A Sheley Christmas: Featured

Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured. Show all posts

 Are you looking for some new and exciting drinks to serve this holiday season? Look no further! Our article has a great selection of recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. 


Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something special to sip on while wrapping gifts, these hot drinks will keep your festivities merry and bright. From classic eggnog with a twist to hot cocoa bombs, there is something here for everyone. Take a look!

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm up with this classic holiday drink that features fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice for a sweet and spicy flavor. Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest in a saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes then strain to serve hot or chilled. Enjoy!

Eggnog Latte

This creamy and indulgent latte combines the rich flavors of eggnog with espresso, milk, and a dash of nutmeg for a cozy and comforting treat. Combine milk, espresso, and eggnog in a mug. Heat for 1 minute in the microwave. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg, then enjoy your festive Eggnog Latte!

White Hot Chocolate

For a twist on traditional hot chocolate, try this white chocolate version that's rich, creamy, and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until warm. Add 1/4 cup white chocolate chips and stir until melted. Reduce heat to low and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until hot. Serve the White-Hot Chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional). Enjoy!

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Add a festive touch to your hot chocolate by stirring in some crushed candy canes. The result is a minty and chocolatey drink that's perfect for the holidays. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to a mug of hot chocolate. Mix and enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha

This delicious combination of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, and peppermint syrup is sure to warm you up and put you in the holiday spirit. Top with whipped cream and a candy cane for extra flair. To make a Peppermint Mocha, combine 2 cups of coffee with 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup and stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Serve hot or cold with whipped cream and crushed candy canes as garnish. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Latte

Bring the taste of gingerbread cookies to your latte with this cozy drink that's made with gingerbread syrup, espresso, and steamed milk. Brew 1/2 cup of strong espresso, then stir in 2 tablespoons of Gingerbread syrup. Top with steamed milk and sprinkle with cinnamon for a delicious Christmas latte! To make a Gingerbread Latte, start by heating milk and stirring in gingerbread syrup. Add espresso shots, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle some ground nutmeg on top. Enjoy the festive warmth!

Cranberry Mulled Wine

Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, this warm and fruity mulled wine is perfect for sipping on cold winter nights. Combine 1 bottle of red wine, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 4 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 3-star anise in a pot. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Serve warm with orange slices and cinnamon sticks as garnish.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

This classic drink features hot apple cider, honey, lemon, and a splash of whiskey for a comforting and warming drink that's perfect for colds and sniffles. Combine 2 cups of apple cider, 1/4 cup whiskey, 2 tablespoons honey, juice from 1 lemon, and 4 cloves in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 5 minutes and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Add a touch of hazelnut to your hot chocolate with this rich and creamy recipe that's made with Nutella, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat your favorite milk, add a spoonful of Nutella, and stir until melted. Enjoy the festive warmth with this delicious Christmas drink!

Mexican Hot Chocolate

This spicy and chocolatey drink is made with cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and dark chocolate for a warming and indulgent treat that's perfect for the holidays. Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then serve hot!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

This popular fall drink is a staple during the holiday season. Enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie in a warm and frothy latte topped with whipped cream. Mix 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cups of hot milk and stir until heated through. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Chai Tea Latte

Warm up with a spicy and fragrant chai latte made with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Add a splash of milk for extra creaminess. To make a Chai Tea Latte, brew chai tea and combine it with the sweetened milk of your choice. Enjoy the festive warmth with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg!

Caramel Apple Cider

Cozy up with this sweet and tart drink made with apple cider, caramel syrup, and whipped cream. Garnish with cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. Combine apple cider, caramel syrup, and cinnamon in a pot. Simmer and stir until the ingredients are blended. Serve warm for a festive treat!

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Indulge in a decadent and creamy hot chocolate with a twist of salted caramel. Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Mix one cup of milk with two tablespoons of salted caramel sauce and two tablespoons of cocoa powder. Heat until hot, then top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Hazelnut Mocha

This rich and nutty mocha combines the flavors of espresso, chocolate, and hazelnut syrup for a delicious and indulgent drink that's perfect for a cozy night. Combine espresso, hot milk, hazelnut syrup, and chocolate sauce in a mug. Stir until combined and top with whipped cream and grated dark chocolate to enjoy a delicious Hazelnut Mocha Latte!

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Are you looking for fun ways to make your Christmas merrier? Look no further! This article will provide you with 10 fabulous festive ideas to help get the holiday season off to a great start. 

From crafting decorations and playing games to baking treats and decorating gingerbread houses - there are plenty of creative activities that will keep everyone entertained this Christmas. 

10 Festive Fun Ideas for a Happy Christmas

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or planning a big family celebration, these wonderful ideas will add some extra cheer to your festivities. So, let’s get started!

1. Decorate your home

Christmas decorations are an essential part of the holiday spirit. You can decorate your home with lights, ornaments, and a Christmas tree. Get creative and involve your family or friends in the process. Decorating your home is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Get creative and use festive decorations such as lights, wreaths, ornaments, garlands, and more. Hang a few stockings on the fireplace mantel or make a giant tree out of paper for a fun twist. You can also craft some DIY decorations with items from around your house – it's sure to make your holiday extra special!

2. Bake Christmas cookies

Baking is a fun and tasty activity that you can do with your loved ones. You can make gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or any other festive treat that you like. Baking Christmas cookies is a fun activity for the whole family. Choose your favorite recipes and gather everyone in the kitchen to mix, roll out, and cut shapes - don't forget to add festive sprinkles! Enjoy decorating them with icing, glaze, or chocolate and before you know it you'll have a delicious treat that's sure to make your Christmas merrier.

3. Watch Christmas movies

Snuggle up with a warm blanket and some hot cocoa, and enjoy the holiday spirit. One of the best ways to get in the festive spirit is by watching Christmas movies. From classic films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, to newer favorites like Home Alone and Elf; there’s something for everyone. Pop some popcorn, grab your hot chocolate, and snuggle up with family or friends for an evening of Christmas cheer!

4. Have a Christmas party

You can invite friends and family over for a Christmas party. You can have a potluck dinner, play games, and exchange gifts. Invite your closest friends and family to come together for the holiday season. Decorate with festive lights, music, and food. Make it fun by playing games like charades or trivia, or having a gift exchange. Create lasting memories of this special time of year with laughter and joyous celebration!

5. Go ice skating

Many cities have outdoor ice-skating rinks during the holiday season. You can rent skates and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Ice skating is a fun way to get into the festive spirit! Grab some friends and head out to your local ice rink for an afternoon of Christmas cheer. Perfect for all ages, it's a great opportunity to practice balance, and coordination and show off your moves on the ice!

6. Make homemade gifts

If you're on a tight budget, making homemade gifts can be a fun and thoughtful way to show the loved ones you care. You can make candles, knit scarves, or create your artwork. Making homemade gifts is a great way to add a personal touch to the festive season. Get creative with materials around the house and make something unique for your loved ones! Whether it's creating an ornament or painting a picture, this activity will bring joy and happiness to all involved.

7. Go on a Christmas lights tour

Many neighborhoods and cities have beautiful Christmas light displays. You can take a tour with your loved ones and enjoy the festive decorations. One of the most festive fun ideas to make your Christmas merrier is going on a Christmas lights tour. Bundle up and take a drive around town to admire all the wonderful holiday decorations! It's a great way to get into the spirit of things, and you can also bring along some hot cocoa or other snacks for an even cozier evening.

8. Sing Christmas carols

You can gather a group of friends or family and go caroling in your neighborhood. It's a fun way to spread holiday cheer. Christmas carols are a timeless tradition that always brings joy and merriment. Gather your family and friends together, break out the song sheets, or just belt it out yourselves! Singing Christmas carols is an easy way to get in the festive spirit, as well as spread some holiday cheer. For added fun, you could even have a competition to see who can hit all of the notes most accurately. Don't forget to make sure everyone gets a chance to sing their favorite carol too!

