Decorating for the holidays should be fun, not stressful, but many people become overwhelmed by the process. One of the best ways to prepare for holiday decorating is by reading up on ideas to get inspiration for your own home. Here are a few smart seasonal decor tips that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

• Fill clear jars and vases with red and white peppermint candies. Set them on any bare surface that could use some sprucing up.
• Purchase pine garland in bulk and drape it on all of your home’s tall areas, including mantles, banisters, and on top of cabinets.
• Buy vintage holiday decor from local thrift stores for a fun, quirky touch. Think retro dinnerware items, aluminum trees, and antique nutcrackers.
• Don’t be afraid to decorate your tree in a fresh, new color scheme. If you’re not feeling the red and green this year, opt for icy blue and silver, rich purple and gold or even stark white.
• Try out tartan instead of your usual holiday-themed textiles. This classic red plaid looks festive and unique when used on placemats, tree skirts, or stockings.
• Think of scents just as much as sights. You can’t go wrong with cinnamon or vanilla-scented candles, bowls filled with potpourri, and even pine cones from outside.
• Create your own simple winter floral arrangement by placing tall berry branches in white jars.

13 Stylish Holiday and Christmas Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
11 Easy Holiday Decorating Tips from Top Bloggers [House Beautiful]
101 Fresh Christmas Decorating Ideas [Southern Living]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr BretislavValek

As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?

From furniture to fishing tackle, Thompson's Antique Center of Texas boasts an all-encompassing inventory. It plays host to 17 aisles' worth of collectibles and antique items from more than 100 different dealers. Explore the massive 108,000-square-foot space in search of your next treasure.

Start your own coin collection with some of the collectible pieces at Thompson's Antique Center of Texas. Grab a new end table or comfy chair to accentuate your living room. Embellish your neck or wrists with a piece of vintage jewelry. You can also pick up a new hat or top, sift through various pieces of artwork, and even buy a few books. Thompson's Antique Center of Texas also boasts a collection of dish sets, so you should be able to find one that suits your taste at the store. If you're buying any item as a gift, Thompson's staff will be happy to wrap it for you—and they always take great care to keep the piece in perfect condition.

Thompson's Antique Center of Texas
9950 Hempstead Road
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 688-4211
antiquecenteroftexas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thompsons-antique-center-of-texas-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/alazaat