How Many Ornaments Do You Need For Your Tree?

Courtesy of Christmas Lights, etc.
By Kristie Nelson

Happy Holidays Friends,

How many ornaments do you need to hang on your Christmas tree? That's a great question! Ultimately the number of ornaments and decorations you will need to cover your tree will come down to tree height, size of ornaments, how much of the tree you want to cover and of course, personal preference. If this is your first tree or you're aiming to create an awe inspiring spectacle, we've created this page to provide information to make purchasing ornaments easier while also providing inspiration for your Christmas tree design.

Suggested Ornament Number and Size

The number of ornaments you choose to hang on your tree is ultimately based on personal preference and there is no exact calculation. However, using our chart can be a helpful starting point when purchasing ornaments to ensure even coverage based on your tree height. We suggest purchasing an extra box or set of ornaments in each color you choose to help ensure you have a few replacements on hand should any of your ornaments become lost or broken.

Mix and Match Ornament Sizes

Mixing and matching ornaments sizes is a great way to add variety and depth to your Christmas tree design. When decorating your tree, add large or heavy ornaments to the interior of the tree where branches are thickest to protect them and add depth. Smaller ornaments work best on the tips of branches. Fill gaps in the tree with varying ornament sizes and decorations and try to keep things even. It helps to take a step back and view your progress to ensure even coverage!

If you have multiple trees in your home, consider decorating in different themes. Even if you stick to one theme, you can still use a variety in size and types of ornaments. Some popular themes are:

• Red, green and silver
• Blue, white and silver
• Silver and gold
• Purple and gold
• Natural browns, golds, greens. Add in some birds and bears!
• Consider a fun separate DIY or kids tree to showcase handmade ornaments.

Personalizing Ornaments

Glass Christmas ball ornaments on ChristmasLightsEtc.com are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes. You can decorate these ornaments to make Christmas gifts for friends and family. Personalized ornaments are also a great idea if you have a certain specific decorating scheme in mind. Decorate ornaments with paint, glitter, or ribbons and sequins. Clear ornaments can even be filled to create one of a kind designs!

Which Ornaments Look Best on Which Tree

With so many tree styles out there it is important to take your tree profile and construction into consideration when choosing ornaments. Or, if you are planning to purchase a tree, you will want to keep your ornaments and decorative preference in mind when making your selection. Remember that the size of the tree will also play a role in determining how many ornaments you will need.

• If you like a tree full of ornaments, consider the Brighton Fir. Its staggered offshoots to provide lots of hanging space.
• Additional trees that are ideal for hanging larger ornaments include the bark-wrapped Fraser Fir and Canadian Fir trees.
• Trees with pinecone accents like the lifelike Hunter with downswept branches offer rustic appeal. Or choose the Hawthorne Fir with frosted tips, lights and berries.
• If you have heavy ornaments that need sturdy branches or you clip ornaments to the branches, the Sequoia Fir tree is your best pick. The elegant Sequoia Fir has extra durable tip and branch construction while still offering room for hanging.

Dos and Don'ts of Christmas Tree Decorating

• Do place ornaments evenly throughout the tree
• Don't forget the back or the bottom of the tree
• Don't use so many ornaments that tree looks cluttered
• Don't put breakable ornaments at the bottom of tree if you have pets or small children that might pull them off.
• Do add matching ornaments to garland and wreaths to keep your decorating style consistent throughout the room or house
• Don't be afraid to place different sizes of ornaments together on the tree.

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Ideal as Gifts for 2020!

Photo Compliments of My Smart Gadget

Happy Holidays Friends,

Holiday gift giving can be daunting but very rewarding to see the look on the face of your family and friends as they open to perfect gift from you. Now, this is harder than it sounds but we are here to help with some of the best gifts and gadgets on the market. Take a peep...

My Smart Gadgets

Gifts to satisfy almost everyone on you list. Good shopping!

TopCrate

Genius stocking stuffers that are guaranteed to sell out fast so don't wait too long.

The Strategist

Gifts Under $50 for every type of Co-worker.

Best Gifts From Amazon for Everyone on Your List

By Sarah Han, Allure.com

Everything about 2020 is complicated, but that doesn't mean your holiday gift shopping has to be. Our editors rounded up the most thoughtful beauty, home, tech, and lifestyle picks from Amazon — all with the convenience of quick shipping straight to your doorstep.

