Sure, you’re forced to take down the ghosts and fuzzy spiders (news flash: your neighbors are pissed if you haven’t done so), but some of the seasonal elements we put up to get in the mood  should endure until the end of the year, if not beyond.

Here is my list of favorite affordable decorative displays for the festive and frugal in all of us.

1. Lanterns

Rice paper lanterns bobbing outside (with solar lights) or in your rooms make a huge, happy statement. I love the cylinder shapes with Asian motifs like the …

Tags: beeswax , candles , cards , Christmas , coasters , Conserve , decor , decorating , dishes , fabric , fall , flowers , foliate , glassware , green , Halloween , home , house , lanterns , organic , peach glass , photo display , photo walls , photos , pinecones , pumpkins , recycle , reuse , rice paper , runners , seashells , Seasons , sew , stringing cards , table design , Thanksgiving , vintage , winter

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It’s hard to ignore those cautionary labels (even the misspelled ones). Do we dare wash a delicate garment at home and risk ruining the texture or shrinking it beyond recognition?

Warnings are warnings, but there are exceptions to every wash ‘n wear rule.

With the help of our blog readers, writers and the experts, we have put together a list of myths we are happy to debunk to save you some precious bucks.

1. Washing sweaters will ruin the texture!

“Hogwash,” says EcoSalon’s Caitlin Fitzsimmons, whose mama passed on the tried and true method. …

Tags: air dry , conservation , cotton , detergents , DIY cleaning , dry , dry cleaning , energy , fabric , fabrics , fashion , fold , frugal , garments , hang dry , labels , recession , shrinkage , silk , sweaters , textiles , textures , warnings , wash , water , wool

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Sit on the grass; look out at the trees; wake up in the field; float on the water.

These four frolics in nature are woven into the fabric of the vintage French furniture reclaimed by Chair Couture, a delightful contemporary source that seeks to make stuffy, highbrow seating more down to earth.

In salvaging original French antiques for her quirky collection, owner Margaret Elman carefully selects fabrics that fits the mode. She says the recycled polyester or organic cotton used is derived from photographs of nature.

It’s all designed to bring the …

Tags: dandelions , fabric , French furniture , furniture , grass , green , nature , ocean , photograph , polyester , recycle , upholstery , vintage

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After 15 years working in home furnishings, Donna Halloran left her corporate career behind. Taking valuable insight from her experiences, she created the ethically and environmentally sound plan for Fabricadabra, an up-and-coming line of decorative pillow covers and inserts.

“I have worked hard to be able to balance the four important criteria for the line: a non-toxic product, a fun product, an ethically sourced product and a relatively affordable product,” says Halloran.

She has succeeded admirably.

Fabricadabra’s products are 100% green. Their vibrant, ornamental covers are hand-woven from natural fibers and colored …

Tags: Donna Halloran , fabric , Fabricadabra , kapok , organic , pillow , textiles

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On Project Runway, overestimating fabric amounts can cost designers big time on those challenges requiring they apply every scrap. Who can forget those zany, over-padded handbags or useless belts eked out of the surplus? But in the world of interior design, we’re often left with bulk that is quite usable.

Why the extra? The usual motivation is that the pattern repeat is large and we need to match our cushions or chairs. Also, imperfections may exist in the weave that we have to cut around. I recently had …

Tags: aprons , fabric , fabric journals , fabric walls , pillows , reuse , sachets , textiles , window treatments

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When top textile vendors branch out into the green, it plants a fertile seed for the entire industry. That’s why I’m applauding Brentano – one of the best sources for designers – for now offering a wide range of responsible fabrics (such as the stunning weaves above).

Among the new selections are 100% recycled polyester bark’s cloth, Eco Wool and faux leathers. The line, including soft woven …

Tags: bamboo , Brentano , decor , fabric , material , recycled , sustainable , textiles

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