Candle Tips

Candle Tips

from Candlemart.com

• Candles will fade if left in the light for an extended period of time.Never put candles in a window or directly expose to bright outdoor light or indoor spotlights.

• Keep lit candles out of drafts, drafts create large flames, shortening the burning time.

• Wicks should be trimmed to a 1/4" from wax for longer burning time.

• Votive candles must be in a container. They are made of a low melt wax. The tighter the fit the longer the candle will burn.

• Votive burning is fun, however the clean up of the container is frustrating and time consuming. Eliminate this aggravation. Simply place 1/8" of tap water in the base of the votive holder prior to lighting. Once the votive candle is extinguished, allow the wax to solidify. Once solid, gently push on the wax and the contents should pop loose. If that doesn't do it , put container in the icebox for about 15 minutes. Take out and press on wax a little, it should pop out.

• Floating candles can provide both a formal and informal setting for either a dinner party or a back yard picnic. Floating candles in a clear bowl creates an extra special lighting effect. Using distilled water eliminates mineral buildup on the side of crystal or glass, preserving its unique presentation of floating candles.

• Let spilled wax solidify so when it hardens it can be removed in pieces by covering with paper towel and or a brown paper grocery bag and gently press out with a warm iron - the wax will melt and be absorbed into the paper.

• A candle will burn more slowly and evenly if it's refrigerated before using. Wrap the candle in plastic or foil before refrigerating to prevent wicks from absorbing moisture.

• Each time you light a pillar candle, burn it long enough to create a pool of wax across most of the diameter of the candle. The candle will last longer and burn more evenly.

• Before a dinner or party, light and then extinguish the candles as they will light more quickly and easily when you are ready to use them.

• Extinguish candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders or decorations.

• To extinguish a candle, dip the wick into the liquid wax, using a nonflammable instrument. This little known technique eliminates smoking of an extinguished wick.

• After extinguishing candles, re-center wick. 

Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

Distinctively Home Interiors
http://www.distinctivelyhome.com
Visit out Facebook at
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Decorate with mirrors to increase space perception.

Decorative Mirrors

 

A mirror in the bathroom or in the living room will increase light and space perception.

Use mirrors to open up a space and make it look larger and make sure that the mirror is reflecting something appealling to look at , an attractive chandelier in the living room, an attractive landscape, which will bring the vibrant energy of a garden...

Mirrors have many curative uses. Mirrors should never distort or cut into the image of a person...

Mirrors are useful in small spaces where they apparently double the size of the area. Large mirrors will make a room feel much larger.

Increase the light

They are also useful in dark spaces where you want to reflect as much of the available light back into the the room as possible. This applies to basement apartments or a room that only receives northern light.You may be able to strategically place a mirror so that natural light from a window is reflected back into a dark area of the room or a stagnant corner.

At Distinctively Home Interiors we have mirrors to fit that perfect space!  Visit our website to view our bling!


Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Intern

Distinctively Home Interiors
http://www.distinctivelyhome.com
Visit out Facebook at
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Fun wine fact

Cork vs. Screw Top

Move over, cork, and make way for screw caps. Today, screw caps are replacing corks on more than just inexpensive bottles. Currently, screw caps seal 75 percent of Australian wines and 93 percent of New Zealand wines, and they're gaining popularity in all countries, including here in the U.S.

Wine Toppers

Found at Distinctively Home in Battle Ground, WA. is a cute set up Wine Toppers!  These handy little plates fit right on top of the wine glass, keeping out pests if outside and also act as appetizer plates!  Come on in and purchase a set.

http://www.distinctivelyhome.com

Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef

Marketing and Media Specialist

How to Wrap a Present.

Are you one of those people who find the perfect gift but can never get the wrapping right? Follow the easy method for wrapping a large box that’s shown in this video and your next present will look as pretty as what’s inside. 

Gather wrapping materials

Assemble your present, the wrapping paper, scissors, and tape, and then clear a large, flat surface such as a kitchen table.

Secure fragile items

Make sure that anything fragile within your box is wrapped securely and won’t move around or become damaged. Tip: Use a small piece of tape to keep the box closed. 

Measure out how much paper to cut

Roll out your wrapping paper—but don’t cut it yet. Place the box in the center of the unfurled paper, upside down, so the seams of the paper will end up on the bottom of the package. Bring the paper up one side and over the top of the box, all the way to the opposite edge. Estimating how much additional paper you’ll need to cover the side of the box that’s not yet covered, cut the paper.

Secure the paper to the box with tape

Center the box on the paper. Bring one side of the paper up the side and halfway across the top, affixing it to the box with a piece of tape. 

Fold the other side for a cleaner edge

Before bringing the second side of paper up and over the first, create a clean seam by folding over the last half-inch or so of the paper, using your fingers to create a tight crease. Now bring this side up so it just overlaps the first one and affix with tape. Tip: Double-sided tape can be used for a cleaner look.

