Besides putting up Christmas trees, garlands and ornaments, here are a few inexpensive and easy holiday decorating ideas I have used to spiff up my clients’ homes in the last month:

1. Change dish cloths and potholders. Solid black or white dish towels and potholders really freshen up a kitchen.

2. A set of new kitchen knobs. This simple upgrade can instantly transform cabinets and give the whole room a more modern look.

Snuggle up!

3. A pretty throw for the sofa can make the conversation area look more inviting and feel cozier. Look for brushed cotton in a solid neutral color that will coordinate with the existing color scheme.

4. Invest in a pretty ceramic bowl  to use as a centerpiece now and for seasonal displays later.

5. A square orchid pot can show off a beautiful holiday amaryllis and be used year-round to elegantly display other potted plants.

Make your house smell great

6. A ‘Holiday’ scented diffuser can make the whole house smell like a field of Christmas trees.

This week of Thanksgiving,
Use What Have Interiors is also celebrating its 30th Anniversary.

To those of you who have invited us into your homes
to help you redecorate,
to the interior decorators and designers from across the U.S. and from other countries who have trained with us and to those who have become members of the Interior Redecorators Network,
to the editors, writers and producers who have featured us throughout the years,
and to the readers of the Use What You Have Decorating books,
we are very grateful to all of you for your support and loyalty.
You are the reason for our success.

So, tomorrow, as we give thanks for our families, our friends,
our freedom and this great country, you will also be remembered
with respect and deep gratitude.

Thank you for helping to make our dreams come true.

If you’re busy getting ready for the holidays, consider a new idea that could become a tradition: this year have the whole family make homemade decorations, together.

A holiday decoration that is easy to make, for all ages.

You might want to start on Thanksgiving when the family is gathered together or the day after, if you’re not in the mood to shop with the crowds on Black Friday. Just put out some arts and crafts supplies on a big table, in pretty, matching baskets, along with some old Christmas cards for recycling, ribbons and greenery.

Here are some more easy-to-accomplish ideas from eHow.com Home that you can share with your loved ones.

Let the fun and great memories begin!

Would you like to give your Valentine a gift that is more lasting than flowers or chocolate? Here are 6 suggestions for presenting something memorable this Valentine’s Day, in an affordable photo frame. Your special gift might serve as a reminder of your feelings for your sweetheart, all year long. Consider framing one of these:

1. A photo of you, together.
2. A short poem you’ve written or a well-known verse.
3. A heart you’ve drawn with your names written inside.
4. A list of the things you love about your sweetheart.
5. A flat, pressed fresh flower with “I Love You” written underneath.
6. “Please Be My Valentine” written in red, with your signature and today’s date.

Whatever you do, have a beautiful, happy day!

xoxoxoxo