Decorative Wreaths - Home Decorating With Beautiful Decorative Wreaths

Whether bought to welcome guests at the front door or to grace the fireplace mantle, decorative wreaths make a wonderful addition to any home. Easy to display and change with the seasons, decorative wreaths come in many varieties of colors, flowers, sizes and materials. Home decorating can be simplified and the home's beauty enhanced with the addition of one or two well placed decorative wreaths.

There are several kinds of wreaths that are available and each have their pro's and con's.

Dried wreaths are made of flowers and leaves that have been dried either in a controlled environment or by exposure to natural sunlight. These wreaths work best for people living in a humid climate. Without dense humidity, breakage and flower crumbling occurs quite easily. Overall these decorative wreaths will look the best when they are new but will begin to deteriorate over time and will eventually need to be replaced.

Preserved wreaths are made of live flowers that have been chemically preserved. Some preserving agents also add a boost of color to give the wreath a longer life and more vibrant colors.

These wreaths work best for people living in a dry climate as humidity often causes their artificially added color to run or their preservation to be compromised. Preserved decorative wreaths will also look best when they are new but will break down and eventually will need to be replaced. Also it is best to use these wreaths outdoors because of the chemicals that they have been treated with.

Artificial wreaths, made from synthetic materials, are designed to withstand all types of weather and humidity levels. They are also hypoallergenic and require little if any maintenance. Most high quality decorative wreaths look extremely lifelike and are designed to endure beautifully season after season, year after year. The use of artificial decorative wreaths is the recommended and best choice both for the lasting beauty they offer but also for their longevity.

Depending on the flowers and foliage in your wreath, small adaptations can keep it in season all year round. In summer, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh greenery and even a few real or silk in-season blooms such as tulips or crocuses. In summer, remove the spring additions and add a warm, buttery silk bow with a fan of dried variegated grasses or small blooms such as orange blossoms. In fall, remove summer additions and add rust colored leaves and a spray of baby's breath running throughout or tied in a bow on the side. In winter, remove the fall additions and wrap a string of miniature white Christmas lights around your wreath and add a few small gold ornaments with a large red velvet bow.

15 Summer Decorating Ideas

Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the colors and fabrics in your home. While you may not be able to decorate every room, there are numerous ways to add summer flair. You can decorate with a summer theme such as fruit (apples, strawberries, grapes), flowers (roses, carnations, daisies), or seaside nautical in addition to following some of the ideas listed below.

1. Replace heavy drapery with light sheers. The sheers provide an airy appeal while letting in the sunshine. If removing your existing drapery is not an option, consider changing just the valance and tiebacks to a lighter color. Another option is to use grapevine wreaths, strands of beads, artificial flowers, or decorative ribbons as your tiebacks or swag holders.

2. Store away items that are not useful in the summer such as blankets, throws, and heavy quilts.

3. Lighten up the color of your sofa by placing a slipcover on it or replacing your dark colored pillows with lighter colors.

4. Place light colored slipcovers on your all-wood dining room or kitchen chairs.

5. To add a lighter summer touch to your dark wood tables, use white lace or doilies as runners or tablecloths.

6. If you have a heavy bedspread, considering replacing it with a lightweight linen blanket.

7. Bring in the outdoors by adding fresh flowers in vases or baskets to counters, tabletops, and nightstands.

8. Add summer accessories around your home such as birdhouses, sea shells, bowls of fruits or vegetables, and summer reading materials.

9. If you have dark lampshades, replace them with lighter ones.

10. Repaint a dark hallway in your favorite hue such as buttery yellow, a creamy tan, or a fresh apple green.

11. Display a grouping of floral plates on a wall, hutch, or fireplace mantle.

12. Clean out the ashes in your fireplace and fill the firebox with a large artificial fern or a basket of colorful flowers.

13. Place twigs in tall vases and set on each side of the fireplace mantle.

14. To add summer whimsy to your bathrooms, hang lightweight fabric shower curtains printed with ladybugs, bees, flowers, or palm trees. Display matching hand towels and rugs to continue the summer theme.

