Recycled wood is a great option to use, because you can easily seal it and it will last for a very long time. Natural stone tiles are another option to use, along with recycled glass and plastic tiles that look like the real thing. If you are able to install the flooring on your own that’s great, but if your unsure then get the help of a professional. Once you tear the old flooring and boards out of the home you’ll want to make sure you take it to a local recycling center so its thrown away, broken down and treated properly.

You don’t have to go overboard with the farm animals, but by adding a couple of cows or roosters you can really tie the country look of your home together. These don’t have to be cartoon looking cows, but maybe more sophisticated and contemporary looking options. Baskets in different rooms of the house, along with cloth curtains and a picture of a farmhouse on the wall. Things in the country are often made of cotton not silk, so remember that and you’ll be fine.

Today we will decorate our table for the festival of lights! Cover your table with a dark blue table cloth. Next, take a large platter and smoothly cover it with silver wrapping paper or foil. Place your menorah on this platter so that when lit, the light reflects back up casting a beautiful glow through the room. Using a silver or white paper, cut the star of David out in multiple sizes and place it on the table around the platter.

At each place setting, layer dark blue and white dishes for each person. Use metallic colored beads to string napkin rings for each place setting to add to the glitter of the lights. Place gold covered chocolate coins in each child’s place as is traditional with the holiday. Mold additional coins out of white chocolate for dessert and place them on either side of the platter in a metallic dish to add to the elegance. These decorations are sure to add to celebration!

We may choose to decorate with a theme of certain colors or certain items to make our decorations more appealing. For example, you could use pine cones decorated with red or green bows added to table runners of similar colors to decorate with a nature theme. Or maybe you might prefer to decorate using special Christmas plates along with matching candles as centerpieces for a more contemporary theme.

The first thing you will need to do is to choose what your decorating theme will be, and then you will need to decide how you want to decorate the table. Think about what colors you want, and even who your guest will be can help you determine your theme. If you are going to have a lot of children, a Santa theme would be good, but if it is mostly adults another theme might be better. Your table will be beautiful.

If you have traditional drapes with a channel at the top for the rod, take out the rod and add metal grommets to the channel. Buy a nice quality drapery rod and re-hang your drapes using the new rod. Your drapes will have a new look now that they are hung on a new rod with metal grommets.

Another option if you sew or know someone who sews is to look for a complementary fabric to add to the border of your old drapes. Make the border about one-quarter of the length of the old drapes. Stitch on the new border and re-hang them. Your home should feel refreshed with its new more sophisticated windows.

Using fabric can make a difference. Try a covered cornice over the window with fabric that matches the drapes or at least complements the draperies. Add sheers to create a well dressed window and a very new look.

Fabric can be used to make valances as well. They also add sophistication to a window. A draped valance that has trim attached like fringe or soutache that can be repeated in the tiebacks is best. Make tailored tiebacks with the same trim to finish the look.

Yet another option for changing the look of your drapes is adding new drapery panels that are complementary with your old drapes. Hang the panels together and watch how this simple addition changes the entire look of your windows. When you glance at your windows they will have a new more interesting appearance.

Whether you select a new border for your drapes or new valances, altering the look of your drapes simly requires a little ingenuity. Add drapery panels, add a cornice or add sheers. In no time your windows will be transformed with a very different look.