When to buy?

Throughout my blog I reference many different sales I have taken advantage of. I thought I would give a few tips for those who are thinking of starting a new seasonal decor theme or want to modifying their existing inventory.

Usually, the absolute best prices will be after the season to buy for the following year. I have been fortunate to get 70-90% off many of my items. Of course, the risk you run waiting that long is what you really want may be out of stock and not return the following year.

If you don’t want to risk it, there is still no need to pay full price. I recommend you search your favorite stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Zgallerie, Frontgate, Horchow, Afloral, Pottery Barn, Christmas Central, or any other retailers. Know what you are interested in. Register online and put things in your basket or save them to a wishlist. Then, check back regularly for current sales. I always look for coupons for additional savings or free shipping. Be sure to check and see if you qualify for senior discounts, too or customer rewards.

For example, I was not totally satisfied with my floral arrangement on the Great Room mantel. I looked around my favorite places and found Michaels had what I wanted. Better yet, they were on sale and I qualify for the senior discount (yes, I said it)!

I purchased two stems of two branch types. I fluffed the branches, held them in my hand (two in the center and one on each side), placed the feather stems (I already had in the previous arrangement) around the base, and secured the bundle with a tie. I then took out the existing greenery bundle, leaving the sunflowers in place. I simply stuck the new bunch into the center. Voila! Updated and done! It took me all of about five minutes.

Here is the Before and After:

I felt the greenery was too dominating and distracting from the rest of the elements in this look. I also wanted a little more cohesiveness to the theme, the color scheme, with the large leafy branches on the nearby chest, and the acorn branches in the dining room cornucopia arrangements. (see Bountiful Harvest for more pictures of this look.) I did also move around a couple glass pumpkins to give more height balance and added an orange book to the pile.

I want to remind you of my long ago Tip. To keep an elevated look, you need to have some of your main floral stems of higher quality, especially those that will be viewed up close and personal. In this small arrangement, the stems and feathers are from Michaels, but the large sunflowers are from Pier1 (of the good ole’ days). These higher quality stems can be found at the other stores I listed above.

I made one last tweak to my look and added another pillow! I love it – What do you think?

Start looking now to see where you can create a new look or update what you have. And take advantage of savings when you can!