Happy DIY Saturday Stagetecture readers! 2012 is quicky coming to an end, how are you going to ring in the new year? If you want to plan a last minute New Year’s Eve Party – go right ahead! Whether you call up friends or send Evites or reach out on your social media outlets, everyone loves a great party!

Today, get tips for decorating, planning and hosting a last minute New  Year’s Eve party and watch a video to make your party look  great with Pottery Barn.

How to Throw a New Year’s Eve Party – Pottery Barn

Link to video –> How to Throw a New Year’s Eve Party

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Last Minute Ideas for Planning your New Year’s Eve Party

Image via: BG Greek

After passing a stressful and somewhat lengthy process of shopping, expending, and preparing for Christmas, it is natural that you are left with little energy to attend a grand New Year’s celebration. So, if Christmas takes most of your vigor, you had better arrange for a small, pleasant, and cozy New Year’s gathering at your home. It can be a great way to relax a bit and catch up with dear ones you missed at Christmas.

With a bit ingenuity, simple but glamorous food and beverage, some clever decoration tricks, and a little help from your guests, you can arrange a remarkable New Year party within a short time.

Start Late:

No point is there to throw a party if you are too worn out to enjoy it. In order to relive some burden off your shoulder, start your New Year’s cocktail party after dinner. You will be excused from preparing a full meal, as guests will arrive with a full stomach. You can set the party time after 9 p.m.

Image via: Tesco Magazine

Choose great music:

Music is a powerful theme-setter and mood-maker with which you can instantly turn a roof-raising rager into a romantic rendezvous. So, make your CD selection in advance in accordance with the kind of impression you want to make. Pick familiar dance numbers if you want people to shake the floor. However, do not forget to turn off the music and dim the light before the countdown.

Save Time on Planning Menu:

The fun of hosting a party is greatly marred when you fix a menu that requires you to work in the kitchen for the whole time before the party and to clear the leftovers and wash plates throughout the night. So, you had better arrange for homemade items supplemented by foods bought from stores. You can bring a special touch to the menu by adding at least one over-the-top item.

You can also choose items that require little or no cooking. For example, you can go for dishes like Parmesan-stuffed dates, a variety of cheeses with crackers, Salmon Rillettes, beef skewers, caviar on potato, and a glamorous cocktail with pretty glass and chick garnish.

Image via: The Tom Kat Studio

Decorations:

Be creative while giving some easy and quick touches to your place so that it creates a perfect New Year part spirit. Make sure that there is enough space for the guests. Set up a nice lighting, place some votive candles on the table, and use the Christmas lights and decoration items for the makeover of the place.

Image via: Pinterest

For a New Year party, style should not be substitute for substance. So, think of something simple yet elegant and small yet creative. It will save your money, energy, time, and let you to express your creativity.

For more New Year’s Eve ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

A new year is upon us and when you think that all that’s happened—good, bad and not-so-pretty, to be in the position of preparing for another “12 month go around”, that is definitely something worth celebrating.

As we get older, the earth does as well. Therefore, it’s important that we do our part to not just take better care of ourselves, but also this world that we live in. So, as you’re putting the final touches on your New Year’s Eve party plans, why not go the extra mile by using some green (eco-friendly) decor ideas?

Image via: Pinterest

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Are you curious about which ones you can easily incorporate into your plans? If so, we’ve got five great ones:

Use your email and social media for your invites.

We won’t lie. Getting a paper invite in the mail is a pretty classy move, but it’s also a waste of good paper (including the money that it costs to mail it). Instead, go with a website like E-vite, send your announcement via email or even use your Facebook page or Twitter account to get the message out.

Borrow what you need.

When you’re preparing for a party, there is oftentimes an assumption that if you need more tables or serving dishes that you should simply go out and buy them. The thing is, if you’re not someone who entertains on a regular basis, it could result in having another box of clutter for your attic or garage afterwards. It makes a lot more sense to borrow what you need from a family member or friend, rent the stuff from a local party planning store or purchase items like plates and cups from a biodegradable supply company such as BiodegradableStore.com.

Be creative with the decor.

Instead of lots of paper streamers and traditional candles, consider alternatives such as biodegradable crepe paper streamers and soy candles. If you have the time, you can even make your own confetti out of leftover wrapping paper (eHow and YouTube are two website that will walk you through it). Also, plants can be a really nice touch to any party. They are beautiful to look at, plus they significantly reduce the amount of toxins that are in the air.

Image via: Catch My Party

Use as little electricity as possible.

There are quite a few companies that use solar power for business. While you’re home (or the venue where you are hosting the party) probably still runs on good old fashioned electricity, you can still be responsible with it. Light candles, use the fireplace, turn off overhead lighting in places where you don’t need it and when it comes to providing entertainment like music, consider going with an acoustic set and then using a DJ (or the radio) right as you bring the New Year in.

