Holland • Springfield Town Money Saver | November FOM 2021

he dining space is where family and friends gather to eat and enjoy one another’s company. Here’s how to give your dining spaces awe-inspiring makeovers on a budget.

• LIGHTEN & BRIGHTEN. Dining rooms were once very formal spaces. Dark woods, large pieces of furniture, but now houses are being built with open oor plans, which have moved dining rooms to having lighter colored walls, ooring and furniture. A fresh coat of vibrant paint can work wonders and if you can’t remove a oor, cover it with a brightly colored area rug.

• ADD FLOATING SHELVING. Floating shelves provide much-needed storage or display space without the need to invest in another piece of furniture. ey can work in modern design schemes or even farmhouse dining spaces.

• CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER. It might be time to say “so long” to that large curio cabinet and the knickknacks within

it. Curio and china cabinets used to be de rigueur, but plenty of people now prefer more open and airy dining rooms. For those who want to keep the cabinet, try decluttering inside to only include the very best display pieces and see if the cabinet can be re nished with paint or a lightly colored stain.

• IMPROVE LIGHTING. Make the chandelier the statement piece of the space. Go for a bold color or an innovative design.

• ADD BENCH SEATING. Swap out some chairs for benches, which can t a couple more guests than chairs.

• CREATE DEPTH WITH COLOR. Using various shades of the same color in a space can add depth. Coordinate drapes, walls, seat fabrics, and accessories for a cohesive design.

Renovating a dining room doesn’t require a large investment of time and money. A few simple steps can give dining spaces a whole new feel without busting homeowners’ budgets.

5 WAYS TO SUPPORT Small Businesses

Smallbusinesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. Consumers who want to help their favorite small businesses survive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success. Consumers can make a concerted e ort to fuel this important cog in their local economic engines.

• SHOP LOCAL. e concept is simple but e ective. Opting to shop in local stores over larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root. Before making holiday shopping lists, visit local stores and base gi ideas on items they have in stock. Chances are those gi s will be one-of-a-kind.

• PURCHASE GIFT CARDS/CERTIFICATES. All businesses have slow periods, and post-holidays is o en a time when sales stagnate. Gi cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them, potentially creating new repeat customers.

• CATER HOLIDAY MEALS AND GATHERINGS. e holiday season is chock-full of entertainment opportunities. Individuals can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to cater holiday parties. Some businesses also may be willing to discount or donate food for nonpro t group activities, such as church holiday bazaars, school holiday concerts or fundraising fairs.

• THINK ABOUT SUBSCRIPTION GIFTS. Enrollment in a health club or a massage therapy service are gi s that keep on giving for the recipient, but also help ensure consistent incoming cash for the business providing the service.

When shopping this holiday season, consumers can look to the small, local businesses in their communities that help make towns and cities unique.

HOLLAND • SPRINGFIELD

Published By Town Money Saver, Inc.

Corporate Office • PO Box 356 • Lucas, OH 44843

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