9. Donate to charity

Christmas is a time of giving. You can donate money, toys, or food to a local charity or food bank. One great way to make your Christmas merrier is to donate to a charity that helps those in need. Not only will you be helping someone have a better holiday season, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for family bonding and teaching children the importance of giving back. You can pick out presents together for those who are less fortunate or volunteer at a local shelter on Christmas Day. It’s truly amazing how such small acts of kindness can bring so much joy and happiness during the holidays!

10. Have a game night

One of the best ways to make your Christmas merrier is to have a game night. Invite friends over, put on some festive tunes, and enjoy playing board games or card games. You could even get creative and come up with your own unique game rules for classics like Monopoly or Scrabble. Don't forget about the snacks! Make sure you provide plenty of holiday treats and drinks that everyone can munch on while they play. With a little bit of planning, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable evening full of festive fun!

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With the holiday approaching, you must be wondering: how to enjoy Carnival at home ? It may not seem like it, but there are several possibilities to rest or enjoy all the revelry without leaving the comfort and warmth of your home.

Anyone who thinks that there are many restrictions when it comes to taking advantage of recess days and setting up a real Carnival ball at home is wrong. In a small gathering of friends, with the whole family or at a real party, you can enjoy this moment to the fullest.

If you want to know how to enjoy an incredible Carnival at home, but still haven't decided whether you prefer revelry or rest, you've come to the right place. Check out this guide that we've prepared especially for you to put on a real party and experience all the revelry you deserve.

Enjoy the holiday to enjoy the comfort of your home

With yet another Carnival in the pandemic , many people may prefer to rest, take care of themselves and have fun with the people closest to their family nucleus. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break in the comfort of your own home.

If you're thinking of resting, take advantage of the comfort of your room to enjoy Carnival at home in the company of lots of pillows. You can also prioritize a moment of self-care and catch up on skincare, for example. Listen to a playlist, spray your favorite aroma in the environment and enjoy this moment a lot!

If you choose to update that list of movies or books, take the chance to set up a much more intimate movie theater at home. Fill the environment with pillows and blankets (if necessary). Set aside some snacks for movie time. Drinks are also very welcome!

Why not have a Carnival party at home by the pool? Take advantage of sunny and warm days to prepare a pool party with lots of light food, refreshing drinks and music.

How to set up a Carnival ball at home?

If your desire is to prepare a complete party, start by thinking about the decorations for Carnival at home . For this, bet on many colors and brightness. Choose fun accessories to complement your chosen theme and create amazing ambiances in the living room, on the porch or by the pool.

The ideal is to leave the whole house in tune for this lively energy to infect all the guests! To help in this regard, Carnival songs count for a lot. Some apps already provide a ready-made playlist, but you can also choose the best ones from the last few years to animate.

Remember that the decoration of the table and Carnival drinks also need to be in tune with the rest of the environment. Napkins, cutlery, bowls, cups and bowls wrapped in colored ribbons add charm and fun to your table in just the right measure.

If you want to bet on some drinks for your Carnival at home, invest in the traditional caipirinhas and margaritas. You can also make some trending drinks available to your guests, such as the Moscow Mule. If your Carnival ball at home is more intimate, let everyone make their own drink.

Choosing the Perfect Costume for Carnival at Home

After choosing everything, it's time to think about how to make a Carnival costume at home . In addition to the confetti and serpentine present in the space, your look needs to be stunning.

To rock like a true reveler, invest in a complete look with a make-up that suits you. In addition to color, joy, fun and practicality, you need a lot of comfort to enjoy every moment of your own party.

The best part of the Carnival look is that there are no rules. Gather items you have around the house, such as ribbons, glitter, and other materials, to create a unique version of what you want to wear. This also applies to children's costumes! If it is possible and not risky, let them participate in the activity.

Plus, for the perfect home Carnival, add some feathers, whistles, hair accessories, funny masks and extra costumes for you, your family and other guests, ensuring moments of pure fun!

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Celebrating Easter is synonymous with bringing the whole family together to create new memories around a hearty table. This date takes on an even more special meaning when we also dress our house with Easter decorations to welcome the ones we love in a meeting full of affection. 

With the home completely decorated for Easter , the traditional family lunch can be filled with beauty and joy. For those who like to go beyond the set table, all other environments also receive an elegant and subtle touch, without giving up creativity.

If you want to invest in an Easter decoration, but don't know where to start, you've come to the right place. Check out our tips and suggestions below for you to go beyond the set table and make this date even more special!

Live sweet moments around the table

The Easter table is one of the most anticipated of the date, whether at a reception full of friends and family or just an intimate moment with the residents of the house. Therefore, when thinking about how to compose this scenario, remember to invest in pieces that will make the moment even more enjoyable.

Prefer crockery and other items in lighter tones. Start by positioning the towel that will serve as a base for assembling the rest. If you prefer, you can replace it with sousplats or American games too. Fabric napkins should preferably match the chosen color of the other textiles.

Then add all the products you'll be using—plates, cutlery, glasses, and special bowls for the occasion. Have them all in the right places and, finally, position the items that will be used to serve the meals. A tip is to place them in a “zigzag” for a more laid-back and, at the same time, harmonic table.

You can also use a trimmer as a support at this time. There, you can leave the drinks, the bowls or specific glasses, as well as the main dishes or even the desserts and their respective dishes. Add flowers or other decorative objects to this piece of furniture.

Decorate every room in the house

Why not decorate every room in your home? Take the opportunity to renew your bedding sets, add small sculptures to the coffee table, the side table in the bedroom and also the sofa with pillow covers.

If you don't want to invest in many prints of rabbits for Easter decor, opt for a color palette that matches the occasion and invest. Lighter colors or candy colors are perfect! In this way, your home will be harmoniously decorated and within the proposal.

Another tip is to bet on an Easter decoration for the garden . Take the opportunity to take lunch outside. Use lots of white elements, autumn flowers and other props to create a composition that fully integrates this space.

The delicacy present in the details of the Easter decoration

In addition to the table set and the living room, for example, it is very important that you think about the items that will make up the Easter decor in the other rooms in the house.

You can, for example, invest in small Easter decorations for the children's room or even the bathroom. In this environment, the embroidered tablecloths with a soft and delicate texture are perfect to be used for Easter Sunday lunch and leave all the guests enchanted.

Remember that these small decor details can be spread around your home as a way to play with the children who will be present. An Easter egg decoration , for example, can become a delicious egg hunt game!

Decoration for an Easter party

If you are thinking of putting together an Easter-themed party for the children, take the opportunity to fill the room with balloons, felt rabbits or other objects to completely decorate the place.

You can make a completely thematic table, with sweets and cakes in the shape of eggs and rabbits, for example. When decorating an Easter bunny party , take the opportunity to invest in fun games as well.

Among them is the best known egg hunt, but you can also include more playful options, such as drawings to paint and color the eggs and the bunny. The most important thing here is to entertain the kids!

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Nothing like a cozy home to warm the heart and improve family well-being. Anyone who thinks that the bathroom decor does not need to be in line with the rest of the house is wrong!

In addition to imprinting the personality of the residents, a well-decorated bathroom makes the room convey new sensations in your routine. This guarantees an even more relaxing bath full of well-being.

That's why we've selected some special tips for you to transform your bathroom decor. This is the time to upgrade this space! Check out our suggestions.

How to decorate a small bathroom?

Regardless of the size of the space, it is possible to invest in a charming bathroom model project , whether adding some decorative objects or completely renovating it.

If you choose the first option for decorating a small bathroom , know that the main secret is to choose items that add comfort and identity, making the environment more welcoming.

