Porch
Try this playful twist on a standard holiday wreath: Simply wrap sections of rope with fine-gauge wire, working it between the rope's twists, then shape into letters to spell out a favorite holiday sentiment. This can be hung on the door, like a wreath, but also could be used over a porch railing or hung from the eave of your roof for a unique display.
Strike a warm note at the threshold. The entry is the first part of your home visitors see. Set a warm and welcoming tone by making sure the entry is well-lit and clutter-free. Supplement an overhead fixture with a table lamp for more even lighting, and provide a seat for setting down bags or taking off shoes. If clutter tends to build up in this area and you don’t have a closet, consider adding a chest of drawers where you can stash mail, papers and other get-out-the-door essentials. Finally, add a personal touch — a framed photo, vase of flowers or small painting — to give visitors a taste of your decorating style.
Start a weekly tradition. Whether you already have friends in the neighborhood or you’re just getting to know people, setting up an informal weekly porch date can be a fun way to keep in touch. You could do coffee and pastries in the morning, or cocktails one evening after work, and invite neighbors to bring something to contribute. Weekly feels too ambitious? A monthly date would work just as well.
Hide a wall of clothing storage with the sweep of a curtain — a great solution for studio apartments and other small spaces. How: Hang ceiling-mounted curtain tracks along the length of your closet storage wall. Planning tip: Measure carefully before ordering curtains to ensure they are long enough to reach from ceiling to floor — you can always have them hemmed a bit shorter, but if they are too short, there’s not much you can do. Cost: $5 to $50 for a ceiling-mounted curtain track, plus the cost of the curtains.
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