holidays at the lake Archives

Last Minute Lake-Inspired Gifts

Posted on December 10, 2020December 7, 2020 Camille Smith

The holidays are fast approaching and — let’s be honest — we’re still scrambling to find gifts for friends and family. However, just because a gift is last minute doesn’t mean it has to be impersonal and dull. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who loves the lake, there’s plenty of fun, celebratory presents that they’ll love. So, if you’re shopping in a pinch and aren’t sure what to do, check out this list of lake-inspired gifts!

Big Mouth Billy Bass

Over its many years of popularity, now in 2020, a Big Mouth Billy Bass mounted on the wall is a lake-house staple. And no, we’re not talking about a regular taxidermy fish. This entertaining vacation home accessory sings and moves his head when you press a red button at the bottom of the wall mount. Traditionally, Billy sings Bob Marley’s iconic hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Newer versions have added other songs to the repertoire, such as “I Will Survive” and “Take Me to the River.” As you introduce each lake house guest to this singing sensation, the fun doesn’t end!

“It’s Lake Time” Clock

In our daily lives, we’re continually keeping an eye on the time, trying to meet deadlines, and generally attempting to be productive. But being on the lake presents a rare opportunity to throw time out the window and relax. These “It’s Lake Time” clocks reflect this laid-back lifestyle through home decor. Instead of the traditional analog clock, the numbers are tossed aside, reminding everyone at home to take a step back and enjoy the lake. With this lake-inspired gift, charm takes precedence over functionality.

Lake Themed Ornaments

If your gift recipient typically puts up a Holiday tree every year, they’ll love a lake themed ornament. The best part about this gift is that you can customize it to fit their personality. Does your lake-dwelling friend have a sense of humor and enjoy fun, slightly cheesy decor? If so, they’d love this ornament featuring Santa and his reindeer enjoying drinks on a pontoon boat. Or rather, if your gift recipient prefers a simplistic style, try something like this rustic wooden ornament with a hand-painted duck swimming in a lake.

Lake Coordinates Flag

Your lake-dwelling friends will love this adorable gift from Zazzle to hang on their front porch. If your gift-planning isn’t too last minute, you can even customize the flag with their lake house’s coordinates to add a personal flare. The striped design features with a paddle insignia evoke a classic, nautical look that’s perfect for the lake. You can also print this same design onto a pillow, keychain, or koozie. Whichever gift you think will suit your lake-loving friend best!

Lake House Guest Book

Whether you have time to personalize it or not, your friend will appreciate a guest book for their lake house. It’s much more than just a coffee table book — it’s a chronicle of notes from anyone who’s enjoyed the home. Your friend will enjoy looking back on everyone’s messages (including yours) for years to come. Depending on your friend’s style, you can choose a sleek book with a textbook cover or a more casual spiral notebook. To make the gift more complete, include a nice pen or a set of fun, colorful pens like Muji. This way, guests will have their designated writing utensils to showcase their personal style.

We hope these lake-inspired gifts help your holiday shopping process this year!

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Lake Dwellers

Posted on November 21, 2020December 7, 2020 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of hipandhumblestyle via Instagram.

With the holiday season fast approaching, you’re probably thinking about gifts for your friends and family. And if you’re visiting our website, there’s a good chance you live on the lake or know someone who does. These odds are significantly higher during the pandemic when those with vacation homes on the lake live there full time. To help you decide on a gift for your lake-loving friends (or help you create a wish list if you live on the lake), we’ve created this ultimate gift guide. Check out our top 10 picks of gifts that lake dwellers will love!

A High-Quality Thermos

Although the lake lifestyle is typically relaxed, those with lake homes are often on-the-go. Excursions like boating, hiking, and fishing, can easily draw us off our property for an entire afternoon. To fit with this active life, any lake lover will appreciate a high-quality thermos like this Mountain Vacuum Coffee System. Nothing’s better than enjoying a cozy beverage while enjoying fun activities on the lake.

A Durable Cheese Board

Because a lake house is a second home, its kitchen is not always as well-stocked as a primary residence. As such, useful kitchen items could be part of this ultimate gift guide. In particular, a cheese board is perfect for hosting a holiday event like Thanksgiving or simply enjoying an afternoon treat for yourself.

A Personalized Towel Set

Personalized Towel Set by CanaryRoadHome via Etsy.

Most often, lake homeowners invest in quality towels for their primary residence and skimp on their lake house’s towels. Help them spruce up their kitchen or bath with this ultimate gift. Whether for the bath or kitchen, a personalized towel will make everyone feel right at home at the lake.

Nature-Scented Candles

Bringing the outdoors in is a popular trend in lake house designs. One way to accomplish this is through smell. Even when bad weather forces you inside, it’s great to be immersed in the scents of the outdoors. Candles also add an element of hygge to a lake house, evoking a sense of coziness for residents and guests.