If you choose to renovate, choose coatings that simulate wood or have warmer tones, as this improves the feeling of warmth. Lighter colors make the environment colder, however, create the impression of spaciousness.

Another tip for decorating a small bathroom is to invest in functional elements, such as a box that optimizes space, niches attached to the wall and a cabinet next to the sink.

Decorating a large bathroom

If your space is large, bet on a project that does not fill the room completely. Also take the opportunity to choose dark countertops and coatings, ensuring a modern bathroom decor .

Remember to leave a central area free for circulation. Also, place a rug in the center to complement the bathroom decor. Finish with potted plants, organizing boxes and small sculptures in the corners. Among the main species of plants for the bathroom are: aloe, Saint George's sword and zamioculcas. If you prefer to add more flowers to the environment, bet on violets, peace lilies, bromeliads and orchids.

Details that make the difference

Among the many tips for decorating a simple or sophisticated bathroom, there is one main one: don't forget to add small decorative details to make this room look like you.

Candles, straw trays with the personal hygiene items you use the most, comfortable towels and beautiful textiles for the floor bring much more charm and beauty to your bathroom   decor .

These bathroom decor objects are easy to find and can be easily modified to suit your personal taste. If you want to guarantee an extra charm for the environment, invest in articles that match the colors of your bath towels.

Invest in quality textiles in bathroom decor

After so many bathroom decorating ideas , you can't forget the main thing: your towels. Therefore, when choosing your pieces, pay attention to some details, such as the type and feel of the fabric. Colors are also important to match the space.

When choosing, pay attention, in particular, to the fiber of the items. The cotton pieces are durable and have great absorption. Worsted yarns have the longest fibers, providing high durability, resistance and excellent absorption.

If you want to add style to these items, prefer the options with a jacquard finish, which have patterns and drawings with high relief, inserted under the pieces, when the towels are embroidered or produced with this technique. This transmits harmony and delicacy to your bathroom.

Do not forget to check the grammage of the textile article. The number represents the amount of cotton per square meter. The smaller it is, the lighter the piece will be. That is, a towel with a greater weight is heavier and fluffier.

Extra tip: step by step for a relaxing bath

After learning how to decorate the bathroom , how about investing in a relaxing bath? First, prepare the environment with candles and scents. Then, leave the water at the ideal temperature to create a more intimate atmosphere. If you want, complete this moment with one of your favorite playlists.

At bath time, use special products, such as a good exfoliant, a scented soap and a body oil, to make this moment even more pleasant and relaxing.

While taking a shower, take the opportunity to moisturize and perfect your skincare routine . At that moment, the most important thing is to relax and disconnect from the world a little.

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There is nothing more pleasurable than arriving after a day at work and falling even more in love with your home decor . This is an important detail that certainly makes all the difference in your routine! 

Whether with small decorative items or refined coatings, one thing is certain: the decor of all rooms in the home directly impacts feelings of comfort and well-being in everyday life. 

If you want to redesign the look of your home, but don't know where to start, you've come to the right place! Check out this little guide we put together and get inspired by the tips. 

1. Start with the walls and coverings 

When it comes to completely renovating your home decor, start with the main thing: the walls and coverings. Before painting or breaking any corner of your home, it's important to keep in mind what decorative style you want. 

If your look is more classic or minimalist, wallpapers in lighter tones guarantee an elegant decoration for your new home . However, if you prefer a more modern or industrial decor, opt for coatings in dark tones, reminiscent of exposed brick or marble. 

Another tip is to invest in paintings to decorate the double bedroom , the entrance hall or the living room. The truth is that these articles are excellent possibilities for when you are not going to renovate, but want to upgrade the decor. 

2. Invest in quality textiles

One more tip to improve the appearance of the room is to invest in quality textiles, patterned or plain, thick or thin, that fill the room. What matters is ensuring an elegant and welcoming space. 

So, the choice of fabrics to compose your home needs to match the types of home decor . Lighter drapes fill the room with grace, while dark rugs add strength and character. 

Remember that, in this case, it is necessary to consider all the textiles present in the room: from pillow covers, rugs, curtains in the living room, bed linen and footboards in the bedroom to the towels that are part of the decorative items for the bathroom .

3. Choose quality furniture

Among the various home decor ideas , there is one that certainly makes a total difference in the final result: the furniture. In addition to giving that new, elegant or casual makeover to the environment, the raw material for these articles reveals a lot about the residents of the house. 

That's because, if you prefer a more rustic home decor, wooden furniture is perfect and will last a lifetime. For clean places , excellent quality white furniture or even natural stone design are welcome. 

When choosing, remember to opt for furniture with excellent functionality for your day to day. Prefer those that add beauty to housekeeping, but help in the organization and in the family's daily life. 

4. Bet on cozy lighting

In addition to furniture and walls in your favorite colors, ambient lighting can give your home decor a new tone. That's because it fulfills the function of a decoration object for a bedroom or living room. 

If you want a bolder design for the living room, office or bedroom, bet on stylish table lamps. The sconces look beautiful in the hallways and in the entrance hall. Pendants, on the other hand, add extra charm to the dining table and children's or couple's room. 

If you love very bright environments, prefer LED lamps with whiter and colder lights. However, if you like a cozy space more, bet on those with more yellowish and warm tones. 

5. Pay attention to details

After knowing all the tips, it's time to choose the decoration items for the living room and the other rooms. They are the ones who give the final touch to the décor, add sophistication and give your home a new lease of life.

For this, bet on decorative and aromatic candles, cozy pillow covers, bombonieres , vases, small sculptures and picture frames with photos of the residents of the house. 

This goes for the bathroom , where you can bet on kits with soap holders, trays and much more. Believe me: these are the details that transform the mood of your home in an enchanting way. 

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After a tiring day, there's nothing like coming home and being enchanted with the coziness that only a made-up bed provides. In addition to transmitting a complete feeling of comfort and well-being, it integrates the decoration of your environment with great elegance. 

However, anyone who thinks that only hotels and magazine cover photos can have a perfect bed, rich in detail and sophistication, is wrong. The truth is, what makes the difference when assembling yours is the correct choice of pieces and layers of your bedding . 

If you feel like having one to call your own, but don't know where to start, check out this complete guide that we've prepared. You will be delighted with the decorative and cozy possibilities for your room! 

Define which items to use in your bed set

There's nothing better than a comfy bed with all the right pieces to make it look like a magazine cover. So, first, choose everything you'd like to put on it, including the important details, such as colors and fabric finishes. 

Ideally, the composition always starts with the bed sheets : the bottom one, usually accompanied by an elastic band, and the top one, in straight stitching or with details such as embroidery and lace. Then, in the case of the double piece of furniture, comes the two pillowcases or pillowcases, for example.

If you don't like the fabric with elastic, a second alternative is to wrap your mattress with the top sheet. With the right folding, positioning the sides under the mattress, you can make it firm enough to last long nights of sleep. 

Invest in layers to elevate coziness

After that, it's time to assemble your perfect bed, in the order shown below. Having some options available in your trousseau to create layers is important. After all, they give an extremely sophisticated and cozy look to your room! 

First, place the fitted sheet on your mattress. Then, place the top sheet inside out (here, the pattern should be facing down). Finally, leave one of your quilts on top of the textile. 

If you prefer, wrap the layers of your bed after the quilt . However, if you prefer a piece of furniture with a softer appearance, add the duvet over the other pieces. 

The final trick is to fold the ends of these layers. Start at the head. You need to pull them down so that approximately 1⁄3 of the furniture is showing. In that piece that "remains", the elastic sheet will be visible. 

Use pillows for comfort and warmth

When your bed layers are ready, you can finish with the pillows laid flat. Ideally, you need to consider a support pillow and a sleeping pillow for each person. 

