Tip of the Week: Lighten Up!

Spring is right around the corner, so lighten up!  The secret to lightening up your decor is in glassware.  Swap out your urns and ceramic or iron pieces for clear glass containers.  Mix and match your old florists' vases with simple glass hurricanes, candlesticks, and even high ball glasses right out of your kitchen cabinet.  Simple grocery store bouquets bring fresh inside on the cheap... or go the freebie route and use clippings from your own yard (or your neighbor's with permission!).  Any type of greenery or early spring blooms housed in glassware will instantly brighten your space.  My favorite is my Southern Living at HOME Hemingway Hurricane... it holds everything from a fresh bouquet to our collection of corks from celebratory bottles of wine or champagne.  I never have to worry about it "working" in my decor-- it's like a little black dress: perfect for every occasion.

Oh, and don't forget the importance of clean windows!  Winter's buildup of dust, water spots, and grime can minimize how much daylight gets in.  The benefits of daylight and sunshine to the human spirit are well-documented.  It energizes us!  Squeeze every ray of sunshine you can out of these late winter and early spring days and let it flood your home with new energy.