Fold the paper on each side of the present

Starting on one end, fold down the top flap onto the side of the box, creating two little wings at the side. Flatten those in against the box, then fold the remaining triangle of paper up against the box. Fasten it in place with tape.

Stand the box up and repeat folding to the other side

Set your box on end, with the side you just worked on facing down, and repeat step 6 on the opposite end.

Add finishing touches

Decorate with Throw Pillows!

If You Want a Modern Look

Pillow number and placement: Go for an odd number, like three or five, rather than more traditional pairs. A few big pillows look cleaner than a jumble of smaller ones, which can seem like too much.

Shape and size: Squares should be 18 to 24 inches across, large enough to showcase a solid color or a pattern.

Fabric: A limited color palette and large geometric prints on smooth, tightly woven fabrics, like cotton and linen, work well in a modern environment.

Trim: Most trim is traditional, but if you want to use it, make sure it mirrors the pillow's primary hue to add interest st.

Visit our Pillow Pillooza at Distinctively Home in the Battle Ground Village!

Buy 1 get 1 -  25% off!
Wed. March 14th through Sat. March 17th

Visit www.distinctivelyhome.com for directions.

Candles To Set a Mood in Your Home

Candles make your room decor special!  Set a special mood that says home and comfort with candles. Candles set a mood in your room that cannot be duplicated with any other medium. Shimmering candle light can say romance, it can say formality, or it can say comfort.  To bring intimate warmth to the decor of every room in your home, add candles.  The subtle gentle light, pleasing aromas, and vast selection of colors and shapes enhance every decorating theme.   

 

In the living or dining area, tall tapers achieve formality.  However, using a different shape can equally say homey and cozy.  Whether your decorating style is traditional and formal or country and casual, your look can be enhanced with candles.  Try a grouping of candles reflected in a mirror or other shiny surface for a really impressive look. At Distinctively Home we have candles and holders of all kinds!  Visit our store for your perfect fit.  http://www.distinctivelyhome.com. 

What's The Difference Between Modern and Contemporary?

What's The Difference Between Modern and Contemporary?

Contrary to popular belief, the terms 'Modern' and 'Contemporary' in interior design do not refer to the same style. Modern design refers to interior design from a particular period of time, it is a design style that was created in the middle of the 20th century. It doesn't change, it is a defined style, and will remain such for ever. Contemporary design is constantly changing, it is of the moment. Contemporary design is usually made up of a combination of other styles.

Modern Interior Design

The term "Modern" in interior design really refers to "Mid Century Modern" which was coined to describe the style of the 1920's to 1970's. You can recognize it by the use of clean lines and unadorned spaces. Natural materials such as leather and linen or teak and other woods was common. Also very popular in modern furniture, was plywood and molded plastic as well as polished metal.

Typically furniture was raised off the floor leaving an open, airy feel. Walls are often white adding to the expansive feeling. Modern interiors generally have bare wood floors and if area rugs are used, they are typically wool, and neutral in colour. Hints of colour were used in moderation. Mid-century modern is also referred to as "Retro".

Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist
Distinctively Home Interiors
http://www.distinctivelyhome.com

Choose the Right Size Table for Your Home

They can energize a one-note space or bring polish to a not-quite-done room. Whether you want to shake up your style or match it precisely you have many options!  At Distinctively Home we have a variety of tables and hutches to suit any lifestyle!  From traditional to trendy, you will find the perfect piece.  Come on in today and one of our stylish decorators will help you choose the perfect piece!  

Distinctively Home Interiors

in Battle Ground Village

http://www.distinctivelyhome.com

Accessorize with Scarves!

Scarves add a classy element to business wear and also a funky edge to denim. It just depends on the scarf and what you wear it with. You do not need a designer scarf. Yes, they are nice but a well-designed scarf with a great pattern also works well.

There are many ways to wear a scarf.

Jewelry
Scarves make a statement. If you have a thin scarf, twist it and wrap around your wrist as a bracelet. You can also do this around your ankle if you want a funky look.
Tie it around your neck to accessorize your wardrobe. This has been done for ages and the look is quite classic.

Hair Accessories
Tying your hair back in a pretty scarf is another classic look. Also, folding one and tying your hair back bandanna-style gives you a nice retro look.
Twist a longer, thin scarf and tie it around your forehead letting the ends drape from the side or down the back.

Clothing Accessories
There are endless possibilities on how to accessorize your clothing using scarves. It depends on what you wear, what type of scarf you have and the look that you want to achieve. When shopping for scarves look for varieties in fabric and buy scarves with variances in width and length.
Some scarves are heavy enough and large enough to use as a bandaeu-style top or even a sarong skirt. Variance is key when shopping.

Need ideas on how to create super looks with scarves? No problem.

