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Other Expert Advice
Friday, 07 December 2018
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Holidays are always a great way to showcase your home.  I recently had a great conversation with Jamie Watford Owner/President of JW Nash & Co. Interior Decorator & Certified Home Stager and she suggested the following....

- Red and green has always been a long time favorite. Gold, silver, rose-gold tones have been very popular and pair well with the neutral color pallet in homes today.   

- For entertaining have a dessert bar and guest warm-up hot cocoa bar.  Set-up a beverage station use your punch bowl as iced wine cooler.  Always set-out a bottle of champagne and plenty of flutes for guest to serve themselves.  Have a self garnish station set-up with  olives, onions, cherries, limes, lemons  and anything else you know your guests enjoy.  Have your bar set-up in the kitchen or butler pantry.   

- Use your dining room for the food buffet. If you have a buffet table, use that table as a dessert bar.   Think of how many guests you are inviting to your gathering.  You always want to think of traffic flow so you're guests are able to mix and mingle with each other.   When having a gathering at your home, always use glass stem ware, not plastic and use cloth napkins, not paper.   The clean up is easy just place the glassware into the dishwasher and wash the cloth napkins.  

- If you're bring in prepared food, transfer the food items into your own serving bowls, try to match all your serving pieces   Easy entertaining is just serve appetizers and desserts.  Always have non-alcoholic beverage to for the designated driver or those that prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Always anticipate your guests needs.

- Candlelight always adds a soft, romantic light to any table, glow and sets the mood. If your lights are on dimmers, turn down the lights in every room another way to create the mood.  Don't forget the kiddos, set-up a kids table with a craft. Use white butcher block paper and have crayons out and the kids can play games or draw on the paper.  

- Pick a theme and carry out thought out your living room, dining room and kitchen you want everything to flow together.  I like to use timeless heirloom treasures from family members.  I like to change out living room and bedroom pillows and throws for the winter months.  I use a plaid or a faux animal furry pillow or throw so that you can use throughout the fall and winter months. Not just at the holidays.   

- If you're just starting out in your first home, start with your living room, dining and kitchen.  These are the main areas your guests will see this holiday season.   Just remember... a well decorated home sets the mood for your family and friends. 

- I like to use mix of fresh greenery magnolia leaves, Fraser fir, boxwood, with a few larger ornaments and ribbon and carry the scheme from the mailbox to the front door with matching garlands and wreaths and lights.  For table centerpiece use the fresh boxwood, sprigs of greenery Fraser fir, berries, pine cones, branches, magnolia leaves, larger ornaments and ribbon. Again, keeping the same elements from outside and caring them thought out your indoor living spaces. A simple arrangement is cutting branch of magnolia and placing in a pretty jar.  

- When is it time to call an expert?  If  you are feeling overwhelmed, not enjoying the holiday, feeling like there is not enough time to get everything accomplished. Then it's time to call in for help.  Focus on things that are the most important to 'you' during the holiday season.  Just remember the holiday season is just two month out of the year.  I

- Poinsettia is a Holiday standard.  Inexpensive holiday accessory.   Poinsettia come in so many different  color varieties.  Just remember if you have pets, you may need to rethink poinsettia in your holiday decor.  Paper white are another holiday favorite- kids like to plant and watch grow.  

- Tip: If you have urn at the front door, purchase a live boxwood tree from your local nursery and just add a bow.  

- If I can leave you with one last thought...If things aren't just right, just go with it.  No one will ever know, but you. 

Please let Jamie Watford "Style With What You Have"  know if you have any questions, she is the Owner, JW Nash & Co. Interior Decorator & Certified Home Stager P: 615-513-8593  E: jwnashandco@gmail.com W: jwnashandco.com 

I hope these ideas are helpful during the Holiday season and Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265   

"You've got a Friend in Real Estate" 

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com   (More Helpful Blogs)   

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814
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Posted on 12/07/2018 8:52 AM by jarod tanksley
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Other Expert Advice
Wednesday, 07 November 2018
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As the cooler temps move into Tennessee this fall, there are a few steps you can take now that will keep your home nice and cozy for this upcoming winter weather.  The cold temperatures of wiinter can be the hardest time of the year on your home, not to mention the cold temps and possible warmup 60 degree days can cause trouble. So be prepared for the temperature swings.

 


 

INSULATION

This is a loaded one, because there are many areas of your home that could have been neglected when your home was built. Actually, Energy.Gov has this informational graphic that shows several areas of your home you can insulate that you probably never even thought of, but don't let that overwhelm you. Any additional insulation can be helpful!

The Attic

Because heat rises, the attic is a prime place to lose your warmth if it is not properly insulated. You can purchase rolls of fiberglass insulation and position them around edges of the attic or in areas where the other insulation looks thin. Inspect the perimeter for cracks and then seal and patch. Also, if the ductwork for your central heating is located in the attic, check for leaks and loose fittings. This one move could save you quite a few dollars on energy costs.

Basement

There are many reasons to focus on the basement during this process. For one, if any of your home's appliances are located in this area, cold air causes them to use more energy. Also, if the basement is cold, that means your floors above are cold, which means the heat has to work extra hard in your living space. Check exterior doors and windows for any air leaks and add weather stripping where needed. If you can afford it, replace drafty windows with double-paned upgrades. Use foam and tape around any exposed pipes to prevent freezing. Also, see the above note about central heat ductwork if it is located in your basement.

Furnace and Fireplaces

Proper maintenance on your heat sources could save you a lot of energy and money. Hire a professional to inspect and clean your furnace each fall before you turn on your heat. You will not only help your system work better, but you might also prevent hazards that could arise from running a neglected system. Also, changing out your filters on a regular basis will help everything run more efficiently. A professional is also best for inspecting your fireplace to make sure it is in optimal working order before you start burning fires. This will help protect you and your family from chimney fires and excess amounts of carbon monoxide.
 

OUTSIDE

Check the exterior of your home for cracks around your doors, windows, and crawl spaces. Use caulk and weather stripping where needed.

Close outdoor vents that lead under your home.

To prevent pipes from freezing, empty water hoses and unhook from spigots, insulate any exposed pipes outside your home, in the garage, and in crawl spaces with foam and tape.

Clean out your gutters! Clogged gutters could cause ice to back up and create damage to your roof.

Winterizing your home does not have to be difficult, but if any of these tasks are too big for you, hire a professional.

If you need help finding a cozy home this fall/winter, give me a call and I will be happy to help!


Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com (More Helpful Blogs)

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

 

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Posted on 11/07/2018 4:48 PM by Jarod
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