16 Fabulous Outdoor Christmas Decorations by Terrys Fabrics.
It is impossible to incorrectly dress up a home for the holidays, because decorating rules do not apply to the Christmas season. Since not everyone wants to have their home look exactly the same as their neighbor’s, taking a little time to think creatively about how to add some special touches to each room will make all the difference. The perfect Christmas decorations can be bought, made, or found in nature, so there is no limit to what can be done or incorporated.
The holidays are the perfect time to throw dinner parties, so this makes Christmas-themed dinnerware a great investment. There are casual dishes with cute snowmen or Santa patterns, as well as elegant settings with beautiful seasonal floral patterns and colors. Drape greenery over the dining room chandelier and suspend Disney Christmas ornaments beneath it. Cut small tree branches and suspend them from the curtain rods in all the dining room windows. Make “curtains” by attaching strings of ornaments, snowflakes or holiday cards to the branches. Use pine cones as placeholders, or make individual “gingerbread” houses from graham crackers and label them with the guest’s name.
Make Christmas trees stand-out with themes like all handmade ornaments or all vintage designs. An edible tree is unique as well. Use cranberries and popcorn for garland and make gingerbread ornaments. After Christmas the tree can be placed in the yard for the birds to enjoy. Beautifully decorated ornaments should not be hidden away within the branches of the tree. Display your favorites on shelves or fireplace mantels. Fill a large wooden bowl with ornaments and place on the coffee table. Purchase throw pillows in colors that match the theme to use for the sofa and on the floor around the tree.
For a special touch in your family room, make a collage of all Christmas cards that have been received and saved over the previous years. Put this collage in a gold or silver frame and display over the mantle or over a table that is displaying cards from the current year.
Hang a wreath or evergreen swag on the wall or window of the bathroom and add a dish or two of seasonal-themed soap. These could be hand-crafted bars of red and green, or soaps with
holiday scents like pine or peppermint. Hang Christmas lights around the mirror and add ornaments to the shower curtain hooks.
In the bedrooms, create a dramatic look by surrounding the bed with flowing white curtains resembling a canopy, and add strings of lights around the entire perimeter. Tie varying lengths of fishing line to snowflake ornaments and attach to the ceiling above the bed. In nurseries, place alphabet blocks on shelves, spelling out holiday messages. Use decals of Christmas trees on the wall, or create a tree from felt so toddlers can decorate (and redecorate) how they like.
It is easy to purchase items that will look holiday-appropriate, but can be used through the rest of the year as well. Red and white striped tablecloths, red, green or blue throw pillows, blankets, and candlesticks colored silver and gold are just a few examples of items that can be used every day. While there will always be trendy colors or themes, Christmas is a great time to be eclectic and daring. Everyone should feel free to use whatever colors or designs they like the best.
Focused on other big house-related maintenances, most people forget their hot water systems and left them unchecked for years and years. This leads to damages and leaks that can seriously harm your pipes and cost a lot of money, but also – and this aspect is often overlooked – affects your consumption of energy. Knowing that this system accounts for about 33% of the overall energy use, ignoring it is one of the worst things you can do. In order to maintain it properly, you have to know a few basics.
Properly Adjusted Slope
In general, all hot water systems include radiators, pipes and boilers that have to be in synch, properly connected and assembled in accordance with the highest standards. One of the things to pay the most attention to is the slope – unless it is well adjusted, your system will not work properly and will require frequent repairs.
Some of the most common indicators of an improper slope are hammering noises coming from your system, its inability to heat water and, ultimately, cold radiators around your home. If you want to fix this, contact an expert or just fasten the pipes and radiators yourself and check if all parts of the system are titled.
Adjust the Level of Water
When it comes to the water level in a hot water system, there is no precise way to determine it, but the rule of thumb tells us that the boiler should be about half full – or half empty, depending on how you see it. The reason for this is simple: too much water will minimize the much needed empty space in the top part of the tank, while a level that is too low will just not produce enough heat. That is why the golden mean is really ideal in this case.
