Home Tips: 10 Home Décor Crafts to Turn Your Home Into an Autumnal Oasis

Transforming your home into an autumnal oasis could be as simple as focusing on the small accents you’re bringing into each room of your home. When it comes to the changing of seasons, there is nothing more exciting than when summer fades into fall. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and your coffee order changes from iced to hot. Fall is a time to put your beach towels back in storage, and get back into regular routines. Thus, making it the ideal opportunity to return to your crafting room with these 10 Fall DIY crafts in mind.

1. Fabric Pumpkins

Fabric pumpkins are a fresh way to display seasonal gourds. You can pair sewn faux pumpkins among real ones (some of which you can spray or sponge paint) during this fall season. Imagine — spare branches, scattered leaves, and these pumpkins displayed in your home. Autumnal oasis dreams.

Home Décor Craft: Sew linen, silk, and velvet into adorable faux pumpkins that can be displayed and reused every year.

2. Wheat Cluster

For an easy, lightweight decoration that still evokes the glorious fall harvest, try these dried wheat bundles.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by bundling together three to ten stalks of wheat. Then, wrap the stalks of wheat together in twine. Leave about three feet of twine hanging off the bunch in a tail. Next, cut the stalks to approximately three-inches in length. Repeat for as many bundles as desired. Then, push the separate tails on the twines through a chosen bead, loop all at the end, and tie it into a knot. Hang it upside down on your front door as a creative way to say hello to the fall season!

3. Rustic Woven Lanterns

Thinking of dressing your dinner table with fresh center pieces this holiday season? Look no further with this eco-friendly and chic way to upgrade your dinner table.

Home Décor Craft: Upcycle old mesh placemats by cutting & rolling them into tubes and stitching them along the seams. Place cylinder shaped votives around candles. Wax, soy, or electric candles – your guests won’t be able to spy the difference! Candlelight will gracefully flicker through the loose weave of the hurricane lanterns as you entertain over dinner.

4. Soft Seats

With this DIY craft, dinner isn’t going to be the only warm thing at your table. With these simple slipcovers, you can instantly reinvent dining chairs at your formal dining table over the holidays.

Home Décor Craft: To start, simply drape a finished sheepskin over the back of the chair before securing it with Ultrasuede-tape or cord. Extra fall points for choosing a contrasting cord color. Next, finish securing them to the chair by threading the tie through the sheepskin on each side with a tapestry needle (that will help you create a cuff over the chair’s top). Knot the ends and let them hang loose. Voila!

5. Gingham Knit Blanket

Believe it or not, you don’t need to be an expert knitter to tackle this DIY project; you can make this cozy throw blanket with quick-to-knit strips.

Home Décor Craft: Gather scarves in the colors you want, and sew them together. That’s it! Below, scarves of alternating stripes are sewn together to create a unique gingham pattern.

6. Harvest Branches

We love how easy these fleeced branches are to put together. Specifically how they have the power to add a touch of warm color to any setting you place them in.

Home Décor Craft: Simply pull a bit of fleece roving off a ball, and then press the end of the fiber against the branch. Start wrapping tightly, gently pulling the fleece apart (without tearing it) as you go. Wrap the branches until the piece of fleece runs out. Add more fleece as needed to cover the branch. When adding, wrap over the last inch of wrapped fleece with e.

The friction of your fingers on the fibers and the natural oils form your skin help the fleece stay on the branch and adhere to itself.

7. Pumpkin Spice Scented Candles

If you’re among the camp that counts down the days until you can sip a classic pumpkin spice latte once again, these homemade candles are for you. Poured into orange-tinted mason jars, they throw off an especially autumnal glow in any area you might have in mind.

Home Décor Craft: Hot glue candle wick to bottom of festive colored jar. Bring water to a boil in a pot (filled half way). Reduce to a simmer. Place a different jar with broken up candle wax inside into the pot of simmering water. Water should be about 1/2 way up the side of the jar. When the wax becomes liquid add a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix. Carefully pour the liquid wax into the festive colored jar. If the candle wick starts to tilt, secure the wick between two sticks or pencils. Set aside to cool overnight. Trim the wick. Light it up!

8. Nut Wreath

Celebrate fall’s abundance of almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts with this festive decoration. Use any hard-shelled nuts, including acorns you gather from your own backyard.

