Author Louise Gaillard

The day that you decorate the Christmas tree at your house is the day that the holidays have officially begun. Homeowners who love the holidays are always looking for new Christmas tree decorating ideas to implement. You might want your Christmas tree to have a special meaning, whether it’s to celebrate the beauty of the holiday season or to celebrate the blessings you’ve received throughout the year. Maybe you want your tree to be reflective of your new home in the city of Philadelphia. Or you might just want a unique idea for your tree that will really capture the attention of your holiday guests. Whatever you have in mind, these ideas for your Christmas tree will help inspire you.

Silver (Liberty) Bells

If you want to pay homage to the city where you now live, feature one of the most iconic symbols that Philadelphia is known for on your tree: The Liberty Bell. Purchase a quality metal replica of the bell to hang from the top of your tree in place of the usual star or angel. Next, hang sparkling medium-sized red, white, and blue snowflake stars from the rest of the tree. Finally, finish the tree’s “liberating” decor by adding small silver bells throughout to complement the larger bell featured at the top. Spritz the tree lightly with a silver glitter shimmer spray to make it really shine.

Tiny Presents from the Tree

It’s traditional to fill the bottom of your Christmas tree with presents — it symbolizes abundance and the spirit of sharing. Instead of just putting presents under the tree this year, why not hang a few from the tree as well? Wrap tiny, meaningful gifts in small, shiny, decorative boxes and hang each one from a gold ribbon. Tell each guest to choose a tiny box the night before Christmas as a preview for the big day. This is a great way to decorate your tree in a way that celebrates your blessings and your love of gift-giving.

Image Source: Flickr/Clayton Shonkwiler

Silver and Gold

Silver is often used interchangeably with gold in decor, but have you ever tried pairing silver and gold together? For a really eye-catching Christmas tree this year, spray paint it from top to bottom in silver, allow it to dry, and then garnish it with gold accents. Use gold-tinted bows, ball ornaments, and tinsel for decoration. Add a beautiful gold star at the top of the tree for the perfect final touch.

As November changes into December, it’s important to remember the many reasons for the season. Decorating for the holidays should be fun, inspiring, and unique — not at all like a chore. Let these Christmas tree decorating ideas get your creative juices flowing. Try something different with your tree this year that will really make it the main attraction at your Philly home throughout the holiday season.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/3-unique-christmas-tree-decorating-ideas/

Author Audrey Sellers

Christmas tree tips are definitely needed this time of year. After all, the ornament-bedecked and glittering fir (or spruce . . . or pine) is the centerpiece of your holiday decor. There’s no wrong way to trim a tree, but there are certainly some useful pointers to help make your Christmas tree look its absolute best. Whether your tree this year is artificial or real (here’s where you can cut your own tree in Dallas-Fort Worth), check out the helpful decorating tips below.

1. Hang Lights Right

White, multicolored, LED, incandescent — there are many different ways to set your Christmas tree aglow. However, there’s one best way to hang them: Work your way from the bottom up. After you check your bulbs and set up your extension cord, wrap the lights around your tree from bottom to top. If you have extra, re-wrap them from the top going down.

2. Organize Your Ornaments

Here’s one of those Christmas tree tips that often gets overlooked: Have a strategy with your ornaments. Pick a theme or a color palette and lay out your ornaments before you get started. Start by hanging simple ornaments; they make a beautiful backdrop for your sentimental favorites such as homemade decorations or home-team ornaments. Be sure to hang ornaments inside the tree — not just on outer branches — for dimension.

3. Top It Off

You can never go wrong with a classic angel or star to top your Christmas tree, but you can also add whimsy and elegance in other ways. Try topping your tree with a monogram letter as a simple salute to your family, or add rustic charm with a burlap bow. A Santa hat also adds a fun finishing touch — and it couldn’t be easier to place on top or readjust.

4. Don’t Skirt Around It

While Christmas trees traditionally have a tree skirt, don’t be afraid to venture away from the usual this holiday. Some creative alternatives include tree collars and baskets and even galvanized buckets. It’s a way to make a fun statement and bring some festive cheer to the base of your tree. If your tree is themed, it’s the perfect opportunity to tie it all together.

A Christmas tree sets the tone for your entire home’s holiday decor. It’s the place where Christmas morning unfolds — and it’s the backdrop to so many memories before then.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/4-christmas-tree-tips-for-your-most-majestic-tree-yet/

Author Lindsay Listanski

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Break out that rubbermaid and dust off your ornaments because it’s time to decorate your home like the elf that I know you are. Here are five affordable and totally adorable ways to decorate your home with Christmas ornaments.

Christmas Shadow Box

Adding Christmas Cheer to your home couldn’t be more easy than this easy DIY Christmas Shadow Box idea.

