Date Archives: November 2022

Decorating your house is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Especially if you recently moved into a new home, you probably can't wait to shop for new decor. But before you start stocking up on new holiday decorations, it's important to consider how you'll store them. With a little creativity, it's not that hard to stash them away. Our real estate agents have come across some incredible holiday decoration storage and organization ideas over the years, and they're excited to share them below.

• Put Your Tree in a Rolling Case
  Artificial trees are cumbersome, heavy, and hard to find space for. One solution is to pack your tree into a rolling case. Several brands make wheeled cases specifically for trees. If your tree comes apart into smaller sections, you could even store it in a large suitcase. Park the rolling case in a closet or storage room on the same floor where you display the tree, and you've cleaned up for another year.
  
  
• Store Wrapping Paper in an Over-the-Door Shoe Holder
  You've probably seen those plastic, over-the-door shoe holders that have slots for each shoe. Buy one for your holiday wrapping paper. Put it over the door in your storage room. Place rolls of wrapping paper in the bottom slots so they can stand up over the other compartments. Keep bows, ribbons, tape, and other wrapping accessories in the upper slots.
  
  
• Keep Hooks and Hangers in a Tackle Box
  In a new home, you may need lots of hangers to experiment with different ways of hanging decorations. Purchase a plastic tackle box at your local outdoor store. Use it to store hangers, books, string, zip ties, and other accessories you use to hang decorations. Each item can have its own slot, so they don't get tangled together or lost.
  
  
• Vacuum-Seal Tree Skirts and Tablecloths
  Do you have a tree skirt and other large linen items like holiday tablecloths? These items can take up an entire dresser if you simply fold and stack them. Instead, try putting them inside vacuum storage bags. There are ones you can purchase that are compatible with home vacuums. You use the vacuum cleaner to suck the air out, condensing the item. You'll then be able to fit more linen items in a single drawer.
  
  
• Use Clear Totes
  If you have figurines, wreaths, and other cumbersome decorations, it's usually easiest to store them in tote bins. Use clear totes, and you won't find yourself having to take the lids off multiple tote boxes to find what you need. (You'll still want to label the totes, too.)
  
  
• Store Lights Inside Toilet Paper Tubes
  Are you tired of holiday string lights getting tangled in storage? Try running them through cardboard toilet paper tubes to keep them straight. The tubes will keep them separate and straight. Use longer paper towel tubes for longer strings of lights.
  
  
• Put Small Ornaments in Egg Cartons
  Egg cartons are sturdy enough to protect eggs, so they should be sturdy enough to also protect your fragile ornaments. Put one small ornament in each slot. You can easily stack a few filled egg cartons inside a tote box or large plastic container. If you really want to be organized, sort your ornaments by color or type. For instance, you could put all red ornaments in one egg carton and all green ones in another carton. 

We hope these tips serve you well as you decorate (and un-decorate) your home this year. If you're still looking for Richmond homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly agents can help you find the perfect place to settle in.

Richmond has gained an impressive reputation in recent years as a culinary city! One of the best things about Richmond's culinary scene is that it is constantly changing and evolving. Our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite new restaurants in the downtown area that have opened in the last year. 

• ML Steak - 328 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
  Steakhouses have taken on a reputation for being stuffy and old-fashioned, but ML Steak has brought a fresh approach to the classic chophouse concept. Located right in the heart of the City Center within a short drive of countless Richmond homes for sale, ML Steak brings a fun, fresh atmosphere to the table, along with steaks that are some of the best in the city. Their Filet Medallion Flight features three cuts of meat prepared three ways and is a great way to sample a broad spectrum of what this modern chophouse has to offer. 
  
