After the sweltering haze of summer has passed, fall arrives and snaps us back into action. There is much to do at this time of year but there is also much to savor, share and be thankful for. During these golden days, most of us want nothing more than to be home again and begin to adorn our abodes to reflect the impending holiday season.

While pickings from the flower garden are scarce, autumn’s produce affords us many delightful options for creating colorful displays. Begin by pulling out apples, pumpkins, pears, squash and gourds and arrange them on plates, heap them in baskets or simply line a windowsill with these fruits of harvest

Scatter preserved leaves around the table centerpiece or weave stems along a length of wire to create garlands or wreaths. Other options are to individually frame a single leaf and begin to bring some of the outdoors to the inside. To preserve the leaves, seal them between two sheets of wax paper taking care to protect your iron by placing a towel in between the iron and the paper.

Although the calendar may still say fall, by the time Thanksgiving has passed, winter is reminding us of its pending arrival. Now is the time to light groupings of votives, pull out the quilts and drape them over any available seating. Be sure not to neglect the mantle but instead place a pair of warm colored candles in hurricane lamps amongst autumn leaves and groupings of gourds of all shapes and sizes.

Begin hanging beaded glass or other garland around doorways, mantle and windows before the formal Christmas decorations go up. For an added look of luxury, layer more than one together.

All that glitters doesn’t have to be just the chandelier. Think beyond the tree and cluster ornaments in unexpected places for an element of surprise. For example, hang some from ribbons in front of a mirror to enjoy the image not once but twice, nestle some among hanging pots and pans or simply pile them up in your favorite fruit bowl.

Decorating for the holidays can sweeten every room in the house. Make sure the process is just as sweet by exploring the full spectrum of holiday emotions from festive and fun to reflective and sincere.

~Amy Owens, Dynamic Redesigns

~ Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign

Sitcom Style by Diana Freidman --Here is a great gift for the quirky collector or television obsessed, just in time for the holidays! Filled with fun facts and trivia, this book looks at rooms created for the TV homes of popular sitcoms. The sitcom set defines the character just as much as their clothing and dialogue, which leads us to the next question; what does your home say about you?

Whether your life is a sitcom or you love watching them, this book is probably one of the best "coffee table" or should I say "TV tray" books that I have ever found.

- Julianna Hind

As you can see in the before picture on the left, this room was lacking warmth. This is a condo unit of a young couple that wanted color, coziness, and to be inviting to friends.

By adding accessories, pillows, a rug, a new chair, and greenery with colors taken from a print, the room took on a new look of one with warmth and personality the couple wanted.

Some feel that there is not much one can do with an apartment or condo when in fact there is plenty that can change the look and feel of any room with the right colors in accessories.

~Marleen, Remixed Rooms

It's a great time to de-clutter and cozy up your home, especially if you are getting ready to sell! You want prospective buyers to be able to envision themselves dreaming of sugar plums...in your old bedroom! The holidays get busy and overwhelming; you want the bedroom to make a positive first impression upon entering!

Clear walkways and stairs of leaves and ice

Holiday lights should be neat and at a minimum

Place a holiday door mat outside your front door

Hang a fragrant evergreen wreath or swag on your door or in your entry

Keep the house cozy by setting the thermostat at a compfortable temperature

A toasty fire during the open house is a nice touch (never leave a fire unattended)

Use a smaller tree and even remove furniture to give a sense of spaciousness

Keep decorations on the conservative side so your house speaks for itself

Bake holiday cookies or sprinkle sliced apple with cinnamon and bake in the oven on low heat for a comforting scent

Open blinds and curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce the dreary lighting that pervades in the dark winter months

Leave some holiday treats and hot chocolate for your guests

Barbi Ford ~ Roomspinners

In the past 26 of my married years I have accumulated and collected many Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. While I lived in Portland, OR, I was able to find some unbelievable commercial decorations from one of the banks downtown that were donated to a large thrift store. Being a bargain hunter I simply could not pass up these tall boxes that were filled with some beautifully decorated garlands for $5.00 a box. I really enjoy decorating for Christmas. The challenge has always been to know what I really have so that I do not duplicate my buying efforts and enjoy my decorating. Here are some ideas that I found to make my decorating more enjoyable:

First, take all of your ornaments and decorations and put them out on a large table, in your garage or whatever large surface you may have.
Second, put your decorations in categories. You can do this by theme and then color.
Third, buy clear plastic bins. I bought mine last year from Target during the “After Christmas Sales.” The best are the types that have the ornament organizers already in them.

You’ll find as you organize your decorations that you will cut down your frustration in finding your ornaments and it will save you money on needless spending. I try to find one new ornament each year to add to my particular collections. I personally have different themed trees throughout my home. I usually have a formal tree in my dining room, a colorful tree in my living room, a children’s tree or a kitchen décor themed tree in my nook and different themed trees in various bedrooms either by color or themed to match that room’s décor.

Last, I purge my decorations and either give away or donate any them if I no longer like or use them. You may know someone that could really use them such as a college student, newly married couple or child that has moved. Now when I decorate I enjoy my time more and know exactly what I have to use. Don’t forget to take pictures of your decorations. It will inspire you to do an even better job each year!

~Irene Woodworth, One Day Redesigns, Inc.

Please, please, please, click on the link below to go to a marketing questionaire I have on my web site. I want this place to be everything you want, and need, but in order to do that I need your imput.

Everything is completely confidential so please fill out everything you feel comfortable with and leave blank anything you wish.

Your comments are greatly appreciated so feel free to add your own words also.

Thank you so much for your time and interest. I will keep you posted on the progress.

I can't wait to tell you whats happening!!! :)

Lori ~ LB Designs