Tag: christmas

DIY Holiday Lake House Decor

Posted on Lacey Spear
Christmas tree at a lake home in a living room decorated for the holidays.
Photo Courtesy of Styled With Lace

Contributing Author: Madeline May

No matter how fast-paced and automated our world gets, there’s something about the holidays that makes us want to take it slow and go the homemade route. Whether you’re making grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe or creating your own garland, you can’t replace the feeling of doing it from scratch. Of course, you could go buy these items from the store and save some time and effort. But imagine your family and guests visiting for the holidays. You are sharing the joy of the season together—and perhaps cups of apple cider or hot cocoa. Then they look over at your pumpkin centerpiece or handmade wreath and ask, “Wow, where did you get that?” And you respond, “Oh no, I made that.” If this is your idea of an ideal holiday, check out our top picks for DIY holiday decor!

Pretty and Pumpkin

DIY pumpkin centerpiece, made from pine cones and a variety of fall stems.
Photo Courtesy of A Pumpkin & A Princess

Crisp fall leaves, bright berries, soft flowers, textured pine cones, and a smooth pumpkin—this centerpiece is the epitome of the fall season. Plus, you can add variations to it throughout the season to adapt it to any holiday gathering. It’s the ideal finishing touch to your autumn table setting.

Materials

  • Styrofoam block
  • Fall stems
  • Faux pumpkin
  • Hot glue

Instructions

Using a knife, cut the top stem off your pumpkin. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit your styrofoam inside. Glue the styrofoam inside of the pumpkin, then arrange your fall stems inside. For variations and more pumpkin centerpiece ideas, visit A Pumpkin & A Princess.

Thankful and Timeless

DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece with fall stems and a sign that reads "thankful."
Photo Courtesy of Eighteen25

The holidays are a time to set aside our everyday stresses and remember the reasons we have to be thankful. With playful fall stems and an elegant script, this DIY holiday mantelpiece will complement any decor style. Plus, it will remind guests of the real meaning of the season.

Materials

  • 18” x 27” embroidery hoop
  • Mustard spray paint
  • Fall stems
  • Sign
  • Hot glue

Instructions

First, spray paint your embroidery hoop and allow it ample time to dry. Then, glue your stems around the sides near the base. Secure your finished hoop on the mantel, then place your sign in front. Enjoy your new mantelpiece!

Classy and Chic

DIY holiday wreath filled with pine cones, lights, and greenery.
Photo Courtesy of A Piece of Rainbow

Pine cones are a great way to bring the outdoors in and emphasize the winter season while still granting your lake home a timeless aura. This pine cone wreath complements numerous decor styles, from farmhouse to modern. Plus, you can customize it to go with your fall, Thanksgiving, winter, or Christmas decor. Talk about a four-in-one!

Materials

  • A 14″ wire wreath
  • Door wreath hanger (optional)
  • Hot glue and hot glue sticks
  • Battery-powered LED fairy string lights
  • 60-75 pinecones, sorted into 3 even groups of large, medium, and small

Instructions

First, wrap the wreath form with twine until it is completely covered (this will help the glue stick). Next, glue the large pine cones to the outside ring of the wreath form. Then glue the medium pine cones to the next circle, closer to the center. Finally, glue the small pine cones on the most inward ring of the wreath. Creative variations include adding evergreen cuttings, red berries, string lights, and more. For more details, check out A Piece of Rainbow.

Repurposed and Rustic

DIY hanging Christmas tree, made from repurposed wood and rustic ornaments.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest / Julie DIY Darlin’

Do you love putting a twist on an old classic? This DIY holiday tree can serve as a unique alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, and its rustic look wonderfully complements the lake home aesthetic. Plus, you can use sticks and logs from your own backyard to create the tree, making it an eco-friendly option.