Go organic.

What party works without a good toast? One of the staples of being eco-friendly is consuming what has as little preservatives and additives as possible. So, what don’t you consider picking up either some organic wine or champagne? You can call ahead to your local liquor store to see if they have it or have it delivered overnight thanks to websites like TheOrganicWineCompany.com and Organic-Champagne.com.

For more New Year’s Eve ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

As the East Coast continues to dig out from under the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, many people are taking a closer look at their emergency preparedness. Millions of people lost power during the storm, and in some places they remained cut off for as long as two weeks due to infrastructure damage. People who had generators at home were able to weather the storm in relative comfort. Those without a generator to lean on had to get by on candlelight and extra blankets. After an experience like that generators are going to be flying off the shelves. But which one should you buy, and how do you know if it is right for your needs? Here are just a few things to consider when purchasing a generator for your home.

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Determine why you need a generator

First and foremost, you must set down your goals for owning a generator. They come in a wide range of sizes, and perform various functions depending on those factors. So what’s important to you? Look around your home and determine exactly how much power you would need to get by if the grid fails. That may sound daunting, but it is actually fairly simple. Look at the wattage each item uses, both at its peak and during standard operation. Tally up the running wattage of every device, then add on the largest peak usage number out of all of them. Put together, that’s the maximum wattage you’ll need. Once you’ve got this number in hand, it’s time to take a look at generators and make some tough decisions.

Review the different types of generators

When reviewing generators, you’ll basically be looking at two main options, either portable or standby models. The portable generator can go with you if you travel, so you’ll have access to power wherever you are. Portable generators are small enough to be moved around, but that also means they won’t generate as much power. Standby generators are professionally installed in the home. They’re much larger, and can only be used in that one place. You are limited in application, but you’ll get far more energy out of them.

While running time and portability are definitely important considerations, you must also look at fuel efficiency. Any generator must have a fuel source in order to create power for your needs, and more often than not that comes from gasoline, oil or some mix of the two. Since you won’t have an endless supply of fuel, you want a generator that is as efficient as possible. Yet you don’t want to sacrifice output. And if you have a standby generator you may want to invest in a larger tank so you can keep more fuel on hand and won’t have to refill it as often.

Consider the outlets on the generator

The other major factor to consider are the outlets the generator provides. Each brand and model will come with different types and amounts of outlets, and may even give you outlets with different voltage. Make sure any generator at home will match your particular infrastructure, and that any portable generators provide enough 12-volt outlets to power all of the personal electronics you have to run.

Finally, what accessories come along with each generator? You’ll want to make sure the warranty is full-bodied enough to provide peace of mind. Ideally your generator will have wheels and a weather cover, in case you need to create a mobile boiler. And of course it should have a transfer switch to power your home. Ask questions about all the accessories at the store before you make your decision. A generator doesn’t necessarily need all of these bells and whistles to be effective, as long as it fits your needs.

Images via: 1, 2

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Apartments use 65% less energy than single family homes!

Apartment living is a lifestyle that can be greener than you might imagine. Higher density means less consumption. Because you have other dwellings on either side of you, above and below, it costs less to heat and costs less to cool. It’s like each apartment unit provides insulation for multiple other units. Contrast this with a single detached dwelling and it’s fairly obvious that you won’t have the same kind of insulation. Even townhomes and row houses use less energy than single detached homes for the same reason. The detached home is fully exposed on all sides.

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Compared to alternatives, you’ll use so much less energy by just living in an apartment. But it doesn’t stop there! There are so many things you can do while you’re living in an apartment that will contribute even more to a greener lifestyle.

A greener apartment lifestyle

By turning the heat down, Americans could save more than 500,000 barrels of oil each day–that’s over 21,000,000 gallons.

It already costs less to keep your apartment warm as described above, but you can still turn your heat down a bit and that saves even more. Here are a just a couple of tips:

• Use energy efficient appliances if you have the option.

• Put in a programmable thermostat.

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Those who live in apartments tend to use less energy in other ways as well. An apartment lifestyle lends itself to the use of greener transportation. Public transportation by bus, train or subway is usually closer to multi-residential dwellings for obvious reasons. So apartment dwellers, whether renters or owners, or more likely to use public transportation or even walk to work because of close proximity. This is going to hold true whether the commute back and forth to their home is for work or more recreational in purpose.

You can find these and many more statistics, practical tips, and resources for green apartment living in a free green apartment living guide from Rent Café. You’ll be amazed at the number of things you can easily do that make a big difference. Get your free guide now.