Home Décor Craft: Gather all your nuts, small and large. Begin hot gluing the large ones together to form the shape of your wreath. Add in the small nuts as you go to fill in the spaces. Let cool, and hang on door. Ta da!

9. Embroidered Throw Pillows

Upgrade a pair of store-bought wide-weave cushions by tricking them out with bright neutral yarns sewn directly into the weave.

Home Décor Craft: Grab some of your favorite colored yarn and sew in fun patterns and fringe with a tapestry needle. That’s it. Truly. 

10. Block-Printed Linens

Block-printed linens are costly to buy, but surprisingly simple to make. With some textile paint, muslin fabric, and woodblock stamps, you can create linens that are exclusive and unique.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by layering a paper towel on top of a foam sheet; lay pre-washed muslin fabric on top, and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, pour your choice of textile paint on a plate. Next, dab a sponge in the paint and smooth it evenly onto a wooden printing block with a unique pattern. Stamp it on the muslin fabric. Let dry. Pictured are indigo shades, but you can substitue for any color of your choosing.

The Best Lunar New Year Celebrations 2019

With the Lunar New Year quickly approaching, Los Angeles and it’s surrounding areas have already started on the celebrations. Mark the Year of the Golden Pig with these festive events happening in and around the city. Kicking off this weekend through February!

Lunar New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, January 26-Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: Downtown Monterey Park

Event producer World Journal and a bounty of food vendors, entertainers and merchants invite you to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig in Monterey Park. The Festival will offer unique gifts and speciality items along with food booths. amusement rides and lots of live entertainment. Arrive early Saturday morning to view the arrival of the traditional New year lion and dragon dancers with firecrackers to kick-off the festival. Various types of entertainment will be featured on both days with crowds of 50,000-100,000 expected to attend. Be sure to plan ahead, click here for more information.

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2019

Location: Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau (BHCVB) will host “Happy Chinese New Year, Charming Jing-Jin-Ji” in Beverly Hills on January 26, 2019. This is the eighth consecutive year of Beverly Hills hosting a Chinese New Year celebratory event. The 2019 Chinese New Year event will be divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photo exhibition and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The variety show will feature performance groups from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, folk dance, Peking opera and more. The cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration will include Peking Opera costumes, ceremonial tea service, traditional folk music and more.

Click here for more information.

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Date: Saturday January 26, 2019

Location: Richard and Karen Carpenter Center, Long Beach

Don’t miss an afternoon of award-winning acrobatics and artistic form from world renowned troupe-Golden Dragon Acrobats. Hailing from Cangzhou in the People’s Republic of China, they represent a time-honored tradition that begun over twenty-five centuries ago. The troupe’s athleticism combined with ancient and modern dance and music present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Americana at Brand

Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: The Americana at Brand, Glendale

Similar to the celebrations taking place at the Caruso’s The Grove, The Americana at Brand will celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig with a day of family fun. Enjoy complimentary entertainment and activities that focus on the rich history and traditions of the new year on The Green.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Grove

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Grove, Los Angeles

Taking places just a few days prior to the new year is the Groves Lunar celebration. Focused on the festive nature of the holidays, The Grove will highlight the storied meaning, tradition and symbolism through a dazzling display of decor and fun-filled entertainment. Enjoy lively performances and cultural activities on Gilmore Lane and The Plaza of The Original Farmers Market.

Click here for more information

The Huntington-Chinese New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd.s Pasadena

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Huntington as the Year of the Pig begins. The festivities include lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts, music and more. Enjoy the days entertainment amongst the Huntington’s stunning botanical gardens.

Click here for more information.

Santa Monica Place Lunar New year Celebration

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place will be commerating the Year of the Pig with its annual Lunar New Year celebration. Hosted by comedian Paul “PK” Kim, festivities will include authentic cultural performances and activities. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Chinese lion dance, stilt walkers, traditional dough artists, and classical Chinese folk music.

Click here for more information.

Shanghai Nights Aboard the Queen Mary

Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Celebrate the Chinese New Year aboard the majestic Queen Mary with Shanghai Nights. The evening soiree will be a night of Chinese culture, cuisine and dragon dancing, along with Wushu Warriors Shaolin acrobatics, a guezheng ensemble and more! It is a limited seating event that will be a feast of the senes surrounded by stunning decor.