BestProducts.com

Best Christmas gifts for 2020 from Best Products.

Good Housekeeping

By Marisa LaScala

Non-boring Teacher gifts that’ll get you to the head of the class.

The @halfhalftravel holiday gift guide

Perfect Holiday gift ideas for the travler in you life.

Travel + Leisure

By Travel + Leisure Staff

Gifts under $50 for the budget shopper that cares enough to give.

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Friends,

All of us at Interior Design would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Pumpkin Cream Pie Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network
Photography by Armando Rafael Moutela

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

If you're determined to honor Thanksgiving tradition with a whole pie, try Sandra's shortcut pumpkin pie, which she makes in a premade pie shell. The easy whipped topping enhanced with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice takes it over the edge.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cream Pie

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Top a delicate mix of pear, watercress and arugula with toasted walnuts, pecans, almonds or cashews for a quick way to add some crunch to your Thanksgiving side salad.

Get the Recipe: Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network
Photography by Matt Armendariz

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Here's Sunny's quick trick to give sweet potatoes extra sweetness: Prepare a simple syrup of brown sugar, butter and water, then pour it over the boiled potato wedges before baking.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Sauteed Green Beans and Mushrooms Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Don't bother using precious oven real estate on basic green bean casserole. This four-ingredient green bean dish can be on your table in 25 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans and Mushrooms

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Individual Sausage Stuffing Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Dress up a stuffing mix for fast and impressive results. Individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins bake faster than a whole pan of stuffing, plus they're cute additions to the Thanksgiving table.

Get the Recipe: Individual Sausage Stuffing

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Three-Bread Stuffing Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network
Photography by Tara Donne

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Sandra Lee dolls up a packaged, seasoned cornbread stuffing mix for this super-quick, semi-homemade version of a Thanksgiving staple.

Get the Recipe: Three-Bread Stuffing

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sheet Pan Turkey with Sage and Brown Butter Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network
Photography by Matt Armendariz

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

This is a very fast way to get a juicy, evenly cooked turkey covered with crispy skin — and you don't even need to dust off your roasting pan. Ask your butcher to spatchcock the turkey for you.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey with Sage and Brown Butter

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Baked Brie Recipe...

Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

This crowd-pleasing appetizer couldn't be easier: Simply wrap a wheel of Brie in foil and bake it in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is gooey like fondue.

Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thanksgiving on 2 Sheet Pans...

Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Photography by Kate Mathis

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

If your crowd is small and you can't be bothered with dirtying every pan in the house, you'll love Food Network Kitchen's revolutionary method of preparing all the greatest hits in a fraction of the time, with an unbelievably minimal amount of cleanup.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving on 2 Sheet Pans

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

6 Simple Thanksgiving Recipes...

Courtesy of Apartments.com

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

It's that time of year again, renters. Thanksgiving is here! It's time to spend quality time with our loved ones, give thanks, and eat some delicious Thanksgiving dishes. Whether you're hosting the holiday at your apartment, or you're bringing a dish or two to your family's or friend's house, don't panic. You don't have to be a master chef to make a tasty dish. We've crafted a list of simple, classic Thanksgiving dishes that will surely impress everyone at the dinner table.

Arugula and Pear Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Recipe
This salad may sound fancy, but it’s quite simple. It’s the perfect way to bring a dish that everyone will love that you don’t have to spend too much time on. This recipe mixes the sweetness of maple syrup and pears with the tangy flavor of Dijon mustard and blue cheese to create a flavorful, visually appealing side dish.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe
There’s nothing quite like your classic casserole staples, so why not make this simple green bean casserole for your guests? In just three steps and six ingredients, you’ll have a tasty side dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. After all, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without green bean casserole!

Autumn Potato Gratin Recipe
This recipe calls for just a few easy ingredients, like potatoes, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Since you can’t go wrong with potatoes and cheese, this is a must-have! The fresh herbs add to the flavor, giving the impression that you spent quality time on this dish, when in fact, it only took you five minutes to prepare.

Easy Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe
If you’ve been entrusted with preparing the Thanksgiving turkey, there’s no reason to fear. It doesn’t have to be difficult! Don’t let the bird dry out, make sure it reaches food safety temperatures, and follow this simple recipe. A little oil and some dried herbs will get you to the finish line with this main dish.

