Living Room by Laura Ashley
Hello Dear Ones,
Today I would like to share a few things at home. Above, is a bouquet, complete with a vase, which I purchased at Goodwill very, very inexpensively. (Approximately $2.50) At our local store, if you donate something you get a 20% off coupon, which helps a lot for those who are trying to be careful with their income. I keep a bag by the door, or sometimes in the car, which I fill with anything I cannot use anymore or have outgrown (to my disappointment I still outgrow things ;-). Using a small tube of white craft paint, I changed the drab vase to light and bright.
I would also like to share my Dollar Tree decor. Everything on the tree is from the dollar store, and here are some of the items. Keep in mind that these things come in multiples and packages of 3 and 4 items or more, so it is really a very good bargain. The silver deer comes in a pack of four, and the balls below were packages of two.
I had help this year with the tree and I thought they did a good job.
I have prepared a table with some refreshments just in case someone comes to visit.
This plastic removeable wall-decor sticker also is available for a dollar and I hope they stock more Bible verses there. Reading them is such a good reminder and a heart-lifter, especially if you are familiar with the lesson behind the saying.
Thank you for visiting today.
I have an interesting question for you to consider, and would be thankful for anyone who offers any suggestions in the comments. I am planning on getting my home ready for a church open-house. If you were touring a preacher's home, what would you like to see or feel? What things would be important to leave out, and what do you think should be included?
For those whose local Walmart no longer carries fabric, you will be happy to know that it is available online at Walmart.com. A lot of it is marked "in-store-only" but there is quite a lot available online. Just go to the site and type "fabric" in the search and you will see all the familiar favorites.
Words to think about: "And that ye study to be quiet, and to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
13 comments:
Thank you Dawn. I am glad if it made you feel good.
your home is beautiful. I am going to look at my Dollar Tree for the scripture wall decals. I seem to change things around so much so I like the $1 price a lot.
I hope you do d something that appeals to you in a just-right way. Dollar store makes it possible to have a change in things, whether it be colorful kit jen towels or florals. I do t want anyone to think I am always there bit I go at least twice a month and get soap, toothpaste, paper or gifts.
Hi Lydia,
your Laura Ashley home photo is so pretty and your Christmas tree is so bright and sparkly. Thank you for sharing.
I always like to see other people's hobbies and collections. What other people are interested in is so interesting.
You always share what you are interested in on your blog and that is why your blog is so fun and interesting.
Your home is lovely and I know your home tour will be just the same. Let us know exactly what day your home tour will be and I'll try to make it there.
Mrs. J.
Your tree is lovely. I like your Dollar Tree ornaments. Who would ever know?
As to your questions about the open house in August, I think you should just make sure your home is company-ready, welcoming, and comfortable. I don't think you should strive for "perfection," but rather, allow your guests to enjoy your home. I have been in homes that look like show rooms, and I was not comfortable.
I've never had an open house. People tell me my home is lovely, but there are scratches on the coffee table, a worn spot on the rug, and an easy chair that needs replacing. The cat has done a number on one end of the sofa, but it doesn't show. I just clean everything and polish it up and make sure it's free of clutter.
One thing I like for my own home and enjoy in others is fragrance. If candles give off a sense of too much "heat" in August, there are other products. I love the scented oil diffusers with reeds. They are great for areas that can't be monitored at all times, and you don't have to attend them like you would a burning candle. I have gone off and forgotten candles burning in a bathroom or bedroom.
I also like the electric tart warmers. There are some wonderful scents, in both light fragrances or more exotic ones. My favorites are organic scents with names with rain or breeze in them. I like fruit scents, but food and flowers, not so much. Bowls of potpourri are attractive and pleasant to smell.
Fresh flowers and/or plants are a great touch to make your place look cozy and homey. Sometimes I purchase a grocery store bouquet or two, divide it up into small vases, and add some greenery from the garden.
I would do a stack of paper guest towels in a basket in the bathroom. That way everyone has a fresh towel, and your display towels stay pretty and in place.
If your open house in in August and it's hot in your area, I might do a beverage station so the guests can help themselves when they come in. Bottles of chilled water, glasses or paper cups, a bowl of lemon slices, iced tea, and lemonade would be appreciated by all.
I'm sure you will do a wonderful job with your open house.
You want the guests to feel warm & welcome. I like homes that look like someone actually lives there (that it's not just a show-place/magazine picture home). Also something that reflects who you are. And clean, of course (not spotless, but neat) - LOL! Don't stress about it. People can tell if that's the case.
Hello Lydia, I think your tree looks very smart! And the Dollar tree has so many good deals. I think with an open house a nice finger food and a cold drink is nice! Having seating inside and out if the weather is good. I also think
Very soft music playing in the background can be nice. I am sure it will be a success!
Yours, Roxy
Dear Lydia,
Your home looks beautiful! Dollar Tree has some beautiful decorations. I like the small battery operated votive candles. I used them this year behind the manger on my mantle and they have such a soft and pretty glow.
You are wise to plan for your open house early. I would consider opening your entire house with the exception of your bedroom. I know you want to share your lives with the members of your congregation but their ministers bedroom is something to be shared only by you and your personal family. Perhaps you will think me old fashioned but I know how curious even nice people can be. I would lock this door and transfer fragile items, and toiletries for any health conditions such as arthritis, foot problems, personal care items, etc. as well as any pills, supplements, and any hazardous cleaning products to designated boxes in this room.
I am sure that members of the congregation would love to see the study where your husband spends time reading the Bible and working through the texts to prepare his sermons. However, I would remove your purse, any personal financial papers, checkbook, investment and insurance information, deeds, address book, etc. and put in a special box in your locked bedroom.
Probably some of your guests will stop by with their children.I would think about putting childproof locks on the doors under your sink where you keep dish liquid and sink or drain cleaners as well as any sharp knives you won't be using. A small activity for them would probably be welcomed.
Once those things are prepared you can decorate with some of the lovely things you create. It will be an inspiration to those who come and inspire them to make their own homes more cozy. I know I am always inspired by the love and care for the home you exhibit on your website.
Since it will be summer, some of your guests will probably wander around the outside of your home and ask you about your lovely garden. If the weather allows I would set up one of the outside retreat areas I have seen on your website. They are sheer bliss and show how one does not need to wander far from home to enjoy oneself. I would scatter some of the pretty books you have made among the cushions for visitors to look at.
I am sure you will fix some inexpensive, yet wonderful bite size treats for your guests to enjoy.
By taking your time to prepare, you and your husband will be able to relax and enjoy the day and so will your guests. You can share your lives fully, leaving the bedroom of their leader private without the threat of someone opening the drawer where ones undergarments are or opening the cabinet in the bathroom where the athletes foot cream is. Some things are better left private.
When my husband was a young, single Pastor in a new church, he was visited by an older couple. Both were sweet, well-meaning people. While the man was discussing church policy the woman asked to use the rest room. A few minutes later she emerged asking my husband how he kept the hangers in his bedroom closet so evenly spaced. She had left the bathroom and wandered into his bedroom and opened his closet. She came right out and told him that another lady in the congregation had noticed how his shoes were always shined and she was curious as to see if he kept his closet as nice on the inside!
I know you will have wonderful things to share with all of us about your open house. God Bless You as you continue to share this ministry you have with all of us!
I agree with you Debbie.
People just want to get inside your life til you don't have anything left ...it is a strange thing.
And since it is an August open house I will have fresh flowers and summery things.
In the meantime I can put a fresh coat of paint on some walls and cabinets.
I think the other ladies have provided some great suggestions for your open house - I too, like to see a home where it looks likes someone lives there and its cosy and inviting. It needs to have your personality stamped on it, so its important not removed those things that are “you”, I love the idea of gentle music playing (some old fashion hymns or calming classical music would be my choose). I like piles of books (or some of your favourite magazines) so people can flip through them and perhaps come away with some reading ideas. Some pretty napkins would be nice (they are often sold at the dollar stores) with your finger foods would add a pretty touch, Some fresh flowers (not too scented incase there are people who don’t cope with strong scents) scattered through the house.
The dollar stores are great and I often find some very good items that are inexpensive - sadly ours don’t sell bible verses for the wall and the decorations are a tasteless for me. However other stores are often discounting their christmas decorations in early December and I picked up some lovely things at half price.
Everything looks so pretty and welcoming. I got the dollar store ornaments that you paint yourself, two for $1 paint included, and I am going to enjoy a few hours creating something unique for my tree. The Dollar Store is a lot of fun this time of year.
There are a lot of good suggestions here for your open house. When I was a young girl I would go visit our pastor's wife quite frequently since they lived just down the street. I remember how I always felt so welcome, like I was going home, and there were lots of spots to sit down and talk. There were always little bags of treats, and the picnic tables outside were set up for games and crafts. We frequently had craft times when we made little gifts to take home, like a paper flower or coloring pages. I learned some favorite crafts at our pastor's home. But what I remember most is just that I was always welcome and if I felt bad there was someone to talk to. Your home is already so pretty. I don't think you need to do much to improve it. I think it would be nice to have a sort of private area for adults to chat in case there are any concerns that need to be discussed. Your tent would be a lovely idea for that. I think other ladies would enjoy seeing your sewing projects and pretty fabric. I would definitely hide all personal items, especially in the bathroom, at least during the open house.
Well thanks for the look at your decorated home. Your helpers did a great job!
Dear Lydia:
Thank you for this among all your beautiful posts. If I were to a preacher's home. . .I'd hope for it to be cozy and inviting, warm and simple. A hand-made quilt, simple colors, cheery flowers or a burning candle, weather allowing, tea set, yes. . .soft fabric on the window frames, if any. Maybe a chime out of doors, birdbath. . . a bit of bird seed to keep birds close and singing in thanks. Nothing extraordinary.. . just comforts that bring a bit of serenity. probably exactly what you have. And honest and integrous persons inside of the cheery home. That's what I'd love to see. . . someone who is real. . and isn't impressed with themselves or their work achievements. . their degrees, all of the ego-based silliness.. That would be truly delightful. . . Bless you dear sweet Lydia...
Warmly,
Chris
Dear Lydia:
Thank you for this among all your beautiful posts. If I were to visit a preacher's home. . .I'd hope for it to be cozy and inviting, warm and simple. A hand-made quilt, simple colors, cheery flowers or a burning candle, weather allowing, tea set, yes. . .soft fabric on the window frames, if any. Maybe a chime out of doors, birdbath. . . a bit of bird seed to keep birds close and singing in thanks. Nothing extraordinary.. . just comforts that bring a bit of serenity. probably exactly what you have. And honest and integrous persons inside of the cheery home. That's what I'd love to see. . . someone who is real. . and isn't impressed with themselves or their work achievements. . their degrees, all of the ego-based silliness.. That would be truly delightful. . . Bless you dear sweet Lydia...
Warmly,
Chris
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