If you, however, you notice that the water level is low, something needs to be done. These issues require professional assistance, so you should call an expert, we learn from the people who run Dial Up Plumbing. They need to close your water supply and check the water level for a period of three or four days in order to diagnose the problem accurately.
Expansion Tank Purpose and Safety Measures
Expansion tank might easily be the most important part of your hot water system, but it is also the part the majority of people pay little to no attention to. This tank is most frequently installed in the basement – it is hung from the ceiling – or, alternatively, in the attic especially with older systems.
The purpose of an expansion tank is to contain and control the heated water that goes into the hot water system.
Of course, the temperature of this water needs to be well above the temperature of boiling water. Only such water ensures proper heating, but it is the expansion tank that makes sure it is not converted into steam by carefully keeping it under pressure. This is why tanks need enough air as well, in order to prevent accidents, explosions and pressure-related problems. In order to ensure proper functioning, tanks should be inspected and replaced when needed, as well as drained if filled with too much water.
Finally: An Annual Check-up
If you notice that your pipes are colder than they should be, it is probably because they are clogged and need to be flushed. Moreover, the entire system should be flushed annually if you want it to be clean and ensure proper water flow. Remember how important the hot water system is to you during the winter and you will have no problem finding motivation to maintain it.
The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also a time when more homes are burglarized. For homeowners who want to protect their property and reduce the risk of a break-in, there are several steps to take. It will not only prevent theft, but can help to increase the safety of residents in the home.
Install a Steel Screen Door
Approximately 33 percent of intruders enter through a front door, making it important to secure the point of entry instead of allowing them to kick through a hallow door. Installing a screen door will make it difficult for the burglar to break through with a sturdy material that will protect the entrance.
Use Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights can be installed near the front and back door of the home, which will prevent intruders from lurking in the dark and attempting to get in. The light will turn on seconds after motion is detected, which will cause the individual to be visible to other neighbors. This will also startle them and can make them believe that someone is home, which can cause them to quickly exit the property.
Use a Wireless Security System
A wireless security system will help to monitor the property 24 hours a day, even when you’re away from the home. This can alert the authorities and sound an alarm when suspicious activity is detected. By having the home monitored on a routine basis, it will likely thwart a burglary or can catch the intruders before they escape from the home. In addition to a security system, you can reduce your risk of loss by signing up for insurance through a company like the Marine Agency, which will offers coverage for personal belongings that are damaged or stolen.
Make the Home Look Occupied
It’s normal for many people to travel during the holidays and leave their home unoccupied for several days at a time. Intruders are less likely to break in if they think someone is home, making it important to leave a vehicle in the driveway, keep one or two lights on, and ask the local post office to hold your mail.
Although many homes are burglarized during the holidays, it’s possible to prevent your home from becoming a target. With the right steps taken, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected and that your personal belongings are safe.
For many families, one of the highlights of the holiday season is decking the halls. As you wrap lights around your tree or light candles in the menorah, though, you are not just spreading holiday cheer – you’re also increasing the chances of fire in your home.
The holiday season is notorious for home fires, with an average of 47,000 occurring at this time of year, every year. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to protect your home and, more importantly, your family. Follow these four tips for a cozy, safe holiday season.
1. Keep Your Tree Hydrated
One of the biggest fire hazards in your home is your Christmas tree. Many homeowners neglect to regularly water their tree, which results in it drying out. Having a dry tree is a recipe for
disaster. Think of it this way: Pine trees are used to make turpentine, an incredibly flammable substance. Your dried-out tree could light up in as little as 30 seconds.
That’s why it’s imperative that you properly care for your tree. First and foremost, buy one that’s not already dried out: Check the needles to make sure they’re still healthy. Have the seller chop the trunk to reveal a healthy, thirsty new layer. Then, stay on top of your watering schedule. It turns out that a well-watered tree is very, very difficult to set on fire, because it has water within its branches and leaves.