Click here for more information.

Chinatown Celebrates Year of the Boar

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

Don’t miss out on Chinatowns biggest party of the year! Celebrate the Year of the Boar with a parade and festival in Chinatown. Featuring Marching Bands, Floats, The Miss Chinatown Queen and Court as well as delicious food, music and fun.

Click here for more information.

Things To Do This Fall

LA FOOD FEST
MUSIC TASTES GOOD
JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
VEUVE CLICQUOT
OFF THE HOOK SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
CAMP FLOG GNAW

10 L.A. Happy Hours To Try This Fall

Truth: There’s no shortage of happy hours in Los Angeles. The real question is, which discounted eats and delicious deals stand apart from by-the-numbers wings, fries and domestic beer?

Discerning chefs transition their menus with the seasons. They choose fresh and they choose smart. The result is a happy hour that’s tailored to our tastebuds like a perfectly fitted suit, not to mention easy on the wallet.

Looking for unique seafood dishes? How about drool-worthy meatball sandwiches, crab mac ‘n cheese or glazed Brussel sprouts? Expansive international beer selections? This fall, the city of angels offers that and a whole lot more.

Your happy hour game is about to change for the better, starting below (list numbered only for reference, arranged in no particular order).

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1. Gratitude (Beverly Hills)

Healthy options that taste like guilty pleasures is what you’ll find at Gratitude. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. During that time frame you’ll find a selection of specialty cocktails made with fresh juices and even activated charcoal. Pair your libation with small bites such as vegan nachos, a Mediterranean tapas plate, Bollywood Fries or Korean collard spring rolls. –> More information 

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2. Broken Spanish (Downtown Los Angeles)

Chef Ray Garcia’s La Hora Especial is offered Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the bar and corral of his elevated latin restaurant. Down $8 Mezcal cocktails and bold inventive small plates such as rabbit albondigas, lentil nopal tostadas and chili-lime chicken necks for $6 to $8. –> More information

3. Momed (Atwater Village)

Start happy hour early at Momed in Atwater Village every Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 3-5 p.m. Eight mighty food selections make up the happy hour menu including a fig and arugula Turkish flat bread, grass fed burger with halloumi cheese and a selection of delicious mezzes like avocado hummus, eggplant ikra and pickled vegetables. Personal favorites include the mezze trio served with warm doughy bread and lightly charred Brussel sprouts dressed with pomegranate molasses. The cocktail list features $4 mediterranean beers, wine and specialty cocktails like the Med.Mule, a mediterranean take on a classic drink made of fig vodka, ginger beer and lime. –> More information 

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4. Bone Kettle (Pasadena)

Southeast Asian-inspired Bone Kettle hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with two dollars off craft brews and house wines, alongside a selection of bold bites. Options include tartare seasoned with lemongrass and garlic, Mapo Tofu Fries (a twist on Poutin), and Sambal Chicken Wings. The tartare goes for $9, and is a must-try. –> More information

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5. Tsubaki (Echo Park)

Happy hour at Tsubkai is available Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The menu offers a $10 Japanese “Dodger Dog” made of chicken sausage topped with yuzu slaw, shishito relish and onion rings. Other notables include a Tonkatsu Sando (a fried pork cutlet sandwich) and fried anchovies with yuzu kosho tartar sauce. –> More information

6. Kettle Black (Silver Lake)

This rustic Italian restaurant offers a happy hour daily from 5 to 7 p.m. Specials include a saucy $7 meatball sandwich and a $15 charcuterie plate. Looking for a more complete dinner? The Pizza & Pop Deal combines a margherita pizza with your choice of a Peroni or  glass of red/white wine for $15.  –> More Information

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7. The Wallace (Culver City)

The Wallace’s “Happy AF” menu is offered daily at the bar from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sip on wacky named cocktails like the “Dad Bod” made of bourbon, honey and lemon and choose from a food menu made up of guilty pleasures like the tacos de caja payaso inspired by Jack in the Box and bucket o’ chicken a nod to KFC. It might be fast food prices during this happy hour, but they don’t skimp on quality, using local and sustainable ingredients in all their dishes. –> More information

