Wondering what to do with all of those clothes that you just don’t wear anymore? Many thrifty fashion lovers nowadays are starting to host clothing swaps, during which groups of friends get together to trade their gently worn clothes, shoes, and even accessories. Do something good for your budget and even for the environment by using these tips to host your own clothing swap at 3500 Westlake!

1. Decide on the perfect group. Choose a manageable group that you can fit comfortably inside of your home. While you don’t want to go overboard with people, you’ll likely want to invite at least three or four friends to ensure ample swapping opportunities.
2. Send out detailed invites. Be sure to describe how the swap will work and exactly how many items to bring in your invitation, email, or text message.
3. Create a comfortable swapping area. Set up an area in your living room or other common space where you can set up chairs, snacks, and other essentials. Designate a spare room as a "changing room."
4. Take the reins. Since many of your guests have likely never done a swap before, get things started by demonstrating how to browse the clothes and swap for items. You may even want to give people a limit on how many items they can take home.
5. Bring refreshments. Once the swap is done, keep the mood light by socializing over snacks and drinks.

How to Hold a Fashion Swap Party [WikiHow]
10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Clothing Swap [Woman’s Day]
13 Rules for a Successful Clothing Swap [Oprah]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bramblewood Fashion

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine offers a creative, inventive take on classic Japanese cuisine, blending the best of both old and new culinary techniques.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find delicious sashimi options, unique maki rolls, and even rice-free sushi dishes for those who are cutting carbs, and each one is almost to pretty to eat! (Because Beluga encourages a “shared table” style of dining, guests are encouraged to order a number of small plates to share amongst the table in order to experience every dish.) Beluga also features a full bar of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as traditional Japanese sake to make your experience feel truly authentic.

Visit Beluga for the two-for-one weekday sushi lunch special, then return for the post-work happy hour discounts!

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine
661 Louis Henna Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-6454
www.belugasushi.net
www.yelp.com/biz/beluga-japanese-cuisine-round-rock

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr stevendepolo

It’s easy to get in a rut when it comes to decorating your tree for the holidays, but if you switch things up to create maximum impact, all it takes is a bit of creativity and a whole lot of festive cheer. Here are a few great ideas for decorating your holiday tree this year.

• Instead of mixing up red, green and gold ornaments, go for a monochromatic look. Really commit to one specific shade and decorate your entire tree in that color.
• Create your own unique tree topper by purchasing a wooden letter in your last name’s initial. Cover the whole thing in glitter paint to match the tree, and then attach it by stapling a piece of sturdy fabric to the back and sliding it on to the top of the tree.
• Keep things simple and minimal all over the surface of the tree in order to the let the tree’s skirt really shine. This often-overlooked part can be dressed up with a luxurious velvet skirt or a homemade version in your choice of wild, fun fabrics.
• Purchase a dozen small mirrors in gold or silver frames from a thrift store or craft shop and set them all over the tree for a truly unique effect.
• Decorate your tree with live poinsettias for a dramatic look. Simply cut individual flowers from a poinsettia bush (or purchase silk versions) and evenly space them all over the tree.

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree Elegantly [wikiHow]
40 Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas to Try This Season [HGTV]
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree [Better Homes and Gardens]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Tom Hannigan