Materials

  • 7 Silver Birch logs (30-40 mm diameter)
  • 6 meters of jute rope
  • Ornaments

Instructions

Arrange the logs in a tree shape and keep space between them. Knot the middle of your rope onto the top log. Then, keeping it taut, tie it onto every log at the ends of the log, forming a triangle. Hang your tree onto the wall and add your ornaments and decorations.

Expensive and Elegant

Elegant DIY Christmas garland, filled with gold embellishments and ribbon in front of a living room with a Christmas tree inside.
Photo Courtesy of Magnolia Lane

Calling this garland expensive might seem like a misnomer since you can create it for a low price. However, when your lake home guests take in its sparkle, elegance, and glam, they will hardly think it was crafted on a budget. Although it looks complex, this Christmas garland is quite easy to make and will transform your home into a mini Hallmark movie in no time.

Materials

Instructions

First, spread your garland out on the floor. Secure all your embellishments to the garland by using wired wood picks. Then, wrap the ribbon around the garland. Feel free to wire some loops together and cut shorter pieces to tuck into certain sections. Leave some ribbon hanging on each end. Secure to the wall with two large anchor hooks and some command strips on the side. For more details, visit 11 Magnolia Lane.

We hope these pieces enhance your holiday gatherings with friends and family. Cheers to all things merry and bright—and from our lake home to yours, Happy DIY Holidays!

Best Winter Lake Vacation Destinations

Posted on Lacey Spear
Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota pictured next to a snowy frozen lake and a pink sunset.
Photo Courtesy of iStock | Posnov

So far in our vacation destination series, we have covered the best lakes for relaxation, outdoor enthusiasts, and shopaholics. But now, as sunny rays give way to snowflake days, it’s time to talk about the best winter lake vacation destinations. These top locations not only provide stunning snowy views but also host winter festivals and offer various outdoor activities. So get the family together, grab your coziest coat, and get ready to begin your unforgettable winter adventure!

Lake Superior, Minnesota/Michigan/Wisconsin

Photo Courtesy of MPR News

Since Lake Superior touches three states—Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin—it offers an incredibly wide range of winter lake activities. However, if you had to choose only a few things to do, the sandstone caves at Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands should be at the top of the list. Showcasing picturesque frozen waterfalls and streams, the area is a true winter wonderland. Then, after you soak in these views, you can attend the famous Ice Festival, featuring kids’ activities, ice sculptures, MIRA Ice Racing, fireworks, and a snow slide. Or, if you happen to be on the Michigan side of the lake, you can hop over to Marquette, which hosts major skiing events and a dog sled race in January.

Lake Morey, Vermont

Ice sculpture of several roses in a vase on Lake Morey in Vermont.
Photo Courtesy of Only In Your State

Unlike Lake Superior, Lake Morey is relatively low profile. So, it’s the ideal lake for relaxing and getting away from the fast pace of city life. Moreover, Lake Morey is a wintry paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of family-friendly adventures and activities. If you’re feeling gutsy, you can skate the entire length of the 4.5-mile lake, or you can conquer the longest Nordic skating trail in the nation. Other fun winter activities include the Holiday Market, pond hockey, and sledding. And perhaps the pinnacle of winter on Lake Morey, the beloved Carnival weekend features night skating, entertainment, snow sculpture contests, lakeside dining, and more.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Ice castles lit up by red, green, blue, and purple lights situated on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin.
Photo Courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lake Geneva may be far from Switzerland, but its views rival Europe. To soak in this scenery, hikers can take a brisk winter walk along the 23-mile shoreline path. Additionally, Lake Geneva’s January Winterfest is an iconic event, attracting travelers from all across the nation. Visitors can view incredible ice sculptures at the National Snow Sculpting Championship and visit the eccentric ice caves on the lake. Moreover, if they enjoy winter sports, they can go sledding, ice fishing, or ziplining. Lake Geneva also offers many relaxing activities, such as indoor igloo dining and stellar spas.

