Thanksgiving: Texas Style

A Texas Thanksgiving

Texas is a state that likes to do things big and in its own way, and celebrating Thanksgiving is no exception to this. In fact, even the history of the holiday unfolds in an interesting way in the Lone Star State, and it serves as an example of the wonderful independence for which Texas is famous.

A Uniquely Texan History

The feast of the Pilgrims and Native Americans marks an important milestone in Thanksgiving history. However, though individual states and colonies went on to celebrate in their own ways after this, it did not become an annual tradition until later. Even before this feast, history records show that Spanish explorer Coronado recognized a Thanksgiving on Ascension Thursday with the Teya tribe of Native Americans at Palo Duro Canyon in West Texas.

In 1842, President of the Texas Republic Sam Houston established March 2 as Texas Independence Day, to “render evidence of national blessings” and give thanks for their good fortune.

Sam Houston 1849–1853 by artist Thomas Flintoff

Soon after Texas became a state in 1848, Governor Wood established the first Texas State Thanksgiving, making Texas the first state in the South to recognize Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving became an official holiday when President Abraham Lincoln decreed it so, issuing in 1863 a Thanksgiving Proclamation, with the idea that a national holiday would bring all Americans together. However, this changed in 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to change the official date of Thanksgiving from the last Thursday in November to the second-to-last Thursday of the month after complaints from retailers that such a late holiday would gives shoppers one less week of shopping. This caused turmoil across the country, with school holiday schedules and time off work becoming disjointed and making it hard for families to spend the day together. Texas was one of only two states that decided to honor both holidays. In 1941, after it was determined that an extended holiday season did not significantly affect sales, Congress changed it back to fall on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Hosting This Year? Prep in Advance

Bel Furniture prides itself on being a Texas company, offering furniture designed by with Texas flair in mind. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have seating for the whole family. Bel has some fantastic sales going on this time of year which will enable you to find exactly what you need to suit your home.

This elegant set from Mollai Collections, one of our exclusive lines, offers plenty of seating space and chairs that will keep guests comfortable from carving the turkey all the way through the pecan and pumpkin pie.

Along with a full menu of delicious food, football is the other treat that many Texans will enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. Make sure you have adequate seating--remember, everyone will want to stretch out after the big meal. Consider a sectional that offers plenty of room for everyone. This one features reclining seats for maximum leg stretchability. Get it for less at our Holiday Sale, going on now.

What to Serve?

Tradition still reigns supreme in Texas, so most people will enjoy traditional food such as turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and iced tea. However, there are ways you can spice up the selections to make your meal uniquely Texan. Liven up a turkey dish with parsley-mint salsa verde Invigorate your sweet potato dish by making chipotle smashed sweet potatoes Finally, kick up your dessert choices with Texas Hill Country Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Cream.

Get Fancy, Win Tickets to the 20/20 Experience World Tour!

Serious Justin Timberlake fans already know about his signature smooth style and how well he translates this presence on stage. After a five-year hiatus, he has returned to music and to touring with the 20/20 Experience World Tour. Of his five tours, this one has been called his most “hypnotic.” Since its launch, it has been met with overwhelming critical acclaim, with one reviewer describing the opening show as “a study in suave ease.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the Houston show scheduled for December 1 at the Toyota Center is already sold out. The tour has been going on for over a year now, with Timberlake traveling from North America to Europe, then Asia and Africa, back to North America and then to Australia, and now culminating in North America. With news of a baby on the way for JT, it could be awhile before he announces another trek around the world.


Don’t despair--your chance to see JT isn’t gone. Bel Furniture, along with 104.1 KRBE, has two tickets that we would be happy to give to a deserving fan. The Fancy Pants Photo Contest was designed to follow the theme of the single “Suit & Tie”, which discusses the joys of being well-dressed.

For the duration of the tour, fashion designer Tom Ford has collaborated with Timberlake to create over 600 costumes for Timberlake and his team, most of them black and white suits.

