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Last year your loved one had an obsession with infinity scarves, and the year before that it was bath bombs. This year you are at a loss – they just bought a house so they already have the biggest holiday gift of all already, right? Wrong! Becoming a homeowner is the gift that keeps on giving, but there are plenty of items you can give them this year to make their house a home. Treehouse Gift & Home has a wide variety of great ideas, and the following are just a few suggestions to help you find the perfect gift to give the new homeowner:

• Welcome mat – We’ve all seen the simple welcome mats gracing front steps everywhere, but why not take it up a notch with a colorful new welcome mat? Or consider a flag that offers a cheerful greeting whenever they approach their new abode, or something that invites God into their home. It’s the perfect way to create a welcoming presence and further seal the deal that this is their new home sweet home.

• Holiday help – Moving into a new home is a lot of work, from unpacking boxes, to arranging furniture, to simply finding time to keep somewhat of a normal routine. Bless them by offering your services, whether it is helping to assemble furniture, finding the perfect home for the items in all those boxes, or bringing over dinner. Another great help is to clean their carpets for them. Just keep in mind the differences between steam vs. shampoo as you decide what will be best for their needs.

• Personal assistant – No, we aren’t referring to a celeb-status personal assistant, but being able to play music, check the weather, read an audiobook, or listen to the traffic report with nothing but a voice command pretty close. The Amazon Echo will come in handy when they need some upbeat music to make it through yet another box, or want to get lost in a book while also working their way through that long to-do list.

• Throw blanket – Who doesn’t love snuggling up with a soft, fuzzy blanket at the end of a long day? A soft Vera Bradley fleece throw is the perfect way to rest and relax, and it can even double as a pretty accent when draped over a couch or chair. Nubby pillows make a comfy accent as well.

• Scented candle – Candles are another house-warming go-to, and there are so many to choose from. However, most of the time, once the candle burns to the end it has finished its job. Opt for a candle in a beautiful glass jar which can be kept to house trinkets, jewelry, or serve as a mantel piece once the soothing fragrance has melted away. (You might also share with them Better Homes & Gardens’ tips for cleaning residual wax, like freezing the jar or baking it in the oven.)

• Holiday ornament – There are holiday ornaments galore, but how special would it be to have a customized, handmade ornament reminding them of their new home? Unskinny Boppy explains all you need to do is snap a quality picture of the new home, trace it onto clay, shape, bake and paint it. They’ll have an ornament to be displayed on the Christmas tree year after year, serving as a wonderful reminder of this new and exciting experience.

• Explore online – we’ve compiled plenty of choices here, but sometimes new homeowners have very specific needs. There is no reason to go broke if a new appliance or similar home item is the right choice, just look for Cyber Monday deals to stretch your dollars.

It can sometimes be difficult to figure out what to give everyone for the holidays, but with a new homeowner in your midst, you are blessed with a plethora of options. No matter what you choose, they are sure to appreciate the thought you put into it as they enjoy the holidays in their brand new home.

Visit Treehouse Gift & Home for more great ideas for all your holiday shopping!

Community businesses are the lifeblood of local economies. They provide employment opportunities to your friends, family, and neighbors, while also giving back to the community in ways that big corporations cannot match. Whether you’re on the hunt for clothing, home decor, or other goods, shopping local is the way to go. Below are several advantages that supporting these small shops will provide.

Why You Should Choose Community Businesses

1. Receive Better Customer Service

Often, when you visit a local shop, the owners will develop a personal relationship with you, as you will likely also see them in the community. When you get to know the owner, you will get a superior customer service experience, whether you have a question about a product or special request that they can help fulfill. Small business owners address your needs directly, which is not always possible when dealing with a large company. 

2. Find Unique Products

While many people think chain stores are more convenient, they do not have as many eye-catching products that stand out from the crowd. Conversely, local stores owned by community members have a distinctive inventory that you can’t find anywhere else. Many local shops even stock handmade goods from nearby artists, such as one-of-a-kind trinkets and home decor. 

3. Help the Local Economy

When shop owners live and work in your community, they’re more likely to take their earnings and redistribute them locally. They will also patronize other community businesses when searching for supplies and products. When you spend money with these retailers, you’re providing the local economy with the resources that allow it to thrive. On the other hand, spending money at chain establishments sends the money to executives that are likely far away from your community. 

Whenever you need treasured gifts, home decor, or religious items, visit Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. This locally owned and operated business has been serving customers since 1988, specializing in seasonal decor, faith-based items, and sympathy gifts. Their inventory includes stationary, candles, candy, perfume, novelty items, rugs, and many other products from local artists. Visit the website to view their home decor products. Call (608) 433-7896 to speak to a team member about your needs.