Finally, you can prevent a fire by putting your tree in a spot that’s far from any sources of heat. Newer string lights don’t emit much heat, either, so perhaps you’ll have to upgrade your decor as well. To further reduce your risk, you could even swap out your live tree for an artificial one.
2. Mind Your Candles
Flickering candles set a romantic, festive scene, but they also pose a fire hazard when left unattended. The number of candle fires is higher in December than in any other month, likely due to the fact that so many people use them to decorate. The best way to avoid this is to invest in a set of LED flameless candles, which glow and flicker like lit candles do. You could even pair them with a scent diffuser if you miss the fragrance of your candles.
This is especially troubling as a recent study by Fisher-Price found that only 29% of children engage in outdoor play, and that number is assuredly lower in the winter. Meaning there is a high risk of your little one possibly injuring themselves from a candle flame, or worse. If you love traditional candles too much to say goodbye, always supervise them while they’re burning and be sure to blow everything out before you leave the house. Also, be sure to leave space around and above your candle so it doesn’t ignite other pieces of decor.
3. Clear the Fireplace
Another fire hazard to consider in December: your fireplace. Everyone loves to gather around a crackling fire, but only do so after you have cleaned out the chimney. Have an expert inspect chimney walls to make sure they’re clear of any hardened soot, which becomes flammable. You should also invest in a screen if your mantle doesn’t have a built-in door to stop embers from crackling out and onto something flammable, like your carpet, furniture or tree.
Also, while many Christmas mornings involve homeowners throwing wrapping paper into the flames, you’re better off sticking to wood only, even when starting your fire. Accelerants and other liquids can cause things to get out of control.
4. Inspect Your String Lights
You probably only use your string lights once a year, meaning they sit in a box for the other 11 months. During that time – and during last year’s use
– they may have become frayed to expose wires, whether they’re bent the wrong way or chewed by some type of pest. Exposed wires can be the spark to start a fire on Christmas, so make sure all of your string lights’ inner workings are protected before plugging them in.
Be aware of how you hang your lights, too. The convenience offered by a staple gun is negated by the fact that staples can cause your wires to break and open, increasing the risk of a fire. The same goes for nails. The safest way to hang your lights is with hooks or another type of hanger that simply holds the wires without piercing them. Finally, always turn your lights off when you go to bed or leave the house. If you must display your outdoor lighting masterpiece regardless of whether or not you’re inside, put your lights on a timer so that they’re not overworked.
Clearly, it takes a bit of preparation and dedication in order to safeguard your home over the holidays. With these precautions, the only thing you’ll have to worry about this December is whether or not you’ve got a gift for everyone on your list – that one is on you.
Megan Wild is a home improvement writer who cares deeply about function and form in the home. You can read more of her musings at Your Wild Home.
Your home’s interior space affects your mood, creativity and happiness. If your interior space leaves a lot to be desired, it is time to shake things up a bit. Here are six simple changes that can make a big impact on your home.
Paint Your Walls
Refreshing the paint on your walls is an inexpensive change you can make. Outdated or dingy paint is depressing in a room. Select a new paint color that reflects your personality and style. A new coat of paint on your walls will give you a fresh outlook on life.
Change Your Lighting
There is a direct correlation between the lighting in your home and your mood. In fact, the right lighting can put you in a positive mood. Consider different options like floor lamps, hanging lamps and more. Lamps found at Treasure Shop Gallery can also make for a unique home décor. Bright lights will focus your attention on various aspects of your room. Softer lights can help create a relaxing environment. Choose the correct lighting for each room of your home.
Change Your Window Treatments
Many people use the same window treatments in every season. If you have blinds, this is a good idea. However, windows with heavy curtains should be changed in the spring and summer. The purpose of your window treatments is to allow the proper amount of sunshine to shine through the windows.
