"home" for the holidays

Custom Design for HYD by The Happy Envelope

Ms. Angelou was really onto something when she penned the above quote. As we have reflected on it, we've thought not only of the many clients we've been fortunate to serve this past year, but of our own living situations as well.

Each of us have our own challenges to create "home" in the places in which we live. You may not own your home, you may have to share your home with roommates that aren't family, your home may be temporary, it may be smaller than you need, or you may be in just the right spot. Whatever the circumstances, home is where you happen to be. It's the place where family & friends can gather, it's the place where you can cook breakfast in your PJs, or maybe it's just the place you can find some quiet. 

Home doesn't have to look a certain way or be a specific place, it is much more of a feeling, a "place" we create as we tend what we have.

This year, I (taryn) have moved from my home of 9 years that my husband, his dad, & several friends, & I had spent countless hours making our home. It was not an easy place to say goodbye to. So many wonderful memories were made there, first baby steps, countless birthdays of family & friends, wedding celebrations, showers, rich & meaningful conversations, Christmases, Easter brunches, Halloweens, the list could go on forever. Now as we live in a temporary home that is filled with someone else's furniture, kitchen gadgets, and home decor, I have grieved the loss of the place we loved so much. I have also celebrated these people I get to share a roof with in ways that I never did living in our former home. I've had to let go of how my home looks and, instead, clung to how my home feels. 

So, as you reflect on the idea of home this holiday season, I encourage you to go a little deeper than home just being a certain scent or even sitting on your couch. This holiday season our family has neither familiar smells or our own couch to sit on, yet we're home because it's where we are. It's where we're having conversations that matter, we're snuggling, sharing meals, we're trying to listen well, love hard, and show up each day. Honestly, I wouldn't trade this season for the world. I wouldn't have asked for it, but this chapter of our family's life will shape all 5 of us in ways we never could have been shaped had we not left 1983 Maplewood Drive. 

styling your guest bedroom

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday drawing near, some of the most important and special moments are spending that time with friends and family. HYD is here to help you pull together your guest bedroom so your guests are sure to feel right at home.

Some great simple items to add include:

1. Throw: It doesn't matter if it's folded up nicely or draped over the bed, an extra throw is sure to keep them cozy & warm.
2. Good Book: Something that showcases your personality and makes your guest feel extra welcomed.
3. Table Lamp: Table lamps not only make a statement in a guest bedroom, but also provide your guest with enough or as little light as they may need.
4. Coasters: Not only can coasters double as a pretty accent for your bedside tables, they will also protect them.
5. Candle: Keep the room smelling great with you favorite scent!
6. Tooth Brush: Just in case they forget theirs!
7. Hand Cream: It is winter after all.
8. Wifi Sign: For ease of access & right at their fingertips for any device they may have with them.
9. Notepad: It's always handy to have a notepad to jot down notes. Don't forget the pen!
10. Fresh Flowers: Succulents are great options, as they require minimal care, but you can never go wrong with fresh flowers. You may also be able to walk into your backyard and pull together an arrangement. 

Whether your guest bedroom is fully decked out, or as minimal as they come, welcoming your guest with open arms never goes out of style. 

Shopping with conscience this Holiday Season

Are you having trouble this holiday season finding the right gift for a loved one? It can be hard to find well made and meaningful gifts while on a budget but we have compiled a few ideas and along with a list of some of our new favorite shops to help you with those last minute gifts on your list.

Over at HYD we are trying to adopt a few new shopping practices...

1. We are learning to buy less but to buy better.

2. We are working on curbing our impulsive purchases and implementing the discipline of saving up for items that will last longer, are better quality, are made ethically, and are ultimately more meaningful.

With those things in mind, here are a few shops we have stumbled across recently that fit our broader vision. Keep reading to see our top picks from each shop.

1. Spartan Shop 

Japanese Cloth Napkins

Wooden Walking Elephant Toy

Black amber and turquoise pocket knife

2. The Citizenry

hand crafted Mexican glassware

Apron

Ceramic Pitcher

3. Lost and Found

Brass and leather key chain

Bud vase collection

Mama cat and Kitten finger puppets

4. More & Co.

Jams and Marmalade made in Maine

city scape puzzle

throw blanket made in the USA

5. Rala

Downtown Knoxville tote bag

Farmers Market baseball tee

National Park explorers guide

If you would prefer not to purchase a physical item as a gift we have ideas for that as well!