8. Tallula’s (Santa Monica)

Talulla’s happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m in the bar, lounge and patio.  This coastal style Mexican cantina offers specials on organic chicken tacos, grass fed ground beef tacos, yellowtail ceviche and more. Vegetarians can pick from spicy pickled vegetables, veggie tacos and nachos “sencillo” topped with cotija & fontina cheese, spicy giardiniera, buttermilk crema, and salsa. You’ll’ also find select cocktails, latin beers and wines are all specially priced. –> More information

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9. Bourbon Steak House (Glendale)

This Michael Mina establishment hosts a Come On, Get Happy! menu Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 2:30 p.m. Available in the spacious lounge area, all “snacks” are half priced, burgers are $14 and specialty cocktails are $7. Don’t expect the snack menu to be limited to small bites, you’ll find elevated options like a crab mac n cheese, duck fat fries, lamb lollipops and Thai beef skewers. –> More information

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10. Bottlefish (Brentwood)

Brentwood’s sustainable seafood restaurant Bottlefish recently launched a “First Call” menu. Available Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., the menu offers a of selection bites from the raw bar including $2 oysters, smoked salmon deviled eggs and sea bass ceviche tostada. Break the seafood dishes up with kimchi chicken wings and cheeseburger sliders. Everything on the happy hour menu is priced just under $10. Craft cocktails are $8 across the board, including the Jalisco 75, a tequila-based libation made with fresh-pressed lime juice, agave and cava –> More information 

Bonus Item: Friends & Family Ice Cream O’Clock ( East Hollywood)

“Ice Cream O’clock” is Friends & Family’s version of happy hour. Stop by Monday through Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. for $3 scoops of rotating flavors created by Pastry Chef, Roxana Jullapat. Seasonal concoctions include Compartes Chocolate, Pumpkin and Mint Chip, all available on house-made waffle cones and topped with fixings such as pecan sticky sauce and granola. –> More information

Story courtesy of We Like LA. 

10 Places You Should Visit This Fall in Los Angeles

No seasons in Los Angeles? Well, it’s complicated.

Sure, we don’t have miles of brown and red leafed treetops like you might see in in New Hamphire. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of the beauty of autumn right here in the city of angels.

In L.A. you can discover gardens with a front row view of bright colored foliage. You can experience traditions like picking your own apples or pumpkins at the farm. You can even partake in cultural holidays and festivals that celebrate the harvest season.

In short, you’ve got options.

That said, here’s a promise about the list below– visiting these 10 places at least once will confirm that L.A. does indeed have Fall.

1. Witness fall foliage season at Descanso Gardens.

From October through November, walk Descanso Gardens for its the beautiful botanical display (or train it on the Enchanted Railroad). Take in beauties such as the light pink Sasanqua camellias, bright red toyon berries, stunning yellow ginkgo trees and the expansive native California tree canopies illustrating the inviting and warm Fall colors of Los Angeles. Plus: Descanso’s Enchanted: Forest of Light is back this fall from November 19 – January 16. -> Plan your garden trip today.

2. Watch trees change color at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Going to the Arboretum this fall? Head straight over to the Grace Kallam Perennial Garden where you will get quite the show. The garden’s blooming perennials and fall foliage features beds and beds of spectacular color including the yellow-leafed gingko trees, and copper foliage of the Sweetgum tree. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife who reside and who migrate annually to the Garden. -> View nature’s show here.

L.A. County Arboretum

L.A. County Arboretum. Credit to Chris M. Morris via flickr cc

3. Pick Pumpkins at Underwood Farms

Ok, so Moorpark isn’t techinically in L.A. county. But it’s close! And Underwood Family Farms is the right place for picking your own favorite variety of pumpkins, from Magic Lanterns (perfect for carving) to Cinderellas to Luminas. The farm hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival where you’ll catch a tractor ride, a chicken show, and lots of fun activities for the kids. The festival runs on weekends through Oct. 29. -> Pumpkin harvest-time at the farm.

4. Take the Corn Maze Challenge at Tapia Bros. Farmstand

This corn maze challenges all ages to navigate through it while answering trivia questions. The maze is closed on Mondays for watering, and open every weekend through the end of October. While at Tapia Bros. Farmstand don’t miss a taste of the roasted corn, which makes a tasty afternoon snack. -> Find your way here.