Magazines are a great and useful tool. Scour the pages. You will find scarves are used a lot more than you think. That's how I got the idea for this article. I never noticed it before and then it popped out at me one day. Most of the ladies had a scarf of some sort as an accessory.
Pay close attention when watching TV. You will see a lot of female characters use scarves in unique and trendy ways.

When shopping or just out on the town, pay attention to what other ladies are wearing. You might see something truly unique. Ask them how they did it.
Search the Internet fashion and beauty sites. You can also try searching for "unique ways to wear a scarf".

With all the possibilities you have you should find a way that speaks your style. Be fun and creative and make it your own.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist
Distinctively Home Interiors
http://www.distinctivelyhome.com
Visit out Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/distinctivelyhome
 

Christmas Tree Theme Ideas

Incorporate creativity into the holiday season this year and choose a Christmas tree theme. Christmas trees can often end up as a hodgepodge of different decorations. This year, experiment with selecting one specific theme to focus your design. Consider Christmas tree theme ideas such as a santa theme, candy cane theme, or vintage ornament theme.

Here are a few other Christmas tree themes to get you started:

• Nautical Theme: Take a cue from the maritime side of life and decorate the Christmas tree with a nautical theme this year. Incorporate all of the symbols that represent sailing or nautical life in general, or stick to one element and keep the tree design unified and simple. Decorate with mini nautical ornaments, small red and green buoys, simple white lights, and an old nautical style lantern as the "star" on the top of the tree. For another idea, include nautical wildlife such as starfish, sand dollars, seashells, string-lights adorned with lanterns, or simple red and green colored ornaments to mimic the nautical port and starboard theme.

• Sports Theme: Adorn the tree with sports related ornaments and memorabilia. Hang items to represent the home team or a favorite baseball, basketball, hockey, or football team. Make ornaments out of sports game tickets. Frame and hang pictures of the family at the game. Make homemade ornaments of mascots and the team logo.

• Kids Crafts Theme: Decorate the tree with the kids’ artwork from school and home. Laminate (with the kids’ permission) drawings, and hang beaded necklaces and small figurines. Sit the kids down at the table and have them create additional decorations for the tree such as popcorn garlands and reindeer made from candy canes.

• Pets Theme: Plan the decorations for the tree around the pets. Hang pictures of both living and deceased pets (to honor their memory). Hang dog bones from the tree along with dog collars, leashes, and raw hide bones.

• Patriotic Theme: Add patriotic decorations to the tree this year. Decorate the tree with a flag and accent it with ornaments in the same colors as the flag. Type out the national anthem, laminate it, and hang it on the tree.

Select simple, fun, and fabulous themed Christmas tree ideas. Tie the summer into the winter, incorporate a favorite sports team, or put the kids’ artwork on display for all to see and admire during the holidays. Have a fun and merry Christmas!



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

Distinctively Home Interiors
http://www.distinctivelyhome.com
Visit out Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/distinctivelyhome
 

Christmas Table Decorating Idea!

How to Decorate a Christmas Table

Make your Christmas table just as festive as the rest of your home. Use pine garland, candles, Christmas ornaments and other special touches to create a memorable holiday table. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Brushes
• Silver & Gold Ribbon
• Acrylic Paints

Instructions

1. • 1
     Purchase an artificial or fresh-flower Christmas arrangement from a craft store or florist shop to use as your table's centerpiece. Let someone else do the work if you're pressed for time.
     
   • 2
     Use candles to make your own Christmas centerpiece. Set red or green taper or pillar candles in brass or wooden candle holders and arrange fresh or artificial pine garland, pine cones and cranberries around the base.
     
   • 3
     Place a large, decorative bowl in the center of your table and fill it with gilded fruit and gilded pine cones. Arrange pine garland around the base of the bowl and scatter Christmas picks throughout the garland.
     
   • 4
     Place pieces of fresh pine garland in a large decorative bowl and place red and gold ball ornaments on top. Arrange larger pieces of pine garland around the base of the bowl. Place taper or pillar candles on each side of the bowl, and dim the artificial lights in the room so that the light from the lit candles is reflected in your centerpiece.
     
   • 5
     Set your table with a tablecloth, table runner, place mats and napkins done in holiday prints and coordinating solids. Use prints sparingly to avoid giving your table a busy look and to keep attention focused on your centerpiece.
     
   • 6
     Use napkin rings that reflect the season as well. Hand-paint holiday motifs onto plain wooden napkin rings or use purchased holiday napkin rings. Unusual napkin rings, such as those made to look like strands of cranberries, are readily available at many craft stores.
     
   • 7
     Use your good china or special dishes that show Christmas motifs. If you are using a lot of holiday print fabric to decorate your table, use dishes done in coordinating, solid colors and complement them with brass charger plates.
     
   • 8
     Place a small gift at each table setting. Give collectible Christmas ornaments or small sachet bags filled with homemade Christmas candy, nuts or other small trinkets.
     

Read more: How to Decorate a Christmas Table | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_9023_decorate-christmas-table.html#ixzz2Bekk7IdE