Maroon Lake, Colorado

Photo Courtesy of David Krause via The Aspen Times

Situated ten miles from Aspen, Maroon Lake features idyllic winter landscapes. Reflecting the 14,000-foot snowy peaks above, the lake is the perfect place to capture a seasonal family photo. Although Maroon Lake is not accessible via roadways during the winter, visitors can ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to the area. Additionally, nearby Aspen provides plenty of opportunities to get into the winter spirit. The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster winds through the forests and can go up to 28 miles per hour. Individuals can control their own cars along the track, granting them the sensation of skiing without the exertion or risk. Aspen also offers tranquil hiking tours and dogsledding endeavors.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Winterfest at Lake Chelan, featuring a cozy snowy town and fireworks over the lake.
Photo Courtesy of Only In Your State

If a snow globe came to life, it would be winter at Lake Chelan. With the Northern Cascade Mountains as its magnificent backdrop and crisp glacier-fed waters, the lake features Washington’s finest winter views. Only nine miles from downtown Chelan, Echo Valley showcases 70 acres of terrain and offers snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and x-country runs. Additionally, Lake Chelan’s Winterfest is an unparalleled seasonal attraction. Featuring remarkable ice sculptures, impressive fireworks, the infamous ice bar, sledding, and live music, Winterfest will transform your vacation into an unforgettable experience.

Now you know about the best winter lake vacation destinations. So don’t just stand there frozen—go out and have the snowy getaway of your dreams!

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During the Pandemic

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of @photomasha_symchych via Twenty20.

During the holidays, we often write on the Lake Homes Realty blog about hosting. From hosting a game day event during football season to inviting guests for Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered.

Our interest in hosting is because we understand the importance of sharing your lake house with friends and family. With stunning views of nature, more outdoor space, and generally cozy vibes, it’s a perfect venue for hosting.

Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we can’t celebrate the holidays in the same way. The CDC is recommending small gatherings, wearing masks, and minimizing travel. So, we have to get creative. This holiday season, try some of these social distancing friendly alternatives at your lake house!

Zoom Holiday Dinner

Photo courtesy of Proflowers.com.

Since the pandemic began, loneliness has been on the rise. Since indoor dinner parties with out-of-town guests are no longer an option, we’re feeling the lack of connection more acutely this holiday season.

However, thanks to technology, Zoom dinner parties are “a next-best” alternative. You can send a video chat invitation to multiple guests for Thanksgiving, and everyone can join from their dinner tables. You can even do activities like “show and tell,” where each guest gets a chance to show off their cooking skills for the evening.

If your guests do not all know each other, utilize Zoom’s “breakout rooms” feature to enable your guests’ side conversations. 

Host a Small Group Outdoors

Photo courtesy of @beachbumledford via Twenty20.

According to experts, spending time with others outdoors (and with a mask) presents a lower risk for catching and transmitting COVID than indoor gatherings. Outdoor events are where lake houses have an advantage.

There’s usually plenty of outdoor space to celebrate the holidays at the lake! Utilize the backyard of your lake home to create a venue for a socially distant gathering. If it’s chilly outside, center several chairs six feet apart around a heater or fire pit. You can encourage guests to bring blankets to stay warm! 

If you host an in-person gathering, it’s an excellent opportunity to decorate your backyard. String lights, tablecloths, and a bar cart can evoke a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. You can even set up a speaker outside for some background music!

Online Gift Exchange

Photo courtesy of @Anikona_ via Twenty20.

Of course, Secret Santa is not the same virtually. There’s no pool of wrapped gifts in the center of the floor, and countless thank-you hugs as gifts are exchanged among friends and family.

Just because we’re far apart doesn’t mean the celebration has to end. It’s still possible to host a gift exchange online! Just be sure to plan ahead of time. Using a website like Sneaky Santa or Elfster, enter each participant’s name into the drawing. Once each person has been assigned a Secret Santa, allow plenty of time for mailed gifts.

