Date Archives: December 2021

Nothing gets our real estate agents in the holiday spirit quite like DIY holiday crafts. Holiday crafting is not only a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, but it also is a chance to create some beautiful holiday decor that you can use to liven up your home for the holiday season. If you're looking for some creative ideas before heading out to the craft store, here are our four most popular DIY holiday craft ideas:

• Make A Holiday Wreath
  Creating a holiday wreath from scratch is easier than you think. For the base, you can simply use floral wire, twigs, or Styrofoam. For the greenery, you can use juniper sprigs, eucalyptus pods, evergreen boughs, or anything you can find. Them, simply collect your greenery into groups and attach it to your base with floral pins, tape, or craft glue. Lastly, top it off with some holiday bows or other decor. Crating a holiday wreath is not only a ton of fun, but it can make a great addition to your home's facade. Some of our favorite Holland homes for sale have some beautiful holiday wreaths on display this year.
  
  
• Craft Some Simple Ornaments
  Christmas tree ornaments are super easy, and there are so many different types of ornaments to make.
  
  To make a simple ornament, cut your ornament base from cardstock using any holiday pattern you'd like, and then add some paint and glitter to one side. String a nice ribbon through a hole at the top and bead it on the other end.
  
  Want to take your homemade ornament game to the next level? Replace the cardstock with a jingle bell, snow globe, or engraved wood, and swap out your ribbon for decorative pipe cleaners. Creating holiday ornaments is also a great crafting idea for the kids.
  
  
• Build A Lighted Pinecone Basket
  Lighted pinecone baskets are one of our favorite crafts. Gather a half dozen sturdy pinecones and apply a coat of clear spray paint. Then, add some gold glitter to the wet paint. While the paint is drying, line a small weave basket with some gold string lights, and then place the pinecones inside. Once you plug in the lights, it should look as if the lights are coming through both the pinecones and the weaved basket.
  
  A beautiful lighted pinecone basket makes for a great mantle piece or can even fit nicely on the kitchen counter.
  
  
• Design Creative Christmas Cookies
  Decorating Christmas cookies is a DIY craft project that's fun for all ages. Bake some delicious gingerbread cookies, butter spritz cookies, chocolate bark cookies — the opportunities are truly endless. Buy some holiday cookie cutters, icing, and candy, so you're ready to decorate as soon as your cookies come out of the oven. 

Before you start crafting, don't forget to set the holiday scene. Turn on some nice Christmas music, turn on all the lights, and light a fire in the fireplace. It's the perfect way to spend a chilly December afternoon.

For more tips on holiday decor, contact us today.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you live in the Western Michigan area. There are so many wonderful seasonal attractions and events around beautiful downtown Holland, so it's not hard to get into the holiday spirit. A visit to Holland is certain to brighten your holidays.

Our real estate agents are busy planning their pre-holiday weekends and here are some top recommendations for local activities and attractions:

• Griff's IceHouse - 4444 Holland Ave, Holland, MI 49424
  Ice skating is a great way to get into the winter spirit while also getting some good exercise. Glide around one of the two public indoor ice rinks at Griff's IceHouse. Enjoy public skating sessions, skate lessons, or drop-in hockey. It's fun for the whole family. You can also rent out rooms to host your own party. If you love ice skating, you might enjoy living near Griff's, and there are some fantastic Holland homes for sale not too far away.
  
  
• Kerstmarkt - 150 W. 8th Street, Holland MI 49423
  You can get the true European holiday experience right here in Holland. The Kerstmarkt is a festive outdoor market with holiday shops, art, and food. Stop by Friday, December 10 from 3 to 8 or Saturday, December 11 from 9 to 5. Special events include dogsled demos, handbell concerts, and a Sinterklaas procession. Check out the Kerstmarkt website for event times.
  
  
• Shopping Jam - 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
  Need to get some last-minute shopping done? Holland's annual Shopping Jam takes place on December 18 from 8 to 10 am. Participating local shops and restaurants will all be offering 30% off of one item from 8 to 9 and 25% off of one item from 9 to 10. It's a great way to finish your Christmas list while also supporting our great local businesses. You're sure to find a great deal!
  
  
• Holiday Guided Tours At The Felt Estate - 6597 138th Ave, Holland, MI 49423
  Enjoy a special holiday tour of one of Holland's most historic homes. Inside the Felt Mansion, you'll find over 20 Christmas tree decorations, each representing a different period of the building's history. You'll also see spectacular light displays and festive outdoor scenes. It's truly a sight to see. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children and seniors. Buy your tickets online by visiting the Holiday Guided Tours website.
  
  
• Winter Holiday Menu: Cooking Demonstration - 24 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
  Are you in charge of your holiday dinner this year? If so, you might consider honing your cooking skills. The Winter Holiday Menu - Cooking Demonstration Class is just the way to do it. The event takes place Fustini's Oils & Vinegars and is hosted by local Chef John VanderJagt. You'll learn to make Butternut Pear Fusion, Roasted Beat Salad, Lavendar Honey Glazed Duck, and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte for dessert. Tickets are $59 per person.

With so much to do in Holland, it's easy to enjoy the holiday season with your friends and family. Contact us today for more information on local businesses and activities.