Host a New Year’s Eve Finger Foods & Cocktails Party

Finding something to do on New Year’s Eve can be overwhelming and stressful - especially when you’ve got little ones to worry about. Your usual babysitter has plans of her own!

Hosting a family-friendly shindig at home can be the answer to your - and your friends - prayers. Try these simple, yet impressive recipes to really please your guests’ palates!

Fig and Bleu Cheese Flatbread

Flatbread pizzas are not only delicious, but they are fun to make. Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe even simpler. The mix of salty and sweet flavors is a perfect choice for the festive occasion. Cut it into smaller or larger squares depending on the size of your guest list to make sure there’s enough to go around and everyone gets a taste. [photo credit]

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

Your resolutions don’t start til midnight anyway so you may as well eat something a little sinful. These tasty poppers are absolutely decadent. With just four ingredients (not counting the toothpicks), this recipe is a cinch. Be sure to make extra because you can bet these will go fast! [photo credit]

Blush Champagne with Gold Sugar Rim

For a signature cocktail that’s simple but festive-looking, rim your champagne flutes with gold sugar. Your guests will gets a splash of sweet before the bubbly hits their lips and they will surely thank you for it. Pour sparkling cider for the kids so they can feel like grown-ups for the night! [photo credit]

Sparkling Champagne Cupcakes

To finish off the finger food feast, these cupcakes are the perfect touch. The sugary sweet frosting mixes well with the slightly more muted cake and a delicious creamy filling. Bake them in a mini cupcake tin for higher numbers and fewer sugar comas. Let the kids decorate them for a fun afternoon activity while you prepare the rest of the food.

Do you have a favorite recipe for New Year’s Eve bashes? We always love to hear from you! [photo credit]

DIY this Christmas

Decorating your home for Christmas is always a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Making those decorations yourself is an even better way! DIY projects are an ever-growing trend that certainly fits in at Christmastime. Try out some of these fun crafts this year to make your home merry and bright!

Vintage-inspired Silhouette Stockings

Instead of just putting everyone’s name on their stockings, why not put their entire head on there? This quick and easy project requires just a few supplies and has a rustic charm to it. These stockings are fun and unique and are sure to “turn some heads” this season.

http://bit.ly/18vD4QE

Bauble Wreaths

These super-sparkly wreaths look fancy and expensive, but they are actually quite easy to make at home. If you can score some clearance ornaments you will save even more money! The mesmerizing, shiny look of this fun craft will really wow your holiday guests. They’ll think you either spent hours or thousands of dollars on it! http://bit.ly/19OaBR2

New Year's Shimmer

Once you've created this work of art, you might not want to take it down! You really don’t have to either. This stunner can easily be left up through New Year’s and beyond. All you need is a curtain rod, mirrored garland, some twinkle lights and a couple of hooks. Your house will be a sparkling winter wonderland in no time. http://bit.ly/1bL85dS

Christmas in a Jar

Mason jars are quite popular these days and make for some great crafting opportunities. These mini tree scenes in jars are reminiscent of classic snow globes and take very little effort to create. Besides the jars, this project calls for just four other items to complete the look! Try working with different size jars for a nice variety. 

Have you created any fun DIY decor pieces this holiday season? We would love to see/hear about them! Leave your links in the comments! http://bit.ly/1bbnK6h

Make Your Home Cozy this Winter

It’s easy to forget that wintertime isn’t only about the Holidays. Once the Christmas tree is packed away or tossed to the curb, your home may feel a little gloomy. Winter home decor isn’t limited to holly and stockings by the fireplace! Here are some great home decorating tips to keep your home feeling festive and cozy through the coldest month.

 A Warm Throw

On a chilly night, it’s nice to have something to wrap yourself up in while you’re watching TV. A crocheted or knitted throw is nice to have on hand for those occasions. Find one in a nice winter white or a rich, dark color and keep it folded on the arm of your couch or favorite chair so it will be there when you need it!

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DIY Decor

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[image credit]

Decorating for the winter doesn’t mean you have to repaint the walls or install new carpet. There’s also no need to buy all new furniture - not that we’d object if you wanted to! Adding simple accents to your space can help create a mood that is in line with the season. You can create these elements yourself with just a few ingredients too. A glass vessel, some faux snow or even salt, and some twigs or pine cones can be easily transformed into a charming piece of decor.

Swap Out your Throw Pillows

Swapping out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room. Changing the colors and textures from season to season will help keep your rooms fresh and timely. Look for pillows with winter-inspired graphics or made of cozy fabrics in rich colors.

