Where to Buy Fall and Halloween Home Decor on the Cheap

Decorating for fall is a great way to get into the autumn spirit, but that doesn't mean you need to empty your bank account to get the job done. Use these budget-friendly tips for where to buy Halloween-themed decorations, fall-friendly furnishings, and other seasonal home décor items without overspending.

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores
This tried-and-true fabric store has much more than the craft supplies that you might remember. Stop in to find seasonal garland to drape around your door frames, realistic wreaths in your favorite fall colors, and festive embroidered pillows in shades of brown and orange.

World Market
World Market is well known for its eclectic selection of globally influenced home décor items, and the same goes for its adorable fall-themed touches. Pick up some spooky skeletons and silly mummified animals for your upcoming Halloween party, or decorate with a fall doormat perfect for those cool-weather boots.

Oriental Trading
If you’re really on a budget, Oriental Trading is a great place to buy fall home décor items in bulk for an upcoming party or occasion. Order party tableware, autumn-themed craft supplies, and even decorative touches like lanterns, wreaths, and faux pumpkins at bargain prices.

Add a Touch of Summer to Your Rental Home — Here’s How!

Summer is just around the corner, and even in a rental, you can't help but want to make some warm weather improvements to your home. Outdoor space or not, there are a number of ways to add a summer flair to your decor — and these stylish tips will show you how.

  • Let the light in. Take advantage of the brighter sunlight and longer days by making the most out of your home's windows. Replace your heavy winter drapes with light-colored, sheer curtains, and give your windows a good scrubbing inside and out.
  • Mix up your throw pillows. While cozy, rich hued throw pillows are great in the cold of winter, they feel stuffy and too dark once the summer rolls around. Store your usual throw pillows in plastic bags during the summer months and replace them with pillows that are bright, colorful and even a bit eclectic.
  • Keep the cold beverages on hand. Whether you frequently host guests on a porch or patio or you simply want to create a cool, relaxing place to hang out inside of your home, creating a well-curated bar cart is a must for summer entertaining. Stock yours with ice buckets, various types of glasses, cocktail napkins and your favorite libations (alcoholic or otherwise).
  • Fill your place with plants. Another great way to take advantage of the summer sunshine is by creating an indoor garden. Hang plants from the ceiling using macrame plant hangers, place them in pots on bright windowsills and even add larger plants to fill empty corners of a room.

Plan a Warm-Weather Dinner Party With These Delicious Desserts

Now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer, you're likely planning more social events to add to your calendar. This also means that you're on the hunt for warn-weather recipes for all of those cook-outs and dinner parties. Here are just a few fresh desserts that are perfect for the spring and summer seasons.

Ina's Lemon Yogurt Cake [foodnetwork.com]
With its bright, zesty flavor and moist texture, Ina Garten's recipe for lemon yogurt cake is perfect for your spring and summer brunches and other occasions. It also features a light drizzle of glaze on top to add even more sweetness.

Ducle de Leche Crepe Cake [foodnetwork.com]
With layers upon layers of homemade crepes, this is one of the most unique desserts that you'll try this spring. The recipe also features a creamy icing and a gooey caramel topping that creates that recognizable dulce de leche flavor.

Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting [myrecipes.com]
While you likely already enjoy sherbet during the warm weather of springtime, you'll love it even more in this innovative cupcake recipe. These cupcakes feature the citrus flavor of sherbet in their base, while the buttercream frosting on top makes them taste rich and creamy.

5 New Year’s Resolutions Beyond Weight Loss

Although losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, this year might be the year to stop worrying about your appearance and start working toward a more positive mindset. You just might find that bettering yourself from the inside will have positive effects on your body as well!

  1. Devote more time to loved ones. If you don’t get to see your family and friends as much as you'd like, aim to fix that in the upcoming months. Cut back on work, schedule a visit, or simply ask a loved one out to dinner—and leave your phone in your pocket!
  2. Butt out. Giving up cigarettes does just as much good for your body as dieting, so toss out your pack after the clock strikes midnight.
  3. Improve your finances. From paying off your credit card bills to setting aside money for savings, getting out of debt can make you feel a bit lighter in a completely different way.
  4. Volunteer for a cause. Even if it’s only once a month, donating time to a cause that you believe in is a great way to improve yourself in the New Year.
  5. Get active. Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to improve your physique, vow to simply get outside more and become more active. You just might shed a few pounds along the way.

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions [About Travel]
10 New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Keep [How Stuff Works]
Popular New Year's Resolutions [USA.gov]

Three Fun Halloween Decor Projects

Who said that Halloween is just for kids? From spooky cocktail parties to elegantly scary decorations, there are a number of ways to celebrate the year’s scariest season in a truly grown-up manner. Here are three Halloween decor projects that even the adults will love.

Cocktail Clip-Art Labels [Martha Stewart]
If you’re having a Halloween party for your of-age friends, they’ll certainly get a kick out of these cocktail labels. Sure, you know that your drinks are perfectly safe for human consumption, but with labels like Toxic Tonic, they might give your guests a bit of a fright.

Illuminated Pumpkin Topiary [DIY Network]
For something a bit more elegant than the usual stringy faux cobwebs, this pumpkin topiary makes a festive centerpiece on the kitchen table or mantle. Cover a few carving pumpkins with chic metallic spray paint, then drape them with beaded strands and white twinkling lights for a beautiful look that’s still a bit haunting.

Spooky Terrariums [Country Living]
Instead of filling a terrarium with plants and moss, place some spiders, dead branches, and even a creepy crow figurine inside. Place the terrariums on a shelf and you'll have a spooky decoration for a party.

Pack a More Stylish Picnic With These Elegant Recipes

There’s nothing better than spreading a blanket on the grass and unpacking a fresh picnic lunch, whether you’re taking the kids outside for the day or planning a romantic afternoon with that special someone. If you want to make a more unique picnic lunch than your average options, you’ll love these top four picnic recipes from around the web.

Radish Tartines [Country Living]
They’re handheld, which is the main criteria for good picnic food, but aside from that these radish tartines are anything but your usual sandwich. You can prepare them in just minutes, but they still look elegant enough to complement a European-style spread.

Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Feta [Country Living]
This classic salad is crisp and juicy, and the rich feta adds a flavorful kick that your guests will love. Finish it off with a simple homemade dressing made using just a few common ingredients.

Pretzel-Crusted “Fried” Chicken [Country Living]
This one is ideal for anyone who loves the taste of classic picnic food, but doesn’t want the unhealthy side effects. This fried chicken is coated in crumbled pretzels and baked instead of fried to cut calories without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.

Grilled Vegetable Gazpacho [Food and Wine]
This soup is meant to be served cold, so it’s perfect for serving on an outdoor picnic. Raw veggies like tomatoes and onions are blended with red wine and vinegar for a fresh, zesty summer flavor.

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