We want to see how much fans appreciate the joys of being well-dressed with their entries. Did you have a special night out recently that you want to share? Or do you have a snazzy outfit you’ve been meaning to wear but haven’t had the chance to yet? Whatever the occasion, we invite you to share your look with us. It could win you tickets to see JT!

The contest began earlier this month and runs through Wednesday, November 26. We already have several entries in the running. Currently in the lead is Mandie from Orange, who shared this picture of herself and her husband celebrating their 5 year anniversary in Las Vegas.

Not far behind her is Alyssa from San Antonio, who donned a fancy dress to pose with her niece and cousin.

With almost two full weeks left to go, there’s still have plenty of time to get your entry uploaded. Don’t miss this exciting chance to see JT--enter today!

Decorating Ideas: Halloween and Day of the Dead

Fall and winter bring cooler weather and a rapid succession of holidays. Each month of the season, decorations go up, holiday colors brighten front yards and porches, and parties begin to fill the calendar. October kicks off the first month of seasonal fun with two holidays that fall near the end of the month: Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Each has its own distinct style that makes it easy to get into the decorating spirit.

Halloween: All Hallow’s Eve

Early on, Halloween was regarded as a night when wandering spirits of the dead were thought to prowl the streets. Over time, the interweaving of folklore swelled the legends into something even creepier with the addition of supernatural creatures who roamed with the spirits.

When choosing decorations, keep this spooky idea in mind. Set the mood with sinister music. Build tombstones to make a graveyard on your front lawn. Make it even creepier by jutting a skeleton hand or foot out from the dirt. Ghosts are scary; ghosts that move are scarier. Use a pulley system to move hanging ghosts between trees in your yard to spook trick-or-treaters. Drape spider webs over bushes and trees to give your house a haunted feel. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add some boards over windows to make the house look condemned.

Inside, small touches will bring out the sinister feel of Halloween. Use candelabras to burn candles. Add black cats and ravens to your shelves. Place a witch’s cauldron in your kitchen. Of, if you want to stick to basics, pumpkins are classic. Place little ones on counters and as centerpieces on tables.

Day of the Dead: All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Day of the Dead takes a much different perspective on death. It’s not a somber, bone-chilling event, but rather a time to reconnect with deceased friends, family members, and ancestors in a festive spirit of remembrance and celebration. It’s a recognition of the inevitable cycle of life with a focus on humor and empowerment.  

Capture the essence of the holiday by creating an altar in your home for friends or relatives who have passed away. Decorate it with a variety of items to welcome spirits into the home. Incorporate orange and yellow marigolds, the flowers of the dead. You can use fresh flowers or create them yourself using multicolored tissue and pipe cleaner. Display calaveras, doll-like figures that humorously represent the hobbies, character, and interests of a person who has passed on, to ensure spirits will visit the right home.

Skulls and skeletons are an important part of the tradition as they represent the continuation of life and its cyclical turns. This originated with the Aztecs, who used to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals. Make or buy calacas, wooden skull masks, to wear while you dance in honor of the dead. Cut your own skeleton garland to drape along your walls. And don’t forget sugar skulls! You can easily make your own with a mold, sugar, and meringue powder.

Day of the Dead celebrates rebirth and renewal, and this is exemplified with bright, flashy colors with a focus on food and family. Pan de muertos, bread of the dead, is a bun with bone-shaped decorations on top that you can place out the night before for spirits. The family can then partake in this and any other treats when day breaks. If you celebrate both holidays, you can blend themes together to develop your own unique decorations that will be meaningful for your family. Place calaveras in your front-lawn graveyard. Pair spiders with the bright colors of Day of the Dead. As with any decorating venture, the important thing is to make it your own and have fun doing it!

The Enrique & Pitbull Tour Comes to Houston

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull are ready to set Houston ablaze with their upcoming tour stop at the Toyota Center on Sunday, October 19. This marks the second time the two will take the stage together, and the high demand to see them caused many shows to sell out, including the one in Houston. Bel Furniture, along with 104.1 KRBE in Houston, devised the Better Together Photo Contest to give one lucky fan the chance to win two tickets.

