Make your list for the holidays and think S-N- O-W.

• S-Simplify. Sing along with holiday music. Share abundance.
• N-Nest. Note the importance of home. Nurture the Holiday Spirit.
• O-Observe your own traditions. Ornament your home with friends. Overhaul outmoded ideas about what has to be done.
• W-Welcome. Weigh the importance of things. Write thank you notes to important people in your life.

Decorating with family photos was the main focus at my recent Redesign Party and guests came ready to learn. The photo shows one grouping that was discussed. Notice that there aren't any photos in the frames? I find that it is often easier for people to concentrate on the grouping when the frames are empty.

We finished with a favorite part of Redesign Parties where guests bring in their difficult-to-decorate-with pieces and get ideas on how to use them

Two tall, narrow glass vases were presented as problems. Pieces like these call for minimal embellishment. Interesting branches or 1-3 tropical leaf stems can be simple but dramatic additions. I also suggested a repurpose-turning them upside down to be used as candlesticks!

Another was a lamp that was actually a light bulb, resembling a glass hurricane shade, with a filament in the shape of a black rose stem. When the lamp was plugged in, the rose became reddish-pink and the the stem and leaves turned green. Since it was small, I suggested that it could be combined with a photo of the relative who once owned it along with information about the lamp, using frames in a scale and design that would compliment and not overwhelm the lamp.) I've since learned that the lamp is a glow lamp, first produced around 1930.

That's the fun of Redesign Parties-everyone learns something new, including me! What problem will we solve or what amazing thing will someone bring next time?

See glow lamps by clicking below. On the site, click on the sub category "flowers" to see a similar hurricane shaped bulb when lighted.

Have your own complimentary Redesign Party in your home. For more information, call 703- 689- 9886 or email me

Here's a new idea that could also make a great gift. It's a white frame printed on pliable chalkboard sheet material and backed with adhesive. Quick and easy to put up and remove, it's designed to leave no residue on the walls. At 23" x 28" it is roomy enough to write a holiday greeting or a favorite quote, make lists and more. A fun addition for your guest room to leave notes, it can be handy throughout the year for many other uses. Price: $14.50

The frames are available from Paper Source stores and online; supplies may be limited. Paper Source stores are located in Georgetown and in Old Town Alexandria. For more information, click on the link below.

We've all had it happen. A favorite ornament breaks despite all of our precautions. Before you throw it away, try these ideas:

Use crushed glass to make a decorative tray as seen on HGTV's Treasure Makers.

Tuck ornaments into wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces to help hide chips and other defects.

Tree toppers with broken bases may be used in the center of a wreath. Wire in strategic places or use silicone glue for a more permanent placement

Some ornaments are past saving or at least past using, however. If an ornament or decoration has a lot of meaning and it is still visually attractive, though unstable or unsafe, take a digital photo of it, edit it for best quality, and place it in a small frame to hang on your tree.

Have a great idea for repurposing old and damaged ornaments? Send your ideas to me and I'll publish them in next month's newsletter.

Are you fond of blue but never considered a Blue Christmas? This is one of the tablescapes from my recent Redesign Party that shows how you could incorporate your favorite color. You only need a few ornaments to introduce your color palette. Glass balls, crushed "ice", crystal snowflake ornaments and an angel fill a tall class container and a silver based candle holder. Miniature frames make perfect place card holders and favors. Blue, white and silver-simple and classic.

When choosing gifts this season, check out the web sites of your favorite charities. If you are thinking mugs, stuffed animals and key rings, think again. Many have unique gift ideas that could please nearly anyone on your list.

One organization you may not know about is the Dr. Susan Love Foundation, in partnership with the Avon Foundation and their work to fight breast cancer.

The purchase of the pendant shown helps fund research, awareness and prevention programs. You can be creative with the presentation and use it to tie around a wrapped scented candle or a favorite book. Need favors for your women's group luncheon or dinner? Tie one around each napkin and place in the center of the plate or wrap around the stem of a wine or water glass.

You can help some charities by just visiting their sites and "clicking" to get sponsored funds. While you are on the sites, check out the items for sale that also help support their causes. Get more ideas on this click-to-give web site where you can make a difference this season and throughout the year.

For the Redesign Party, I created 6 holiday tablescapes using non-traditional colors to demonstrate other options for decorating the home. The displays were assembled with items people often have in their homes, but don't usually consider for holiday decoration.

Your decorating efforts can last from Thanksgiving to beyond the holidays with a little planning. Using a neutral "base" that can be built upon, you can add and subtract fillers, accents and decorations to fit the holiday, theme and your decor.

An easy example is a Snow and Ice theme. You can customize this to fit your style, going from casual to elegant with simple and often inexpensive changes.

Look for items that will carry through the theme. Crystal candlesticks, serving plates, figurines and more can be combined with snow-related ornaments and objects for a monochromatic look. Substitute scaled down sleds, mittens, snowmen and ice skates for the crystal for a more colorful, casual look. Use garlands and table runners, such as the snowflake runner shown, for inspiration and to continue your theme.

If your holiday decor needs a lift, stretch your budget by thinking "repurposing" before purchasing. Look at your decorations with a new perspective. You may find an entire new look already exists in your collection. Save time and money by decorating once, and make small adjustments as the season progresses. That is what Redesign is all about. Need help getting started? Call me-you be amazed at how your everyday accessories and holiday decorations can take on an entirely new look!

I was alerted to this guide by a reader who said that though it was very basic, it was a wake-up call to the way she was used to cleaning. Even if you have someone who cleans for you, some of these ideas will help keep your house clean between cleaning days, and will certainly come in handy preparing for holiday guests. It's put together by the makers of Pledge who should know a little about cleaning.

The answer to many pet owner's wish to make their pet's crate more attractive may just be slip covers. I found this web site when researching ways my staging clients could hide or disguise crates when selling their homes. Decadent Digs doesn't believe in hiding them. They make functional covers that coordinate with the customer's taste and decor. Pictured is one cover that definitely doesn't hide. It used fabrics supplied by the customer and the result is reminiscent of a round table skirt and topper. For staging purposes though, tailored and more neutral styles are usually best.

From basic designs to custom made using your own material, Barbara Joyce, the owner of Decadent Digs, will work with you to get the look you want and need. As a special offer for my readers, Barbara will take 15% off your order when you call her directly at 602- 287-9780 and mention that you are a subscriber to my newsletter.

The Redesigner's Notebook is devoted to tips and articles relating to interior redesign, decorating, entertaining, organizing and related subjects.

If you have an interest or question that you would like to see addressed, or a community event that you would like to see included that relates to these subjects please contact me. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated!
~ Pam Faulkner, Faulkner House Interior Redesign