-Consider making a donation in someones honor to a Gatlinburg relief fund to help victims of the tragic fire in our very own Smokey Mountains

-Purchase tickets for a play, musical or concert to give as an experiential gift

-Plan a dinner date to the restaurant of a loved ones choice and make a home made certificate saying "dinner's on me".

-Give the gift of organization and purchase a Help You Dwell Gift card for a friend or family member.

hosting for the holidays

Image from Remain Simple blog.

21 days til Thanksgiving! That reality might cause you excitement, panic or any feeling in between. We want to encourage a spirit of "intentionality" instead of "perfection" this holiday season. Think about being a guest in your own home this year: what do you notice, how did you feel, what was the focus? We're sharing a few practical and thoughtful ideas to create an intentional holiday gathering this week. 

Intention: your guests will see it, taste it, feel it and enjoy it. 

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While there are so many moving pieces to coordinate for the Thanksgiving meal to be ready, one thing you can have prepared ahead of time for guests to enjoy upon arrival is a festive cocktail. Make it in a large batch so you aren't spending time making individual mixed drinks. Don't forget to mix up a batch without alcohol. Take a look at this recipe. 

Image from The Kitchn blog.

In order to plan well, the host needs to know the amount of people they'll be serving. Send a text or email out 2 weeks in advance to get an accurate number of guests. Take a look at this helpful chart about servings and quantities for the size of your group. 

Don't go crazy with seasonal decor. Less is more! Instead of shopping for hours for the "perfect" centerpiece or tablecloth, look outside. Bring some natural elements in to create a rustic and welcoming table. Include your kids as you gather leaves, branches, or greenery from your yard. Lighting and natural elements will create a warm and inviting ambiance for your table. 

If you prefer a later Thanksgiving meal, someone is sure to be hungry before meal time. Whether it be your children, new acquaintances or yourself- these cranberry brie mini tarts are a beautiful appetizer that won't require additional dishes or silverware to serve and enjoy. If cooking one more thing feels like an unbearable burden, grab some cheese & crackers and have these out to snack on. 

Image from Fox and Briar blog.

Shift the focus outward. Your Thanksgiving table can be the launching point for a group investment in a local cause. There are so many ways to give back in our community. Take a look at this list of specific avenues to give of yourself this holiday season in Knoxville.

With just a pencil and paper, your feast can get a lot richer. Challenge your family or friends to take a moment to write out the things you are thankful for. If you want to go a little deeper, try sharing one or two of your items on your list. Gratitude begets gratitude and the thoughts shared around the table will create memories and meaningful moments.

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Share your favorite Thanksgiving decor ideas, organizational tools, and traditions with us. How does your family or community celebrate?  

Merry Christmas Eve!

Image by Terrain

If you are in the throws of wrapping presents and trying to get everything ready for tomorrow, just remember that we are only a phone call away to help you with the chaos that comes after Christmas is over. When you have returns to take back, exchanges to make, a whole house of decorations to pack back up-- we are your girls! 

We are still offering 20% off Holiday tear down and organization if you call or email to book a consultation before January 1st.

We hope your day tomorrow is full of family, fun, and the sweet fulfillment of the advent season.

HYD wishes you and yours a Happy Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 

Gift Wrap Organization

Image via Farm Chicks

We consistently find that our clients and friends struggle with finding ways to organize gift bags and wrapping paper etc. Typically, it all ends up in a jumbled mess thrown in a closet, smashed in a drawer, or scattered all over the house. We have some ideas for you that might make the Holiday Season and wrapping all those Christmas presents less stressful.

We have come up with ideas to work with any space.

If you would like to keep your wrapping supplies in a closet, try out one of these ideas.

Image via Southern Scraps

Image via Krazy Coupon Lady

If you don't have closet space, what about a dresser?

Image via Real Simple

Image via Ballard Design

Under the bed storage options...