Enrique and Pitbull first collaborated in 2010 on the hit single, “I Like It,” a song that re-established Enrique as a powerful musical force in North America. The two have sinced collaborated on almost a half dozen more songs, including, “I’m a Freak” and “I Like How It Feels.”

Their collaboration involves more than just making music. Over the years, the two have become close friends who share mutual respect for one another. Co-headlining the tour gave them the chance to transfer the high energy of their friendship to the stage. Pitbull said in a statement: "Together we are going to give fans great music, energy and what they really deserve - to enjoy life and forget the rest for three hours, Daleee!"

Their friendship served as the inspiration for Bel’s Better Together Photo Contest, a contest that provided fans a chance to show the world their special relationship with their own best friend.

In a whirlwind week, fans flocked to Bel’s Facebook page to enter the contest and to vote for their favorite set of best friends. Though many photos received a lot of votes, it was fan Deli who came out on top when it ended yesterday, with 118 votes on her photo that featured Enrique himself.






Several other photos received plenty of votes, including this one from Jackie, a fun and festive selfie complete with smiles from her and her best friend.

The best part of the contest was getting to see all the ways that best friends like to have fun together. Both the tour and the contest proved that some things are just better together.

Congratulations again to the winner, Deli! Bel Furniture and 104.1 KRBE hope that you have a fantastic time.

Fall Decor Made Easy: Bel’s $100 Million Sale & Clearance

Autumn is here!
Whether you want to redecorate just in time for October and November or you want to get ahead and plan for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Bel is hosting its $100 Million Sale & Clearance where you can get items up to 80% off! But like the leaves falling in New York, this is a fleeting event...





Orange is Always in Style 
Apart from being “the new black”, the color orange is a main staple in any fall related decor scheme. Classic fall styles include colors like orange, beige, yellow, taupe, tawny, and everything in between brown to red on the color spectrum. Some people favor the leaves falling aspect of fall while others latch onto the more Thanksgiving related parts of autumn. Either way, Bel’s got you covered from chairs to tables and more!

Give the Kids Another Reason to Love Fall!
After getting over the bummer that going back to school can be, give your youngsters another reason to celebrate the months of October and November! Coming equipped with a safety guard on the top bunk, this stylish twin over full bunk bed is the perfect addition to any room that might feel a bit cramped.

It even comes with two drawers below the bottom bunk! Regardless of the time of year, everyone can agree that more storage is never a bad thing (especially at these prices!).

Rich Hardwood with Red Notes
This 7 piece queen bedroom set is on sale right now at Bel for just $591.00 and it’s just the right grain color to fit any fall color scheme. A classic sleigh bed is coupled with a lovely chest of drawers and a vanity mirror.



Accent this beautiful wood color with a golden rod comforter and orange throw pillows (and maybe a taupe blanket at the foot of the bed) to really get into the autumn spirit!

So if you’re ready for the Fall…
Hurry into Bel Furniture and take advantage of these amazing and soon to end deals!

Back-to-School Tips for Parents

Most schools are back in session by now, and while starting a new school year can be very exciting for children and teens, it can also be anxiety-inducing. Help them (and you) calm those fears and start the school year off right; here are two very simple ways that we as parents can help in the first few weeks.

While it’s best to start settling into a back-to-school routine a few weeks before the school year begins, why not practice these habits now if you haven’t already? Helping children or teens fall into a cadence will make the transition into academic years smoother. 

Set a Reasonable Bedtime

Not many children (and especially teens) want an established bedtime, but this is important. Kids need more sleep than adults, and setting a bedtime will ensure that they are well-rested for their day and ready to succeed. We know that as parents, you’re very busy, but take this opportunity to see if you can fit in some extra shut eye for yourself.

While we’re on the subject of extra sleep, are your children in need of new bedroom furniture? Maybe you finally want to get that bunkbed for the boys. With a built-in desk, this sleek twin-over-twin loft style bed doubles as the perfect study space and, best of all, it will last for many school years to come! 

Or perhaps your teenager just needs her own space? Maybe she’s making the transition from middle school to high school, so why not make this difficult time memorable with this gorgeous Queen Bedroom Set?