For more apartment living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! The weather is getting warmer and keeping a cool home will be more of a challenge as the summer goes on. Today we look at some effective solutions for cooling your home this summer. Watch a few videos that will help you weatherize your home, save money on cooler lightbulbs and water heater savings tips . Then my guest blogger explains how window tinting is a viable option to cool your home this summer. Whether you are trying to save money on your energy costs,save your furniture from fading, or just want a healthier home, today’s DIY Saturday is for you!

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Videos – Tips for Saving Energy and Money this Summer

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Guest Blogger – How Window Tinting will Make your Home Cooler

There are many beneficially reasons to installing window tinting for your home. It is becoming more popular in recent years for various reasons with most house owners sharing the same objectives.  Below are four reasons to consider using window tinting.

1. Protecting your health

Windows add sunlight, luxury and comfort to your home, but it also increases UV exposure, which can result in health risks. In the short term this can cause sun damage, dry skin and affect any other skin conditions you may have. In the long term, sun damage can result in development of skin cancer.

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The most damaging part of sun exposure is the UV (Ultraviolet Radiation). Window Tinting or particular Window Film can reduce harmful radiation without reducing the sunlight.

2. Protecting your furniture and electronics

The direct power of the sun isn’t just damaging to human skin; it can cause a lot of wear and tear for your belongings as well. Some people try to deal with this problem by re-arranging their furniture or making sure to never leave their electronics in a sunny spot. But tinted windows can help you reclaim the whole of your house as your space.

Many types of objects can be damaged by exposure to too much. The list includes: cloth and leather furniture, curtains, computers, plasma televisions and recording equipment. Even the paint on your walls can be at risk of fading and discoloration. You can prevent all these problems with the right type of window film.

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3. Making eco-friendly choices

Installing home window tinting can seriously lower the amount of money you spend to heat and cool your home. This makes it a great option both in terms of your financial well-being and the impact your family makes on the Earth.

The way it works is pretty simple. Window film works as a form of insulation that reduces the amount of heat transferred through your windows. In the summer, this helps keeps the heat out. You’ll be able to enjoy the same amount of comfort while running your air conditioner less. In the winter, tinted windows help keep the heat inside. You’ll save a bundle on your heating bills.

4. Comfort

Does the glare of the sun get in your eyes? Are there certain places you can’t sit in the house because you can’t even see your laptop screen? Tinted windows can help. By reducing the amount of sunlight that enters the windows, they significantly improve any issues with glare that you may be experiencing. This can be especially important for people with sensitive eyes.

As mentioned there are a few good reasons to consider using window tinting on your home.

For you Home Window Tinting needs contact Instant Windscreens & Tinting. Located in multiple locations through out Australia, they are the professionals when it comes to window tinting.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

We are midway through the summer and the heat is unbearable! Depending on where you live, the heat may be approaching the worst of the summer, or you may have hotter days yet to come.  Along with rising temperatures are rising energy bills to try and cool your home.

Last summer, I featured this article on how to save energy in the summer months, and I figured its time to repost it, after all… who doesn’t want to save money during the hottest time of the year?

Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010

With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.

1. Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature. 78 degrees is plenty cool in the house. Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool. Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).

3. Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well. Plus your clothes will last longer. See some great clothes-drying racks here.

4. Take shorter showers and do not take baths. Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home. Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

You can also look into solar hot water.

5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators. Please do not use more than one fridge. And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6. Use ceiling fans rather than A/C. They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7. Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers. See solar screens here.

8. Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Best of 2010 – #4

“How do I Save Energy? It’s so Hot this Summer”

We continue with the Best of 2010 on Stagetecture. From December 27 – December 31st I am counting down the top 5 blog posts on Stagetecture. These are based on the posts that received the most views from you, my readers.

In the heat of the summer, the number one item on everyone’s mind is saving energy! This post came in #4 this year, when the entire world was trying to cool off from the heat AND save energy at the same time. Whether it is summer or winter, these same energy efficiency ideas can be helpful!

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Original Entry #211, July 13, 2010

With record breaking heat in some areas of the United States, and just being darn hot everywhere – how can you even think about saving energy in your home? Low Impact Living has 8 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer.

1.  Keep your home at an eco-conscious temperature.  78 degrees is plenty cool in the house.  Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.

2. Work with the sun to keep your house cool.  Close all shutters and blinds during the day to keep the sun out– then open windows at night to cool the house and feel the breeze (if you have any!).

3.  Let the air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well.  Plus your clothes will last longer.  See some great clothes-drying racks here.

4.  Take shorter showers and do not take baths.  Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home.  Showers are the way to go– and keep ’em short. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).

You can also look into solar hot water.

5. Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators.  Please do not use more than one fridge.  And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.

6.  Use ceiling fans rather than A/C.  They are much more energy/-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.

7.  Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility. They are really great energy savers.  See solar screens here.

8.  Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. If you’ve got kids, how about turning off the TV one night and playing a board game by candlelight? Clue would be particularly spooky!

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.