Christmas Ornament Wreath

This project may look difficult but in just four easy steps you will be humming jingle bells. Learn how here.

Window Display

Show your neighbors that you are ready for a Holly Jolly Christmas with this simple hanging ornament idea.

In a Glass Vases

Remind your family it is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year with these easy Vase ideas.

As a Tree

Your guests will be rockin’ around the Christmas Tree when they see this adorable DIY Ornament Tree craft.
   Original Article found at  https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/decorate-like-christmas-elf-budget/

written by: Jennifer McGuire

Have an extra room that’s just taking up space? Lucky you! Put your creativity to work and transform it into the “play” place you’ve always wanted. Here are just a few suggestions for using that unused area.

Rock Out

Let the rock-n-roll in you rip loose in a room designed to be your very own music studio. Bearing in mind that you’ll want to remain friends with your neighbors, a careful soundproofing plan is key. The door to the space will need to be solid, heavy and insulated with sealing strips. While you’ll be tempted to also seal the windows, it’s important to allow some light in so it won’t feel like you’re playing in an underground bunker. Absorption panels can be purchased to line the walls, and it’s wise to elevate the floor as well to keep the decibels down. By essentially building a ventilated “room within a room,” you’ll be able to enjoy some uninhibited jam sessions.

Divine Dressing

If you’re a fashionista with less than ample closet space, or if you’re seeking solace apart from a portion of a shared closet, then think about turning your spare square footage into the dressing salon of your dreams. Create a beautiful, well-appointed and brilliantly lit wardrobe room complete with floor-to-ceiling shelving, light-reflecting mirrors and plenty of storage for your accoutrements for every season. Add luxury elements like a comfy tufted pouf, an elegant jewelry armoire and even indulge in haute couture for the window treatments by framing them with sumptuous fabric. Dedicate an entire room to your coveted fashion collection by displaying all your favorite finds in full glam grandeur and celebrate the diva within.

Ssss-steam Heat

Ready for a relaxing retreat at the end of a hard day to soothe away daily pressures? If this sounds appealing, then get ready to turn up the heat in your very own steam room. Follow a few careful tips and you’ll be loose as a goose in no time. The key concern, of course, is moisture. Because the entire room will need to be waterproofed, a special door and insulated tile from top to bottom are absolute musts. A polyethylene film for the ceiling and walls, with backerboard to which the tiles will be attached, are other important tools to implement. Once the room is properly protected, a steam generator is all that’s necessary to create your cozy little piece of heaven.

Now that you have some inspiration for wonderful ways to use your extra square footage, it’s time to tally your budget, consider the possibilities and let your imagination run wild.

Original article found here https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/out-of-the-box-spare-room-ideas/

Author: Audrey Sellers

All the best Thanksgiving decoration ideas should add some warmth, class, and personality to your home. When your family and friends gather at your table for roasted turkey and fresh-baked pumpkin pie, give the meal some festive flair with creative seasonal decor. Here are a few ideas to try this Thanksgiving.

Say Thanks with Chalk

Chalkboard signs can work in a number of different ways (you can use them to write quotes or count down to a family member’s birthday, for example), but why not put a Thanksgiving twist on this decor classic? Grab a large white platter and apply a layer of chalkboard paint in the center. Write a message of thanks and display it as a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table.

Dress Up Your Napkins

Thanksgiving decoration ideas should elevate an ordinary meal into a festive feast. One way to do this is by working napkins into your table decor. You can easily turn an everyday cloth napkin into something special by incorporating an ear of Indian corn. Use a braided cord to tie the corn to the napkin and set it atop a plate. Don’t stop there, though; there are several creative ways to use Indian corn in your Thanksgiving decor.

Fancify a Bowl of Fruit

Thanksgiving isn’t all about gourds. Fruit can also add a festive touch to your holiday table. Bring all the rich colors of fall to your tabletop by displaying pears and apples in a pretty bowl. Take them to the next level by adding some elegant sparkle. By applying adhesive decals in silver, bronze, and gold, you have some chic decor for Thanksgiving. If store-bought fruit just won’t do, turn it into a fruit-picking adventure by visiting one of these pick-your-own farms in Dallas-Ft. Worth.

Bring Acorns Indoors

Here’s a decor idea that puts autumn front and center on your holiday table: acorn votives. You can easily create festive votives by layering acorns around candles in vases. But before you go and round up some acorns from your yard and start placing them in vases, check out this quick primer on how to dry acorns for fall crafts.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving at your DFW home this year, take some time to add some special decor elements. Many ideas are simple to put together and will go a long way towards creating a festive scene for one of the most festive seasons of the year.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/thanksgiving-decoration-ideas-to-set-the-scene/

Written by: Gustavo Gonzalez

When it comes to adorning the walls of your home, you need to do a little digging and a lot of experimenting before making a color commitment. Every creative venture requires inspiration – and that especially applies to decorating your home.