After everyone’s mail has been received, host a Zoom event for each member to reveal their gifts and guess their Secret Santa. To make the event more celebratory, ask your guests to wear their favorite holiday sweater! 

Virtual Costume Party

Photo courtesy of Southern Vines.

Although Halloween has already come and gone, you can still host a fun costume party for another upcoming holiday like New Years Eve. Whether it’s a costume party (and contest) or another fun theme that you choose, everyone can show off their fun outfits. Consider hosting it over Zoom or another video chatting platform for New Year’s Eve. This could be the year to begin some new traditions.

At Lake Homes Realty, we understand how tough it is to navigate hosting at your lake house during the pandemic. However, we hope these tips help you to stay as connected to your loved ones as possible during the holiday season! 

Evergreen Ideas: Five Tips for Bringing the Outdoors In This Winter

Posted on Camille Smith
Evergreen trees on lake with cloudy sky over mountains

What do the names arborvitae, white pine, fir, cedar, and cypress have in common? Depending on the region of the U.S. where you live, these are evergreen trees you might find outside the window of your lake house. At a time of year, when dreary skies are typical, these trees evoke a sense of comfort and warmth. They also can inspire holiday decorations such as wreaths and garlands that invite a sense of cheer into your home. As a general trend, lake homeowners often look for ways to bring the outdoors in.

Incorporating elements from the great outdoors into every room of your house is a great way to establish a rustic, comfortable feel. In keeping with this theme, incorporating evergreen plants into your décor is sure to bring a little extra brightness to your lake house this season. Further, according to David Ewart, director of Pavilion Broadway, “an increasing number of studies show that houseplants, flowers, and foliage improve our physical and mental environment by reducing our stress levels, encouraging relaxation and making us feel closer with nature.” So, for the sake of your tranquility, we have some tips for incorporating natural elements by bringing the outdoors into your lake house décor this Winter.

Wreaths and Garlands

A great thing about these decorations is that they can work in any area of the home. Whether you hang an evergreen wreath around your entry mirror or wrap a garland down the banister of the stairs, they are sure to liven any room. It’s also an easy DIY project. Stephanie Plymale, CEO of Portland-based Heritage School of Interior Design comments that you can “utilize leftover branches from the base of your Christmas tree or cut fresh evergreen branches from around your neighborhood. We recommend shaping your wreath around a wire base and using a natural burlap to complete the look.”

Branches

Tree branches as winter decoration
Photo courtesy of Made In a Day.

Although the vibrant, dark green color of evergreen leaves is enticing, don’t forget about the branches too. Even without the foliage aspect, branches can make great decorations by themselves. If you have small branch pieces, home décor blogger Jeneva Aaron recommends repurposing a vintage mason jar as a vase set on an end table with evergreen branches inside. “Depending on how long winter lasts in your area, you might have to swap out the branches from time to time because they’ll dry out,” she notes. “However, this is such an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your lake house during wintertime.” Kathie Emhof, a Buffalo New York-based interior designer with Transitions Home Staging Designs, also recommends incorporating branches into your look, especially driftwood and birch branches. For the latter, she recommends placing greenery behind them and tying them in a bow to dress up the house. For tips on incorporating driftwood into your décor, check out this article from our website.  

Accent Pieces

Evergreen sprigs as accent pieces in DIY vase
Photo courtesy of A Piece of Rainbow.

Not all of your winter evergreen decorations need to be large wreaths or branches. Small accent pieces can go a long way to increase a room’s vibrancy. As another way to bring the outdoors in, Plymale recommends cutting small trimmings of evergreen plants and grouping these in mason jars with sprigs of cranberries and twigs. She also suggests adding fresh evergreen swags to bookcases or mantels. “You may opt to mix in cranberries or holly for a more traditional holiday look or leave pure evergreens for understated elegance,” she offers. If you need an accent piece for a coffee table or end table, you can place small pieces of evergreen plants on table trays. Emhof adds, “on my coffee table I have a wooden tray with ornaments and use evergreens as a filler. It looks pretty and festive.”