Image via Iheartorganizing

Underbed storage tote from The Container Store

Free standing storage options... 

Try a decorative laundry basket or trash can (Image via Smart School House)

Repurpose a bar stool (Image via Princess Pinky Girl)

We are interested in your ideas as well? How do you keep your wrapping materials organized?

Old North Knoxville Home Tour

Image from Victorian Holiday Home Tour 505 East Scott Ave.

Each month we try to feature a home tour on our blog. We love being able to hear about what "home" means to different people and we treasure the relational aspect of being invited into someones house. This month we offer you something a little different. If you have never attended the Old North Knoxville Home Tour, we highly recommend it. We attended this past weekend and have pictures and ideas to share with you. Although each of these homes was built around the same time period, in the same Victorian style, it was neat to see how each homeowner's personal taste and style came out in the decor.

303 Oklahoma Ave

302 E. Scott Ave

We asked each home owner two questions,  "What do you love about your home?" and "What makes your home unique?". We got a wide variety of answers and loved hearing about the many renovation experiences and processes of restoring historic homes. Below are a few of our favorite responses. Enjoy!

"What we love most about our home is that we were able to take something neglected and dirty that most people would turn away from and rehab it into the gorgeous home it was intended to be. " (Leslie M.)

Photo by Alan Sims : Inside Knoxville 204 E. Oklahoma St.

"Our home is unique because it has a distinct juxtaposition of modern and traditional features. We kept the rooms in our house segmented (vs. an hgtv-esque open concept) because each room in our house serves a specific purpose. All of our doorways are very tall and wide, so our rooms still feel open without sacrificing purpose. We believe that old homes should be maintained to serve their original purpose, and at the time of construction, our home would have been very modern and featured the best of the best. We tried to echo this in our renovations and do a modern interpretation of a Victorian home- we put new light fixtures where original light fixtures were placed, moved walls and doorways to original locations, and designed the home so that the purpose of each room was consistent with the original design. Maintaining historical features was very important to us, and we kept this in mind as we gave modern interpretations and new life to our home." (Leslie M.)

"We rarely ever turn a light on during the day. The huge windows let natural light abound and breathe such life into these old walls and hardwoods. That's what I love most." (Jenna V.)

302 E. Scott Ave

302 E. Scott Ave

302 E. Scott Ave.

"The thing we love most about our home is the neighborhood! Old North, with its gracious front porches and proximity to Happy Holler businesses means that you are always meeting a friend or neighbor as you walk down the street. Everyone here is so friendly and we love having impromptu dinner and drinks on our front porch with friends.  (Cat S.)

221 E. Oklahoma

221 E Oklahoma

221 E. Oklahoma

"Our house is filled with art and antiques, made by and gifted by family and friends. We also have many souvenirs of our travels together as a family. We think that these personal touches bring warmth to the space, and remind us of our favorite people and places every day. Our house is unique in that it hasn't been "remuddled" like some Victorians--we enjoy the original fireplaces and woodwork of the home and all of its original bones. We are also lucky to have an unusually wide front porch, which means that it can function as an extra room in our home--we have a "living room" with a sectional and a dining area out there that we use all the time when the weather is nice!" (Cat S.)

225 E. Oklahoma St

225 E. Oklahoma St

225 E. Oklahoma St.

We loved seeing how creative people were able to get with their space. Some of our favorite ideas were using old mantels to create faux fireplaces, making great use out of porches and outdoor areas to extend living spaces, using a ladder as vertical (and pretty) storage to hang blankets, and utilizing architectural salvage as art and decor.

If you would like a home by home review of the tour, check out Inside of Knoxville's blog. Pt. 1 &  Pt.2

Holiday Gift Guide for the Home

Tis' the season for loving our family and friends through the spirit of giving! This year HYD suggests a gift for the home. We've found gifts for everyone on the list from homeowners, renters, folks with roommates, and little ones too. And as always, we love to hear from you, so please add your suggestions as well!

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1. The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith

A book for the "perfectionist, renter, single girl, newly married, empty nester, mom with littles or for anyone waiting on the next house who secretly hopes that it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." -The Nester (Myquillyn Smith) We love how Mrs. Smith gives great tips for any dweller, whatever their season of life or living. She gives such practical, realistic, and yet beautiful ideas for the home.