• Look to Mother Nature. Any color combination found in nature can easily be translated into an interior arrangement and make for a soothing ambience. Spend a little time outside, observe which tones you’re drawn to most and bring your ideas back home.
• Defer to a beloved pattern. Whether it’s from your favorite wallpaper, dress or artwork, a preexisting pattern is likely to coordinate well. Even if the pattern incorporates disparate colors, a harmony can be achieved by layering a dominant tone with more subtle hues.
• Consider your target vibe. The colors in each room should correlate, emotionally and visually, so pinpointing the overall atmosphere you want for your home can help you determine which shades to use in each room.

The process of conceptualizing your perfect home palette also requires some technical observation. Here are some additional steps to help in your color choices.

• Sketch out a floor plan. Note the immovable pieces in each room – such as wallpaper, furniture or décor. Be sure that the hues you’re considering can coexist with these items.
• Understand and contemplate value. As you put together your favorite mix of colors, consider the concept of value, or the relative degree of lightness and darkness. Think about integrating dark, bright and light shades in each room.
• Observe daily light changes. Color is drastically impacted by light, so you should note how much daylight each space receives. For a room with less sun exposure, use a warm combination to offset the shadows. For a room with plenty of windows, darker hues may be best.
• Decide on a neutral. A successful in-home color palette should include one neutral hue. These timeless shades give the space a cohesive look and feel. When certain color fads fade, you can phase them out while keeping your neutrals and general design intact.

Before applying a single stroke of paint to any of your walls, you’ll want to buy samples of your favorite shades and test them out on a small section of your walls. After you’ve done some informed, artistic deliberation, the home color scheme of your dreams will be within reach.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/tips-for-the-perfect-home-color-palette/

written by: Gustavo Gonzalez

What’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to update a room? You guessed it – window treatments. Gone are the days of heavy, dark, drab curtains. Instead, you can refresh just about any space with a variety of modern options to fit every style and budget.

Now Trending
Whether you’re creating a home office space, looking to be more eco-friendly or moving into a new home and want to add your own personal touches, window treatments can make all the difference.
If energy efficiency is on your list, you have many options to choose from. High-tech cellular shades offer temperature control capabilities in a variety of innovative designs. Roller shades have a modern, minimal look and provide UV ray protection while allowing ample natural light in. Blinds have also come a long way, now designed with modern patterns, textures and materials to enhance any space.

 Bring on the Drama
If you’re ready to breathe new life into a room and add a little drama, consider luxurious curtains. Depending on how much light you want, a sophisticated, patterned drape can set the mood and make a bold statement.

By introducing a pop of color, like a bold orange or deep red, you can give your space a dramatic new look. Not into vibrant tones? White window treatments can be just as impactful. Layer white shades with a gauzy curtain to create a romantic and whimsical feel. You could also inject a little boho chic into a room by pairing classic woven or bamboo shades with patterned drapery. Whatever you choose, curtains can easily give your home a whole new look in a matter of minutes.

 Smart Tech
Who would’ve thought that you’d be able to open and close your curtains with the touch of a button? Say hello to smart windows, which let you control your blinds, curtains or shades through either a remote control or handy app. You can easily set up a schedule or use the setting to adjust your window treatments without even having to leave your comfy couch.

Giving your interiors a fresh new look is easier than ever by simply by changing out your window treatments. Whether you’re creating a space that’s soft and serene or bright and bold, these ideas should help set you off on the right path.

Original article from: https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/windows-that-wow/

Author Sharon Lee

Guest post by By Merri Cvetan

Switch up your Halloween scenery this year. Rather than buy new decorations for every holiday, get creative with Christmas lights. Dig out your tree lights — or shop for new, updated options — and turn them into spooky Halloween decor. The best part? Reusing lights for two different holidays frees up more storage space for you. You won’t need to double up on Halloween and Christmas decor, so you can store twice as much and save money in the process.

Using your Christmas lights and a few household items, you can create unique Halloween decorations that easily transition into the winter season after October has passed. Here are three ways to get started.

1. Family Friendly Halloween Garland

This not-so-scary paper garland will delight even the youngest members of the family. It uses battery-powered lights, so you can hang it anywhere — from the mantle to a display shelf to the front window.

Start with a string of battery-powered LED lights with spherical bulbs.

Cut small holes in the middle of Halloween-themed paper cupcake liners. Use one cupcake liner for every bulb on your string of lights. If you end up with leftover liners, surprise the kids with special Halloween cupcakes!

Push each bulb through the hole in the liner and hold it in place with a bit of transparent tape.

Twist orange-and-black tinsel over the cord until it’s completely covered. Pair with additional Halloween decorations for a “boo-tiful” display. When Christmas comes around, remove the liners and swap the orange-and-black tinsel for green.

