Just Married!!

[Texasmujer]

For months, you've no doubt been focused on the details of your wedding---coordinating details, etc. Now you're ready to focus on your home, and the fun part---furnishing your home. When your budget is tight, the best strategy is to concentrate on basics you'll have for years, pieces that look great right now yet have longetivity. the important thing is to realize that your needs and tastes will change. Buy home furnishings that can evolve, too.

When money is a concern, linens and fabrice are a good investment...because they're highly versatile elements that can instantly alter the look of any home: a throw rug adds a bolt of color yet can later be rolled up for easy storage; towels and bedding can be changed weekly for a different look. Start by doing a "walk-through" of your new space to create a room-by-roomlist of your linen needs. The following checklist of necessities for each room can help.

DINING ROOM: 2 tablecloths an liners: 1 for casual meals; 1 for formal dinners dinners *Napkins in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. *Placemats *Window coverings *Decorative rug

BATHROOM: *1-2 bath sheets (master only) *4 bath towels *4 hand towels *8washcloths (they get used the most) *1 bath mat *1 bath rug *1 shower curtain

BEDROOM: *comforter and duvet cover, or bedspread *bedskirt *Sheets *Summer and winter weight blankets *Mattress pads *Window coverings *Throw rugs on either side of the bed *Robe and slippers

KITCHEN: *DIshcloths an sponges *Napkins *Throw rugs *Window coverings

LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM: Cocktail napkins fpr entertaining *Rugs *Window coverings

Beyond the Basic registry Items...Every household has necessities that don't come to mind, because they're so standard they're often overlooked. For example: *iron and ironing board *the smoke alarm *Ceiling fan/window fan *Shower massage *Fire exinguisher for the kitchen *Flashlights *Vacuum cleaner *Hand-held or upright vacuum *Toolbox *Clothes steamer *Laundry basket or bag *Clothes steamer *Laundry basket or bag *Shoe trees *Decorative trays for entertaining *Service pieces like oval platters, big glass bowls and serving baskets


THINGS MOTHER MAY NOT HAVE TOLD YOU--Tips for Towels: *Choose two towel colors for your bathroom. That way you keep you and your spouse's towels separatefrom one another. Monogramming adds a personal touch. *Make your towels last...use half detergent the directions call for; too much detergent will break down the fibers. *NEVER out fabric sofetener in the wash with your towels; it lessens the towels' absorbency. *Adding a half cup of vinegar when washing colored towels for the first time helps the color to set and not bleed or fade.

Tips for Bedding: *Keep in mind the color of your pet's fur wen you reister for new items. *Enlist your spouse's help in picking out your master bedroom pattern. Your bedroom should be a place that makes both of you aomfortable. *Mix and match to create a look that shows your personality as a couple. *Keep three sets of sheets for your bed so on any given day you have one on your bed, one in the laundry, and one in the linen closet. Keep in mind thay you may want cozy flannel sheets, or extra soft T-shirt sheets, depending on trhe season and climate. *If you or your spouse are multi-pillow sleepers; it's smart to have at least five on your bed. Take health and allergy problems into consideration when buying for your guests' beds. *Whether it's a light cotton throw for summer, or a soft and warm Vellux blenket for the winter, blankets keep you comfortable and also keep your heating bill in line. *If you and your fiance have accumulated lots of old linens between the two of you, use your bridal registry as an opportunity to make room for new, fresh linens the two of you will share. Donate old linens to a local charity.

GREAT GIFTS: *Tie a dozen white washcloths with a colorful wide satin ribbon for a housewarming gift. *Create a relaxation kit with aromatherapy, bath products, a scented candle, a towel and washcloth. *Give cotton knit sheets for a summer bridal shower or weding gift. Attach a muslin sachet filled with three parts lavendar, one part hops, and one part mugwart. *Pillows are items that can determine whether we get a good night's sleep or not, yet we rarely replace them! Treatr a friend to luxurious new bed pillows.