Change Your Fixtures
Fixtures in a home are like accessories in your wardrobe. They give you the ability to make simple changes without doing a complete overhaul. If you cannot afford new cabinets, change the handles on your doors and drawers. You can also change your electrical plates and light fixtures.
Accessorize Your Home
Over time, even the best furniture and homes can appear to be dull. A solution to make your home livelier is to add pictures to your walls. To enhance your furniture, you can change the pillows and add decorative coverings.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Rearranging your furniture can give your rooms a whole new feel. You may discover this is the only change you need to make. You can make a room feel larger simply by moving the couches.
Clear the Clutter
Take time to throw away things in your home that you do not need. Clearing the clutter will change the flow of energy in your home. This includes home décor. Too many small pieces cluttered on shelves and tables can make a home feel disorderly.
Making changes to your home does not have to ruin your budget. By making these simple changes, you can impact your home in a big way.
Sometimes houses go on the market and just sit there. This can be extremely frustrating for the seller. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Below are a few different tips you can use to help your home move off the market quicker.
1. Make Your Landscaping a Priority
While it may not seem like something that’s very important, the quality of your landscaping upkeep can be a big determinant in how fast your home moves off the market. A buyer’s first impression of a home is what usually determines whether or not it’s sold. This is going to certainly include the lawn and landscaping.
2. Consider Renting
If the housing market is slow in your area, it may be a good idea to put off selling the property for a time and rent it out to tenants instead. While being a landlord may seem intimidating at first, it is not as difficult as you would first imagine. Consider obtaining property management software from a company like Rentec Direct to help you manage tenants.
3. Move Out
Unoccupied homes sell faster than ones that are occupied. It’s easy to understand why. Potential buyers have an easier job of imagining their own furniture and belongings in rooms that are not already filled with other people’s stuff. If you can’t move out, at least make an attempt to make the house look as unlived in as possible.
4. Redo Your Walls and Carpets
Walls and carpet do not look new forever. After a certain period of time, walls fade and carpet wears out. Don’t be afraid to invest a little bit of money to repaint your walls and re-carpet 
your floors. It can give your home a “new” look that will allow it to move off the market faster.
5. Create a Video
While you can simply include photos of your home with online listings, another possibility is video. However, don’t just attach any shaky video to the listings. Try to create a very professional looking walk through video of each room that gives a very flattering impression. Home shoppers will see it and get a much better idea of what to expect inside. You may end up flooded with offers.
Overall, selling a home takes time. However, you shouldn’t be forced to wait forever. If things are moving too slowly, use some of the tips above as well as other strategies for grabbing the attention of buyers. You’re likely to sell your home much faster.
Updating your kitchen is not only a fun way to give your home an updated look, but it also will likely increase your property value. When planning your kitchen renovation, the following tips may help to optimize your investment of time and money.
Adjust the lighting
Replace hanging light fixtures with recessed lighting or wall sconces. Use efficient lighting that brightens the kitchen so it doesn’t appear gloomy and dim. Eliminate table lamps or countertop lighting that gets in the way, as well as candles or decorative lamps.
Install stacked appliances
Use an open cooking range over a dishwasher, or mount the microwave over a traditional stove. Look for ways to stack appliances that will free up vertical space in the room. Built-in appliances often take up less space as well, and you can double the area by installing one above another. Move large appliances that aren’t used very often, like a freezer, to the basement or another low-traffic area.
Replace the table with a counter
Replace the kitchen table or seating with a countertop eating area and stools. This will open the entire room to give a spacious impression.
Consult renovation experts
Contact renovation specialists for help in evaluating your kitchen. They have experience working with many kinds of homes, and they can offer creative suggestions and practical insight that will help you make the best of your kitchen’s available space while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Add a storage area
Convert a nearby closet to a pantry or a basement nook to a food storage area. Even adding wall shelves or a stand-alone cupboard in the basement or in an extra room could be the perfect place to store long-lasting foods like potatoes, flour, and canned goods. Eliminating extra food from the kitchen, especially the kind that sits on counters or in corners, will free up space to make it feel roomier.
