Thursday, December 28, 2023

Looking Ahead: Will the 2024 Housing Market Slowly Unfreeze?

 


Whether it was a soaring stock market defying constant expectations of doom, a job market refusing to quit despite higher interest rates from the Fed or a housing market largely frozen in place due to steep mortgage rates, 2023 was full of surprises. READ MORE

Thursday, December 21, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 6. Bows and Ribbon

 

6. Bows and Ribbon

There’s just something endearingly sweet and classic about a bow on Christmas.

Whether they’re used as an accent or a focal point, you’ll find bows and ribbon on many trees today.

Bows can be a more cost effective alternative to ornaments and garland, as they just require a bit of ribbon. You can create them from any color, size or style ribbon, making them an easy and simple way to express your creativity.

This is one trend that I’m partial to myself, and have used on all of my trees.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 5. Tinsel Christmas Trees

 

5. Tinsel Christmas Trees

Here’s a trend that you’ve probably noticed on your social media feed recently…

Dating back to the 1600s and made popular in the 1950s, tinsel has had a resurgence over the past couple years.

Traditionally, tinsel was used to reflect candlelight on the tree, making it appear more vibrant and magical. Thankfully, we’ve left the real candles in the past, but many are hopping back on the tinsel train.

Whether you cover your tree or use it as an accent, tinsel is one way to add glam and nostalgia.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 4. Flocked Christmas Trees

 

4. Flocked Christmas Trees

Dreaming of a white Christmas? A flocked tree may be for you.

Flocked trees gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, and they’ve recently become more common on social media. These trees add an elegant style and a snowy, wintery feel to Christmas celebrations.

The white branches allows serves as a neutral background to tree decor, allowing ornaments and garlands to pop.

Over the years, the technology and techniques for flocking artificial trees have evolved, resulting in various styles and designs of flocked Christmas trees available today. 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 3. Sparse and Minimalist Trees

 

3. Sparse and Minimalist Trees 

Gaining popularity in recent years, sparse and minimalist trees are the antithesis to the lush, full trees that have traditionally reigned supreme.

Reminiscent of Scandinavian style, these modest trees look as if they could have just been cut down from the backyard. They provide a fresh look and a departure from the conventional fuller trees.

Sparse branches also make decorating the tree simple and easy. There’s no need for an abundance of ornaments and garlands to fill it out (though you can go there, if so inclined).

There’s something sweet and charming about these simple, unfussy trees. They can stand on their own beautifully without looking unfinished or incomplete. 

Friday, December 8, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 2. Vintage Inspired Christmas

 

2. Vintage Inspired Christmas

The holidays are a time for nostalgia and old family traditions. Growing up, our tree was full of handmade clay, paper and wood ornaments—each one with a story.

While our tree typically follows a specific theme, I always leave room for some “fun” ornaments that my daughter chooses and helps place on the tree.

There’s something charming and nostalgic about mismatched ornaments collected throughout the years. Reminiscing on the good old days will never go out of style, so go ahead and embrace those sentimental homemade ornaments.

There aren’t many rules with this decorating style, so let the kids get involved and just have fun! You can’t overdo it, so pull all of the ornaments out of storage and load up that tree.


Wednesday, December 6, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TREND - 1. Warm Neutrals

 

1. Warm Neutrals

The neutral home aesthetic has carried over into holiday decor, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. Shades of gold, brown and ivory are mixed with organic textures to achieve this popular look.

Get the look with wood bead garlands, velvet ribbon, paper ornaments, and natural woven textures in a muted, earthy palette.

If you want a tree that’s simple yet sophisticated with a warm and cozy feel—neutral trees have got it covered.

Monday, December 4, 2023

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2023


 Each year, we eagerly anticipate coming up with a new theme for our Christmas tree. Sometimes it’s subtle changes from the year before, other times it’s a completely different look and feel. Finding inspiration is the first step in this process, and it’s a task we always look forward to.  While researching new ideas this year, we came across many styles and trends that we thought would be fun to share for anyone else looking to spark their creativity. Stop back often and check out our favorite tree ideas and trends for 2023... ENJOY!

Friday, December 1, 2023

The We Energies Cookie Book 2023


We look forward to sharing the 2023 Cookie Book with you this holiday season.

The 2023 We Energies Cookie Book celebrates Wisconsin first responders. You’ll find recipes from police, firefighters and EMTs and stories of their service to our communities.

There’s even a little something for your favorite K-9.

Click Here to Download