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Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

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Decorating tips for Christmas

Need a little Christmas now? Step into Mary Carol Garrity’s “Nell Hill’s O Christmas Tree.”

Garrity, owner of the Kansas City home-decorating store Nell Hill’s, shares her holiday decorating ideas and advice in the book. It takes readers inside several homes, including her own 130-year-old Greek Revival house.

The book reflects the updated traditional look that is Nell Hill’s trademark, a style that relies heavily on elements from nature and classic decorating accessories such as silver serving pieces and garden statues.

“Nell Hill’s O Christmas Tree” is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing and sells for $29.99 in hardcover.

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Down is light and very warm

Q: I bought a down comforter that’s labeled “luxury light warmth.” Does that just mean it’s lightweight, or does that mean it’s for nights that aren’t really cold?

A: Both, said Russ Holbrook, vice president of merchandising for Springs Global and its Springmaid and Wamsutta brands.

Holbrook said down comforters are sold in light, medium and heavy weights. The heavier the comforter, the more down it contains and the more warmth it supplies.

A lighter-weight comforter may have only 18 ounces of down and would be appropriate for a warmer climate. A medium weight comforter might have 24 ounces and a heavy, 35.

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Learn your styles, merge them

Getting married sometimes means having to merge totally different styles — unless you expect your spouse to succumb to your style desires and forego his, which could happen (but probably won’t).

The “What’s Our Style” quiz on Valspar-loveourstyle.com can help you achieve one cohesive look while enjoying yourselves in the process. Start by taking a walk outside to find the colors of nature that you are drawn to. Next, make a scrapbook together that will help define your style and find commonalities in the items you both selected.

When it comes to paint, instead of trying to agree on bold or strong colors for each room, decide on neutrals together. Then, allow each partner to make a bold statement in the rooms he or she spends the most time in. Make brainstorming even more fun by playing music that you both enjoy.

— McClatchy Tribune