Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Kevin, the designer here at Trees n Trends, is fabulous! Have you seen what he can do?! His designs are over-the-top, using everything but the kitchen sink. But, he's able to coordinate all of this in a way that comes out elegant and tasteful.

I, on the other hand, am not a designer. I don't do very well integrating items that come off as pleasing to the eye. Therefore, I'm a minimalist. I like to get to the point with the fewest steps possible.

I prefaced this post with the aforementioned information so you will know that you'll probably want to add a bow here or a few sprigs of flowers there to what I'm about to show you.

What I did this time is similar to what I did in an earlier post.

Boxwood topiary

I took an ordinary boxwood topiary...

Santa hat...right now, 2/$1!

Simply Noelle scarf 

I added a scarf and Santa hat (both of which can be found at the store). Then...

Presto! Instant snowman to stand guard at your front door.

Source

But if you're needing something on a smaller scale, try this:

I took two boxwood spheres/orbs.

I sat them on top of each other in a small metal planter.

I added the same scarf and Santa hat. (Did I mention the hats are 2 for a $1?!?) Then...

Voilà! Instant snowman - perfect to sit atop a mantel or as the centerpiece for your holiday table.

Source

One Wreath, Two Seasons

Take one pine wreath...

24" Norway wreath

Add one wooden Santa head...

16"x8"x2"

Grab a bow and throw in a few sprigs of berries, and TA-DA...

You have just created a simple, yet adorable Christmas wreath. 

But what's a girl (or boy) to do after Christmas?

Take that same pine wreath...

24" Norway wreath

This time, add a wooden snowman head...

18"x9"x1"

Grab another bow (you can use those same sprigs of berries if you want), and TA-DA...

You have now created a wreath that will last you the rest of winter. 

Hmmm...now that I take a step back, I think it's missing something. I think it needs lights. Luckily, I know where you can find some! 

LED string lights

Then I had a thought! To tie in the snowman theme, wrap our LED snowman lights around a the topiary beside your door.

LED snowman string lights

Boxwood topiary

Perfect. Now your front porch is complete until spring!

More Fun Than a Barrel...

Remember those barrel planters you bought for your petunias this summer? No need to stash them in the garage until next spring...winterize them by using them inside your home. 😀

Image courtesy of  http://www.lizmarieblog.com/

Whether you have a green thumb or not, poinsettias (live or artificial) look splendid nested in a barrel planter. Especially if you're going for the Christmas-farmhouse feel.

Another way to use the barrel planter is by flipping it upside down and using it as a tree skirt. That's what Courtney at Hamby Home Decor did.

Instead of using it as a tree skirt, you could also use it as a tree stand. I found this image on Pinterest.

I find by extending the life of seasonal items, you get more for your money.What are some seasonal items you use throughout the year?

How Many? (Christmas Edition)

"How many lights do I need on my Christmas   insert greenery of choice here   ?

Good question.

It all depends on the type of display are you wanting. (Probably enough to outshine your neighbors, am I right?) Below, you will find a handy guide to help you decide on your level of holiday illumination.

In the video below, Kevin explains about the LED Christmas lights that we carry. (He speaks about Lumineo lights but we also sell Designer Excellence, which carries the same warranty.)

Let us know if this was helpful!

Rule of Three

Walking through Trees n Trends, you find two of the most perfectly-coordinating photos that would work so well in your living room. Without hesitation, you buy them; not considering the consequences of your actions. You bring them home, and when you go to hang them on the wall, an overwhelming sense of dread comes over you. It's then that you remember...

THE RULE OF THREE

If you're unaware of this specific "decorating decree", I found the perfect explanation at www.apartmenttherapy.com. Dabney Frake explains, "the guideline of threes say that things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered groupings.Three seems to be *the* magic number, but 5, 7, or 9 work nicely as well. The principle holds weight in interior design, to be sure, but also pops up in graphic design, photography, storytelling, etc... (so you know it's really a thing)." 

So, what do you do if you have a grouping of only an even number of items (i.e., two of the most perfectly-coordinating photos" from the store)? Get creative. 

All three items can be found at a Trees n Trends nearest you. For locations, visit www.treesntrends.com/locations.

In the photo above, you will see that you're able to use the two photos when you pair the duo with something else. The "something else" can be anything, but what I paired with this coo-ing couple is our 18x22 boxwood wreath that's on sale this week for $49.99 (reg. $69.99). 

Keep in mind, the Rule of Three doesn't apply to only wall art, it applies to every aspect of design. Psychologically speaking, it's supposed to be more appealing to the eye and makes for a more visually appealing experience. 

For more design advice, check out the rest of our blog and be sure to visit us at www.treesntrends.com.

Shedding a New Light on LED Candles

I'm confident when I say the greatest inventions in the 21st century has been the LED candle.

(Okay, maybe the AbioCor artifical heart was the greatest, but the candles come in a close second.)

How great are they? Well, for starters, there's no fire. No flame. No heat. Nothing. Therefore, there's no risk of burning yourself. Also, you can leave the "lit" candles unattended without the fear of burning your house down.

Secondly, LED candles are more economical than real candles. Most candles have 20-40 hours of burn time. After that, you have to go buy another one. If you buy one LED candle, which ours comes with batteries, it will last you well over a year. After that, you're just out the cost of 3-AAA batteries. You don't have to go out and buy another candle.