2. Spook-tacular Table

Mini icicle lights look great hanging from your eaves each December, but you can also use them to create a glowing ghost for your home in October. All you need is a small table and a white tablecloth or sheet.

Carefully staple a string of icicle lights to the underside of a small, round particleboard table.

Wrap the remaining length of lights around the table legs.

Drape a semisheer tablecloth or sheet over the table and glue on felt eyes and a mouth. Make your ghost scary or friendly — whatever suits your Halloween decorating style. This table is also great for holding holiday snacks and punch at your next Christmas get-together. Simply swap the ghost tablecloth for one with a snowflake or Christmas-themed pattern to make it party-ready.

3. Scaring Up Some Fun

Mini Christmas lights are available in a rainbow of colors. Purple is both a unique option for Christmas and the perfect way to create a creepy atmosphere for Halloween. Surprise trick-or-treaters when they approach your front door with a scary skeleton adorned in purple lights.

Create a place of honor for the skeleton with an old chair draped in black cheesecloth or fake spider webbing.

“Dress” the bones with a string of purple lights, tinsel garland, chains, and skulls.

Beware to those who dare ring the doorbell when the sun goes down! When Halloween is over, keep your purple lights out. Use them to frame your front windows, or string them along your porch at Christmastime. Your house will stand out in a sea of white lights.

Get creative with your Christmas lights and use them to decorate your home for Halloween. You’ll make the transition into the Christmas season that much easier.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/new-twist-halloween-decorating/

Tips on how to make sure kids are safe and sound when trick-or-treating at your home this Halloween.

written by Gustavo Gonzalez

With over half of U.S. households celebrating* Halloween and 66 percent of them planning to participate in trick-or-treating, make sure kids are safe and sound when coming to your door. Here are some tips to make sure this Halloween isn’t physically frightful at your home.

Keep a Clutter-Free Haunted House

Homeowners should remove anything a child can trip over from the front yard, porch and stairs leading to the front door. Make sure all walking paths are clear of lawn decorations, potted plants, extension cords, hoses, gardening equipment, bicycles, barbecue grills and anything else trick-or-treaters might run into, especially when they can’t see at night. And don’t forget to leave the front of the house and exits well-lit and the lawn sprinklers turned off.

Corral Your Pets

Your guests don’t need to feel threatened by a strange dog, or worse yet, knocked over by an excited  pet because of unfamiliar visitors. So, make sure all your pets are on a leash, and if your dogs are prone to barking at strangers, put them in an interior room so they won’t see trick-or-treaters at the front door.

Spooky and Safe Decorating

• Decorate outside with ghouls, goblins, mummies and tombstones in a way that they won’t tip over or blow away. When considering props, use fake and safe alternatives – rather than anything sharp or heavy.
• Don’t become Clark Griswold by overloading your electrical outlets with decorations. Instead, follow manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage or injury.
• Make sure decorations are kept from sources of fire. Avoid open flames altogether and consider LED lighting or battery-operated candles for optimal safety. When selecting decorative lights, check for safety certifications such as UL, CSA, ETL or another nationally recognized laboratory. And don’t drape fabric or crepe paper over light bulbs or you might have a fire on your hands.

The trick to making Halloween a treat for those costumed candy collectors is to have a scary, but safe, haunted house for them to visit.

*Source: https://nrf.com/topics/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/halloween

original article found at: https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/halloween-home-safety-tips/

Listing your home during the holiday season

By Gustavo Gonzalez

Are you looking for a fresh start in 2023? You can ring in the new year in a new home if you start now. The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, especially when it comes to selling your home and making a move.

Here are some of the best reasons to consider selling your home during the holiday season:

Lower Inventory
There are typically fewer homes on the market during the holidays, so there’s less competition from other sellers to attract buyers. And if you’re also looking to buy, you can be assured that sellers are motivated to close by the end of the year.

Timing is Everything
Whether they’re moving for a new job or a new school, end-of-year house hunters are more likely to be motivated and committed to making a strong offer.

Faster Closing
With the end of the year approaching, everyone involved in the transaction is eager to wrap up the closing process as soon as possible.

It’s an Emotional Time
Anyone who has purchased or sold a property knows that emotions are a big part of the process. Listing your home during the holidays, where rooms look festive and inviting, can appeal to buyers’ sentimentality. As the saying goes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.”

If you’re interested in selling, contact a Coldwell Banker® affiliated agent today, who can expertly market your home so you can get the most out of your sale. Your agent will plan open houses and showings around your schedule, so it doesn’t get in the way of your holiday celebrations.

With motivated buyers making strong offers, the market can work in your favor during the holiday season – don’t miss your chance to earn a great return on your investment.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/ring-in-the-new-year-in-a-new-home/