More than just new furniture, these options will help your children sleep better and, in turn, succeed. What could be better?

Eat Breakfast.

Another extremely important thing to remember is making sure children eat a healthy breakfast every day. You want them to do their best in school, and this small step will go a long way! Remember that kids (young ones, particularly) want to emulate their parents. An excellent thing for them to parrot is the action of eating breakfast, so think about trying to pencil in the time to eat a quick breakfast as a family.

Perfect for sitting down for that quick meal, this Dinette set will not only allow you to have breakfast in the mornings, but reconnect as a family when you gather together again at dinner.

Don’t let the new school year get you down. Follow these quick tips, and you and your children will fall into the swing of things in no time. Now, if we could just do something about this summer heat...

Millions of Peaches: Celebrate National Peach Month!

August is National Peach Month, and since we can only scratch the surface of all the delicious culinary inspirations out there, we thought we’d share some of our favorite recipes.

Traditionally, most will think of pies or cobblers when thinking of baking with peaches, so what better way to start this recipe extravaganza than with an old standby? The cobbler has a long history, actually. Cobblers originated in the British American colonies, and today in the United States, there are six different varieties. The Deep South tradition only calls for a single fruit filling--in our case, peach--and gives the option of topping the dessert with a scoop or two of ice cream. Who knew the ice cream was optional? This simple recipe takes 7 ingredients, and delivers delicious results!

We’ve got a cobbler recipe, but what about a pie? We just love this recipe for a beautiful pie with a lattice crust! Lattice crusts add such a great look to a pie, but how do you do it easily? Check out this video and make one sure to make your family and friends jealous. 

Are we sleepy yet? Picture the scene: you’ve had your fill of cobbler (and pie), and now you just want to relax without fully reclining on a sofa or a bed. Why not look into this reclining swivel chair with ottoman? 

So, now you’re relaxing with a delightfully full stomach, or maybe you decided to completely forego the desserts. Whatever the case may be, this delightful recipe for a peach bellini is perfect for indoor or outdoor summer refreshment, or you could try this super-easy non-alcoholic option for adults and kids.

The peach bellini is always a classic option, and wouldn’t it look amazing served from behind this modern bar? Such a classic drink would contrast nicely with the this chrome-accents here.

With recipes for desserts and drinks, we’re ready to celebrate National Peach Month! How about you?

Family Movie Night

It’s August and that means summer is winding down. Pretty soon, the kids will be back in school, and life will get hectic again. What better way to make the final weeks of summer last than by having a family movie night?

But you can’t just watch movies on any old sofa or couch. How about watching a movie in the comfort of your own home in this 3 piece Leather Home Theatre Set?

Part of the Sara Collection, this set features 3 recliners and 4 cup holders. It comes in Premium blended leather in a rich Burgundy Brown color that will go with any decor. And additional middle recliners are available to extend the amount of seating. Right now, this set is on sale for $899 down from $1769!

If you have a large family or just lots of friends or neighbors that always end up at your house on the weekends, how about this 2 piece RAF Sectional?

This casual contemporary deep seat chaise end sectional is covered in a durable extra plush chocolate microfiber cover and comes with stunning accent pillows.  Its strong hardwood frame guarantees that this piece will be in your family for years. At $899.99, down from $1124.99, this would be a great addition to your living room. We totally want to stretch out and watch a movie on this!

What would movie night be without delicious food? A couple hours before show time, get the kids in the kitchen to help make these classic movie night treats:

This Grilled Chicken Taco Pizza blends the best of both worlds: Tex Mex and Pizza! Kids will love piling on their own toppings, and it is so easy to make and feed a large group.

If you are into snacks, how about some fun twists on basic popcorn?

Get a bunch of ideas for jazzing up the classic buttered popcorn recipe here. The Frito Pie, Mustard Pretzel and Thai Curry flavors are making our mouths water!

What is movie night without dessert? We found the perfect summertime treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the perfect dessert to enjoy while watching your favorite comedy, drama or action-packed film!

