{"id":53651,"date":"2016-12-01T10:23:20","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T15:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=53651"},"modified":"2016-12-01T10:47:40","modified_gmt":"2016-12-01T15:47:40","slug":"holidays-clever-hacks-household-items","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/holidays-clever-hacks-household-items\/","title":{"rendered":"Home for the Holidays: Clever Hacks with Household Items"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting your home ready for the holidays goes beyond hanging a stocking or trimming a tree. With family and friends spending extra time together, why not create a feeling of coziness around the house? The Danes have a word for this warm winter mood: \u201c<\/em>hygge\u201d (pronounced \u201d<\/em>hooga\u201d). This word loosely translates to taking pleasure in soothing things and enjoying a comforting, warm atmosphere at home with loved ones. There are many ways to get in the spirit, without spending a lot. Here are our favorite \u201choliday hacks\u201d using common household items.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"bhgrelife.comDisplay Your Good Cheer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you have a gallery wall in a hallway or gathering room, greet your guests with this easy decor hack: Swap out the photos or artworks in the frames with some in a seasonal spirit. Use colorful greeting cards saved from years past, treasured holiday photos or photos of friends, kids\u2019 winter drawings or snowflake cut-outs, bits of wrapping paper, or festive words!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"bhgrelife.comRoll Out The Fun<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cold weather calls for indoor activities\u2014it\u2019s the perfect opportunity to gather the gang together for a night of games or movies. If you\u2019ve got a bar cart, turn it into a mobile command center and wheel the fun anywhere. Load it with your favorite board games or movies! Stock it with snacks like fresh popcorn, festive cookies, or hot cocoa. You can decorate it with a mini potted tree, garland for a festive flair, or add chalkboard sign.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"bhgrelife.comWonder at Winter\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n


\n<\/strong>Bring a little holiday magic into any room with a glowing\u00a0snowy scene on a mantle, shelf, or tabletop. Collect an assortment of candles, lanterns, strings of lights, holiday-themed salt and pepper shakers, figurines, or even small toys. Nestle your festive items among \u201csnow drifts\u201d made of cotton or a piece of white fabric to craft a fun display (be sure to use non-flammable LED candles or electric lights or wax warmers for safety).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"bhgrelife.comShare The Warmth<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hosting a holiday meal? Here\u2019s a way to make it even more memorable! Personalize inexpensive ornaments and hang them on the back of chairs to mark each place in lieu of traditional place cards. Guests can keep them for their own holiday d\u00e9cor and remember the special time you spent together. Add on a cozy fleece throw at each place for loved ones to take home at the end of the evening\u2014you\u2019ll warm their hearts and keep them toasty all winter long.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"bhgrelife.comEnd on a High Note<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For a fancy finish to a dinner party, buffet, or open house, serve sweets from an elevated dessert station presentation. Stack small plates on top of overturned bowls on larger plates to create a tiered effect. Raise a dish on a pedestal made from a pillar candle holder, or layer a small plate on top of another larger plate in a contrasting pattern. Mix and match holiday themes and colors, if you have them. This display isn\u2019t just a pleasing aesthetic\u2014the goodies will be even easier to reach!<\/p>\n

Inspired by the hacks you see here? All of these products are from the affordable Better Homes and Gardens collection at Walmart. Visit www.walmart.com\/betterhomesandgardens<\/a> for these and other beautiful holiday items for your home!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"