With just a few small touches you can transform the look and ambiance of a room. Keep your decorating juices flowing well after the holidays by switching to general winter accents. They are sure to keep that warm and fuzzy feeling alive even in the coldest weather! [image credit]

Have a Truly Texan Thanksgiving!

Sure—we have traditional food items that we associate with Thanksgiving dinner. They include: cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing and (of course) turkey! But those can get to be a little humdrum year after year.

This year, why not give your Thanksgiving dinner a Texas twist? There are so many different ways to make classic dishes. Here are some ways you can show your love for the Lone Star State as you prepare for a big sit-down with family.

Classic Item: Oven-roasted Turkey

Texas Twist: SMOKED Turkey (via The Domestic Man)

Ask any Texan and they’ll tell you that their state makes the best barbecue in the country! Well that smoker isn’t just for brisket and ribs, you know? You can actually smoke an entire turkey too. Not only does smoking give the bird a rich and full flavor, but it’ll also free up some precious oven space for your delicious side dishes.

Classic Item: Green Bean Casserole

Texas Twist: SOUTHWEST Green Bean Casserole (via HEB)

As the slogan says, “you can’t spell Texas without H-E-B.” Though we’ll grant them poetic license on that one, the Texas-based supermarket chain really does know a thing or two about Texas cuisine and this twist on the classic Thanksgiving favorite is living proof.

Classic Item: Butternut Squash Soup

Texas Twist: Butternut Squash Soup with CHILI-SPICED PECANS and Pumpkin Seeds (via CBS)

Many a Texas native has some fond childhood memories about picking pecans. The official “state health nut” adds rich flavor and a little crunch to any dish. The chili-spiced variety used in this yummy soup gives it a little extra kick as well!

Classic Item: Mashed Potatoes

Texas Twist: Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes (via MyRecipes)

These potatoes are as sweet as some good Southern hospitality but with the feisty spirit of a Texan.  Chipotle peppers give this dish a little extra zing that’s sure to wake anyone from their tryptophan coma.

Classic Item: Stuffing

Texas Twist: Momma’s CORNBREAD DRESSING (via AllRecipes)

Whether you call it “stuffing” or “dressing,” there’s really no debating that this Thanksgiving must-have is just plain GOOD! This version gets its base from a Texas favorite: cornbread.

This Thanksgiving feast is sure to have your family shouting “Yee haw!” You’re going to need a good hearty meal before you head to Bel Furniture’s Black Friday sale at 5 a.m. on Nov. 29! The leftovers from these recipes will make the perfect pre-shopping treat!

Halloween Home Décor 2013

When it comes to home décor, Halloween can be a bit of a challenge. You want to celebrate the occasion, but without going overboard. Bright orange plastic pumpkins may be great for your kids’ bedrooms or out on your front step, but what about your living room or dining room? You want to keep things elegant and sophisticated in these spaces. You've worked hard to achieve a certain ambiance and color scheme. You can still make things spooky while coordinating with your everyday décor.

Here are some photos and ideas for inspiration.

 Candles, skulls and forest imagery:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/19sxzPw]

While we often associate candles with romance, they can also serve to create a bone-chilling effect. They are reminiscent of a witch’s house or a vampire’s lair. The right candle holders - like these, made to look like tree trunks - will also help bring about the Halloween spirit. A picture of bare-bones trees and a subtle skull element complete the look.

Gourds of another name:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/1aEC6ML]

While orange pumpkins may be the norm at Halloween, don’t forget they come in other colors - and shapes! Dress up your dining room table with an assortment of gourds and a few votives scattered throughout. This look does double duty too! This theme can be easily carried over into November as it works for Thanksgiving décor as well.

Fancy your fireplace:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/1797e9A]

Jack-o-lanterns don’t always have to have faces. This super-chic fireplace decoration uses carved pumpkins to create the effect of a roaring fire. Muted orange candles help complete the look while keeping in step with the color scheme.

An homage to spooky literature:

[photo credit: http://bit.ly/16qRQXM]

The holiday has inspired scores of literature and film throughout the years. Why not choose a theme based on that, like this mantle inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. You’ll be searching for the perfect Halloween décor “nevermore.”

Decorating for Halloween doesn't mean you have to turn your more formal spaces into child’s play. There are plenty of simple, elegant ways to dress up your house for the occasion without interrupting the usual feel of a room!

