Room To Talk

Merry Christmas!!

Posted by Andie on December 23, 2013

via southern charm

I hope this Christmas goes down in the history books for you as one of the very best!

Hug your family and friends, tell them you love them, and make sure you eat an unhealthy amount of processed chocolate and sugar cookies over the next few days:)

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Andie

P.S. Congratulations to our Christmas Giveaway Winners, Jan and Irina! Ladies, shoot me an email (andie@rcwilley.com) and we will get you your foosball and air hockey tables! Merry Christmas!

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Are you an Early Bird or Last Minute Shopper?

Posted by Andie on December 19, 2013

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You know that person who is frantically scrambling on Christmas Eve to finally drop their Christmas cards in the mail, pick up last minute presents, and find all of the gifts they've stashed around their house so that they can get everything wrapped up before Christmas morning? That person is totally me. Albeit stressful, procrastination has seemed to work out just fine for me in years past. This year however, I decided to turn over a new leaf. I went full throttle, and by December 5th, 90% of my Christmas shopping was complete, all of the presents in my possession were wrapped (still waiting for a few I bought online), and Christmas cards were addressed and ready to go to the post office.

Can I just say, I'm kind of loving this? I feel like I can suddenly watch Christmas movies, make sugar cookies with my little family, drive around our neighborhood to look at all of the Christmas lights, and go to holiday parties without stressing and worrying in the back of my mind about when and how I'm going to find time to get everything checked off of my list. This is bliss!!

So what are your methods when it comes to holiday shopping? Are you an early bird, or do you wait until the last minute? This Christmas, I'm going to give away a foosball table and an air hockey table to two of you lucky readers to either help you with your last minute shopping, or reward you for already having it done!

Simply leave a comment telling me what kind of shopper you are! Two random winners will be selected and announced next Monday morning, Dec. 23rd. Good Luck!!

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Inspiration: Christmas Creches

Posted by Andie on December 17, 2013

The Christmas decor at my house is pretty minimal when it comes to snowmen, reindeer, santa claus, etc. What I do have a lot of though, are nativity scenes. I've been collecting them since I was a little girl. These days finding a spot for all of them in my little house is getting to be quite the predicament!

Last week I attended a local Christmas Creche Exhibit in Midway, Utah. (If you have a Creche exhibit in your area I highly recommend going!) There were hundreds of beautiful Nativity scenes on display from all over the world. It was truly incredible to see the many unique representations of the manger scene- all of them so fascinating and lovely in their own way. Here's a little sneak peek at some of my favorites....

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Creative Ways to Display Your Christmas Cards

Posted by Andie on December 11, 2013

While technology certainly makes it easier to keep in touch with family and friends, sometimes I wish we could take a few steps back as a society when it comes to communication. With text messages, emails, e-vites, and social media sites that we can access from our smart phones with a simple click of a button--- it seems that phone calls, hand written letters & even friendly personal visits have all but become a thing of the past.

Some might think it totally old fashioned at this point in time, but to me a personalized Christmas card that I get in the mail will ALWAYS be superior to a holiday facebook post. There's something almost special about receiving a Christmas card in the mail, and although the tradition seems to be dying among my generation, I hope that it never goes away. Let's keep this long-standing tradition going!

Oh, and by the way- here are some pretty creative ways to display those cards after they come in the mail.....

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Gift Ideas for Neighbors

Posted by Andie on December 6, 2013

I was lucky enough to grow up in a real tight-knit neighborhood. Everybody knew each other, and for the most part, everybody even liked each other! One of the perks of living in such a neighborhood as a kid, was the plethora of neighbor gifts we received at Christmas time each year. The doorbell would ring on a cold December night, and it was a pretty sure bet that on the other side of the door there was a plate of homemade caramels and fudge, a bucket of cheese flavored popcorn, a loaf of freshly baked bread, or some other delicious treat. YUM. As a kid it never got old!

As an adult, the hardest part about doing neighbor gifts each year is deciding what exactly to give! It's tricky! Do you find something that works and repeat it every year, or do you like to get creative and try new things?? For the past few years our standby has been bags of chips and salsa from a local restaurant--- but after seeing so many cute ideas online I think it might be time for me to branch out! If you're needing a little inspiration, check out some of these awesome neighbor gift ideas from around the web....