  
• Can Can Brasserie - 3120 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
  A Parisian-style bistro with a relaxed, welcoming ambiance, Can Can Brasserie is an exciting new café on Carey Street. Can Can Brasserie has quickly become a favorite Downtown brunch spot, serving up classics like eggs benedict, duck crêpes, niçoise salads and brioche French toast. But their French-inspired dinner menu is also packed with expertly prepared standout dishes like summer squash ratatouille and beef bourguignon. And you can count on their friendly servers to recommend the perfect wine to go with any meal.
  
  
• Nami - 218 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219
  A new seafood-centric Japanese restaurant in Monroe Ward, Nami offers fresh seafood dishes that go well beyond what you might expect from a sushi bar. Make no mistake, their sushi and sashimi are outstanding, but there's a whole lot more to experience here, including outstanding soba noodles, hibachi dishes, and bento boxes. Nami also has a fun, vibrant atmosphere, with a bar facing the open kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared. They offer a great selection of domestic and Japanese beer, wine, and sake. 
  
  
• Jubilee - 1303 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224
  Tucked away in the charming Manchester/Blackwell neighborhood, Jubilee is the creation of chef Mike Lindsey and hospitality expert Kimberly Love-Lindsey, who have worked together to create an amazing menu with an atmosphere to match. Jubilee serves up seasonal fare built on Southern ingredients and global influences, from starters like smoked pork wings and roasted brussels sprouts to mains like double-cut lamb chop and seared cauliflower steak. The bar serves up some outstanding craft cocktails too. The menu is always changing, inviting you to come again and see what's new. 
  
  
• 1800 Brewhouse - 1800 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223
  You'll find some of Richmond's best-elevated pub grub at 1800 Brewhouse, a new joint that opened up this year behind a corner storefront in the historic Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. Along with menu standouts like Hawaiian Supreme cheeseburgers and whiskey-battered onion rings, 1800 Brewhouse also offers great specialty drinks and a fantastic selection of craft beers on tap. A lot of the ingredients that go into the menu are sourced from local farmers' markets, ensuring that you're always getting the best seasonal flavors that Richmond has to offer. 

The dining scene in Central Virginia is always changing, and you're sure to find delicious meals outside of the downtown area as well! 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Richmond area. And be sure to ask our real estate agents about how we can help you find your dream home in Central Virginia. 

If you're looking for places to shop locally, you don't have to look very far in the Richmond area. Our city is home to an amazing variety of locally-owned shops and boutiques, and our real estate agents are eager to highlight some of their favorites just in time for Small Business Saturday!

• Maven Made - 1321 1/2 E Main St Ste 113, Richmond, VA 23219
  Richmond-based Maven Made has been offering handcrafted, plant-based wellness products since 2014. From skincare and body care to fragrances and aromatherapy, their products are simple and unpretentious and made using botanical ingredients that are organic, cruelty-free, and non-toxic. Find them on East Main Street, just minutes from these Richmond homes for sale.
  
  
• Little Nomad - 104 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
  One of Richmond's most unique children's stores, Little Nomad offers a thoughtfully curated selection of toys, books, and sustainable clothing for kids, babies, and toddlers (and some pretty cool items for grown-ups too). Their broad selection of games, puzzles, wooden toys, arts and crafts, stickers, and stationery make Little Nomad a truly enjoyable place to shop. 
  
  
• 43rd Street Gallery - 1412 W 43rd St, Richmond, VA 23225
  You can always count on finding something special at 43rd Street Gallery, a beautiful art space and shop that highlights work by local artists. From paintings and prints to pottery and jewelry, their offerings are ever-changing and always unique. The gallery will be open for extended hours during the annual 43rd Street Gallery Holiday Open House from November 25 through December 24. 
  
  
• The S.E.E. Boutique - 1244 Sycamore Square Dr, Midlothian, VA 23113
  An amazing selection of women's clothing, jewelry, and accessories is on display at S.E.E. Boutique, which was voted the Best Local Fashion Boutique by Style Weekly. Founded by the mother-and-daughter duo of Cathy and Sarah Estes, the boutique offers a broad range of high-quality goods to match anyone's style and taste. The shop is located a stone's throw from these Midlothian homes for sale in the Sycamore Square Shopping Center. 
  