Use the pillowcases and pillowcases corresponding to the sheet set and quilt kit chosen to assemble your bed. In order not to go wrong with the combination, always select complementary or analogous colors from the chromatic circle. 

Use pillows and blankets to decorate and finish

After completing the previous step, it's time to invest in items to complement the decor of your set bed. So bet on pillows in tones that match the environment. 

They can be arranged in front of two pillows. However, they must be smaller in size so as not to harm the visual aesthetics and hide what is located behind.

The blankets should be folded in two parts and stretched horizontally at the foot of your bed. You can place them end to end, use them diagonally on one side of the furniture or fold them in half and position them halfway up your furniture (so that the finish on the quilt or comforter remains over). 

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The atmosphere in the house can be changed through furniture, trendy colors, special materials, current decorations, general design trends, but especially through lighting fixtures. They include a wide range of designs, ranging from chandeliers to wall sconces, to lampshades and lamps with special finishes.

For a modern and complex look, you should take into account the fashion trends in lighting fixtures and the advice of designers on combining several styles to transform the spaces in the house into stunning and inspiring settings.

How you can improve your work environment in your home

To make the work environment in your home more comfortable, you can use bigmax lighting fixtures . They have an original design and can give the space a unique character. The product range includes: modern pendant lights, lamps, chandeliers, Christmas lights, mini task lamps, lamps, ceiling fans, wall sconces, etc. They vary through special finishes, diverse styles, lines, bold shapes and other aspects related to details that can create a feeling of luxury.

By using appropriate lighting equipment, you can change the atmosphere in your home and personalize a space. Lighting in any room is essential, it can significantly improve the ambiance.

If you already have quality lights, you can think about using lampshades , which are beautiful components for lamps and can certainly be an optimal solution to enhance a room in your home.

Lamps and chandeliers

Such products look sensational and can be real jewels on the ceiling, taking into account their very impressive design. Some are very large and effective in completely lighting up a living room, even if it is very spacious. Others can emit a directional light, like spotlights.

For the interior of an attic, an industrial lighting fixture, in a minimalist style , is suitable, which has incandescent light and can be made from a combination of materials - wood and metal.

LED lighting

LEDs are now being developed and used for general lighting in the home. In recent years, their prices have been affordable, to be marketed more efficiently. If you choose this LED lighting system, you have a number of advantages, such as:

  • You save on energy because in the case of LEDs the consumption is 1/4 of that of incandescent lamps
  • With this product you have the possibility to change the brightness and intensity of the color
  • The lifetime of LEDs is very long, they change after about 10 years, when their intensity gradually starts to decrease
  • LEDs are not hot, do not generate heat when emitting light, are resistant to cold, can also be installed outside on the terrace
  • LEDs do not attract insects, so there is no risk of soiling these lighting equipment.

Rail lighting

This solution is ideal for the living room, hallway or kitchen. By installing a track system on the ceiling, the chosen lighting fixtures can be moved and several interesting effects can be created so that the light is adapted to the needs of the room.

What are the fashion trends in lighting fixtures in 2023

This year, the main lighting trends are:

  • Chandeliers in bold colors or with a brassy sheen
  • Retro or classic style lamps
  • Wall and ceiling lighting products with chrome, bronze, silver or gold finishes
  • Lamps with spectacular design, made of special materials, such as glass, metal, ceramic, acrylic, marble, granite, concrete
  • Ceiling lights with unusual shapes
  • Lighting fixtures in unexpected colors with spiral shapes and mirror inserts.

In 2022, red, white, black and gold lamps have become very popular . Earthy, natural and Scandinavian style shades are also in trend.

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Decorating a children's room is fun and exciting. But what will you really need and how to organize it all? We will advise you how to proceed and what to look out for. Learn 7 tips on how to arrange a children's room.

Without home textiles, the room is like a body without a soul


The baby cannot do without pillows, blankets and other textile materials. The key is to choose durable materials that allow breathing, but at the same time insulate enough and keep the baby warm. Look for original motifs that bring a playful element to the room and add character to the children's room.

Quality sleeping place is the basis for everything

Don't be afraid to invest in quality beds and mattresses. Both are key not only to your little one's deep sleep , but also to healthy growth . The best beds are made of quality wood, not only for babies, but also for older children.

If you want to save, buy an adjustable model . These, at first, are basically like a crib and a changing table in one. And then simply make them a classic bed for an older child. It is definitely worth buying a model that has storage either built in or can be purchased for it. You will see for yourself that extra storage space is always useful, whether for children's toys or bed linen and much more.

Space for play and learning

Before your child goes to school, the room will be used exclusively for play. The ideal is to create a play area with a carpet , which will protect the little one from getting cold from the floor. It would be best to collect the toys in large boxes from which they are always visible, thus stimulating curiosity. If you put them in chests and thus block their view, they will not have the same effect.

As soon as the little one starts going to school, a learning space will have to be created for him . It should be clearly separated from the play area . It will help him with his concentration. Invest in the desk, it will last the whole school term. Place it close to natural light, but preferably not directly opposite it, so that the little one does not tend to look outside instead of looking at the workbook.

 Do you have two children? It is better to create two working corners in the room. Otherwise, they risk disturbing each other while working. We recommend purchasing the seat according to the child's age, ideally on a solid central base.

Also, don't forget about enough storage space. Buy the already mentioned storage boxes for toys, and for workbooks and books you will appreciate the practical cabinets and drawers . Cabinets can also be mounted on the wall to free up space. And of course  the shelves , you can't do without them.

Colors for healthy sleep

Brighter colors should be chosen more quickly for the children's room. They create a pleasant atmosphere and at the same time visually enlarge the room. If you don't want just white walls and equipment, go for pastel shades like sage, menthol or pale blue. Thanks to them, the room lights up.

To a lesser extent, you can also use rich and radiant colors to stimulate children's curiosity and add a cheerful atmosphere to the space, for example, in the form of colorful stickers, pieces of furniture, accessories, etc.

Safe, natural materials

Now regarding materials, we recommend mainly natural ones . With young children there is always the risk that they will try to put their tongue on the furniture or even bite it, in the worst case. In general, it is better to choose furniture and accessories with as few artificial chemicals as possible (no plastic, nylon, PVC polyester, formaldehyde, etc.). This also applies to wall paints. Choose the ones that are eco-friendly, so they don't contain dangerous chemicals.

LIGHTING

In addition to a main light source, we also recommend a desk lamp, a bedside lamp, and ideally another smaller light for the play area. More layers of light always look nicer.

Roller blinds or blinds

Buy quality blinds or blinds for the room. If you have small children, we recommend roller blinds without chains. Children are attracted to chains and could be injured if they become entangled in them. Or at least place them outside the access area, so that they cannot reach them even by climbing on the furniture.

Thanks to the blinds, your children will sleep after dinner without any problems and won't wake you up so early in the morning. You will also appreciate them if you live in the city center and the outdoor lighting could have a disruptive effect.

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In order for the party atmosphere to take over your home, it is essential to invest in a good Christmas decoration. Imagine how you would like to see your house decorated. Afterwards, search item by item to find out what fits in your pocket, as there are several types of items, ranging from simple and cheap decoration to the most expensive ones.

Either option will put your home in a Christmas mood. The intention is to leave the home cozy and cheerful to welcome your guests. That way, every room in the house can get a Christmas touch. Let's look at some examples below.

Christmas decoration for outdoor area

Decorating the facade of the house is really cool, as it brings the Christmas atmosphere to the streets, enchanting everyone who passes by. So invest well in lighting, artificial foliage and red bows.

For the entrance to the house, bet on very colorful garlands with the colors that translate Christmas, invest in traditional LED flashing lights and innovate with a different floor decoration on your balcony – this can be done with stickers or larger decorative objects  . You will definitely make an impact and a good impression on your guests.

