Check your mailbox, stop by the newsstand, or—if you happen to be nearby—pick up a copy in Richmond: our first article in R Home magazine has officially arrived.
Last month we mentioned that Richmond’s favorite shelter pub invited us to contribute regularly. Beginning with the Nov/Dec issue, you’ll find our new “Try This” column inside the magazine. The column focuses on straightforward, approachable do-it-yourself decorating ideas you can adapt for your own home. For the holiday issue, we decided to celebrate a familiar classic—Christmas ball ornaments—by sharing fresh, unexpected ways to use them in your seasonal decor.
We designed the column to be practical. Each idea uses common materials and simple techniques so you can achieve an elevated look without a lot of fuss. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist palette, rustic charm, or bright and cheerful color, the projects are easy to adapt. Our aim is to spark creativity and provide clear, doable steps so readers can create festive touches that feel uniquely their own.
If you don’t live in Richmond, no worries—you’ll still be able to try these ideas at home. Closer to the holidays we’ll share detailed instructions and additional photos showing how the projects come together. The magazine includes polished, professional photographs that really show each finished concept in its best light, and we’re grateful for the magazine team’s talented photographers. To give readers a glimpse behind the scenes, we also took our own snapshots during the process so you can see the real-life steps and the casual, in-progress moments that don’t always appear in glossy spreads.
Each idea in the column emphasizes versatility. For example, a simple string of mixed ornaments can become a striking mantel display with the addition of a few sprigs of greenery and a coordinated ribbon, while a cluster of small balls in a shallow bowl can instantly elevate an entry table or coffee table. We also explore ways to repurpose ornaments outside the tree: think garlands, napkin rings, tabletop centerpieces, and even holiday-ready wall hangings that don’t require permanent hardware.
Our approach is intentionally inclusive: projects are meant for people with varying skill levels and budgets. Many of the concepts work well using ornaments you already own, while others use inexpensive finds from local craft stores. We encourage experimentation—mixing finishes, textures, and colors often yields the most interesting results. Small changes, like switching matte ornaments for glossy ones or adding metallic accents, can shift the whole mood of a display.
We’re thrilled to be part of R Home and to contribute to a publication that celebrates creative, approachable home styling. If you picked up the magazine because of our piece, welcome—stay a while. Kick off your shoes, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy exploring the ideas. We hope the column inspires you to try something new this season and to make holiday decorating a little more fun and personal. Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts where we’ll share step-by-step guides and additional photos so you can recreate these projects at home.
And once again: welcome. We’re glad you’re here—make yourself right at home.