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
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http://www.facebook.com/distinctivelyhome