15. Change the layout of your furniture to give your rooms a fresh, new look.

Decorating your home for the summer does not have to be complicated or cost a lot of money. As you can see from the ideas listed above, a new lamp shade, adding new fabrics, or changing the paint color of a room can breathe new life into your interior design. So, have fun and use your imagination to bring some fresh new looks into your home for the summer season.

Home Decorating Ideas - Country Style Updated

What do you enjoy most about Country Home Decorating? For some the fondest memories are the casual, colorful, nic-nac haven of the 1980's...I remember that time, do you? Other country home decorating ideas of the past included painted wood plaques on the walls, pine furniture with cut out hearts, wreaths made of natural materials, ruffles, braided area rugs, bunnies and duckies (with clothes on) in the front yard...it was and still can be, a comfortable, cozy and homey type of decor. In my 1980's neighborhood it was THE decorating look!

Twenty five years later, Country home decor is still a comfortable and sought after look, although some of the elements have undergone a 21st century transformation. In this fresher, updated look, the wall plaques and ruffled plaids may no longer be present, but the overall look is still casual, informal and inviting.

Antique pieces, distressed wood (from age or intentional) of pine, oak and maple are staples of country home case goods. There are many great sources of new, well constructed furniture that provide a timeworn appearance - a big plus! If your style preference is more sophisticated upscale county, you'll most likely select new pieces which will have a light wood finish and a slightly more traditional look as opposed to a Colonial style turned leg, for example.

The cute ginghams and red, blue and green plaids are gone. Textile choices should remain organic, informal and durable, but the pattern and color schemes may vary, depending on homeowner taste. Select your color scheme early on in the project, determining the two or three colors that will make up your palette, and add one or two accent colors. Then stick with the plan to ensure that your space retains that 'put together' look.

As with any home decorating project, Country Home Decorating requires thoughtful planning with regard to the budget, color scheme and coordination of the furniture, accessories and room layout. And please remember that country decor doesn't mean cluttered and disorganized.

Collectables such as candles, baskets, porcelain figures, small antiques, baskets or whatever your passion is, can be displayed in a way that showcases them rather than disappearing into the background. How? Display your pieces in groupings of five or less, varying the size and shape of each piece and thus creating an interesting vignette. Whatever you decide to use as an accent in your country style home, make sure it is something that you love and enjoy having around every day, and that will be your secret to success.

Country style decorating is practical, so look for ways to make your pieces multi-task, or give them a new function. For example, if you have found the most perfect hand-woven basket to add to your home's country decor, use it for storage as well. The antique nightstand that you picked up at the flea market may have a place in the guest bathroom as a small storage unit.

Whether your unique interpretation of country style decorating is rustic, casual and primitive, or updated, fresh and simple...decorate from the heart with pieces you love and you will be pleased with the result.

Year Round Decorating Ideas For The Front Door

The front door of your home is the first thing that visitors will see. You can make a good impression on your guests and visitors by adding some special decorative touches to this area. These decor accents do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Many times just one or two specially selected pieces will go a long way. By decorating the front doorway area you can lend a nice touch to your home, and make your guests feel especially welcomed. Here are some ideas for making the most of your decorating area with ideas to give special pizzaz to your front door.

Hang door garland. This can be in any theme and will cover a large amount of space on the front door. Make sure you choose something that will be relatively weather resistant, and will not fade easily. A garland of fall colored leaves would make a wonderful autumn design. For Christmas, holly or poinsettias could be used to make a similar garland.

Display a large wreath or other floral display with the use of an over-the-door wreath hanger. Try making your own wreath out of natural materials like pine cones. This can be easily accomplished by using a glue gun and adding some decorative floral picks. I usually make my own Christmas wreath by using a pre-made wreath shape, and adding Christmas floral picks or handmade bows. I purchase these inexpensively from the Dollar Store.