1. diy christmas coasters 2. pineapple 3. christmas kisses

1. popcorn with seasoning salts 2. rosemary infused olive oil

1. stovetop potpourri 2. ice cream cone kit 3. personalized christmas cookies plate

1. mason jar with licorice 2. festive christmas straws 3. favorite children's christmas book

1. diy color blocked wooden spoons 2. cozy blanket 3. glass soda bottles filled with candy

1. cookies for santa jar 2. christmas ornaments

1. simply lemonade with straws 2. tin filled with baked goodies 3. holiday flavored hand soap

1. bake-at-home pizza in a box 2. quickbread in a jar 3. holiday printables in a frame

4. fresh baguettes and homemade flavored butters

1. christmas cookie dough 2. all i want for christmas chalkboard

1. cheese ball and crackers 2. homemade bath salts

1. homemade nativity 2. fresh baked bread 3. homemade caramel sauce 4. pretty holiday mugs

1. oven mitt filled with kitchen supplies 2. wooden spoon cookie recipe & ingredients

3. hot chocolate on a spoon

What kinds of things do you like to give for neighbor gifts??

I'd love to hear your ideas!!

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Trend Alert: 8 Hot Christmas Decor Trends of 2013

Posted by Andie on December 2, 2013

Have you ever peered into a box of old, dusty Christmas decorations and thought, "Oh, these are so ugly! How did I ever think it was okay to display these in my house?"! I know I have! Let's face it. While many Christmas decorations are timeless and can be passed down from generation to generation, there are also many that are not. Christmas decor trends come and go, so how do you know what's 'in' and what's not?

One of our amazing designers here at RC Willey has identified 8 of the Hottest Christmas Decor trends of 2013 to help you decorate your house in style this year! Thanks Teresa!

And now, here are the trends......

1. Ditch the Bows

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2. No Ribbon

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3. Incorporate fun holiday words around the house

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4. Embrace the Natural- pine cones, sticks, fireplaces full of logs, etc.

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5. Use gold, sparkles and color to glam things up!

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6. Instead of a plain wreath, put a fun sign on the front door!

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7. Use battery-lit candles (they don't burn down the house)

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8. Showcase Chalkboard Art

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And there you have it!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by Andie on November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is one of my very favorite holidays. Talk about no pressure! All you're expected to do is watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV (or play in a turkey bowl), relax with friends and family, eat way too much __________ (insert your favorite Thanksgiving delicacy here), look at Black Friday ads, and watch football or Christmas movies after you've eaten yourself sick. Talk about a perfect day!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and that most importantly you find some quiet time to think about, recognize, and reflect on all of the very best things in your life. Sure, we all have problems and life is far from perfect, but when it comes right down to it, there is always, always much to be thankful for.

xoxo,

Andrea

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Table Etiquette Quiz

Posted by Andie on November 26, 2013

Thanksgiving is just two days away! I don't know about you, but I've got a lot of shopping, cooking and cleaning to do before then! For many of us, Thanksgiving dinner might be one of the more formal or fancier meals we attend all year. So, how are your table manners these days? Know and remember all of the 'rules' or could you use a little refresh before you sit down to dine with your in-laws on Thursday?

The first 5 people to email me (andie@rcwilley.com) all of the correct answers to the little etiquette quiz below will receive this FREE 10 Piece Ceramic Cookware Set (valued at $99.95), just in time to get their cooking on for the holidays!! Good luck!

UPDATED: Thanks to everyone for submitting your quizzes! There are so many of you who know your stuff! Congratulations to the first 5 people who sent me the correct answers!

Rachna

Becky Brinkerhoff

Back Country Radio

Cecilia Thomas

Angela McBride

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Etiquette Quiz

(the items bolded below are the correct answers)

1. When you have finished eating, place your napkin in the center of your plate.

A. True

B. False

2. If your fork falls on the floor, apologize to everyone at the table, pick it up, clean it properly with your napkin, and continue using it.