Flowers

Dried hydrangeas on mantle christmas decor
Photo courtesy of House and Garden.

Although flowers may be the last word that we’d associate with the middle of Winter, they are certainly not off-limits for your decorating this time of year. One method of incorporating flowers into your December décor is by drying them. Emhof specifically comments that “dried hydrangeas look spectacular in your house in the Wintertime, and they typically fade to a pink, purple, or golden color.” You can also include a combination of dried plants and lowlight house plants such as amaryllis or an orchid in your arrangements. The bright pop of red or purple, depending on the flower you choose, will signal to your guests that Spring is just around the corner.

Scents

Christmas stove potpourri
Photo courtesy of A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.

Immediately after hanging up a freshly cut garland, that comforting smell will waft through your house. To enhance this homey scent that is a hallmark of the holiday season, Plymale advises making a simmering potpourri. She instructs, “In a large pot of water, simmer evergreen clippings, fresh orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks for a DIY holiday diffuser.” There’s also nothing wrong with choosing a holiday candle to mimic this warm Winter scent. Whichever you choose, you’ll be bringing the outdoors in by appealing to more than one of the five senses.

We hope these tips help inspire your green thumb, even in the middle of December!

Merry Christmas 2017 from Lake Homes Realty!

Posted on Staff

Merry Christmas from all the team at Lake Homes Realty!

 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a record-breaking year at Lake Homes Realty.

May your holiday season be filled with joy and laughter, family and friends, and good times at your favorite lake!

Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5 Tips on Hosting for the Holidays

Posted on Staff

Getting ready for the holidays can be fun, but it can also become stressful if you have too much on your mind.

Whether you plan to throw a family party, or just have the house become more festive for sporadic guests who tend to “pop in” to spread a little holiday cheer, there are some things you’ll want to consider when hosting for the holidays.

1. Look ahead and be prepared

If you are hosting the biggest holiday bash or waiting for friends and family to pop in, it’s best to get an idea of what to expect. For the more formal parties, make sure to create a guest list.

holidays;hosting

If you’re only expecting Aunt Peggy and Uncle Bob to make an appearance to your house, and maybe you heard that your long lost sister from the other side of the country is going to be in town, keep a running a list of all your “potentials”.

This will give you a running tally so you are more prepared. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

2. Take inventory, buy items early, and stock up

Whether you are preparing for the entire family to come to the house or just a few people, begin buying the things you need early, especially specialty items. During the holiday season you’d be surprised how many people are looking for the same items you are. Get it early.

If you know many of your guests drink wine, order the bottles well in advance. There is no better feeling than knowing you have everything you need to enjoy the holidays before they actually happen. This includes buying your turkey early.

If you plan to do any cooking, make sure you have all the necessary pots and cutlery. Nothing worse than having to head to the store in the middle of the night so you can buy the proper size pan to cook that fancy dish.

3. Clear Clutter and Rearrange

Free up coat racks, closets, shoe racks, etc, so guests can have first dibs. It’s fine to keep your winter boots, a coat, hat, and scarf placed by the door but take all the extras that collected there over the past year to another closet. Last thing you want to do is be running around making room for guests to hang their winter stuff.

If you are planning a party, this will become even more important. You may need to designate an area to drape dozens of coats if it becomes a big group.

4. Prepare for seating

Of course this will be more important for hosting large numbers of guests, but even if you are expecting friends to occasionally pop-in, make sure there is enough seating that is comfortable.

Often times this is overlooked and it’s easy to make guests feel like they are intruding by making them stand while you shuffle clutter off the old sofa and shove everything in the back of a closet. If you are hosting a meal, make sure you have enough seats and eating spots.

5. Think safety

Lastly, think about safety issues. Again, hosting a large crowd can become a liability but it’s never a bad time to think about safety even if it’s just a few of you. For instance, keep cleaning products in the bathroom out of reach of children.