Thirdly (is that a word?), most LED candles are now scented. This allows you to add a subtle hint of vanilla to your home. The aroma of most scented candles hits you in the face -hard- when you walk through the door. It's like "Bahama Breeze" is more like "Bahama Typhoon".

Another great thing about them is that they are very versatile. There is a multitude of ways you can incorporate them into your decor. For instance:

1.

LED candles were made for lanterns! (Don't quote me on that.) Think about it, there's no wax to clean up and you don't have to remember to blow out the candles (most of them have timers now). In the rare chance you do have to "blow it out", it's usually done with the press of a button, via remote control.

2.

Since there isn't a true flame,  they don't require oxygen to glow. (They usually only need 3-AAA batteries which are included with the 3pc set.) Therefore, they can be confined to a closed-in space. 

3.

Just because I said they were made specifically for lanterns (don't quote me on that), that doesn't mean you can't use them in a whole new way. In fact, walking around Trees n Trends the other day, I was able to come up with new uses for them. If YOU think of any, I'd love to hear them. 😊

4.

Summers where I live mean two things:

1. High heat
2. High humidity

Even after the sun goes down we are sometimes stuck with the high humidity. And setting around a blazing firepit is not what your friends had in mind when you invited them over for the evening. To keep your friends from getting hot under the collar, replace the fire with LED candles.

To celebrate summer in the coolest way possible, our 3pc LED candles are only $19.99. Hurry, because this price lasts only until 7/02/2017.

Weddings Are For The Birds

The title may be a little misleading. What I meant to say was that birdcages are perfect for weddings. They can be used in a variety of ways; some you may not have thought of before.

http://trendymods.com/wedding-accessories/beautiful-wedding-birdcage-collection.php/attachment/8-wedding-birdcage

A birdcage makes a perfect place for guests to place their well-wishes for the love birds on the day of the ceremony.

chicvintagebrides.com

Birdcages filled with flowers make breathtaking centerpieces for the reception.

http://www.deerpearlflowers.com/25-truly-amazing-birdcage-wedding-centerpieces/candles-in-a-birdcage-for-a-wedding-table-centerpiece/

Similar to the idea above, birdcages with candles, set atop a decorative mirror, provides enough lighting to create a quaint ambiance for your dinner guests. 

https://moncheribridals.com/wedding-flowers/gorgeous-birdcage-decor-for-weddings/

Birdcages can also be used in the way they were originally created...to house birds. Releasing a pair of doves at a wedding is truly symbolic. The white doves represent the bride and groom as they begin their life's journey together in purity and with no regrets of their past. 

So, there you go, a few ideas for the lovey-dovey couple. 

Lanterns: A Beacon to Syle

Lanterns are all of the rage now...and for good reason. They're so versatile! If you were to buy one today, you could use it all year long.

I've come up with a list of items you could fill your lantern with throughout the year. You could choose one or more from the following list:

• Candle(s) - LED would be your best bet
• Flowers (seasonal)
• Fairy or string lights
• Seashells/starfish
• Easter eggs
• Christmas ornaments
• Pinecones
• Miniature pumpkins
• Candy (seasonal)
• Succulents

http://diy.allwomenstalk.comamazing-nautical-decorating-ideas-you-can-use-anywhere-you-live15

http://persialou.com/2015/01/diy-lantern-terrarium-tutorial.html

http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/lanterns-and-pumpkinsmy-fall-porch.html

Our store has a vast array of lanterns, in varying sizes. What would you fill yours with?

Your Next Outdoor Furniture Purchase Should Be Your Last

I just read an informative article by Cindy Metcalf', detailing what you should look for the next time you're in the market for outdoor furniture. She speaks about her naivity on the subject and hopes that everyone will learn from her mistakes. She confesses, "Unfortunately, I didn’t spend a great deal of money or time shopping around, and after only a few years, it’s beginning to show it. I’ve learned a few things about the quality of outdoor furniture and knowing a little more would have prevented me from having to purchase it again so soon."

She urges those in the market for patio furniture to do their homework. She said, "See if your retailer offers a variety of manufacturers for outdoor seating groups, lounge chairs and tables in materials such as wood, wrought iron, cast aluminum, casual aluminum and rattan wicker." (We do!)

From Woodard, this is the Terrace collection.

"Wrought iron is known for its strength and durability, but be sure you like the style, because you will probably keep this one for a lifetime." She goes on to say that with a little paint touch-up, it will last you for many, many years.

From Gensun, this is the Manhattan collection.

"Cast aluminum will never rust and requires very little maintenance." Also, this type is usually more decorative.

From Woodard, this is the Chatham Run collection.

Resin wicker is an all-weather material and looks very realistic.  It can also hold up to the most extreme weather. "Many of the better manufacturers provide aluminum framing underneath that will not rust." (We do!)

In the article, she sings her praises about Sunbrella fabric. She thinks it's "one of the best fabric manufacturers" out there because they are known for their durability and fade resistant colors. At Trees n Trends, you can coordinate your pillows, cushions and umbrella using Sunbrella fabric so everything on your patio matches.

At the end of the article, she reiterates, "Don’t be like myself and many others, going back just after a few years, doing it all over again!" I think what she's saying is, by paying more the first time, there may never be a second time.