A. True

B. False

3. You should excuse yourself if you must leave the table during a meal.

A. True

B. False

4. It is alright for you to burp throughout the meal as long as you say, "Excuse me," every time you do so.

A. True

B. False

5. Your drinking glasses are located toward the right of your plate.

A. True

B. False

6. If there are two forks on the table, you should start using the fork nearest to your plate first.

A. True

B. False

7. If there are bones in your food, spit them out directly onto your plate discreetly.

A. True

B. False

8. If you are the guest, you should not order the most expensive item on the menu unless it is suggested by your host.

A. True

B. False

9. It is okay to blow your nose into your napkin as long as you do this quietly.

A. True

B. False

10. Always go to the restroom to remove food caught in your teeth or to reapply lipstick or fix your hair.

A. True

B. False

11. Spoon the soup away from you and sip it from the side of the spoon.

A. True

B. False

12. In a formal place setting, the dessert spoon and fork are usually placed above your plate.

A. True (although this could be a trick question because in VERY formal settings the fork is brought with the dessert plate)

B. False

13. How do the letters b and d help you (in that order)?

A. Bread on the Left, Drink on the Right

B. They will remind you to always compliment your host

C. They will remind you of good manners

D. Beverage on the Left, Dessert on the Right

14. You should always wait until everyone has been served before you begin eating your meal.

A. True

B. False

15. When you are dining, but not currently eating, what should you do with your hands?

A. Put them in your lap

B. Put them at your side

C. They can be on the table, but with the wrists resting on the edge of the table

D. If you're not eating, it's okay to put your elbows on the table when engaging in conversation.

16. Say you are eating a steak- how many bites should you cut at a time?

A. 1-2

B. 3-4

C. 5

D. You will generally be excused if you cut the entire steak, especially if your dining is informal

17. When you are eating and stop to take a drink, where should you place your utensils?

A. To the right of your plate

B. To the left of your plate

C. Fork and knife crossed at the top of your plate

D. Above plate, placed horizontal

18. When you are finished eating, where should you place your napkin?

A. On your chair behind you

B. On top of your plate

C. To the right of your plate

D. To the left of your plate

19. Proper etiquette prohibits cutting a roll, but rather you should tear the roll into small pieces and butter only small pieces at a time.

A. True

B. False

20. When passing someone an item on the table, you should pass how?

A. To the left

B. To the right

21. Where should you put your utensils once you are finished with your meal?

A. Throw them at the waiter

B. Place them parallel on the plate

C. Put them to the right of the plate on the tablecloth

D. Cross them and leave them on the plate

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Trend Alert: Colors of Fall 2013

Posted by Andie on November 22, 2013

It's all about deep, rich, and warm when it comes to the "it" colors of Fall 2013.

In no particular order, here are 5 colors that are trending this season when it comes to fashion, design, and you guessed it, INTERIORS.

Mustard Yellow

Emerald Green

True Blue

Plum

Brick Red

And now, for a little collage inspiration....

MUSTARD YELLOW

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EMERALD GREEN

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TRUE BLUE

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PLUM

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BRICK RED

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Which one is your favorite?

Personally, I'm loving the Mustard Yellow and True Blue!

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Inspiration: High Point Market Trends Part 1: White, White, White

Posted by Andie on November 20, 2013

The High Point Furniture Market is held in High Point, North Carolina every six months. Furniture designers, manufacturers & buyers from all over the world never miss it, since it's the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. The market sprawls over 180 buildings, 11.5 million square feet of showspace, brings in more than 75,000 attendees, and showcases tens of thousands of new products. It's at High Point Market where furniture trends are born, and the design forecast for the next six months is predicted.

Every April and October, our furniture buyers here at RC Willey travel to High Point Market, where they select new furniture and product to begin carrying at our stores. This past October at the Market, Wendy, our bedroom & dining furniture buyer took some photos of the most promising trends.

One of said trends at the market was the color white. White, white, white was everywhere! All of the showrooms incorporated white, especially when it came to youth and master bedrooms! Here are some photos.... Thanks Wendy!