A Pair of Binoculars

Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

According to the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service, over 45 million Americans engage in bird watching as a hobby. Many of these aviation enthusiasts are also lake homeowners. These bird-loving friends will appreciate a high-quality set of binoculars to view and identify different bird species up close.

A Watercolor Set

During the pandemic, many people are taking up new hobbies like painting and drawing. If you know a lake-lover with artistic potential, a watercolor set is an ultimate gift. Especially for new painters, watercolor is perfect for easing into the craft. Plus, who wouldn’t want to paint a gorgeous lake scene outside their back door?

A Magazine Subscription

If your lake-dwelling friends aren’t already receiving relevant magazines like Lake Living, consider getting them a subscription. This way, they can stay up-to-date with the latest trends, advice, and articles about the lake lifestyle. Check out these top subscriptions.

Polarized Sunglasses

If your friends enjoy fishing or boating, they’ll jump for joy when unwrapping a nice pair of polarized sunglasses. Often, these manufacturers design polarized lenses for outdoor sports. Brands like Rheos and Unsinkable Polarized are created to float in the water. What could be more tailored to lake living?

A Comfortable Beanie

Especially during the winter, your lake-dwelling friends will appreciate this ultimate gift — a comfortable hat. In particular, a beanie is multipurpose. You can dress it up when seeing friends, pair it with hiking gear for outdoor activities, or wear it with pajamas on your front porch. For inspiration, check out some of the top beanies for 2020.

An All-Inclusive Picnic Basket

As lake lovers, we enjoy having a meal outdoors, whether it’s a park, backyard, or hiking trail. Consider giving them an all-inclusive picnic basket to bring a little luxury to your friend’s next picnic. It doesn’t have to be from Williams-Sonoma, although they have an excellent option. There are plenty of picnic basket sets from which to choose!

A Cocktail Shaker Set

At the end of a long day exploring the great outdoors, we love to wind down with a homemade beverage. If your lake-dwelling friends enjoy a whiskey sour or gin and tonic as their drink of choice, they’ll appreciate a cocktail shaker set. Who says you can’t be your own bartender at the lake?

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During the Pandemic

Posted on November 13, 2020November 16, 2020 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

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

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!

Festive Fall and Winter Decorations For Lake Homes

Posted on December 16, 2014October 18, 2022 Glenn S. Phillips

Fall and Winter are great times to put out festive holiday decorations. A lake home is no different! Here are some tips and ideas to help bring your holiday style to the lake!

Warm Climates

If you live in a warmer climate, consider taking some Adirondack chairs out to the end of your dock and bring along a few bright red, yellow, or autumnal plaid throws to curl up in and watch the sun set. A few vintage lanterns on side tables to light the way make for a nice touch.

Consider dining in the open air with great views. Gone are the hot nights and the bugs that go with them. In are cool, pleasant nights just meant for weekend grilling get-togethers. Have some chairs set around the deck for people to sit in and visit, particularly if they are softly stuffed chairs.

A fire pit makes for a very welcoming add-on for crisp autumn nights. Tuck away outdoor speakers in planters and rock walls for surround sound music wherever your guests go. As for color schemes, think of soft neutrals like beiges, tans, or warm grays for fall.

Any Climate

Lights make for a lovely accent no matter what time of year it is, so don’t just save them for the winter holiday season. If you have any artificial trees or trees surrounding your deck, dot them with either hanging lights or wind strings of lights around the branches for a soft lighting accent.

If you are decorating for the holidays, think about metallic ornaments on trees near the water so they will reflect off the water and provide double the beauty, just make sure they are securely attached to the tree!

Along the path from the water up to your house is a great place to utilize landscape lighting to provide a gentle glow. A fall wreath on your door decked out in driftwood or fishing lures can be both festive and perfectly appropriate, especially when viewed from the lake.

Colder Climates

It might be appropriate to consider doing the majority of your fall and winter decorating indoors, to both protect your cherished items from being exposed to the elements, and to keep your guests warm and cozy at the same time.

Think about using small natural trees or artificial ones in guest rooms adorned with lights and small ornaments. Using white furniture in the guest room gives a brightness to even the coldest day as the light reflects off of it to illuminate the room.

Fire pits or fireplaces are great gathering centers for the season. Imagine serving warm cider after a day at the local football game, surrounded by all of the colors of leaves and the gentle ripples of the water.

Have some corn stalks set up in bunches around the area, and if you can get a hold of them, perhaps some hay bales draped in blankets to use as benches instead of regular ones. A bushel of apples nearby makes for great snacking as well as a colorful accent.

When it comes to fall decorating, let your imagination run free. Just think of what is appropriate to your area weather-wise and what makes sense in terms of local availability. Above all else, enjoy this relaxing time of the year at the lake with family and friends!