For more daring Christmas arrangements, such as lighting the entire outside area of ​​the house, it is essential to enlist the help of experts, as you could end up hurting yourself trying to reach heights to place the lights. To avoid this nuisance, use a  service application to help you.

Christmas decoration for indoor area

As for the interior of the property, there are endless options of items. Therefore, it is essential to define the style and colors that will stand out. The Christmas tree is the center of attention at the time and, for that reason, it is interesting that it is the first to be decorated.

Pictures on the wall with images reminiscent of Christmas also leave the house in the mood. But remember, cleaning the house before starting the decoration is fundamental, both for the highlight of the Christmas pieces, and for the organization itself.

For the dining table, what cannot be missing is the harmony between the objects that make up the supper. In this way, invest in red tablecloths or in another tone that recalls Christmas or that matches the decor of the house. You can bet on cutlery and plates that are colored, white or decorated with Christmas designs. If you're looking to save money, buy just the towel and use the ones you have.

You can also decorate the bathroom with hand towels decorated with a Christmas theme and also with scented candles. In the bedrooms, you can use red and green bedding or decorated with Christmas designs. Again, candles are a great option and can be used in any setting.

How to make Christmas ornaments without spending almost anything?

To have a beautiful Christmas decoration, you don't have to spend loads of money — a lot can be done by yourself. In this case, it takes a lot of creativity to make original ornaments that value the main Christmas symbols.

For this, it is necessary to put into practice their craft and recycling techniques. Now let's see some suggestions for simple and easy-to-make handmade Christmas decorations.

Candle with cinnamon stick

For this ornament you will need:

  • candle;
  • glass;
  • Cinnamon sticks;
  • green satin ribbon.

Assembly: just place the candle inside the glass cup and surround it with the cinnamon stick. To finish, pass the ribbon all over the cup and make a pretty bow.

Glass bottles with flasher

Many simple and inexpensive ideas can be put into practice to create Christmas lighting , such as these glass bottles with blinkers. In this case, you will need to reuse glass bottles and then just place colored blinker lights inside them. This decoration is top notch.

Pine cone ornament to decorate the Christmas tree

The pine cone is a typical Christmas ornament, so it should always be present in this decoration. In addition to being a beautiful ornament for the pine tree, it can also compose arrangements and garlands. To make the ornament even more beautiful, you can put white glue on its tips and then pour brocal or glitter over them.

Christmas balls decorated with retail

Don't you want a different decoration this year? So, take advantage of the polka dots you used the year before and decorate them with patchwork. Provide fabric cutouts in red and white and use them to cover the polka dots. You won't need to do any sewing, after all, just make a little bundle and tie it with a ribbon bow.

Santa hat on tray

The cone, used to wind the string, can become a Santa Claus and thus appear in the beautiful decoration to be prepared. You just need to cover the cone with red paper, make the details of the hat with cotton and add a black paper belt in the middle of the piece. Then place the ornament on a tray with Christmas baubles.

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The lighting of the house is an important step in an arrangement, and the way it is integrated into the interior is also done according to the mood of the owner, having a great impact on the mental and visual perception. There are several ways to illuminate a dark interior in the home. As an owner, you probably want to have the rooms in your house perfectly lit, and for the light to add an extra touch of elegance and style to every interior space – in the rooms, hall, bathroom, kitchen, balcony, terrace.

Ambient lighting

This can be easily achieved with sconces , to create, for example, a special atmosphere in the living room. Wall sconces are perfect for getting comfortable side lighting without spending a lot of money.

Spot lighting

If you want central or spot lighting, then you can choose chandeliers or chandeliers .

In recent years, chandeliers have been fashionable, but technology has advanced and energy-saving spotlights have become much more popular . However, chandeliers and chandeliers are still in trend, although they are also associated with the olden days.

In 2023, the range of models of chandeliers and chandeliers is very varied and includes suspended lighting fixtures on long lines, massive chandeliers made of crystals or lamps with interesting lampshades. These lighting products are usually quite large and have bright elements made of good quality materials. All of them are distinguished by an attractive design, they emit light in a way that can give the room the right atmosphere. There are models suitable for any area of ​​the house, even the kitchen and bedroom.

Accent lighting

This can be done with lamps or floor lamps , which are mobile and can be used occasionally. They are practical, perfect for reading and watching TV and do not affect the overall design of the home. Such lighting fixtures are perfect for any room, even for a modern living room.

 If you already have lamps in the house, then you can change their simple lampshades with modern ones, in various shapes and sizes, to refresh the look of any interior. Accent lighting in the house can also be achieved with halogen spotlights .

The cheapest home lighting solutions

The cheapest solutions are LEDs and halogen lights . So, you could forget about traditional light bulbs, which burn out quite quickly and need to be replaced frequently. If you want to save money, on the energy bill, then it is worth choosing lighting with halogen lamps. These bulbs are advantageous, they save 20-60% of energy. You can choose, for example, a ceiling light with spotlights for certain areas of the house - kitchen or hall.

You can also use lighting fixtures in cabinets, especially if you opt for practical solutions that also take up little space. Many people use spotlights in the house, in the bathroom, kitchen, bedrooms and living room.

If you choose LED lamps , then you will notice a difference in energy bills, compared to those high bills when you used traditional bulbs. LEDs are said to be durable and energy efficient. If in the case of traditional light bulbs part of the energy is transformed into heat, with LED lamps we can talk about economy, as they are also ecological.

The most effective solution for lighting a dark interior, currently, is the one with LED strip profiles , which improves the design aspect of any room in the home. These LED strip profiles are also suitable for hotels, cafes and restaurants.

 It is also worth mentioning fluorescent lighting which, although less popular in 2023 compared to halogen lamps and LEDs, still has a number of advantages and is suitable for a basement speaker or garage. For example, fluorescent lamps do not heat up; in them all the energy is used for the purpose of emitting light. These lamps are durable over time, ecological, do not contain mercury.

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The smart home is a new concept, but one that is gaining ground year by year. People are increasingly interested in it, because they want to have a home that meets their connectivity needs and energy resource principles. The most important advantage offered by the smart home is the optimization of energy consumption . If all consumption is regulated and waste is almost non-existent, this will contribute, among other things, to the reduction of the energy bill, by up to 40%.

Energy efficiency technologies

People who have bought land also want to have a modern, energy-efficient and comfortable house to live in. The most modern home of the 21st century is definitely the smart home . It is energy efficient, comfortable and safe, environmentally friendly.

Today, people's goal is to build a house that combines the maximum level of comfort and the minimum costs for its maintenance. In order to have a house the way they wanted, people use the best quality construction and DIY materials and make sure that it has a high tightness to guarantee protection against heat and energy losses .

By using new energy-saving technologies, people can significantly reduce their utility bills. According to experts, almost 2/3 of the energy we use in our homes is for heating it, through gas and electricity. The rest of the energy consumed is divided between hot water, freezer, refrigerator, household appliances, IT devices, air conditioning, lighting and others. By adopting a responsible attitude, we could avoid wasting energy.

There are also a number of energy-saving technologies , which refer to the regulation of lighting, air temperature, heating systems, etc.

2. New gadgets for smart homes

Specialists talk about the emergence of many connected devices in the IoT market of smart homes, which help to save energy . These are related to artificial intelligence (AI) technology that will control energy efficiency in the coming years.

Multifunctional rooms with smart blinds

People will be able to replace regular window blinds with smart blinds , which can help save energy. They offer many advantages, they have light sensors on the outside, they will open automatically in the morning, letting sunlight into the house.

The new blinds will also have external solar panels, allow room light to be controlled, be opened and closed remotely and will therefore be able to block outside heat from entering through the windows to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.

