History is brought to life in many historic houses, especially at Christmas time, when special decorations help to welcome the social season and visiting guests. In this revised second edition, learn history and local customs through engaging text and over 420 color photos. Costumed guides interpret Christmas traditions in some of the thirty specially decorated houses that are featured from across America. Both magnificent estates and simple residences offer a variety of styles, tastes, and ideas to inspire your own celebrations. See preserved buildings with illuminated gardens, inviting dining halls, and stunning interiors. Enjoy the many efforts on display here that help to make the Christmas season a magical time of sharing, caring, and gratitude.

What would Christmas be without lights, color, greenery, and glitter? Join leading professional designers on a tour of well-appointed private residences dressed in their festive best. The one-of-a-kind decorating schemes are a study in the art of using scale, shape, and color to play up the house's best features and create a look that's pulled together. Here are fresh design ideas for indoor and outdoor scenes, whether it's a glamorous staircase, pristine tree, perfectly wrapped piles of presents, or a simple, well-placed evergreen wreath. Representing a range of geographic locations and decorating philosophies, the designers share their tips, tricks, and traditions for celebrating the season in style, and in every room of the house.

Want to be your own decorator? Design on a dime with Dummies! Home Decorating For Dummies packs all the information you need to know about décor into one easy-to-read source. Whether you want to decorate one room or make over the whole house, this book has everything you need to design like a pro. This is the only reference you'll need to transform your home into a space you'll love. Dummies offers no-nonsense help, so you can plan perfect projects and stay within budget. Updated with the latest on smart homes, short-term rentals, DIY décor, and more. Learn how to optimize your home's floor plan Discover tricks for mixing patterns, colors, and textures successfully Refresh your home's style without spending a fortune Decorate rental properties with eye-catching, trendy style Untangle the terms--mid-century modern, farmhouse, minimalism--and pinpoint your design style For those seeking ideas, resources, and budget-wise tips to spark their decorating creativity, Home Decorating For Dummies is a must-have.