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2. The Grand South Puzzle by True South Puzzle Company

A great way to keep warm in your home this winter. Gather your roomie, your kids, or just enjoy the quiet as you hunt for the right piece. This small company out of Nashville creates beautiful puzzles that are works of art as well. Such a fun gift for all ages! Available locally and online at Rala.

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3. Table Linens from Mighty Nest

Anyone can use a fresh set of napkins or a new tea towel this holiday. Mighty Nest offers several colors and creative graphics made from organically grown cotton and printed with non-toxic water-based inks that make wonderful gifts. And for all you parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, this is a gift that keeps on giving as Mighty Nest donates up to 15% of purchases towards the school of your choice!

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4. A Candle by Thistle Farms

So a candle might not be the most creative gift, but this is no ordinary candle. This is a handmade soy candle made by the women of Thistle Farms. Not only does it smell wonderful, it represents the light of hope for so many women trapped in addiction, prostitution, and trafficking. "This product bears witness that love is the most powerful force for change in the world." --Thistle Farms, a community of women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee.

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5. A Gift Card to Bliss Home

Not sure what to pick for that special someone? Choose a great gift for your loved one that lets them pick for themselves! Bliss Home, with two locations in Knoxville and one in Nashville, has all sorts of locally made, creative, and unique home decor items that inspires as you shop.

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6. The perfect plant from Stanley's Greenhouse

For the local folks, this Knoxville tradition since 1955, continues to offer some of the most well-grown, beautiful, and unique plants in our region. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgable as well. Find that special Poinsettia, indoor plant, or accessory for anyone on your list and bring a little life and color to their Christmas!

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7. Wall Clock from Objectify Homewares

This handmade wall clock instantly brings a pop of color and eye-catching beauty to any home. So many fabulous styles to choose from that we had trouble choosing which one to post as the photo! We love how unique this gift is for young and old alike.

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8. Kids Wall Hooks from The Shabby Store

Get the kids in your life excited about hanging up their coats with these super cute cast iron moose wall hooks. These would be perfect for any kids' room, mudroom, or playroom. These aren't your color? Check out the Etsy page to find lots of other options too!

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9. Painted Paper Collage Art by Peppered Paper

Give a gift that's one of kind and beautifully handmade by the very talented Leslie Eaton of Peppered Paper. Once again, so many wonderful prints to choose from that we just had to pick one to show off. With guitars, insects, furry animals, and lovely flowers, there is sure to be just the print you're looking for!

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10. A Gift Card from Help You Dwell

And of course, the gift that keeps on giving, a HYD gift card. Let us serve your loved one by organizing, purging, staging, packing for a move or home decor work. The consultation is free so your money goes directly towards the work we will do for them.

These 5 Things : November 2015

Image by Sarah Musgrave

 1. Check out this excellent guide to styling your shelves. If you don't follow Emily Henderson's blog, it's a good one!

2. 6 Ways to Speed Clean to a Clean Enough House. A few time- saving storage pieces and ideas for getting the whole family involved in cleaning habits.

3. This list of 15 Holiday Hosting Shortcuts is chock full of good ideas to keep stress low and let the good times roll.

4. Instead of decorating for the seasons, try layering to build warmth in your home.

5. It can be a major challenge to incorporate a TV into your decor. Check out this blog entry for a few ideas. 

Thanksgiving Prep Time

Three Thursdays from today is Thanksgiving and HYD wants to help you get ready!

We know that spending time with all the people you share this meal with can bring great joy or may have it's own challenges. Either way, being prepared will make Thanksgiving more enjoyable for everyone! Today we're focusing on the main event of the day, the meal . Getting a game plan for the meal in place now; finding recipes, cleaning linens, inviting any extra guests, and then finally scheduling when to shop and cook are all things that can be done ahead of time and you can have control over.

As always, HYD likes to help make your planning pretty. We found this cute downloadable Thanksgiving checklist designed by Jessica Reed Designs for Kristen Duke at Capturing Joy. It's a great place to start your meal planning and starting now let's you be a bit more creative with your food choices. Grab a few magazines off the shelf this week or search around on Pinterest to see what's new for the Thanksgiving table this year that might be a new tradition for your family.