Modern heating systems

To have more energy-efficient homes, manufacturers recommend wireless water heaters, underfloor heating, smart thermostats and other Smart Home devices.

Modern water heaters are said to help raise and lower the temperature of your home water heater remotely via the Internet. The boiler can be programmed remotely, to start, heat water at a certain time, or to stop, thus reducing energy costs.

 People are also interested in smart thermostats for controlling heating and cooling systems and enabling automation of home heating. These systems are monitored remotely by a modern thermostat, which will provide analysis of energy consumption and reports on the money saved each month. By using them, the way of life will be much easier, and in addition, money will be saved through heating costs.

Configuring the smart lighting system

With the help of a lighting system with sensors, energy can be saved in the house, it is checked whether the lights are turned off even from a distance. This system will turn on or off depending on the presence of people in the room. The system can be configured with motion sensors and a timer. It can also be considered a security system that alerts the presence of someone in the house, in case of theft.

Better security system

Nowadays, people can also use a more effective security system that can warn in real time when someone is trying to break into the house. That way, people will take immediate action, call a security company or the police.

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During the Winter Holidays you can decorate your home in a festive way to complement the theme of the Christmas tree and give your guests a very nice and warm welcome. Now is the ideal time to decorate your front door, hall, bedrooms, kitchen, fireplace and more. What are the most interesting decoration ideas to bring a touch of magic to the house?

1. The Christmas tree

Buy a Christmas tree and thus you will have a much more beautiful atmosphere in the house and holidays full of magic.

This year you can choose a theme for decorating the Christmas tree, in the current trends, so it will have a more special appearance than in other years. Here are some trending ideas:

  • In 2022 you can opt for luxury decorations in shades of gold and blue to have a new-look tree, very attractive
  • Also choose vibrant colors for your Christmas tree decorations, such as purple, gold, silver, or sparkly baubles in different shades, stained glass ornaments, crystals, and more
  • Another idea is to add a touch of glamor with Christmas tree decorations in shades of pastel pink and lights galore
  • You can also choose decorations as colorful as possible, for a rainbow-like appearance, this way you will bring a state of cheerfulness to the house
  • Don't hesitate to have a white Christmas with an artificial snowy tree
  • Sparkling silver on Christmas tree decorations (such as globes, figurines, garlands) will create a magical, wintry feel
  • You can use tree decorations with different words ("Hope", "Wish", "Love") to add a little personality
  • Use warm light fixtures and red and gold decorations to create a wonderful, traditional Christmas tree; the more decorations you use, the richer and fuller the tree will look
  • Combine classic ornaments and modern glitter decorations to add sparkle and create a magical atmosphere.

Don't forget the houseplants, Poinsettias and mini Christmas trees, which will never go out of style.

2. Home decor ideas

Decorations for the entrance door

For the Winter Holidays you can pin a festive wreath on the front door. The most appropriate would be to choose a crown made of brandy leaves, traditional, which also has cones, red berries.
You can also use garlands in the spirit of the holidays and lanterns with a festive effect.

Home decorations

Prepare your home to sparkle for Christmas and New Year with wonderful festive decorations and ornaments! Here are some tips:

  • Use gold, white, silver and cream decorations for a truly magical and ethereal look; rich golden tones create a look full of glam and sparkle
  • Choose garlands for the interior staircase in the house, especially for the banister and Christmas wreaths for a festive, memorable style; put an elegant fir wreath on the entry door, inside, it will be the first thing guests see when they enter the house
  • Accessorize the house with decorative scented candles , with gold or silver metal candlesticks, but also with lanterns with magical lights
  • Choose natural flowers – white roses and other colors – to bring beauty and fragrance into the home
  • If you have lighting fixtures on the ceiling or walls that allow you to hang garlands, do not hesitate to do so, because they will create a festive atmosphere that will impress guests.

Decoration for the table during the festive period

Choose a wonderful and super elegant decoration for the Christmas table , which will pleasantly surprise everyone:

  • Christmas arrangements the whole family will love
  • Add a touch of sparkle to the decor using Christmas story themed napkins and beads
  • Use festive monogrammed glasses, a 3-tier cake stand, a glass drink dispenser for guests to serve themselves
  • He also applies a special installation that is like a string of small lights on the table
  • Hang globes and festive decorations from holders, candelabras with candles for the table
  • Prepare festive platters of cheeses and traditional Christmas dishes, which also have decorative elements - dried orange slices, brandy cones and more.

Do not forget the hall of the house!

For the Holidays, you must also have the hall decorated, with bright lights, to create a cozy feeling, as if entering a house where the atmosphere is wonderful, magical, winter. Apply garlands of lights, especially near the mirror in the hall, to intensify its appearance.

Use handmade decorations and a mix of colors to extend the Christmas spirit here in the hall as well.

Fireplace decoration ideas

During the winter holidays, you can arrange the area where the fireplace is located with beautiful, festive, special elements. It doesn't matter if it's a brick fireplace or a modern electric fireplace. The brick one looks more interesting to some people because it's vintage inspired.

Fireplace Decor Ideas:
  • Choose a decoration theme in shades of red and gold
  • You can decorate the fireplace with works of art or handmade
  • Apply an installation with tiny LED lights that shine and create a charming atmosphere
  • You can use lanterns, plants, books, photo frames and more
  • Use fir branches, pine cones, elegant globes and different figurines
  • Hang 3-4 personalized stockings to keep over time
  • Invest in gold candlesticks, stunning mirrors
  • Use matching scented decorative candles as well as a festive Christmas tree wreath with red or dried berries.

Also choose a garland of flowers or a metallic garland for added sparkle – which is perfect for the Holidays for any mantel.

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Is sustainable Christmas possible? Christmas is a symbolic date that marks a period of spiritual reflection, but also of excessive consumption . Every year, the party is marked by food waste, high generation of garbage and the purchase of many products with a reduced shelf life.

So, how about rethinking your habits and adopting a sustainable Christmas , which prioritizes conscious consumption and more ecological attitudes? This is also a way to influence your family members or people with whom you will share supper. Check out eight simple tips to have an eco-friendly Christmas , with respect for the environment!

1. Consume seasonal and local foods

Seasonal foods require fewer resources to produce compared to those of another season. They are more nutritious (as they are grown in the right climate) and come at a cheaper price, as they are in abundance at the time in question. Even better is to make a point of buying organic food .

During the Christmas period , in December, seasonal foods are usually: pineapple, plum, banana, cherry, green coconut, apricot, fig, raspberry, soursop, kiwi, pear orange, lemon, lychee, apple, mango, passion fruit , watermelon, melon, nectarine, peach, pomegranate, grape, chicory, chive, endive, fennel, grape leaf, mint, oregano, arugula, parsley, celery, zucchini, beetroot, carrot, mushroom, pepper, tomato and green bean -noodle.

Furthermore, the closer the consumption is to the place of production, the smaller the environmental footprint . By consuming products that are grown in the vicinity of residential areas, the pollution emitted by vehicles transporting goods is significantly reduced, as well as the losses resulting from the degradation of food in this process. The followers of the practice of consuming locally are called locavores.

2. Don't put lights on live trees

Just like humans, Christmas trees need to “rest” during the night. The absence of light also played a role in the evolution of these beings, as well as the seasons. In winter, for example, the leaves fall to save the tree's energy.

If it were summer all year round, the tree's life expectancy would decrease, as greater efforts would be required to maintain its plant organism. By placing lights on trees, you prevent plant “rest”.

In addition, what is more serious, is that some people nail light bulbs directly to the trunk of trees, which can prevent the transport of nutrients and be fatal for the individual plant. In that case, a tree that would live 250 years could have its life reduced to just 30 years.

Prefer to decorate concrete environment. Do it safely (thinking about you and the house) and, when choosing ornamental light bulbs for your sustainable Christmas , give preference to LED light bulbs. They consume less energy and have several color options.