  
• The Flower Mart - 312 E Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803
  Flowers make a great gift for almost any occasion, and you'll find an incredible variety at The Flower Mart, a beloved local florist shop in Petersburg. As the seasons change, you can count on seeing some great holiday floral arrangements here. The Flower Mart offers delivery as well as in-store pick-up at their brick-and-mortar location, which is just a short drive from these Petersburg homes for sale.
  
  
• Twig - 6112 B Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228
  A local, woman-owned small business in the Lakeside area of Richmond, Twig is an eclectic boutique that offers a tasteful selection of local handcrafted and curated gifts. The goods here are all hand-picked and sourced from local artisans, vendors, estate sales, and auctions. From clothing and jewelry to décor and baby items, there's a wealth of fun and colorful gifts here to be discovered.

Contact us today to learn more about all the amazing opportunities Richmond offers. And be sure to ask our real estate agents about how they can help you find your dream home in Central Virginia. 

The holiday season is upon us here in the Richmond area, and our real estate agents are ready to celebrate in style! Whether you're shopping for the perfect gift or simply in the mood to enjoy some holiday festivities, be sure to check out these upcoming holiday markets and events in the Richmond area.

• The Bizarre Bazaar Christmas Collection - 600 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
  Located at the Richmond Raceway Complex, the Bizarre Bazaar is a unique marketplace that offers a wide range of gift and craft vendors. They host several unique events every year, but the Bizarre Bazaar Christmas Collection is one of the most anticipated. This holiday-themed market returns for its 47th year on December 1-4, 2022, and promises a festive holiday shopping experience with more than 400 vendors.
  
  
• The Barns of Kanak Christmas Market - 5503 Ruffin Rd, Prince George, VA 23875
  With beautiful 13-acre grounds located a short drive from many Prince George homes for sale, the Barns of Kanak hosts their annual Christmas Market on December 10 this year, providing a great opportunity to really savor the season. In addition to vendors offering arts, crafts, gifts, and treats, the market will include train rides, holiday refreshments, meals from the Boka Tako food truck, and even photo ops with Santa himself. Train rides and photos with Santa are included with every admission ticket. 
  
  
• Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas Open House - 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, VA 23221
  Agecroft Hall and Gardens is a historic Richmond landmark located within minutes of many Richmond homes for sale. It's become an annual tradition that the home and grounds are opened to the public for Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas Open House every holiday season. This year's event takes place on Sunday, December 11, and offers visitors a glimpse back in time as historical re-enactors portray Christmas in three different time periods: England in 1640, London in 1860, and Richmond in 1942.
  
  
• Christmas Pop-Up Boutique - 4050 Cox Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
  Head to the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook on Saturday, December 17, for some shopping and holiday fun! The Hilton will be hosting a Christmas Pop-Up Boutique with drinks and light snacks, swag bags, raffle prizes, and a chance to pick up gifts for a few hard-to-shop-for folks on your list. The market is convenient to these Glen Allen homes for sale and runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
  
  
• Holiday Dinner Wine & Dine - 5400 Wyndham Forest Dr, Glen Allen, VA 23059
  From 6 to 8 pm on December 17, head to Publix Aprons Cooking School in Glen Allen for Holiday Dinner Wine & Dine! This demonstration-style cooking class offers not only a chance to enjoy a tasty meal but can also provide you with some new skills you can use when it comes time to host your own holiday gathering this season. Sit back and enjoy as the chefs demonstrate how to prepare dishes that include bloody Mary-marinated jumbo shrimp and crab cocktail, multi-cooker-braised chuck roast with farro risotto, and crispy chocolate-raspberry truffles. 

Contact us today to learn more about all the ways to celebrate the holidays in Richmond, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about how we can help you find your dream home in Central Virginia.