Sure, bookcases are meant to hold your book collection, but that doesn’t mean that yours should look like a jumbled mess. Turn your overstuffed bookcase into a focal point in your home with these simple, designer-worthy decorating tips.

1. Organize all of your books in an attractive way. Whether you organize them by color to create a rainbow effect or by height for a unique pattern, you should consider book placement before anything else—it is a bookshelf, after all!
2. Add knickknacks. While knickknacks may make you think of a cluttered grandmother’s house, modern versions will add an artistic flair to your shelves. Hunt for vintage brass or ceramic objects at local thrift stores, pick up small sculptures on your travels, or simply place green plants throughout.
3. Fill it with frames. For a personal touch, frame photos of your friends or family and place them upright on the shelves. Or, if you want to create a more unique effect, attach the frame with a small nail to the front of the bookshelf where a corner meets.
4. Step back and admire your work. To ensure that your bookshelf looks as good from afar as it does up close, frequently back up and reconsider the placement of each item.

How to Decorate a Bookshelf [Decoist]
How-to Beautify Your Bookcase [Coastal Living]
22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves [Real Simple]
Flip for Decorating: The Bookcase [House Beautiful]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr garofalo.christina

An old tobacco barn has been re-purposed to become the Dosey Doe, a great place for food, music, and fun near Avana Grogan’s Mill. Frequent patrons of this entertainment venue note that it boasts great acoustics. But first, have a seat and fuel up with a made-from-scratch meal. The chef at the Dosey Doe believes in cooking everything from start to finish, using only the freshest local ingredients. Check out the Blue Plate Specials like grilled rib-eye or bacon wrapped quail. The everyday entrees like the “Ginormous” chicken fried steak with garlic potatoes and gravy will satisfy any appetite.

Great bands are always on tap at Dosey Doe’s Big Barn, including local bands and big acts like the Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Gayle, and Ray Price. Call ahead for advance ticket sales.

Dosey Doe
25911 IH 45
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 367-3774
www.doseydoe.com/bigdoe.php
www.yelp.com/biz/dosey-doe-spring-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Sam Foles

If you’re looking for something fun and adventurous to try with your significant other (or even just with a friend), visit Arthur Murray Dance Studio. This renowned chain of dance studios can teach just about anyone how to dance, whether you want to learn something snazzy for your upcoming wedding or you’re simply looking for a date night activity that’s a bit out of the ordinary.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio offers social ballroom dance classes in a lively group setting, as well as private lessons if you want a bit more one-on-one interaction. Classes are also tailored toward those with little to no dancing experience, so you can feel confident that things will never move too fast. Call the studio and receive a special discount on your first private dancing class at Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

The studio is open 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio
19075 1-45 South
The Woodlands, TX 77385
(936) 321-9200
www.dancetx.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr carol and co