Another benefit they bring is that, unlike ordinary light bulbs, there is no problem in connecting several chains of LED lights together. Burning one of them will not affect the performance of the others. But remember that, at bedtime, everything must be turned off, to avoid fires.

3. Make your own ornaments or use live fruits and plants

Christmas coincides with summer, a time when, in almost all regions, it is rainy. Therefore, it is easy to find leafy plants that grow on sidewalks and will soon be removed by the city hall, as they are considered weeds.

But what on the sidewalk looks ugly, in a well-made arrangement, can look very beautiful. Note that on the sidewalks you can find beautiful flowers such as the small purslane and dandelion (don't confuse the flower – yellow – with the seed pompom, which is white) and even foliage and small charming mosses. Some of these ruderal plants are even edible, such as dandelion and purslane, being called unconventional food plants.

In addition to this type of plant, you can use real fruits and leaves to make sustainable Christmas wreaths, wreaths and decorative items . How about using cherries, slices of dried fruit like lemon and rosemary leaves? In addition to being biodegradable, they are elegant, personalized and contain the natural scent of rosemary. Much better than the plastic alternatives that gather dust in the closet and take years to decompose after being discarded.

You can apply this when setting up your Christmas tree. Instead of buying plastic trees or cutting down real pine trees, how about putting together a sustainable option? You can make this using dried leaves, a plant from your house, recycled materials, and even old fabrics and clothes. Put your creativity into play and try to recycle and reuse as many objects as possible on your Christmas tree .

4. Need packing? So use creativity

These days there is no excuse for wrapping gifts using plastic. In place of this type of packaging, you can use cardboard bags (offered in some stores), fabrics, personalized glass jars (to be reused), newspaper, cardboard boxes, eco-bags, string, cloth ribbons and, best of all, all: packaging none. The correct packaging is essential for a sustainable Christmas !

5. Learn a vegan recipe and share it

According to the information in the summary of the IPCC report, the human population needs to adhere to a new food model. This new model suggests a reduction in the consumption of livestock products, such as beef, pork and animal milk. This change in the dietary model is economically, socially and environmentally healthy and could result in reduced risk of morbidity and mortality due to overconsumption.

Intake of animal protein (including fish) has a greater socio-environmental impact compared to a vegetarian diet and is less healthy in terms of the amount of pesticides and other harmful substances.

6. Do you go shopping? Take purse or eco bag!

When it's time to do your Christmas shopping (if you really need it), it's the same story as at the market: take your returnable bag or purse. After all, by logic, sellers will deliver their items in different packages and, at the end of the shopping, there will be no fingers to hold so many bags.

7. Share experiences, not things

It is true that it is quite cultural in our country to give objects as Christmas presents . If you think this is the best option and that it will be well used by the recipient, great. But what about when the present is a mere formality and, once opened, the person forgets it somewhere?

In this sense, it would be more worthwhile to have provided the person with a more valuable experience. A unique experience enhances enjoyment and provides memories for a lifetime.

You can offer an experience for your children by donating your time and a park, or an unusual game. Instead of buying something material to give as a Christmas present , try to offer experiences. Maybe a massage in an amazing place, a trip, a course, a show, skydiving, etc. You can buy gift certificates and let the person choose if you're not sure what they like.

8. Give a conscious gift

If at the end of the day you decided to buy things, choose eco-friendly products. If you are going to give away clothes, prefer those from slow fashion. If it's another type of gift, prefer locally produced products that value workers in the production chain, vegan and that have a lighter footprint.

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 Check it out now and happy holidays!

1. Escape the traditional tree

The tree all decorated is the great symbol of Christmas, there is no doubt. But running away from traditional models, creating other styles, can be the big difference in a personalized Christmas. A great idea to have a tree with presence, even if you live in a small house, is to create your own Christmas tree on the living room wall.

To do this, just assemble the silhouette of the pine using a string, dry branches or whatever your imagination allows. Afterwards, decorate with some Christmas objects — balls, pine cones and gifts — and photos of family and friends, not forgetting the twinkle lights to give the final touch.

However, if you want to have the traditional Christmas tree, it is possible to innovate in the decoration with other ornaments, such as transparent and colored balls, mini reindeer and pine trees, simple and elaborate bows, stars of different colors and snowflakes. A personal touch can make your tree even more special, with ornaments made by you. Choose special papers and make folds and cutouts with a Christmas theme, or whatever you prefer.

Another cool idea to decorate small spaces is to bet on smaller trees spread around the house, supported by tables and even suspended. If you already have plants in your house, try decorating them with some ornaments and lots of lights. This is a practical and beautiful way to have a special decoration in every corner of your home!

2. Create original ornaments

In addition to the Christmas tree, an excellent tip to bring the magical atmosphere to your home is to create different and original ornaments for all environments. Bet on the details to make every corner shine, making your Christmas more beautiful and personalized.

For example, place a string of twinkle lights inside an iron lamp, wine bottle or clear pot to create a different and sophisticated effect in your living room. Plus, you can finish it off with a red or gold ribbon bow on the outside, to strengthen the Christmas mood.

Another tip is to personalize the gifts under the tree with paper and colored ribbons, incorporating the wrappings into the decor. You can also place small photos of the recipients on each one, as a creative way to identify each memory and also intensify the bond between you, your family and friends.

A simple and original idea is to decorate white cups and make a different arrangement that completes your home decor. You can paint them red, make a Christmas pattern, or just fill them with colorful polka dots, pine branches, and   twinkle lights .

Finally, another way to create original decorations is using washi tape. Currently, they have gained a lot of prominence in minimalist decorations with a Scandinavian touch. To put them in the Christmas mood, make Christmas designs – such as pine trees, snowflakes, reindeer, gifts and whatever your imagination allows – on paper or directly on the wall.

3. Bet on different garlands

Symbolically, wreaths bring luck and abundance for the coming year. In the decoration, they leave the environment with the atmosphere of Christmas, presenting several models for the most varied  decorative styles .

4. Choose your color palette

To create a beautiful and harmonious Christmas decoration, choose the colors you are going to use. It could be the traditional green, red and gold, which already carry all the glamor of the Christmas spirit. But, if you want to innovate, you can stick with less traditional colors, like blue and silver, for example.

Use the colors you've chosen on the tree, the decorations, and even the gifts. If the idea is to do everything at home, buy paper and spray paint with the colors of the palette, to ensure that the decor makes your home shine in harmony.

5. Use decorative candles

Just as candles can be used in other environments in the house, they are also very welcome at the supper table, and can help compose that special lighting. A very beautiful and practical idea is to turn wine glasses upside down, placing the Christmas baubles inside and finishing with the candle on top.

Also, how about using a glass vase and decorating it with small branches of rosemary or pine? Place the sprigs outside, without covering the entire container, and position the candle inside. With this, you can create combinations with vases of different shapes and sizes, to ensure a more creative and personalized Christmas decoration.

To make the table even more lively and lively, use colored candles or decorated candlesticks. Just be careful to make sure the spark plugs are securely fastened and in a secure position where no one can bump into them. Also avoid scented candles, especially on the table, as they will compete with the delicious aroma of Christmas dinner.

6. Bet on table coverings

The Christmas table is a very important part of your decoration, as it is the central focus of the night. Therefore, all details must be carefully thought out, from the tablecloth to the napkin.

If you like a more refined style, bet on white tablecloths with gold accents. In this way, the white cloth will allow you to be more daring in choosing the dishes and cutlery, while the gold one will bring more  sophistication  and can be combined with the table decorations.

Now, for a more intimate and laid-back dinner, bet on the colorful placemats decorated with a Christmas theme. To finish, make a small arrangement in the center with red roses and decorative candles, leaving the atmosphere very warm and cozy.