Clear the clutter
Put away knickknacks, figurines, radios, computers, and other non-essentials to add more workspace to your kitchen. You may just enjoy the open feel to your renovated room as you enjoy the newfound space. This is a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted things you’ve had for years to give your kitchen a brand-new look and feel.
You will love the way your renovated kitchen looks after making changes like those indicated above. Work with professionals like those at Callier Thompson Kitchen & Bath to make smart decisions that will bring out the best in your kitchen.
When owning a home, it’s common for homeowners to come across problems that can develop with their garage door. Many times, the product has difficulty opening and closing or it may make a lot of noise when in operation. To maintain your garage door and prevent issues that are prone to occur, here are a few maintenance steps you can utilize.
Hire a trained technician to inspect the torsion springs to determine if they need to be repaired or replaced. If the springs are not in good condition, they can break and easily lead to an injury.
It’s important to keep equipment like tools and brooms away from the tracks of the garage door. These can become stuck in the track. All of the bolts near the tracks should also be inspected to ensure that the garage door opens and closes properly.
Disconnect the garage door opener before checking the door balance. You can then disengage the door from the opener. After opening the door manually it should not lower if balanced properly.
Clean the garage door with soap and water once a year to remove dirt and grime that can develop. For wood doors, you’ll need to inspect it to determine if repainting or staining needs to be done.
It’s important to replace the rubber seal on the bottom of the garage door to prevent moisture, leaves, and other environmental elements from entering the garage. Specialists at J & D Door Sales Inc. report that this seal can easily become loose or fall off of the door over time, making it important to check every year. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your door by many years.
Lubricate the bearings, hinges, and springs with a non-silicone based lubricant. Avoid lubricating the tracks, otherwise, the door could slip. Taking this small step will allow everything to run smoothly and prevent jams from occurring.
By caring for your garage door and taking preventative measures, it will last for many years to come. This will also reduce your chances of coming across common problems that can occur, which can often be expensive to remedy. By practicing proper care, it will save more time and money in the long run.
If you consider yourself to be one of the people who love to decorate their home for Christmas, then you have clicked on the right link. Here we’ll share easy Christmas décor ideas that will spice up your home for the holidays and make it more festive.
What you need:
To make the snowman, start off by sticking two Styrofoam balls together and glue twigs to their sides for the illusion of its hands. Now place felt at the top of the lid and stick the snowman on it. You can also draw some snowflakes on the back of the mason jar and then pour fake snow inside it. Now just put the lid back on and turn the mason jar upside down and you have your snow globe ready to be placed on the mantel.
Credits: www.pinterest.com
What you need:
Start off by taping the edges of the wood so that you have a clean line when you remove the tape. Paint the wood with two coats of chalkboard paint and let it dry overnight. Once it’s dry you can write whatever message you want on it. To give it a Christmas feel draw snowflakes on it. This is a fun way to add holiday cheer to your house and the best part is that you can change the message whenever you want to fit whatever time of the year it is.
Photo credits: www.pinterest.com
What you need:
This is a very easy craft idea. All you need to do is to paint the pinecones with the color you want and if you want the pinecones to be sparkly then you can add glitter as well. Place the finished pinecones in a bowl, glass jar or vase.
Photo credits: www.lifehacker.com
What you need:
You can make tinsel trees in different colors and sizes and put them all around your house. Start off by wrapping the tinsel around Styrofoam and hot glue it as you place it. Stick the bells to finish it off and that’s it. You have your tinsel tree ready.
Photo credits: www.sodahead.com
Author Bio: This article was written by Rida Maqbool. She has recently written an article about weight lifting liquid chalk.
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