While cooking is not really HYD's specialty, we do know the great benefits of getting it done ahead of time. If cooking is your specialty, but preparing your home is not - that's where we really shine. Let us know if you need any help!  

865.245.9080 -- info@helpyoudwell.com

Fall To-Do List

Source

Do you ever get to the end of a season and realize that there were so many things you planned to do but never got to? Us too.
There are so many fall festivals, holidays, and events going on and we've made a to do list of sorts to help get the ball rolling for your harvest plans. We love the idea of having seasonal bucket lists as well; things that aren't necessarily all planned out but a list of ideas for the occasional Saturday when you find yourself with no plans.

Source

We suggest carving out an hour with your calendar ASAP to get things on your schedule.

Festivals: Click on the links for more info

• Happy Hollerpalooza (This Saturday- Sept 26)

• Tennessee Fall Home Coming Folk Festival (Oct 9-11)

• Open Streets (Oct 25)

• Foothills Craft Guild (Nov 20-22)

Activities/Holidays:

Photo by Sarah Musgrave

• Host a bonfire

• Take a hike in the Smokies (not sure when trail to choose? Check out the Top 10) If you are looking for a family friendly hike with young kids, "Andrew's Bald" is perfect.

• Plan and purchase or make Halloween costumes for your kids (Need some ideas? Here are a few)

• Seasonal decorating (Southern Living's Fall Decorating Ideas)

• Tailgate with friends before a football game

• Finalize Thanksgiving plans

What kinds of things are on your to do list for this Fall?

The Greatest Christmas Gift

"Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 10-12

Help You Dwell wishes you and yours the most Merry of Christmases!  May your hearts be full of the great Joy that has come for all the people.

Knoxville Holiday Gift Guide

Image by Rala on Market Square. All items for sale in store.

We were thrilled to partner with WDWRK as guest bloggers last week. We wanted to give you the link to our Holiday gift guide:Shopping Locally in Knoxville in case you missed it. So without further ado...

HERE IT IS!

Additionally, here are links to some of our favorite gift guides in case you are still looking for last minute ideas.

1. A Cup of Jo (gift ideas for everyone in the family)

2. Happy Pretty Home (gifts for every price range)

3. WDWRKCO (handmade gifts)

4. Little Green Notebook (DIY gifts)

5 Ways to Simplify Your Life During the Holiday Season

A 1950's Christmas

1. Take some time to reflect on your desires for the season. What things are most important to you? What can you let go of? What parts of this season really stress you out and what parts really bring life to you?

2. Clear your calendar. If you are like us, you are probably committing to way too much over the month of December. Along with all of the parties, events, and celebrations, we often feel the pressure to have our house decorated by a certain time, food cooked, guests rooms ready for out of town guests,  Christmas shopping done, and presents wrapped. It can be exhausting just thinking about it.

3. Delegate. If you have a willing husband and kiddos, put them to work. Let the kids help with things like hanging stockings on their hooks, wrapping presents (who cares if the wrapping isn't pristine?), and using cookie cutters to cut out Christmas cookies. If you have family coming in town, ask them to help with the cooking--It's always more fun to have a friend in the kitchen with you and usually people want to be of help. If you don't have family in town, host a "Decorating Party" and invite friends over for Egg Nog and to help you decorate your house and string lights.

4. Do good. Make a point to turn your focus on others during the Holidays. Volunteer as a family, purchase angel tree gifts (and let your kids help you pick out the gifts), make a meal for an elderly neighbor who doesn't have family in town, or donate lightly used coats to a homeless shelter. Taking the time to remember those around us who are lonely or struggling helps us remember the point of Christmas.

5. Cut back on social media. Be purposeful in spending time with loved ones rather than browsing Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for hours. Skype a friend or family member that lives far away, write a letter to a grandparent (include pictures!), grab coffee with a friend, schedule a play date, or split a babysitter and double date with another couple. Spend your time wisely and push through that to-do list so that you can get to the fun stuff!