The Best Christmas Tree Collars and Bases

NOW UPDATED FOR CHRISTMAS 2018!!

Hey friends! I hope you are doing well. :-) Thanks for the love on my last blog post all about Instagram Essentials for Business!  Making some small shifts can really make ALL the difference. 

Today's blog post is all about Christmas tree collars! I LOVE this look and when I did a poll on my Coastal Interiors Instagram for your preference, it was heavily in favor of Christmas Tree Collars. 

*this post may contain affiliate links.

Some call them bases. Some people achieve a similar look with baskets, buckets, basins, or stands, but in general, it is having the look of a collar versus a traditional Christmas tree skirt.

By far, THIS ONE is my favorite for looks. It may sound a little silly to some, but you could convert it into a dog bed during all the other seasons. All you'd need is a similar size round dog bed (like this one) to plop in the middle of it and you're good to go!  Another one worth noting is THIS ONE which is my favorite for affordability.

There are plenty of beautiful options out there and even a fun spin on the concept like this Snowman Tree Collar. That would be so FUN for a kid’s Christmas tree. I know our kids would get a kick out of something like that!

I’d love to know if you end up buying and decorating your Christmas Tree with one of these collars! Comment below or share with me on my personal Instagram! 

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLARS

(remember many of them may be discounted from the price shown!)

Some current sales worth mentioning:

Minted: 15% off Holiday Cards

HM: New Sale Items added daily (LOVE their affordable sweaters!!!)

Nordstrom: Fall Clearance Event

Pottery Barn: up to 70% off sale

Saks Fifth Avenue: up to 40% off sale

J.Crew: 40% off sale

Express: 40-50% off Women’s Dresses and Sweaters, Men’s Suits and Hoodies, plus Men’s and Women’s Jeans and Women’s Outerwear!

From the beach,

Anneke

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on Instagram (lifestyle)

Follow along on Instagram (interiors)

Follow along on Instagram (diypaintedfurniture)

****This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you click on a link and purchase an item. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support this blog and it's content.

Make It Happen: 3 Instagram Essentials For Your Business

Hey friends! Instagram can be a tricky social media platform to tackle as a business owner and/or blogger, and it is admittedly my fave platform so I'm here to help you out.  A few years back when I had to drop my blogging dramatically, Instagram really became my go-to and I've been hooked ever since, even through all the changes.

I promise you though......when all the pieces come together, it's really quite simple.

1.  Make The Process of Working with You EASY.

I have worked with many businesses and bloggers who focus SO MUCH on what their Instagram feeds looks like, that they neglect the next steps for a potential client. I love sharing how I found my current hairstylist through Instagram because after I saw her pretty work, I wanted to move forward with booking her for a hair consultation. She had a clear call to action in her profile (i.e. click below for our services and schedule) and a link to get the ball rolling on an appt. I LOVE HER, and I'm so happy I found her through Instagram.  Make the process as easy as possible.  Answers frequent questions so your potential customer doesn't have to, or worse, just leaves.

2. Speaking of Being Found, you guessed it........HASHTAGS ARE HUGE!

Love 'em or hate 'em, I don't thing they are going away anytime soon.  You are currently able to attach 30 hashtags to your photo or video on Instagram and this is a huge part of Instagram strategy.  It's a brilliant way to categorize your work, connect with your ideal client or blog follower, be found through the search feature, etc.

With that said, I don't believe it to be the best advice to use all popular hashtags, because the goal for your business is likely to be profitable and not popular.  It's unreal the number of people that are popular on Instagram that don't make nearly as much income as a business on Instagram that is purposeful, well connected, and intentional about what they are putting out there!

Here's a bit of homework for you.

Set some time aside to create 3-5 blocks of 30 hashtags that are a mix of a few different elements to save on your phone, mobile device, or laptop. This will save you HOURS of time in the long run!  It’s important to mix up the hashtags you use and share a variety. Some examples include:

• Broad topics (i.e. #interiordesign)
• Focused topics (i.e. #plankedwall)
• Hashtags conveying brand values (i.e. #familyfirst)
• Hashtags relating to customer pain points or needs (i.e. #seattleinteriordesigner)
• As well as avoid banned hashtags (some are obvious, some are not - Google it folks).

3. Start From the End and Work Backwards, then Focus on Optimizing Your Post Time.

This should go without saying, but so many well intentioned business owners and bloggers get so sucked into numbers, and likes, follows, comments, shares, etc. Those elements all have there place, but they are not the end goal. I'm guessing it's your goal to make a profit along the way while inspiring, encouraging, entertaining, educating, etc.

Once you know your end goals and work backwards, take all the elements you know about hashtags, great captions, call to actions, etc. and use an app/service like Iconosquare to post at an optimized time.  The fee for a Pro account is nominal and dare I say essential, because posting once a day at an optimized time is a way better use of your time than posting 2-3 times a day when no one will ever see what you post.

