.  Break out a red table runner or tablecloth from the recent holidays.  For a focal point, take a clear glass or crystal vase and fill it with conversation hearts.  Finish by adding your favorite white, pink or red flowers.  Remember, don’t fill the vase with water or your hearts will become mush! 

Next scatter candles across the center of the table.  You can also fill small ramekins or glass bowls with chocolate covered almonds, cashews, raisins, or blueberries.  Arrange these amid the candles. 

Finally, a quick and easy way to dress up place settings is to replace napkin holders with red or pink satin ribbon tied in a big, beautiful bow.  With just a few minutes’ work, you’re set for a memorable dinnertime in the comfort of your own home!

Oh, some quick dessert ideas:  make a pan of brownies and cut them out with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Serve with your favorite ice cream and garnish a side of strawberries or raspberries.  If your selection of cookie cutters is non-existent, make a quick heart-shaped stencil out of paper.  Place it over cupcakes (square-cut brownies, slices of Bundt cake, larger round cakes will all do the trick too) and shake confectioner’s sugar or cocoa onto the stencil.  Gently remove the stencil, and voila! A beautiful presentation for easy, everyday desserts!

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Hosting Tips for a Casual Winter Get-Togethers

One of the best ways to beat the winter blahs is to fill you home with friends and family.  Whether you have are having just a few friends over on a cold winter’s night or having a full blown out Superbowl party, these get-togethers offer a warm, welcoming place for you and your friends to kickback, relax and have some fun.  

Below are a few simple steps you can follow to get your house ready and welcome for your guests. 

Set the mood:  You can easily change the setting in your home with a few easy things.  First, decide which areas of your home will be used for the get-together and start by decorating with fresh accents as centerpieces.  Strings of Christmas lights or candles, even cozy fires in the fireplace are also easy ways to set a warm and inviting mood. 

Food & Drinks:  Everyone knows that the great food and drinks make the party!  For your food, the trick to easy entertaining is sticking with finger food appetizers which are easy, but can be “dressed-up” by placing them on your good serve-ware.   You can go all-out with the beverages, or just keep is easy: chilled beer and wine, soda and water!  

Entertaining Guests:  Mood – check. Food & drinks – check!  Not every type of party requires entertainment, but it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan should the mood get a little dull.  The best part about entertaining your guests is that it’s an inexpensive option: Have a few games handy that are large-group friendly; Karaoke – even better!  Even upping the music to a dance mix can spice up any party.

Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy your guests!

Contributed by Beth Eppley and Heather Dietrich