From rich colors to the festive feeling of the approaching holiday season, fall is uniquely inspiring. If you want to incorporate more of the seasonal spirit into your life, start by switching up your home decor. Here are four interior design tips for the season.

How to Incorporate Autumn Home Decor 

1. Seasonal Centerpieces

Centerpieces are an easy and lovely DIY project. You can dedicate specific areas, such as a coffee or dining room table, to display your festive creations. It doesn’t need to be intricate or elaborate. For example, you could use a lantern or candle as a focal point and place branches, pine cones, leaves, or autumnal flowers around it for a simple and elegant display. Use colors like burnt orange, yellow, and red.

2. Decorative Gourds

Nothing says autumn like a gourd. Larger varieties can look beautiful on their own, or you can complement them with other festive pieces, such as vines. Because real plants and gourds will spoil within a couple of weeks, consider using artificial ones instead. Place them in various colors and sizes around the house and on the porch to showcase the season. 

3. Themed Wreaths

Wreaths are a beautiful, traditional accessory that fit any season. You can purchase beautiful pre-made varieties or make one. If you choose to make one, start with a wire circle and wrap leaves and flowers around it. Then, add small pine cones or pumpkins in complementary colors throughout the piece.

4. Festive Tableware

Swap out bright summery dishware with autumnal varieties. Consider decorative platters that show the changing of the leaves. Also, use plates that are orange, red, or yellow to highlight the season. For dinner parties and other gatherings, add a decorative tablecloth and cloth napkins that have birds, pumpkins, or leaf patterns on them. 

If you want home decor for fall, stop by Treehouse Gifts & Home in Onalaska, WI. Since 1988, they’ve been the go-to home decor and gift shop throughout La Crosse County, carrying everything from novelties and rugs to Vera Bradley® products and wall decor. Call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a friendly staff member about your next project or gift-buying needs. Visit the website for more information about their products. 

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting experience, as you can personalize the space with home decor to make it your own. Depending on the items you pick, you can create a rustic, traditional feeling, or a modern, professional aesthetic. Below are some tips to help you feel at home in your new place.

How to Create a Comfortable Apartment

1. Look for Quality Pieces

When furnishing the home, you don’t need to buy the cheapest particleboard options you can find, even on a limited budget. For example, you can shop at thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets for attractive, vintage pieces that use real wood. Often, the items here are a similar price to retail store options that are prefabricated. Remember, you don't have to purchase everything at once. Choosing home decor that appeals to you should be an ongoing process.

2. Use Mood Lighting

Lighting is one of the most significant features in creating a cozy atmosphere. Avoid using the overhead lights whenever possible, and instead, utilize table lamps and accent lighting. By situating multiple small lamps around the room, you can adjust the brightness to your needs.

With fewer lights on, the place should feel cozier and softer. The flicker of candles and oil lamps further adds to the ambiance. Choose bulbs and lampshades that give off a warm glow, and use accent lights to highlight the most attractive features of a room.

3. Decorate the Walls

One of the best ways to make your apartment feel like home is to hang various designs, posters, and home decor on the walls. Frame photos that you like and arrange them in clusters. Also, look for interesting and attractive wall decor at gift shops, and if you have creative friends, hang pieces of their work.

Regardless of what you choose to hang, use the open wall space as a blank canvas for your personal style. You can decorate it with religious passages or artwork that appeals to you and reflects your favorite themes.

When you need home decor to give your new apartment a cozy feel, visit Treehouse Gift & Home, a popular gift shop in Onalaska, WI. They are locally owned and have been serving La Crosse County since 1988. They offer unique rugs, lanterns, wall decor, and novelties at reasonable prices. Visit the website to view their available products. Call (608) 433-7896 to ask about business hours.

As summer comes to a close, it's officially time for your decor to match the season's change to fall. Come shop during Fall-fest, starting the first official day of fall: Sept. 22 through Oct. 3! You'll enjoy 20% OFF everything pumpkin, buy one, get one 30% OFF glitter lanterns, and you'll receive a free Thompson Farm dip mix with your purchase! We'll be open from 9 AM to 7 PM except for Sunday. Come escape, relax, and browse during Fall-fest!

Take a preview of what's in store for you here!

Come see our new Tan & White Pumpkins and use your coupon!

We know you're probably sad just like we are that Cranfest will not happen this year. So, make the best of it, and round up your ladies and come escape, relax, and browse all the wonderful fall scents from fall candles, to fall melts and diffusers, and you'll also see all the fall colors at the Treehouse.

You'll find beautiful fall towels by our Local Artists...

And, it's time your house smelled like fall!

Every great local business is surrounded by a community of friend and neighbors who love and support them.  Thank you for all of your support this year and always!