Add a door knob hanger. This could be as elaborate as a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece, or as simple as a colored ribbon with bells attached. For seasonal themes, a strand of dried corn or even small fall leaves would make a nice hanger. Snowman and poinsettias would be fun ideas for Christmas or Winter.

Seasonal door decorations are a fun way to decorate the front door. For autumn you could use a fall themed wreath with apples, fall leaves, even tiny pumpkins. Thanksgiving ideas include the cornucopia or dried corn. For the past couple of years, I have used a heavy wrapping paper to "wrap" my front door to look like a present. I usually use a bright red foil paper, then add a handmade wreath.

Decorating With Battery Operated Mini Lights

Every once in a while, we all have a decorating project where you want to light a display, wreath, or centerpiece but you just don't have access to an outlet. Or perhaps you need to answer the question - how can you decorate with mini lights without a lot of cords running across the table?

The simple and sparkling solution is to use battery operated Christmas lights. These handy lights aren't just for the holiday months though. They can be used for anniversary parties, proms, dinner parties, baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, and weddings, to name a few events.

Battery operated mini lights are the ideal decorating choice for all of your indoor holiday events. Buffet tables won't be just basic anymore. To truly dazzle your guests at your next dinner party, use groupings of these mini lights in and around the punch bowl. The light will cast a beautiful reflection against the glass, especially if the lights are dimmed. In order to lend dimension and interest to your holiday table, elevate Christmas centerpieces behind the food items. Add light by weaving battery operated mini lights into the foliage, hiding the battery pack inside the vase or container. The dessert table will look elegant when decorated with sets of battery operated mini lights.

Wreaths of all sizes are used in homes throughout the year simply beg to be decorated with clear mini lights. Multiple sets of battery operated lights are ideal for this application since the battery packs can be attached to the back of the wreath and out of sight.

You can use wreaths to adorn the walls of every room of the home. They're the perfect addition above the fireplace and can be changed out to match the seasons. The battery operated Christmas lights add a romantic bit of light to the room, as well. While you're at it, use a set of these mini lights along the mantel too for added ambient lighting. Don't forget to add battery operated lights to the Advent Wreath on the table or dining room sideboard during the Christmas season.

Do you have a fireplace but don't want to mess with burning real logs? If you don't have an outlet handy, use sets of battery operated mini lights nestled in and around artificial logs to add a warm glow to your sitting room, den, living area, or bedroom.

Large mirrors are the perfect backdrops for sparkling mini lights. If you have a place behind the mirror where the battery pack could easily be hidden, try outlining your hall mirror or bedroom mirror with battery operated Christmas lights to dress them up for parties and special occasions. It's a sweet way to bring a romantic touch into the bedroom. Your hallway will appear warm and inviting to your family and guests who visit.

I'm sure you've seen people carry interesting things on their heads or on their hats. Why not add some battery operated mini lights to your hat for the parade on the 4th of July? Or build team spirit during your next fun run with lights for every one on the team. Outfit your children with a few too. You'd be the talk of the folks on the sidewalk and your children will never forget the experience.

Calla Lilies - Perfect For Decorating and As Gifts

Calla Lilies are beautiful flowers that are always in demand. For centuries, these flowers have been truly enjoyed and cherished. Created from the rhizome bulb, they consist of eye-catching leaves. The leaves are green in color, and are covered with light spots. The blossoms from a pretty thick stem. Several enthusiasts compare the shape of the flower to a trumpet. The texture is wet, and its fleshy feel is similar to autumn leaves. These miracles of nature are perfect for any garden of bouquet. They also work great as a houseplant, and are amazingly easy to grow. There are about 28 different species of this plant, all emanating from the southern region of Africa. The plants are accustomed to a warm or tropical climate. Many homes in the American South also consist of this fascinating flower. They are highly used at weddings, and even at some funerals. Their popularity ranges from North America to Western Europe. With its vibrant colors and unique patters, calla lilies are exciting to look at and care for.