Keep glassware and fragile knickknacks safely pushed back from any edges and are away from harming anyone. It’s also pretty to show-off your festive candles but make sure they are situated in safe areas.

But most importantly, leave room to have fun!

For more tips about celebrating the holidays at your lake home, read our “Tips for Celebrating Christmas on the Lake” article.

Tips for Celebrating Christmas on the Lake

Posted on Staff

lighted Christmas tree over the water at sunsetFamilies everywhere are planning for the holiday season.

If you own a lake home, it can be a beautiful Christmas getaway for you, your friends and your loved ones.

Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah or any other holiday, here are some tips to help you get ready for a fun, relaxing holiday at your lake home.

Getting started

Invite guests well in advance. A group email or online invitation can help with this.

Keep track of who will be spending the night, and when they will arrive.

For overnight guests, plan sleeping arrangements ahead of time. For example, older family members might not appreciate climbing the stairs to an upstairs bedroom, while children can often share rooms.

A warm, inviting fireplace can get anyone in the holiday spirit. Clean out any wood-burning fireplaces, and remember to open the damper before lighting.

Be sure to send directions ahead of time to any first-time guests. Many lake properties are situated in secluded, rural areas with limited cell phone or GPS service.

It’s cold outside! People often underestimate the chill of a lake in the fall. Packing a few extra blankets, jackets and sweatshirts can help everyone stay cozy.

Planning the menu

This is one of the biggest expenses of a family gathering.

Whether you go potluck or bring everything yourself, be sure to plan ahead! Coordinating with your family members can save you hours of work.

If you don’t live at your lake home, make sure you can either transport the food safely, or have a reliable grocery store nearby.

Remember that many stores close, or close early, on Christmas Eve, and don’t open again until the Dec. 26! Raw meat, such as a Christmas turkey, should always be kept in a cooler if it’s being transported more than 30 minutes.

The big dinner is important, but remember to plan for all the other meals, too!

Breakfast foods, coffee, snacks and other essentials are also necessary. Tupperware or other storage containers are a great idea, too, especially if you have a large family.

If you don’t love the idea of cooking a huge meal, consider ordering a turkey or ham from a nearby market or grocery store.

Ordered in advance, these can usually be picked up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

You Shouldn’t Have… Planning for Unexpected Gifts

If you plan to exchange Christmas gifts, be sure to let everyone know ahead of time!

Remember, many younger families, especially those with children, cannot afford to buy gifts for everyone at a large gathering. Today, many families choose not to exchange gifts, or limit their gift-giving to the children or grandchildren.

Others minimize things with the time-honored “Secret Santa” method. That way, everyone can concentrate on what’s important – spending time with those they care about.

If you do exchange gifts, make sure there is a place to store all the presents! Even if you don’t have a Christmas tree, a spot near the fireplace, well away from the flames, can work just as well. Or you can make a mountain of gifts on the dining room table!

Having some wrapping paper and tape on hand can be a real life saver. After the kids have gone to bed, wrapping gifts over a bottle of wine is a great way to close out Christmas Eve.

What to do, what to do…

So the big day has come, dinner is finished, and all the gifts are unwrapped. What comes next, other than digesting?

If you’re looking for things to do, chances are there are plenty of activities near your lake home!

Even though it’s too cold to go swimming, you can still enjoy the local community attractions. Check the community calendar in the weeks beforehand for Christmas parades, plays and other family-friendly events.

If it’s not too cold, a walk around the lake is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Or maybe a game of touch football?

Board games, looking through family albums and watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” are time-honored traditions, too. And there’s nothing quite like watching a winter sunset over the lake from behind a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Whether you’re planning a huge family gathering or a romantic getaway for two, we wish you a happy holiday season and a happy new year.

Be sure to check out our Hosting for the Holidays article for more tips this celebration season.