Homesteader Cornbread Recipe
Thought cornbread was too time consuming? Think again. This cornbread recipe is as simple as it gets. Just measure, mix, pour, and bake! This recipe works as a side dish, or as the base for a stuffing—the choice is yours!

Perfect Pumpkin Pie Recipe
While there are numerous pies you could make for Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie has to be one of the easiest options. Fifteen minutes worth of prep time is all you’ll need for this rich, smooth, and delicious holiday dessert.

Whether you’ve settled on leafy greens or the star of the show (the turkey), we believe in you! And with the help of these recipes, you’re sure to make a dish worthy of praise.

Enjoy family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Veterans Day!

Hi Friends,

Today we celebrate and honor the courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect and preserve the Spirit and Promise of Freedom. For those who are Free will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it. May your home and your heart shine with the warm light of Freedom.

Thank you from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

8 Vintage Pieces for Your Perfectly Collected Thanksgiving Table

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Photography by Rustic White Photography

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

We're not only dreaming about that Thanksgiving turkey, we can't stop thinking about that perfect holiday tablescape, either.

As we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving, I'll admit: I've got nothing but gorgeous table settings on my mind.

One of my favorite things to do for a holiday meal is mix in as many pieces of vintage decor as my tiny old table can fit. But if you're new to the vintage decorating game, you might not know exactly where to start.

Friends, I've put together my top tips for items you can look for at thrift stores and flea markets to help get you going with your own vintage tablescapes. You've got plenty of time to dress up your dining room for this year's festive soirees. Ready? Take a look.

Napkin Rings

Rustic White Photography

One of the easiest items to find and jumpstart your vintage table collection are old napkin rings. You'll often come across metal napkin rings in various shapes and sizes, like animals or other objects. If you get really lucky, you might even find an entire collection with your monogram.

Even if you can't find a full set of napkin rings, consider purchasing some different ones and creating your own collection. You could stick to a silver color scheme, use the same linen napkins and mix up each place setting with a different napkin ring to create some visual interest.

Unusual Placemats

Another favorite vintage table find is old placemats. Oftentimes I find rattan or wicker mats that, though mismatched, always work well together. If you find mats that are larger than what you might use for a typical place setting, consider purchasing them anyway and using them in the middle of the table underneath your serving pieces for the holiday meal.

You can also use vintage mats on buffet tables or cocktail tables to bring some variety and texture to your space.

Unique Objects as Vases

One of the easiest ways to get super creative on your table is with vintage vases. But think beyond a typical vase. This old lantern would work beautifully on a holiday table with leaves or dried flowers. You can use items such as vintage bowls for flower arrangements or even pieces such as creamers (without the top) for a small arrangement. For a fun touch, try using old shot glasses as a bud vase at each place setting.

Outside-the-Box Accessories

Photo Credit: Edward Addeo

When it comes to centerpieces and objects of interest, look toward your own collections for ideas. These obelisks make a wonderful focal point on a side bar table. I have a collection of animal bookends that I've used on a holiday table (without the books!) and some 70's wooden fruit that I've spread on top of a buffet table to mix up the dishes I was serving.

No matter what you collect, you can likely find a fun way to incorporate it into your holiday table.

Serving Pieces

Cheyenne Mojica Photography

Another easy entry point for those of you who are just starting out with vintage decor is serving pieces. If you're a baker, old cake plates and dessert plates are a fun way to dip your toes into the world of vintage. In addition to desserts, you can use these pieces for many other things such as hors d'oeuvres, rolls or side dishes such as potatoes or little cups of cranberry sauce.

Filled Apothecary Jars

You can also use a group of vintage items to set up a themed bar at your holiday gathering. These apothecary jars work beautifully for this popcorn bar, but could also be used for a candy bar, a toppings bar or even a nut bar.

Linen Napkins

Flynnside Out Productions

You can often find sets of vintage linen napkins that can bring color to your holiday table. If you need eight or 12 napkins and are only finding sets of four, consider combining two colors together for your table. Or, if you're only finding individual napkins that you're loving, consider mixing up the table and using different napkins for each place setting.