Great Family Costumes for Halloween 2013

October is here and before you know it, Halloween will be too! Whether you have a party to attend, or plan on trick-or-treating as a group, there are some great ways to dress up as a family. Besides making you the talk of the town, dressing up together will help you keep your troops wrangled for a fun and safe Halloween.

Check out these great suggestions for family costumes. And no excuses, Mom and Dad, these have options for all ages!

The Toy Story Gang

(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/GLqxes)

This modern classic Pixar film has a lot of character possibilities. The theme can really be used for any size family! The family in the picture chose Woody, Jessie, Bo Peep, her sheep and Mr. Potato Head. Some other options to consider are T-Rex, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Etch-a-Sketch, Barbie and the Army Men. Just make sure you all hold still when Andy shows up!

Angry Birds

(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/GKZKjt)

You’re already addicted to the game – you may as well make it known to the public. This bright and colorful costume idea will work for family members of all sizes. You might even consider teaming up with a rival family, who can dress up as those pesky pigs. 

The Laundry

(Photo credit: http://huff.to/1fI3kdn)

Milk and Cookies

(Photo credit: http://huff.to/1fI3kdn)

Why not dress up like one of America’s favorite families? Get creative with your cookie choice here. You could all be chocolate chip, Oreos or maybe Teddy Grahams. If you can’t decide, go as an assortment. Everyone loves to have options!

BLT Sandwich

(Photo credit: http://bit.ly/QCziXA)

A sandwich is only as good as its parts. Mom and Dad are what hold this BLT together. If you’ve got an extra little one in your family, perhaps you’ll be more in the mood for a BLT with cheese this year!

Got some more great family costume ideas? We’d love to hear from you!

A Fresh Back-to-School Look

THE PERFECT TRIO

A new class of sophisticated and stylish room sets and accessories has arrived at Bel Furniture. Get into the academic swing of things once again with inspiring and comfortable home décor. Whether you're a proud parent or a first-time college student moving into a new apartment or dormitory suite, you'll love our new selections, perfect for the ambitious and studious.

FYE

Everyone deserves a study break now and then. Luckily, our newest entertainment center is your one-stop-shop for your latest Netflix guilty pleasure, motivating playlists, and embarrassing Wii games. Relax before hitting those books. With shelves, piers, and drawers in a rich cherry finish, this center can accommodate a 58" television. Save on inventory likes this and more during our upcoming Labor Day Sale! 

SNACK TIME

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, our newest dinette set comes with a cushioned bench the kids will love. We recommend this for the kitchen nook, or for smaller apartment spaces. What better accessory to go with the first cup of coffee than a table in an espresso finish? Six pieces in total, this set is durable, elegant, light-weight, and easy to transport as you progress as a student, from college to graduate school.

THE STUDY COUCH

Sitting at a cramped desk under the harsh lamplight can be a bore. Change up your routine and invigorate those study habits with a brand new couch. Our latest addition is comfortable and soft. It comes in brown, bonded leather. Take your pick: sofa, chair, or loveseat. Remember, you can save big on this set and more during our upcoming Labor Day Sale. 

Visit our website and Facebook page for more details!

                                                                               

Our Top Five Reasons to Love Bruno Mars

1. He has a fabulous voice.

               Who doesn’t love to hear the sweet, feel-good sound of Bruno’s voice wafting through the car radio? Even if you’re not a diehard fan, Bruno sings songs that are memorable, upbeat, and extra fun.

2. He has great hair.

               Not everyone can rock a pompadour like Bruno. Maybe it’s because he has a natural confidence that shines through on and off-stage… Hmm!

3. He’s stylish.

               Bruno’s love of the music of the 70s and 80s comes through in his colorful, but sleek wardrobe. Cool is just something Bruno is good at!

4. He’s happy to share his musical influences.

               Every great performer has a list of people that influenced them, and Bruno’s not shy to share. We love that he lets us in on his musical thought-process, telling us about his top favorites like Prince, Michael Jackson, The Police and even Little Richard!

5. He’s having a concert very soon and you could be there, too!

ENTER OUR FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO BRUNO'S AUG. 15TH SHOW!

The Sooner You Enter the Contest, the Better Your Chances:

Like our last Facebook contest, the Just the Way You Are contest winner will be determined by the total number of votes. Simply put, the photo submission with the most votes, wins the two tickets to the show. So, the sooner you enter, the more time your friends and family members have to vote for you. If you decide to enter directly through Instagram or Twitter using hashtag, #sweetbel, keep in mind that we still need to have your email address, so we can contact you easily in the event of your sweet victory.

