Goodwill Home Décor Expert - Merri Cvetan

It’s a Table! It’s a Seat!

When living in a small space like an efficiency apartment or dorm room, it’s important that furniture do double duty. You just can’t afford to waste valuable floor space. A perfect example is an end table that can also be used for extra seating.

I found this cute little vintage coffee table at Goodwill for less than $7. It’s sturdy, in good condition and has the added bonus of a second shelf. Pull up floor pillows and you have a game table or dinner for two. Put the pillow on top and you have a bench.

Love Chain

Valentine’s Day might be the day to celebrate love, but it’s also a good reason to decorate the house. If you live in the north, you’re still feet-deep in snow, so a little red will brighten things up.

I made a little heart garland to hang in the window, but it would be just as cute hung horizontally on the mantle.

Chinese New Year ~ 2016 Year of the Monkey

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, falls on February 8th this year. People around the world will celebrate the year of the monkey with lantern parades, festivals and parties.

Decorating for Winter

I think of January as a transition month when it comes to decorating. Christmas decorations are packed away so the house is virtually empty and dark. I miss all the Christmas lights and candles. But, it’s also a clean slate. Before I bring back the accessories I put away to make room for holiday décor, I like to decorate for winter. Spring is a long way off and since we’re stuck in the deep freeze for months, we might as well embrace it. At least from the indoors; I admit it, I’m a wimp when it comes to cold!

New Year’s (Decorating) Resolutions

If January had a definition in the dictionary, I bet it would say something like “the first month of the year when people go crazy making plans to lose weight, get in shape and improve their lives. Most fail!”

New Year’s Eve Centerpiece Glam!

By the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, most of us are partied out. But, don’t let that stop you from treating your guests to a glamorous dinner or buffet table. I call this my five minute centerpiece. It’s so easy anyone can do it. No sewing, cutting or gluing! Don’t tell anyone you threw it together at the last minute! Let them ooh and aah!

Twinkle Ornament Tree

The Christmas tree is the focal point of any holiday decorating. It doesn’t matter if you have a 12-foot blue spruce, or an artificial table top tree; how you decorate it says a lot about your personality and style. I personally think you can never have too many trees, but that’s just me. But, if you need a small scale tree, or if you just want an extra one, this twinkle ornament tree is so easy, and the kids can help!

Dracula’s Feast ~ Halloween Table Setting

Halloween is getting close! It’s time to start planning table decorations for your big party! I love dishes, especially those made for holidays. But, it isn’t really practical to invest in, and store sets of dishes for every occasion. So, this year I decided to decorate my own Halloween plates. Spider webs seemed appropriate and easy to do.

Happy Howl-o-ween ~ Dog Costume

We put a lot of thought, time and effort making creative and unique Halloween costumes for ourselves and our children. But don’t forget your four-legged friends. Cats and dogs also like to be center-stage when the festivities start.

Rock n Roll! DIY Record Bowls

This week’s DIY project is upcycling albums into decorative bowls. When CDs took over, vinyl records ended up in the sales bin at Goodwill. Although, albums are making a come-back, there’s plenty of old vinyl out there waiting for a new life.

Creative DIY Wedding Reception Table Numbers

Every bride-to-be is looking for creative ways to save a few dollars when planning her big day. One way to save money is to make your own props and accessories. These DIY reception table number ideas are quick and easy!