You can also use napkins in your serving dishes such as a bread basket. I've even found some beautiful, old handkerchiefs that I've loved so much I've used them as cocktail napkins. Even if the color is not quite right, I tend to snap up vintage napkins when I find a good set in exceptional condition. You never know what color scheme you might be using on your next holiday table!

Mini Salt and Pepper Shakers

Marko Metzinger/Studio D

If you're itching to get into the world of vintage table decor and are looking to start a collection, you might consider mini salt and pepper shakers. While modern tables typically have only one salt and pepper shaker, at one time these would typically be found at each place setting. You really can find some unique mini shakers at thrift stores or on eBay.

As with the napkin rings, you can either choose to stick to one type of metal, material, or theme, or you can mix things up and use a different shaker for each place setting.

Enjoy family and good friends...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving...

Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Photography by Bethany Nauert

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Are you hosting Thanksgiving for the first time? Hosting family and friends can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be with an easy, no-fuss Thanksgiving dinner. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide that will help things go smoothly even if you're a rookie.

Make a Schedule
The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is to plan ahead. Stick to a schedule to avoid any major hassles. We recommend the schedule below for Thanksgiving week:

Monday = Inventory
Tuesday = Shopping
Wednesday = Cooking
Thursday = Assembly + Reheat Food

Take Inventory
Take inventory of everything you have, including serving pieces, baking dishes, place settings and cutlery. Depending on how many guests you have, you may need to buy or borrow additional pieces. To save money, check back tomorrow for tips on how to find vintage pieces for a perfectly-collected tablescape.

Text Your Invite
Our motto for Thanksgiving first-timers is, "Choose the easy way." Skip the hassle of sending out formal invites, and send your guests a text instead. Try Punchbowl app, which has great seasonal holiday invites to choose from.

Spend Time on Prep to Save Time Later
Plan out your menu, and spend sufficient time on prepping all recipes to make things easier on Thanksgiving day. For a simple meal, stick to just the classics - turkey, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, stuffing and dessert.

Set the Table
On Thanksgiving morning, tackle setting the table. If you knock this off your list first thing, you won't have to give it a second thought the rest of the day. Add simple yet intricate details, like fresh sage wrapped in twine at each place setting.

Display a Candle Centerpiece
Arranging flowers is timely and costly. Skip the flowers, and display candles you have on hand instead. Incorporate texture by placing eucalyptus leaves in small vases, and place throughout your tablescape.

Make Easy Appetizers
A bruschetta bar is one of the easiest (and most delicious) appetizers. Place different spreads, such as cheese, olive, roasted tomatoes and feta salad, on a tray, and pair with crackers.

Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station
Set up a self-serve drink station to avoid constantly refilling your guests' drinks. Provide cans of wine instead of bottles to avoid messing with a corkscrew, and offer non-alcoholic options like apple cider and sparkling water.

Give Everyone Their Own Bread Basket
Use little silver buckets to make mini bread baskets for each guest. This will prevent you from passing around or refilling a larger bread basket during dinner.

Partially-Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Maybe you have time to make cranberry sauce from scratch, but you most likely don't have the time. Make a partially-homemade sauce by mixing fresh or frozen cranberries with a can of cranberry sauce. Garnish with orange peel for color contrast.

Easy Roasted Veggies
Roasted veggies are a great item to include on your easy menu. Use one pan to roast a combo of your favorite fall vegetables. Combined and roasted colorful potatoes, carrots and radishes with butter and fresh thyme for 30-40 mins.

Cook Your Turkey the Day Before
Cooking a turkey is usually the biggest challenge for a Thanksgiving first-timer, so we recommend tackling it the day before Thanksgiving. Then, just set aside some time on the day of to reheat it. This herb-roasted turkey and gravy recipe is one of our all-time favorites. If you aren't up for cooking your own turkey, order a pre-cooked one from a local market, add fresh herbs and lemon slices and put it on your own serving platter. We won't tell your secret!

No-Bake Mini Pies

These cute pies don't require a recipe or any baking time. To make, buy pre-made pies from a local gourmet market, and cut out mini versions with a 2" biscuit cutter. Top with whipped cream.

Encourage Your Guests to Take Leftovers
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers, so share the leftover love with all your guests. Set up a take-out station with inexpensive and grab-and-go containers or use berry containers from the grocery store.

Enjoy family and good friends...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne