HOME STAGING

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

home-for-sale-open-house-tips

If your home is up for sale on the market – this is a busy and possibly stressful time for you. On top of your everyday responsibilities you also have to deal with the showings and open houses at your home. You have your next property in mind and you have prepped and staged this house for sale.  Getting ready for every showing is work!

You want to sell your house and you know in order to do that buyers need to see it but prepping for a viewing can be very stressful and a bit hectic – so much to do!  You want your home to look it’s best –  Here is what you don’t want to happen. A showing is suddenly scheduled for that evening and you realize you have zero clean towels in your house. So now, not only do you have to pick up, wipe down surfaces, etc — you also have a load of laundry to do as well.

Have an open house box!

Sounds easy, right? It is!

Here’s what you need:

– a box, like a Banker’s box is a perfect size and it has a lid
– a set of clean, fresh white towels (one set for each bathroom)
– small (cutlery size) baskets (one for each bathroom)
– clean tea towels
– a mason jar for counter clutter like coins, small pieces of paper, elastics etc…
– a large envelope to store papers from the counter like school news letters, mail etc…
– Clorox wipes or Lysol wipes for quick counter top cleaning

Before you begin showing your home, take an empty box and fill it with clean bath, hand and dish towels. When you have a showing scheduled, walk around to each bathroom and the kitchen grabbing all the dirty linens, and putting out the clean linens – get the kids involved and have them grab the ‘dirty’ towels. Just throw the dirty towels in this box to pull back out after the showing is over. So the clean towels in the Open House Box never actually get used, only shown.

Store the box in a closet that isn’t a huge feature like a guest room closet – once the show is over.  Collect all of the ‘showing props’ like the clean towels, tea towels etc… and put it all back in the box.

So easy!

Here are some other easy tips for managing your personal items when living in the house that you are selling:

1 – Containers.  Small and big are needed to just keep things tidy.  This is especially useful in the bathroom for make -up, tooth brushes, personal care items and toilet paper.  If leaving your items out, having them in containers looks much better but if you want to tuck them away, having them in containers makes it easy!

2 – Keep the office tidy with boxes for loose papers and other documents you don’t want left out in the open. Keep pens and pencils in a holder too – a messy office can send the message that there isn’t room for everything and leave a bad impression

3 – Keep the lights on!  Even on a sunny day but especially for evening showings – the light will make everything look bigger and brighter

4 – Big baskets are your best solution for showing a family home.  Just toss all of the toys in some baskets,try not to have too many just a few that are big enough to fit the kids’ things.

5 –  Please take the pets out!  Not everyone loves your pets and even if they are friendly, the presence of pets can be distracting and uncomfortable.  So make arrangements for your pets – maybe during the day a neighbour could help out by taking them or maybe you can take them with you while the open house is happening.

Home selling is stressful but following these staging tips will help ease that stress and help you get your house sold!

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KITCHENS

What to do with that awkward space above the kitchen cabinets…..

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In some kitchens you will notice that there is an awkward open space between the ceiling and the top of the kitchen cabinets. Other than building in a bulkhead to meet the top of the cabinets – what can you do?

 

Depending on your style or your situation this can be usable space.  It can be used for storage or decor, ideally both.

 

If you are selling, we strongly suggest not displaying it as cluttered storage packed with various things like large Tupperware, platters and small appliances -as that sends out a message to buyers – this kitchen doesn’t have enough storage (which is a negative)!!

 

If you are selling and staging, try painting that open space.  We recommend the same tone as the cabinets (or at least something light that works with the palette or the same wall colour as you have in the kitchen already)  That will keep an open feel in the kitchen- a bright or dark paint tone will draw attention to the awkward space and give an odd striped effect

 

Ideas if you are staging:

 

This kitchen shows a lighter tone that works with the colour palette

 

This image shows a kitchen where the gap is painted in the same tone as the cabinets you can see how the awkward gap just disappears.

 

Clean and uniform storage….wicker baskets are a great way to add some natural material to your space – this looks great in a rustic or country style kitchen plus these baskets hide items that maybe are not suitable for display like cooking magazines. This would work for staging as it is clean looking and practical not cluttered and junky.

 

Decor for your everyday living there are some easy and interesting display ideas….

 

Try adding some cute and fun messages like Eat, Laugh, Family…..

 

 

Layer some decorative pieces but keep to a tight colour palette  – seen here there is a mix or shiny metallic and white – that gives a streamlined look

 

Photo from House Beautiful

 

What about wall paper? This works is you have some wall space covered in the same wall paper…

 

 

Take advantage of high ceilings by using the space to display bold pieces of art

 

 

Love that cafe look and feel? Bring it home with chalkboard paint and some fun messages, inspiring quotes, recipes and more….

 

 

Are you a collector or cookbooks? This could work for some great book storage but make sure to style the space so it doesn’t look cluttered

 

 

Get a little retro with some wire baskets that can hold practical items that will also add some pops of colour

 

 

Be unique – display a cool collection that symbolizes your passions – love to travel? Try this interesting yet simple display….

 

But no matter what you have up there be sure to dust it regularly as it can collect a lot of dust over time.

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HOME STYLING

Home Styling Tips and Tricks

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Have you ever visited a furniture store show room or model home and thought – wow, why doesn’t my home look like this?

Well it can!  Follow these home styling tips and tricks and your home will instantly look chic and polished.  The details really do matter….

1 –  Always use odd numbers in your displays –

They are more visually appealing.  The photos just below and to the right illustrate 3 items used in the display. The books (one item) all count as one object visually as that is how your eye will read the grouping. Also note coordinating colours, different textures and height – not necessary as it really depends on the style but for this shabby country chic space the texture and tones work.

2 – Items do not have to be centered on the coffee table –

If you are planning on using it, put your feet up or set down a glass, move your display off center to a corner.  It will still look great. Style and function can work hand in hand

3- Do not place anything too high on the coffee table –

People should be able to see each other across the space. A little height is nice like a beautiful orchid for instance, just don’t have anything bulky and tall

4- The edge of the rug in your living room –

Should start just under the front legs of your couch and chairs. A 5 x 8 rug works perfectly in most spaces but you can go larger depending on the size of your room.

5 –  A console table in the back of the couch  –

Should never be higher than the back of the couch (otherwise you will most likely bang your head on it when you flop down on the couch at the end of a long day).

6-  End tables should be the same height as the arms of the couch or chair –

Too low and a guest will be likely to drop their drink and too high they will bump the side of the table with the glass.


7-  Use pillow inserts and covers –

So you can change the decor out seasonally. It will save you money and allow you to constantly refresh your space.

8 –  Mix and match textures and shapes for interest –

Notice the different textures in the photo above and the throw – that also counts as a layer. Plus they add great visual interest to a room and are any easy fix when you want something new and fresh

9- When layering your pillows, start with the 20 x 20 in the back then go progressively smaller –

Use more pillows in the corner of a sectional to provide more back support.

We’d love to know how these home styling tips and tricks transform the look of your home…

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HOME STAGING

Selling Your Home? 9 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

selling-your-home-9-tips-to-increase

If you are considering selling your home in the near future – start prepping now! Don’t leave it to the last minute….to get your home in tip top shape that buyers are looking for – is a lot of work! It really is best to get a head start so that there isn’t as much to do closer to the time when you want to list your property.

It can be confusing to know where to spend you money, time and energy but here are the top tips to increase to value of your home

1 – Fix ALL repairs.

Not sure what’s wrong with your home? Perhaps hire a home inspector to inspect your home and take a look at his report.  Leaky pipes, the roof, electrical panels etc…are the types of repairs that scare of buyers.  But be sure to take acre of cosmetic repairs too like cracked tiles.

2 – Add a fresh coat of paint.

It’s worth it.  The cost of pain is minimal and it makes every space look clean and bright.  Stick to neutrals and a white trim

3 – Replace carpet.

If you have old wall to wall carpet remove it.  Carpet is a big turn off for a lot of buyers as it get dusty and an old carpet doesn’t usually show well.  Opt for hardwood or laminate (perfect for a family home).  This improvement is what most buyers are looking for and it improves the quality of the air and it’s low maintenance

4 – Low maintenance landscaping.

Add some plants and perhaps some shrubs/trees.  It improves the curb appeal and again, it is something that the buyer won’t have to do.  If you want top dollar for your home, you need to do the work! Plus pull out that patio furniture (make sure to clean it) and set the scene –

5 – Enhance those kitchens and bathrooms.

You don’t need a total overhaul necessarily but pay attention to updating the bathroom.  Make sure it’s clean, has white fixtures like tuns, toilets and sinks and chrome or brushed nickel accents.  A simple and neutral bathroom always presents better than a dated one.  for the kitchen, small updates like a new back splash in a neutral tile, updated hardware and lighting – make a huge differences.  If you have older appliances that you can’t afford to replace make sure they are in good working condition and clean

6 – Other upgrades.

Lighting is huge – look for simple chrome or brushed nickel finishes.  And make sure you are using maximum wattage so the home looks bright! If you can upgrade your cabinets- do it, remember light and neutral, you want mass appeal.

7 – Don’t forget the exterior.

Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? How about those lights and mailbox, have they seen better days? Do you have an address plate? Does your grip set (door handle and key slot) work smoothly? – Don’t let real estate agents get frustrated by trying to enter your home for showings, not a good first impression!

8 – Let there be light!

Are there dark rooms in your home? Consider hiring an electrician to add some overhead lighting in darker rooms. In older homes, we don’t often see overhead lighting in family rooms, secondary bedrooms and living rooms – so stand out from the crowd.

9 – Stage your home.

Even if you are still living in the space with your furniture and accessories, hire a stager for a consultation.  They can help you will ideas to be present your home, and they can give you some great tips to appeal to buyers. A home staging team can help you in the beginning too – buy selecting the right paint colours, lighting, hardware and other updates to improve the look and value of your home.  they are a great resource for knowing what’s trending in the eyes of the buyer.

You want your home to look it’s best especially when it is up for sale.  Start the process of prepping your home for the real sale market in advance to save your self some time, energy and stick to a budget.

 

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, TRENDS

Home Staging and Decor Trends

home-staging-and-decor-trends

Decor Trends and Home Staging are really important when putting your home on the real estate market. A big part of staging your home is making it look current.  In the final steps of prepping your home for the real estate market you want to make it pretty, buyer ready and photo ready.  One way to do that is knowing what decor trends are out there and bring them into your home.  Since 95% of buyers are online first trying to find the home of the dreams…you need to make your photos stand out and attract those buyers!

1.  Outdoor spaces –

Assuming the weather is working in your favour – stage your outside.  Staging is about creating the vision of what life in the home would look like and including the outdoor living areas is critical! This staging trend is probably one of the most essential and we see so many sellers not have their outdoor areas staged. Remember a photo is worth a thousand words. 

Clean up the outside – rake, cut the grass, plant some colourful flowers, set up the patio and prepare it as though you have guests arriving any minute!

 

2.White Kitchens –

Huge ‘trend’ now for home owners is light, white, bright kitchens! In a recent Houzz survey an overwhelming amount of respondents desired a white kitchen in their home. When the kitchen comprises almost 30% of the buyer’s decision (according to NAR – National Association of Realtors) a little more expense in this main area makes a world of difference in price!

Can’t replace the entire kitchen or paint the cabinets? Look at updating the back splash (or adding one) in a light tone, update the kitchen lighting to make the kitchen light and bright, paint the walls in a lighter tone and/or update the hardware.

 

3. Birds On Display –

The bird in the pillow is just a taste of what we will see more of in the future. Whereas last year’s trend was the white porcelain deer head on the wall and horses, this year’s trend is sweet, little birds. Right now, birds are hot for spring and every spring we tend to see animals and florals pop into all decor. 

If you home is going on the market in the spring – think about adding some ‘nods’ to spring like floral, birds or any botanical elements. Currently, the hot trend is peacock but any bird in spring is up to date

4. Metallic accents –

Framed mirrors, art or brass bar carts add warmth and sophistication in any room. Metal accents add an element of shine to any room and they add some sophistication too.  Right now warm metals are hot like gold, brass and copper.  So think about adding a few touches of those in decor pieces, frames of mirrors, lamp bases even occasional tables.

5. Pops of colour –

Colour can help you stand out from the crowd.  Even a neutral space could benefit from a floral arrangement in bright yellow or orange.  If your home decor style can handle it, try adding some colourful pillows to the sofa or bed and a throw blanket.  Colours like yellow, orange and bright green are perfect for spring but coral, aqua and purple can also make a big impact when used in small doses.

6.Dual Coffee Tables –

Placing two coffee tables next to each other to scale a larger space is a much better staging solution than just one. This is also a great way to add surface space to a small room.  Look for side tables, benches even stools (as long as they are the right height, 16″ to 21″) to be used as a coffee table

 

7.  Clear Tables, Chairs, Lamps and More –

Glass has always been an excellent staging tool because of it’s reflective nature and ability to create more light in what would probably be a dark corner. Glass is great because it gives the surface space without the bulk.  If you are selling a condo or a smaller space – try a glass dining table and pair any style of chair you like.  It makes the room look nice and big and you still are showing off how to live in the space. Glass furniture comes in a variety of styles too, and price points!  You can use the ‘buddy system’ too so if you have a glass dining table add some glass elsewhere maybe a side table or in a lamp….

 

8. The Navy Comeback –

Navy blue is making a come back in a huge way!  Navy just stole our hearts originally via patterns like chevron, ikat (see below) and floral  but now it’s really making it’s presence known as a “new neutral” that pairs well with yellow, turquoise, coral, chartreuse, wheat …almost all of the spring 2015 hues   that add pop to a space. Navy is one of those versatile colors that can work with bright or earth tone accents (just open your latest Pottery Barn catalog to see it with earth tones). If your space has a lot of neutral beige, cream or sand tones add navy for a rich contrast and timeless combination.

Photo from EmilyClark.com

Just a few tips and tricks can make all the difference…

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HOME DECOR

5 Ways to Breathe New Life into Your Home

5-ways-to-breathe-new-life-into-your

After spending such a long and cold winter indoors, you might be looking at your space and think… well, this space looks little tired. A little dated or a little worn? Here’s 5 great ways to breathe a little life into your rooms and they are all quite easy and won’t break the bank!. Nothing drastic! Just a few thing you can change up or add to any room that
will be a breath of fresh decor air!

1- PILLOWS.

Can we talk about pillows. They are decor magic!! Pillows can brighten up any space! They are an easy, cheery face lift for sofas and chairs. Just think of all the options! Even think about changing pillows with the seasons and holidays. Don’t be afraid to get a little bold with pillows. A pop of color or fun is a very good way to freshen a room up!

2- SOMETHING ORGANIC.

A big vase or container of flowers will certainly make a room come alive!!! Even a grocery store bunch of flowers looks amazing with a little extra care and arranging! But, don’t overlook indoor plants. I feel they have gone out of vogue lately.  Add a little pot of ivy or a fluffy pot of herbs and they will literally give life to a room. If you don’t like to care for plants then go faux… but look for great fakes! You don’t want to add any tacky looking fakes to a room!

Even try adding elements like drift wood, looks great as a centerpiece or on a coffee table.  Antlers are also a big trend right now. Organic pieces can work with any decor style and they add a great texture element to any room.

3 – WINDOW TREATMENTS.

This can be expensive especially if you go the custom route but if you go out and purchase curtain panels that are pre-made, it can make a huge impact in your space.  Just be sure to hang them property!  By hanging them properly you can make the windows and the room look bigger and brighter.

Even if you have a great view that you love don’t forget, a window treatment frames the window and softens it and calls attention to what lies beyond. There are so many great, inexpensive curtains that are fun and sassy and updated and will give your room a real upscale look!

4- ART.

Art is such a personal thing. Some people like every wall covered with all sorts of pictures and things. And some don’t. I fall somewhere in the middle, like most of us. Art is a broad term that can cover so many wall decor pieces – like hanging old windows on a wall, a plate wall, wall decals, photographs, big clocks and more….. Look at your art… and look at your walls. Can you do a little updating? Here’s where you can get very creative!

5 – ADD COLOUR, LAYERS AND TEXTURE.

This is probably my very favorite way to add interest to my home. Not only can we feel texture with our hands… we can also feel it with our eyes.  A room can seem flat and even a little boring if we don’t fill it with lots of different textures! Soft, smooth, nubby, shiny… are examples of what textures should be in every room!  If you love a neutral space, play with texture to get a ‘designer’ look and feel. And when we layer those textures it is pure magic! To see a DIY about layering decor.

Now, head on over to the room you think needs a little decor love and ask yourself, “HOW CAN I BREATHE NEW LIFE IN HERE”?

Use these 5 tips to breathe new life into your room!

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HOME DECOR

Decor lesson: How to Mix Patterns using the Buddy System

decor-lesson-how-to-mix-patterns-using

We all grew up hearing about the Buddy system but this buddy system for home decor is a bit different…..

We love playing with colour, pattern and texture but sometimes finding the right balance can be a challenge.  Our clients often ask us how to mix patterns, mixing colors and patterns can be a snap. Use the Buddy System!

What is the Buddy system?

Simply put, the Buddy System means that when mixing multiple textiles, make sure every fabric has a buddy, in color or pattern (and ideally both). The process works particularly well for bedding,
scatter cushions on a sofa, or anywhere you might want to mix many textiles. This is a sure fire way to get a designer look in your space.  Mixing different patterns has such a sophisticated style.

1.  The purple in the floral headboard closely matches the purple in the spotted cushion.

2. Likewise, a neutral taupe features in both the smaller spotted cushion, and the paisley print one.

3. Speaking of, there are two spotted cushions here.

4. The prints of the bedspread, blue striped cushion and purple spotted one all have a blurry, ikat-y feel to them.

5. The pillows and sheet are a set, so they match in both color and pattern.

6. It even goes beyond the textiles: the bedspread mirrors the chair in both pattern and color.

Now you have a room that looks totally personal to you but also very stylish with a designer influence.  If you want to mix patterns in your living room, just use the Buddy system with your pillows, rug and drapery (or where ever you want your pattern).  Pattern is a great way to add colour and visual interest plus it can lighten up a space – too many solids can make a room feel and look heavy, and lacking in sophistication.

You can see the Buddy system in the image below – the aqua in the sofa and the lamp add some bold colour to the room.  The navy/white tribal side chair and the navy/white stripe pillows are ‘buddies’, too.  The pops of pink in the floral arrangement and the art are also buddies.  The brass accents in the side tables are also a pair even though the tables are different and then the white drapes, rug, walls and lamp shade are buddies too.

This is how to mix prints like a pro – now go try this at home!

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Home Decor: What to do when something’s off….

home-decor-what-to-do-when-somethings

If you’ve ever had a room hovering at “almost there,” you know how frustrating of a situation it can be. The room doesn’t look bad, it just doesn’t quite sing. It’s missing something, and you can’t put your finger on it. You might find these six things to try helpful when a room just isn’t coming together like you thought it would!

 

1. Compare it to your inspiration

Whether you tried to copy a room you saw on Pinterest piece by piece, have always just wanted a room that feels like Nate Berkus designed it or looked to a piece of art for color palette inspiration, go back to that inspiration and compare. What do you have in your room that’s not in the inspiration? What don’t you have? It might be a case of you trying an extra element that’s fighting the harmony of the original inspiration, or you may have forgotten to include a vital element that makes your inspiration work.

We are all naturally drawn to symmetry and balance, so see if that is the issue. We recommend an element of pattern, colour, texture and shine in every space.

 

2. Try taking things out

Take out a big element. Yes, even something big like curtains or art. Now step back and look at the room again. Even if the room feels a little emptier, you might be able to see the potential of where the design needs to go . You might not be able to see what your room is missing because there’s something that doesn’t belong in there already, blocking your ability to see the room’s potential. 

A lot of interior decor is trial and error so it’s normal to not get it perfect the first time.  Often you need to play around to see what you are ‘feeling’ for the space.

 

3. Focus in on a spot, corner or wall that you do love


Why do you feel like that spot is working? What is it that you love? Take what’s working and spread it out around the room a little more. Maybe it’s a color you only used a touch of that could be maximized more in the space. Maybe it’s a style of furniture you played around with on a small scale that the room could use more of.

See what adding more of what you love in the room does to the feel of it. Take inspiration from what you love even if it is right in front of your nose!

 

4. Shake up your style

Grab something from another part of the home, from a friend’s home or find a free thing — just make it something that seems surprising to add to the space. As we’ve mentioned before, sometimes bringing something that you think obviously doesn’t go can produce one of two equally favorable outcomes: either it surprises the heck out of you by working in the space, or it points you in the right direction to go in by being so mismatched!

Can’t find an item that catches your eye? Grab a scarf in an unexpected colour (or grab a few) maybe the room needs a real pop.  Do something interesting – display your most prized and beautiful pieces (even shoes or jewelry)

 

 

5. Take a picture (or two or three)

And then leave the room you’re trying to figure out. Like, go to a coffee shop or somewhere else. Look at the photos you took on your phone and scroll through them. Look at the photos on a small scale; small thumbnails that let you see the whole space.

Put some mental distance between the fact that this is a room you live in and see every day and instead view it like a room you’d be spotting on a blog somewhere. And then immediately listen to your gut on what you think the room might need (or need taken out).

 

6. Doodle

Those pictures you took earlier? Print them out if you can (or turn to a digital photo manipulating tool) and start doodling. Drawing patterns. Drawing furniture pieces. Squares where you think more art could go.

Doodle stuff you wouldn’t do in your right mind with actual items. That you can’t do financially. Play. And when you hit on something that feels like it clicks, figure out how to make it work on your budget and in your space!

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OUTDOORS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Outdoor Updates

we-answer-wednesday-outdoor-updates
“Spring is almost here! How can I re-vamp my outdoor décor without replacing everything I already own?”
 
 
Spring IS actually here – after a long winter, I think we’re all looking forward to enjoying our
outdoor living spaces to their fullest. There are many accessories and products available to create your outdoor oasis.. most may seem obvious, but changing up your colour palette, or the addition of just a few pieces will be a game changer!
 
                                                                                                   Photo credit CentsationalGirl.com

Outdoor Rugs

are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space whether it be your front porch sitting area, or as an area rug around your table, the addition of an outdoor rug brings colour, pattern and texture to your space! The added pop of interest will instantly refresh your exterior.
 

Pillows are a common upgrade when trying to refresh your home.

BUT, there are many colours, patterns, and textures to choose from, so in order to make a big impact, choose something different! We love mixing and matching colours and patterns, so try that! The carefully selected mixture of the two will give your backyard that designer feel!
 
Photo credit: horchow.com

Side Tables are more fun than ever!

There are so many great options, garden stools are still a super hot trend right now. They are available in so many colours, designs, textures and patterns! Adding a garden stool as a side table is a welcome addition to the back or front yard! With their compact size, this is a fabulous option for a balcony or a front porch with limited space. There are lots of different styles of side tables, the great thing about patio furniture is that it comes in SO many colours.
 

Planters/Plants

Greenery is always a welcome addition to any area. Having plants and flowers around is a mood booster for most, not to mention its just pretty to look at. Pairing colourful plants in a beautiful planter in various sizes is a
interesting way to make your backyard cozier.
 

If you’re worried about plants dying….

Try using fake plants in real planters. Fake plants have come a long way and there are many that you cant even tell aren’t real! Adding those in a planter or pot is a great alternative for the busy family, or someone who’s lacking in the “green thumb” department.

Chairs come in so many colours, shapes and sizes!

Chose what you love. The options are endless. Adding a few bright
colored Adirondack chairs with a fun pillow is a great spring/summer refresh. Depending on your budget, there are great lounge chairs, outdoor sofas and love seats that are a fun choice for backyard BBQs and get-togethers.

 
Accessories tie a space together both inside and outside. But adding accessories outdoor is pretty different than inside.

Here are a few accessory suggestions..

Outdoor String Lights
Lanterns
Candles
Outdoor Serveware
Outdoor Placements
Tablecloths
Happy spring!!!!
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