5. Roam the Many Gardens of The Huntington

The Huntington Gardens welcomes guests all year long to explore its hundreds of species and beautiful landscape. Ranging from the American Sweetgum tree’s red and auburn leaves to the yellow and golden blooms of the Chinese raintree, have your phone ready to capture all of that and more including the purple salvias shrubs and the burnt orange flower petals of the wild dagga. -> In living color.

Huntington Library

Japanese Garden at the Huntington Library. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

6. Take Instagram-worthy photos at Mr. Bones’ Pumpkin Patch

The highly-celebrated (and celebrity kid hot spot) pumpkin patch gives you all the Fall feels with its select pumpkin patch, the spider bouncy house, live music, a Master Carver who will turn your pumpkin into a jack o’ lantern masterpiece, and swanky LA food trucks including The Grilled Cheese and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. VIP tickets are available. -> Snap here.

7. See the Santa Monica Mountains on Horseback

Los Angeles Horseback Riding takes you and a group of friends or with your very special person on a picturesque trail ride in the Santa Monica mountains including part of the Backbone Trail. You’ll see LA’s native landscape including breathtaking geography, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and wildlife such as hawks, deer or even, the rare Mexican Xoloitzcuintli. Sunset rides offer gorgeous Autumn colors like you’ve never seen before in LA. -> Fall on horseback.

8. Experience Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Honoring the living and the dead, this Dia de los Muertos event highlights a traditional procession and altar-making, while hundreds of Aztec ritual dancers and other folklorico performers entertain the crowd. This year includes four stages of music and theatrical performers throughout the day/evening. Be sure to check out and enter to win in the best calaca (skeleton) costume and altar contests. -> Celebrate culture and spirit on Oct. 28.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Credit: Mooshu via flickr cc

9. Go Apple picking at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho

Have an urge to go apple picking? Take a drive out to San Bernadino. Los Rios Rancho is SoCal’s largest apple farm, featuring heirloom fruit trees with well over 32 apple varieties including Granny Smith and Rome Beauty. Riley’s fresh-pressed apple cider tastes deliciously seasonal, which you can take home by the gallon or have a cup at the snack bar. -> U-pick here.

10. Oktoberfest at Alpine Village

Oktoberfest at Alpine Villageis the signature annual Oktobersfest event in the L.A.-area. Now through October 28, you’ll be able to partake in tasting Warsteiner German beers (Oktoberfest, Dunkel, Pilsner, Ace Cider and Konig Ludwig Hefeweisen), and feast on German specialties like Bavarian pretzels, sausages, schnitzel and strudel. German Oom Pah Pah bands inspire dancing and cheering. -> Prost (cheers).

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

Advertise in Fall/Winter Issue of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate Magazine

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Don’t miss out on the Fall/Winter issue of Luxury Real Estate Magazine! Published only three times a year, this coffee-table-quality publication reaches a high-net worth audience through worldwide distribution of 50,000+ copies!

The issue is sent to many of the world’s most affluent households and individuals, each magazine showcases luxury homes from the finest national and international real estate specialists.

Issue – Fall/Winter 2016
Print Date – November 1st
Materials due – October 3, 2016

Limited space available!

MAGAZINE PRICING DETAILS:

Full Page – $2,495 (1-4 properties OR Branding Ad OR Agent Page)
Inside Cover – $2,995
Back Inside Cover – $2,995
Back Cover -$3,495
Half Page $1,255 (1-2 properties)
Quarter Page – $655
Agent Spot – $395
Significant Sale – $195

DISTRIBUTION DETAILS: 

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To view Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate’s 2016 Summer Issue, click here: http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/magazine

If you have any further questions or want to reserve space, contact our LUXRE Membership Manager, Brandie Holmes at 206.695.4843. You can also reach her at Bholmes@luxre.com

Rodeo Realty Delivers 1,000 Pumpkins In Los Angeles

Rodeo Realty agent Tom Otero was a busy man on Friday. He delivered over 1,000 pumpkins to local neighborhoods and schools around the Lake Hollywood area. Tom reports that he has already received many calls and emails from happy and surprised neighbors who found a little touch of fall on their doorsteps.