Scan the QR code above, or enter our contest here!

You're Amazing, Bruno Mars

ENTER OUR FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO BRUNO'S AUG. 15TH SHOW!

Little Known Facts about Bruno Mars:

1. Bruno's real name is Peter Gene Bayot Hernandez; when he was a child his family called him "Little Elvis".
2. While growing up in Hawaii (he was born in Waikiki), Bruno was very popular with the girls, who used to say he was "out of this world." This adoration would later inspire the second half of his stage name. "Bruno" comes from Bruno Samartino, a chubby wrestler he admired when he was a kid.
3. Bruno has said in many interviews that he was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson growing up. 
4. What's the dish on Bruno's favorite meal? Well, he loves Chicken Adobo, the national cuisine of the Philippines. 
5. Bruno's favorite song from his collection is "Count on Me."

The Sooner You Enter the Contest, the Better Your Chances:

Like our last Facebook contest, the Just the Way You Are contest winner will be determined by the total number of votes. Simply put, the photo submission with the most votes, wins the two tickets to the show. So, the sooner you enter, the more time your friends and family members have to vote for you. If you decide to enter directly through Instagram or Twitter using hashtag, #sweetbel, keep in mind that we still need to have your email address, so we can contact you easily in the event of your sweet victory. 

Scan the QR code above, or enter our contest here:  http://bit.ly/146qvrV

Love Bruno Mars?

ENTER OUR FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST TO WIN A  PAIR OF TICKETS TO HIS AUG. 15TH SHOW!

How to Enter:

Step 1 - Go to our Facebook page and click on the tab that says "CONTEST" at the top of the timeline. Or, simply click here to go directly to the entry page!

Step 2 - Once you've liked Bel Furniture, upload a picture of you and your sweetheart (or best friend or family member) holding up a poster that tells us what you love the most about each other. Make sure fans can see your faces and the words written on the poster.

*Alternative Way to Submit*  Upload a photo on your Instagram OR Twitter and use the hashtag, #sweetbel. Your photo will be automatically entered. Be sure to provide us with your email address as required by the entry form.

Step 3 - Complete all required fields on the entry form and submit! 

Step 4 - Ask friends and family members to go to the "View Entries" page and vote for your photo. 

The Entry with the Most Votes Wins!

Kids Grand Opening on July 20th!

Summertime is really for the young at heart. That's why we've decided to expand our kids room section at our Webster store location, adding details and even more options we know our littlest customer will love. To celebrate, join us on July 20th, 2013 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. for prizes, entertainment and refreshments.

Prizes will be given away every hour on the hour and will include an Xbox gaming console, two Android Nabi kids tablets, a comfy kid-sized recliner, and a kids sofa that's fit for a little prince or princess. Live entertainment will be provided by a DJ who will spin appropriate and fun music just for kids. Even parents are encouraged to join the party!

After exploring the new kids section layout with the family, try the free hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and lemonade. All are delicious and will be available in-store. We smile upon second helpings.

The day's main sources of entertainment, however, will definitely be the inflatable obstacles and houses. Sit back and relax while the kids climb, slide and bounce to their hearts' content. To learn more about ongoing contests, current charity work and other special events, please visit our social media pages:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Get the Hottest Tickets in Town!

Enter our Facebook Contest & Win Tickets 

to Beyonce's July 15th Show!

Tickets for Beyonce's upcoming "Mrs. Carter Show" sold so quickly, the diva scheduled another Houston appearance for December of this year. While fans can still buy/win tickets for that show through radio stations like 104.1 KRBE, Bel Furniture still has a pair of tickets to the July 15th concert. Enter Your Sasha Fierce only through our Facebook page and take a friend to the hottest show of the summer.

Step 1: Go to the Bel Furniture Facebook page.

Step 2: Like Bel if you don't already!

Step 3: Read the official rules and complete all required fields of the submission form.

Step 4: Upload a photo of your alter ego. Think: Sasha Fierce! Be sure to "name" your alter ego in the caption section of the submission form.

Step 5: Let your friends and family know that you've entered and ask them to visit our Contest page to vote for your photo submission. The entry that receives the highest number of votes by July 11th, wins the 2 tickets to see Beyonce. 

We can't wait to see your awesome entries! 

Win Tickets to See Beyonce!