7. Arrange the dishes

Currently, there are several options on the market for tableware and napkins developed especially for Christmas, with different details and colors of the season. So, to make your supper even more beautiful, bet on these decorative elements,  combining their colors  and prints.

To organize them easily and elegantly, try to leave them separated at a comfortable distance, placing the napkin on top of the plate and the glasses always above and to the right, with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. Also, to bring more sophistication to dinner, place hot dishes on platters and trays, avoiding the use of pans.

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Do you already know what to do for Christmas dinner? One of the most anticipated moments of the night is the release of the banquet, isn't it? Everyone keeps an eye on the tasty dishes that make up the dinner table and is dying to try all the recipes that are certainly made with great care — which makes them even more delicious.

Because of this, some traditional dishes cannot be missing from the table that day, such as:

  • chester;
  • Christmas turkey;
  • banana crumbs;
  • tend to orange sauce;
  • roast shank;
  • Greek or oven-style rice;
  • Stuffed loin;
  • Christmas sausage;
  • colorful salad;
  • lasagna;
  • assorted desserts.

All these delicious dishes cannot be missing from Christmas dinner. In order not to overload just one person to put together the entire supper, you can divide the dishes among your guests, especially if you live alone . Thus, each family can take a recipe. Also, drinks can't be missed on that date either.

That way, everyone can also take their drink of preference. Soft drinks, juice, water and wine are the main drinks that must be present on the day.

What are the simplest desserts to make for Christmas?

Pies, mousses, cakes, paves, cookies and several other delicacies gain space at Christmas dinner to make the date even sweeter and more festive. After enjoying the appetizing dishes, nothing better than a wonderful dessert to end the Christmas meal on a high note.

As eagerly awaited as savory foods, end-of-year sweets delight children and adults alike. Learn now some practical recipes.

Panetone pave with ice cream or the famous pavetone
Ingredients
  • 1 traditional or chocolate panettone;
  • 1 pot of ice cream of the flavor of your choice;
  • 1 bar (170 g) semisweet or milk chocolate;
  • 1 box of cream milk.
Method of preparation
  1. Melt the chocolate in pieces with the cream — it can be in a bain-marie or in the microwave for 1 minute at maximum power — then remove and stir with a spoon.
  2. If using the microwave, take it again for another 1 minute, remove and stir - continue this process until the ingredient is all melted.
  3. Break up the panettone and place a layer in a bowl. Moisten with the chocolate syrup.
  4. Place a layer of ice cream and alternate between panettone, chocolate and ice cream.
  5. Finish with a layer of ice cream drizzled with chocolate.
  6. Take to the freezer and leave for at least 2 hours before serving.
Christmas french toast
Ingredients
  • 400 ml of milk;
  • 2 eggs;
  • frying oil;
  • 5 stale French bread, very stiff;
  • sugar, cinnamon, grated coconut etc, for sprinkling.
Method of preparation
  1. Cut the bread into large slices.
  2. Soak bread slices in milk in a large bowl.
  3. Heat enough oil in a large skillet.
  4. When the oil is hot, take the slices of bread one by one, let the excess milk drip off, dip the slice in beaten eggs and place in the oil to fry.
  5. Turn the slices from time to time so as not to burn the bread.
  6. When you see that the slices are well browned, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate with absorbent paper to remove the excess.
  7. After drying the oil, arrange the slices in a bowl to serve.
  8. Mix sugar to taste with cinnamon powder, or sugar with grated coconut, and sprinkle over the slices.
delicious angel pudding
Ingredients
  • 1 can of condensed milk;
  • 1 can of cream milk;
  • 1 cup of hot water;
  • 1 American glass of milk;
  • 1 box of coconut marmalade;
  • grated coconut for sprinkling (optional)
Method of preparation
  1. Dissolve the marmalade in hot water.
  2. Beat the condensed milk, the cream, the milk and the dissolved maria-mole in the blender.
  3. Take it to freeze.
  4. Unmold the pudding after it has cooled down and sprinkle with grated coconut, if desired.
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When the end of the year arrives, we are all anxious and worried about how to present loved ones at Christmas. There are so many options and, precisely because of this, we end up getting lost in choosing what is ideal for the special people we want to present.

With the help of the internet, it has become more practical to choose the present, which can be done without having to leave home and face crowded stores and huge queues. It is worth mentioning that it is good to make your purchase on the web as far in advance as possible, because at this time of year the demand is very high and at the last minute you will run the risk of not receiving the gift in time for the commemorative date.

What to consider when choosing the gift?

A lot of people choose gifts based on themselves, which is a big mistake. The ideal is to take into account the taste and characteristics of the person to be presented. To help you in this regard, we have listed some aspects that you should pay attention to when buying gifts.

Gender

This is the one characteristic that can be observed. This doesn't refer to colors for men or women, but to some creative gifts that can please anyone. There are even many online stores with these types of gifts, such as mugs, drinking glasses, household items, games, etc.

Age

Always be aware of the age of the person who will be giving the gift and observe what their tastes and people in general who are the same age are, so this mission can be easier.

person's personality

This particularity can say a lot about the taste of the person. If you participate in a secret friend and you don't know her well, it's worth taking a look at her social networks and checking if there is any information about her tastes, such as the type of music she likes, movies she watches the most and so on. Suddenly, in that investigation, you manage to discover something important to help with the choice of the gift.

Profession

Checking the profession can be a good way to choose your gift. After all, what a person does says a lot about them, doesn't it? The gift doesn't have to be exactly some object that can be used at work, but it can be something that refers to that.

Budget available

There are gifts of all prices. With a lot of creativity and patience to look, you can save on shopping and spend as little as possible.

What to give a woman as a gift?

Giving gifts to women is not so difficult, with the plethora of options, it is possible to please her. Here are some basic options that can work for anyone:

  • lipstick holder with mirror;
  • LED mirror;
  • rest mask;
  • jewelry case;
  • cell phone case;
  • portable thermoses or cups;
  • books;
  • Bluetooth headset.

What to give a man as a gift?

For men, some joker options can leave them surprised and satisfied with their gifts, such as:

  • beer or coffee mug;
  • door caps;
  • notebook tray;
  • basic T-shirt;
  • snacks;
  • picture frame;
  • necessaire;
  • portable thermoses;
  • books;
  • mobile speaker;
  • cellphone case.

What to give a child as a gift?

Imagination should take over your thoughts when choosing a gift for a child. What can't be missing is fun for the kids. See some options:

  • pencil holder;
  • memory game or puzzle;
  • mug with straw;
  • storybook for children;
  • schoolbag.

How to choose packing?

Gift wrapping makes it even more special. There are bags and papers, each one more beautiful than the other. Shiny bows add that finishing touch making it even prettier. However, many of these packages, after the party, go straight to the trash can. So, the ideal is to pack your Christmas treats with materials you already have at home.

Besides being a cheaper option, this is a sustainable idea and the planet will thank you for it. Plus, it's a great way to personalize your gift and show the person how much you cared about them by making the packaging yourself. Here are some good ideas for you to do:

  • take advantage of the sheets of comic books or any other type of periodical and have an unusual package to present your dear friend;
  • reuse newspapers and the old world map that is in disuse due to technology and finish with a pretty bow;
  • cookie packets can also be decorated and serve as gift boxes;
  • film rolls form a nice bow.

And in times of internet and social networks that don't let us forget our family and friends, how about unleashing your creative side and creating Christmas cards online , for free?

Tools like Adobe Spark can help you with that! The image editor is simple and intuitive, basically using drag-and-drop resources. In addition to ready-made greeting cards, you can create your own design by uploading images from your gallery, creating a fun photo montage, modifying the text, including filters and choosing from dozens of creative fonts.

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