Calla Lilies are very strong and durable. They can be planted, or even replanted, in several soils. They simply need a warm and moist climate to survive in. Like many plants, cold temperatures of frost can really damage their bulbs. Even though it is a tough plant, temperature changes can truly affect is longevity. This beautiful plant, unfortunately, can sometimes me mistaken as a weed. Landscapers, to make way for other agriculture consistently remove them. This might be a mistake, since the plant tends to have a strong foundation. As long as there is warm weather, growers can dig up the bulbs and replant them. This might take a little effort, but will achieve your desired results. Taking care of this plant is pretty easy. Since this flower can practically grow on any soil, all it needs to do is remain damp. Water is essential, however, too much water can kill the roots and ruin its beauty. You should take proper care when assisting this lovely plant.

Calla Lilies are used to liven up any bouquet or floral arrangement. With their lovely scent and dazzling color, the bride can also wear them as a corsage. They are part of many weddings, and truly capture the allure and essence of the ceremony. From entrance wreaths to table flowers, these flowers are in-season throughout the spring and summer. They are available in a number of colors; however, white and red seem to be the favorites. Many couples save money on these plants, since most weddings take place in nicer and warmer climates. Calla Lilies can also be grown indoors. They will require abundant water, since the plant needs to remain damp. A good amount of sunshine is also needed for plant growth. They work well in greenhouses, since there are good levels of humidity within them. Whether you grow them in the garden or inside, these flowers are sure to be an attractive addition. They are widely recognized and always available year round.

Quick Front Porch Decorating Guide - The Key to Easy Decorating Ideas!

We get asked often the question "What can I do to decorate my porch without a lot of effort?" Or, "I'm not a great decorator, what easy decorating ideas do you have that looks great?" Front porch decorating is much like decorating any room of your home. Think four things: color, theme, focal point and purpose.
 
Color -  Choose Your Decorating Color Scheme

You can do an amazing decorating job just by using color. Don't be afraid to use color. Not good with decorating color schemes? Neither am I; however I can pick out at least one color I like. So how do you choose a color? Browse through decorating books, visit a department store home furnishings department or go to your paint store and pick out some paint strips that you like. Paint strips give you great ideas of complementary colors, too!

So once you've chosen a color you like, what do you do with it? Try  painting the front door. The front door can serve as a focal point or it can be used to telegraph your decorating color scheme for the rest of the porch. So your first step is to go out on your porch or yard and determine a great color for your front door. Depending on the overall statement you want, that is, bold, trendy, subtle, or somewhere in between, choose a color that will complement that look. Then you might choose another complementary or contrasting color to go with that.

Theme

Most of us have at least some type of look or style we'd like for our front porch: country, Victorian, Southern, contemporary, southwestern, Tuscan, eclectic or even a sports theme.  Or perhaps you want a seasonal look depending on the time of year - spring or fall decorating, for example. Some prefer, especially those along the coast, a nautical look. Others, like in the southwest, might prefer a western theme. This will help determine the items you want to display on your porch. Look at garage sales, flea markets, your dollar store, or a thrift shop to find items like pictures for your wall, furniture, tables or other charming knick knacks to carry out your theme. Chances are you have some items in your home already that you can re-purpose for your porch.

Focal point

A focal point can be anything from the front door itself, a beautiful wreath on your front door or perhaps a wicker table, chairs, and colorful table cloth. Or, it could be beautiful hanging baskets, a work of art (painting or sculpture), or perhaps a favorite rocker or swing. Above all, make sure your "focal point" is obvious and it should be a great conversation starter.

Purpose

How will you use your porch the most? Will it be a gathering place for relaxing in the evening? Perhaps you want a place to listen to music or share an intimate glass of wine? Will you be entertaining on your porch? Do you want to create a private nook for reading or writing? Knowing how you will use your porch will help you select the right furniture and accessories.

From country decorating ideas to contemporary decorating, just follow these four concepts and you will be surprised at what you can do. Decorating on a dime is still possible today if you use your creativity and are resourceful in finding charming pieces for your porch at garage sales, flea markets or even your dollar store. Take your spouse, child or a friend and make it fun! See what you can create!