Summer is for lounging luxuriously by the pool and sunbathing on hot Texas beaches. It's for that road trip you always wanted to take. It's for amazing BBQ parties with friends, meeting new people while out on the town and it's most definitely for discovering new music.

While Bel Furniture can't help with all of these things, we can do a little something for our beloved customers and community members that will make summer that much sweeter. To follow up our Father's Day contest on Facebook, we're kicking off our summer concert series with another awesome contest. Enter Your Sasha Fierce for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Beyonce's July 15th concert at the Houston Toyota Center! We can't think of a more perfect venue. After all, Houston is her hometown!

About the Contest

Beyonce's alter ego is named Sasha Fierce, which stands for everything the diva felt, aspired to be and dreamed of while she was recording her third studio album, I Am...Sasha Fierce. In order to win these tickets to the best concert of the summer, you'll have to show us your alter ego.

How to Enter

1. Go to our Facebook page and like us if you aren't already a fan!
2. Click on our "Contest" button near the top of the Timeline
3. Read the instruction and choose "Submit an Entry"

You will upload a photo of yourself dressed like your alter ego. The more elaborate and thoughtful the better! We really want to reward the most creative fan! Be sure to give your alter ego a name in the "caption" section on the entry form.

Fill out the form completely and submit the photo you want us to see.

Finally, tell your friends to like Bel and to vote for your alter ego photo. To do this, all they have to do is click on the "Contest" button and select "View Entries" on that main page.

The photo entry with the most votes wins the contest!

Enter to win now: https://www.facebook.com/belfurniture

Quick Summer Style Tips

As summer approaches, schoolchildren count down the days until freedom and parents start planning family trips to the beach or cooler climes. At Bel Furniture, we find no reason at all why your very own home can't serve as a rejuvenating summer sanctuary. Before you leave for this year's summer adventure, try these simple decorating tips that will transform your living space.

Striped Cookouts
Summer weather is perfect for cookouts. You have the grill and you certainly have the friends and family. All you need now is a picnic table and a table cloth that will make your feast pop! Durability doesn't hurt either. To accomplish this, we recommend outfitting your table with a simple painting drop cloth from Lowe's or Home Depot. Paint stripes the color of your choice. We recommend subtle blues. By taking preliminary measurements and marking off sections in painter's tape, your stripes will look neat and uniform.


Natural & Delicate Candles
Our second tip is great for indoor and outdoor entertainment. As you comb the beaches this summer for the perfect shell, be on the lookout for ones that can serve as candle holders. Once you have washed off your shells in a solution of bleach and water, you may choose to either melt candles you already have-or paraffin wax-in a double boiler. Simply pour the wax into your shells and be sure to secure a metal wick holder at the bottom. It will cool and harden in about 30 minutes. If the shell is too wobbly for the wax to cool uniformly, we suggest placing it on top of water glass, where it can rest evenly.

A Live Centerpiece
These shell candles make a wonderful addition to the dining room table. Kick it up a notch by including a live, miniature herb garden as the centerpiece. This will not only add fresh aromas to the atmosphere, but will encourage conversation. You may even pluck fresh herbs right off the stems and branches to add flavor to salads, entrées, or desserts. When you're not entertaining, the herbs are easily transportable back to the porch or garden.


Are You Stumped?
Our fourth tip is equally as earthy as the fresh herb garden centerpiece. Add a little fun variation to your interior décor by incorporating a table made from a stump of wood. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, we encourage you to try making one yourself. For step-by-step instructions, see this enlightening blog by "17 Apart." After several rounds of sanding, applications of "Wood Juice" and satin spraying (and more sanding), this stump table was given a final top coat and little legs to stand on. We think a trio of stump tables would look great together even without legs.


Pillows, Pillows, Pillows!
Our fifth and final tip this week is easy enough. It involves a keen eye for design. Transform the ideal summer space like the front porch, stairway nook, or sun room into a haven of comfort and luxury by adding plush and brightly colored throw pillows. The image featured to the right is of a sun room with pastel-colored walls and rugged, wooden floorboards. All of the textures are working in harmony to create a summery artistic space. You can never go overboard with too many pillows if you are working with an unconventional piece like the makeshift couch in this image.

Final Words
If you have more interior or exterior décor tips that are perfect for the summer, we would love to hear from you! Simply comment on this post below or send us a message on any of our social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter. We look forward to featuring more tips like these five throughout the summer season. Additionally, we'll be announcing some amazing giveaways, so stay tuned!