With several locations to choose from, you can go to your local Bel Furniture Store and pick out some new seating for your family movie night, or order it online and have it delivered right to your home. Make the most out of the last weeks of summer by spending quality time with family, friends, good food and fun flicks!

Summer + Texas = HOT: The Dog Days of Summer

Can you believe it? It’s already July!  In Texas, July, for most, means the kind of heat that really saps your energy.  There’s a better name for that kind of summertime heat, and you’ve likely heard of it:  the “Dog Days of Summer.”

This isn’t just a phrase though; it’s an actual time of year that runs from July 3rd to August 11th. It’s thought that this is the time when we get the least rainfall. However the phrase came about, it seems fairly accurate when describing how the weather feels right now! When it comes down to beating the heat during those “Dog Days,” let Bel Furniture help with some great ideas!

When most of us want to cool down, we reach for water, and what better way to reach for that water than spending time at a water park? There are so many options—way too many too list—but we’ll give a few ideas! Why not head to a water park near a Bel Furniture location? We’ve got Splashtown locations in  San Antonio and Houston and Paradise Water Park in Beaumont. Water Parks are a great spot to cool down and spend time as a family.

Houston also has some great features exclusively for kids. Why not take them to one of the many spraygrounds around the city?

Well, now you know what to do when it comes to beating the heat outside, but what about inside? There’s no need to fear! Bel Furniture is here!

Yes, we are in the Dog Days of Summer, for sure, but from July 3^rd to August 15^th, we recognize Air Conditioning Appreciation Days. (Sometimes it feels like Texans should recognize these days all year!) Why not celebrate these days in perfect comfort? We’ve got some amazing deals on recliners and chaise lounges! Take, for instance, this recliner by Simmons. With its casual contemporary look, this high-backed recliner will be your new favorite spot!

Or maybe a chaise lounge is more your speed. No problem there! Check out this beautiful option by Coaster of America! It’s got a gorgeous transitional design and is available in a soft gray velour microfiber.

Well, we’ve got our summer plans! How are you going to spend the rest of your summer?

Bring Summer Indoors

Summer is in full swing, and it’s high time your home decorating reflected the season. Capture the essence of summer by making your home bright and festive. Fortunately, it’s an easy makeover to accomplish--just follow these quick, cheap tips.

Flowers

Nothing will brighten up a home quite like fresh, colorful flowers. No need for big, elaborate bouquets; a few small groups of strategically chosen hues is enough to bring plenty of summer charm to any room. Gather up some lilacs, tulips, daffodils, or orchids and experiment with combinations in a small vase. Place your finished creations on windowsills, counters, tabletops, bookshelves—anywhere that could do with a splash of color. If you don’t have the time, fake flower arrangements will do just as nicely. Even adding some flower embroidered pillows or curtains will go a long way toward bringing the freshness of the season into your home.

  

Bright, citrus colors

What’s more summery than a sunny yellow curtain or a bright orange couch cushion? Adding citrus colors is a great way to quickly spruce up your home. The best part is you don’t have to completely redecorate to achieve a huge impact. Just replace a few cushions, curtains, dishes, towels, or small rugs for a few months. If the colors are vivid enough, your new citrus accents will totally redefine your living space, making it more cheerful and welcoming.

Seashells

Introducing a seashell motif will turn the dull house you’re used to into the exciting, relaxing vacation home you wish you never had to leave. Buy some shell embroidered pillows or shell patterned picture frames. Use large shells as charming, unexpected holders for flowers and candles. You can even scatter all those little shells you collected on your last trip to the beach around a windowsill or bookshelf. It’s your chance to get creative.

Outdoor Decoration

If you’re not spending your evenings outdoors, you’re not getting the most out of your summer. Think about investing a little in your backyard patio. Put some tiki torches around your yard. Place some candles on your patio tables--use citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away. Add some luminarias for a particularly festive mood. Also, this is a great time to make use of those floral arrangements, seashells, and citrus accents.

No need to splurge or spend all your weekends redecorating; these small additions are all it takes for your home come alive with the vigor and exuberance of summer. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation all season!