8. December 2007 by Parker.

Here is a good shot of the Meadowbrook Clubhouse we decorated for BB&T’s annual Holiday party last night. I threw in the before picture as well so that you can see how truly different the space looks.

It’s amazing how different the room really looks!

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5. December 2007 by Parker.

Here is the article I just finished writing for this week’s Rockdale Citizen column:

Every year we go through the same holiday routine from the previous year: Locate unlabeled boxes in attic, unpack the plethora of mismatched decorations, find a home for them for the month of December, and viola, you’re done. Your home has officially been decorated for the 2007 holiday season. Congrats. Or should I say, “Whoa there Rudolph!” Just like Santa relies on his 8 trusty reindeer, you too should rely on these 8 quick design tips that may help you purge some of your old festoons and trade them in for a cohesive new style.

Formality: Decide whether or not you want a tree adorned with ornaments that your kids made when they were three OR a tree with a gorgeous velvet skirt and matching accessories that looks like it jumped right out of a catalog and into your living room.

Colors: Choosing a color scheme used to be limited to the basics of red and green but has since grown into an entire rainbow of colors. The best way to select a color scheme is to look at the items you already own and want to utilize in your holiday décor. If your living room is blue and white, try an elegant blue, silver icicle theme or a playful red and white candy cane theme for the family den.

Sizes: Alternate the sizes of all elements in your décor by combining small, medium, and large variations of everything. This is not limited to just ornaments; try gradual heights of pillars, varying light strands, or garlands in different thicknesses. Even precariously stacking presents wrapped in colorful papers and bows can become a decoration all in itself.

Textures: Don’t get so caught up in everything matching that you forget to add texture to your holiday décor. Use crystals and mirrors to reflect light, matte and shiny ornaments, velvet and knit stockings, pine cones and twig branches, and more!

Themes: Some people are so fond of certain items that they cannot get enough of them into their collection. If you are one of these people, a theme is a very easy decision. However, if you do not have the collectibles gene in your body, do not feel forced to choose a theme. Stick with complimentary colors and alternating textures to build your fluid space. And, for those of you that have 50 Santas or Snowmen, make sure you spread them out throughout the home and add other elements, like garlands, to break up the groupings.

Repetition: Consistency is the key to making any home look like a professional decorated it. So if you find a ribbon that you love, make sure you purchase enough of it to decorate all the rooms that get adorned. Likewise, use the same color palette throughout the home or gradually change it from room to room.

Numbers: Twos or threes have always been a matter of preference. People either want symmetry with two of everything or threes in varying colors and/ or heights. Just remember that symmetry implies a more formal atmosphere, whereas, odd numbers creates a relaxed, pleasing environment.

Patterns: Try to keep the use of patterns to a minimum. The basic rule of design includes coordinating a large pattern with a medium pattern and finishing it off with a solid or small stripe. Keep this in mind when purchasing items like ribbons, pillows, tablecloths, stockings, and even ornaments.

So now it’s time to pull all those dusty boxes from the attic and hit the stores looking for accessories that will tie them all together and create an inviting holiday space. And remember that you do not need to spend a fortune for your home to look fabulous for the season. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

And, of course, picture is included of a house I just finished decorating last weekend.

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3. December 2007 by Parker.

With the rising costs of going to the movies these days ($19.00 for two…Ouch!) and the growing use of companies such as Netflix and Blockbuster, more people are staying home to watch movies on their couches or even in their own theaters, complete with theater seating!

Here are some great accessories to add to your movie night and/ or theater:

I’m personally not a fan of microwave popcorn so I pop all my popcorn the old fashioned way, on the stove. This may take almost 5 minutes, just 1.5 more minutes than the microwave stuff, but I get a lot more popcorn for the same price and it tastes better. Some of you may be wondering why I would spend $20.00 on this item when a large spaghetti pot with a lid does the same trick. I’ll tell you Why? My husband. I love the man but boy can he make a mess in the kitchen! Left to his own devices, there would be popcorn kernels flying each and every way throughout the kitchen and out four puppies running frantically to gobble them up. This contraption saves me the clean up, though I do lose some of the laughs!

And for those of you who are not a friend of the stove, Cuisinart has a counter top Popcorn popper where the lid becomes the bowl after you done. Smart thinking, eh?

Theater style popcorn bags sold in bulk for many future evenings at home or even a movie night for the kids. Do not be fooled by the plastic containers sold at regular retailers as they stain, crack, and break quite fast. These disposal, true to movie style, popcorn bags will work for you a lot longer for the same price tag.

Top off the popcorn with a series of 8 different seasonings. some companies sell them as a set for roughly $60.00 but I would suggest looking for them in your local grocery stores as many of the flavors are sold in the seasoning or snack aisles.

Stop by your local store to pick up sodas, waters, and candy and roll camera!

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