---

If you're looking for some more in depth tips for Instagram, I created an easy to implement 10+ page PDF to help you out.  Click below to grab yours now!

I hope these tips help you be more efficient and productive when it comes to using Instagram for your business or blog.  

Speaking of, I'd love to have you follow along on my Instagram accounts if they look like the kind of thing you're into!

Click on any photo below to follow along!

From the beach,

Anneke

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on Instagram (lifestyle)

Follow along on Instagram (interiors)

Follow along on Instagram (diypaintedfurniture)

****This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you click on a link and purchase an item. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support this blog and it's content.

Friday Faves and Weekend Sales

Happy Friday friends! I hope your weekend is off to a great start! I've been busy working overtime pulling the last pieces together for a "to-the-point" online Instagram class, and can't wait to help those of you have a solid plan going into the holiday season. You can sign up for more info. below that I'll send out in the next few days. Instagram is my jam and most people make it way harder than it has to be.  So think of training that is concise, relevant, affordable, and actionable. #winwin

I hope you enjoy today's favorites and there are a ton of great sales to check out, especially when it comes to holiday season decor, seasonal dresses and sweaters, boots, etc.

1. Most Liked Photos on Coastal Interiors.

source

source

source

2. Most Liked Photo on DIY Painted Furniture.

source

 

3. Fave Recipe: Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.

Since I'm on the gluten free train, I'm looking forward to a stuffing recipe this upcoming Thanksgiving that tastes legit! This one by Kelly of A Girl Worth Saving sounds delish!

source for recipe and directions

4. Fave Sale: 50% off Michele Watches.

This is crazy you guys. Michele Watches are indeed a luxury brand, so if you've had you're eye out for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, NOW is the time to snag one!

5. Fave Boots.

I snagged these waterproof ankle boots  and studded suede boots back during the preseason sales, and they are both perfect for the weather here in the Seattle area.  I love that the first pair are waterproof yet not rubber or leather, not to mention comfortable, versatile and currently on sale!  The second pair are currently 50% off!

Tan Waterproof Suede Ankle Boots (also in dark grey and black) / Safavieh Vintage Red Rug

Studded Ankle Boots (3 colors /50% off)

Sheepskin Rug (Safavieh from HomeGoods) alternative

Clementine and Honey Seasonal Candle from World Market

6. Fave Book: Why Simple Wins.

I admittedly lean more toward non-fiction books and am currently enjoying the book Why Simple Wins by Lisa Bodell. I'll keep you posted on a review, but so far so good!

Why Simple Wins by Lisa Bodell / Ivory Faux Fur Throw Blanket / Grey Nailhead Trim Settee (5 colors available)

WEEKEND SALES:

Neiman Marcus Last Call - up to 45% off select items

Ann Taylor - 50% off

Anthropologie - extra 40% off sale items

Express - 30% off select

COACH - up to 40% off sale (definitely have THIS ONE on my wishlist!)

Wayfair - 70% off Holiday Deal Dash

Serena and Lily - up to 25% off Dining Event (perfect time for Thanksgiving!)

Pottery Barn - up to 40% off select

From the beach,

Anneke

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on Instagram (lifestyle)

Follow along on Instagram (interiors)

****This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you click on a link and purchase an item. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support this blog and it's content.

Splurge vs. Save - Chair Nook

I always love a good Splurge vs. Save and when I shared a poll of today's items side by side on Instagram asking which was the splurge, the results of people's guesses were nearly split down the middle. That's when you KNOW you have a good comparison!

We personally have the SAVE RUG, which is a pretty neutral diamond pattern and has held up well for the past few years with three kids! I'm contemplating getting another one in the larger size for our kiddo's bedroom makeover [ever in process ;-) ].

If you find these kind of blog posts helpful, please comment, pin, and share! Thank you!

RIGHT SIDE (SPLURGE):

JOSS & MAIN Aidy Fabric Arm Chair

WAYFAIR MacCallum Grainger Floor Pillow

ONE KINGS LANE Sweater Weave Kindling Basket

NORDSTROM Dash & Albert Rhodes Woven Rug

LEFT SIDE (SAVE): 

JOSS & MAIN Neutral Arm Chair (3 colors)

TARGET Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Black and White Plaid Floor Pillow

POTTERY BARN Beachcomber Handled Basket

TARGET Threshold Diamond Area Rug Natural

TOTAL: $1490.89

(pricing at time of post)

TOTAL:  $583.97

(pricing at time of post)

It was a lot of fun putting this together for you!  As you can see, you can achieve a very similar look no matter what your budget or preferences are. And just for reference, when it comes to comparing the rugs and baskets here, I compared similar sizing too.  If you'd like to see more of these, let me know!

From the beach,

Anneke

Follow along on Facebook

Follow along on Instagram (lifestyle)

Follow along on Instagram (interiors)

****This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you click on a link and purchase an item. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support this blog and it's content.