Betsie & Co. - Blog

Deck the Base: Styling Your Christmas Tree Skirt with Cozy Charm When it comes to holiday décor, the tree often steals the spotlight, but it's the thoughtful accents that complete the festive look. One of the most charming finishing touches? A beautiful Christmas tree skirt. Not only does it hide unsightly stands and cords, but it also sets the stage for presents and enhances your overall holiday theme. The Heart of Holiday Style: Tree Skirt Themes Your tree skirt can reflect your personal style or complement your existing décor. Whether you're going for a cozy country vibe or a sophisticated seasonal statement, there's a theme to match your taste: 1. Country ChecksThink warm red-and-tan buffalo plaids or gingham checks. These patterns pair beautifully with traditional ornaments and give your tree a classic, down-home feel. 2. Rustic PlaidsDeeper hues like forest green, navy, or burgundy in catawba-style plaids evoke a woodsy cabin vibe. These look stunning in homes with natural elements like wooden floors, stone fireplaces, and lots of greenery. 3. Rich Solid HuesTree skirts in deep jewel tones add elegance and depth. Think emerald green, ruby red, or gold. These work especially well in formal or glam holiday settings. 4. Farmhouse PatternsNeutral tones with subtle prints or solid colors, offer a modern farmhouse appeal. They're perfect for minimalists who appreciate simple, cozy design.  5. Holiday-Themed FabricsFrom snowflakes to reindeer, fabrics printed with festive motifs bring playful joy to your tree base. Choose colors that coordinate with your overall palette to keep the look cohesive. Coordinate with Style For a cohesive holiday home, extend your chosen theme beyond the tree. Coordinate your tree skirt with: Pillow Covers: Match or complement the fabric for a unified living room look. Table Runners: Bring the theme to your dining area for seamless style. Curtains: Swapping out everyday panels for holiday-themed or color-coordinated curtains can elevate your seasonal décor. Sizing Matters Tree skirt dimensions refer to the total diameter, measured from the outer edge across to the opposite side, including the center hole. To choose the right size: Measure the full width of the tree’s bottom branches. Account for the height and angle of your tree stand. Wrap It Up A Christmas tree skirt is more than a decorative accessory—it’s the foundation of your tree’s style. Whether rustic or refined, make it part of your overall holiday theme and pair it with matching textiles for a warm, inviting home that radiates holiday cheer from floor to ceiling. Complete your holiday look — shop stylish Christmas Tree Skirts now at Betsie & Co!

If you're looking to add a little charm and character to your windows without committing to full drapes or blinds, valances and café curtains are the perfect solution. These classic window treatments are easy to install, surprisingly versatile, and ideal for letting in just the right amount of light while still maintaining some privacy. Whether you’re going for cozy cottage vibes in your kitchen or a tailored touch in your laundry room, this guide will show you exactly how to measure, where to use them, and how to style them to suit your space. What Are Valances and Café Curtains? Valances are decorative fabric treatments that cover just the upper portion of a window. They add a finished, stylish look and are often used to conceal curtain rods or blinds. Café curtains cover only the lower half of a window, usually hung from a rod placed halfway down the frame. Originally popularized in French bistros (hence the name), they offer privacy while still allowing plenty of natural light. Both can be used alone or together, depending on the desired look and function. Popular styles include ruffled, tailored, box pleat, scalloped, and rod-pocket varieties. How to Measure for Valances and Café Curtains Getting the measurements right is key to achieving a polished look. Measuring for Valances: Measure the window width: Include the frame. For fullness, multiply by 1.5 to 2 depending on fabric and design. Determine the length: Standard valance lengths range from 10 to 18 inches. For taller ceilings or larger windows, go longer. Mounting placement: Decide if you want to mount above the window frame for added height or directly on it. Measuring for Café Curtains: Measure the window width: Like valances, multiply by 1.5 to 2 for desired fullness. Choose the rod height: Typically halfway down the window or slightly lower. Measure drop length: From rod to desired end point, usually the window sill or just above. Tip: Always use a steel measuring tape and double-check before ordering. Where to Use Them Valances and café curtains work beautifully in: Kitchens: Add coziness and charm while letting in morning light. Bathrooms: Perfect for privacy without blocking natural light. Breakfast Nooks: Enhances relaxed, airy atmosphere. Mudrooms & Laundry Rooms: Softens utilitarian spaces with minimal fuss. Craft Rooms or Nurseries: Adds softness and a tailored touch to casual areas. They also suit homes with farmhouse, cottage, coastal, vintage, or traditional aesthetics. Styling Tips & Inspiring Examples Layering: Pair café curtains with a valance or Roman shade for a layered, designer look. Fabric Choices: Use linen or cotton for casual spaces; silk or velvet for formal rooms. Patterns vs. Solids: Stripes and florals evoke a country or coastal vibe; solids feel crisp and modern. Seasonal Swaps: Change up with the seasons—light cottons for spring/summer, heavier textures for fall/winter. Examples: A crisp white café curtain with a gingham valance in a country kitchen. Neutral linen valance in a bathroom with a bamboo shade underneath. Bright floral café curtains in a sunroom or craft space. Final Thoughts Valances and café curtains offer a stylish, budget-friendly way to update your windows. They’re easy to measure, install, and customize for any space. Whether you're aiming for quaint and cozy or sleek and tailored, there's a combination that will suit your home perfectly. Explore our handcrafted collection of valances and café curtains, proudly made in the USA by Betsie & Co.

Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to refresh your home, and changing the pillow covers is even easier! Whether you want a seasonal update, a pop of color, or a whole new aesthetic, the right pillow cover can make all the difference. Here’s how to measure for pillow covers, choose colors and themes, and use them creatively in every room of your home. How to Measure for Pillow Covers Before you start shopping, it’s important to know your pillow size. Pillow covers are designed to fit over pillow inserts, and the right fit makes all the difference. 📏 Step-by-Step Measuring Tips Measure the insert, not an old or stretched cover. Use a fabric measuring tape to measure from seam to seam across the center of the pillow—first the width, then the length. If you don’t have a fabric tape, use a piece of string and then compare it against a yardstick or metal tape measure. Common sizes: 18x18" (most common for sofas) 20x20" (great for a full look) 22x22" (for large sectionals) 12x20" or 14x24" (lumbar pillows) 26x26" (euro shams) Choosing the Right Color and Theme Pillow covers are the perfect opportunity to play with color, pattern, and texture — all without a big commitment. 🎨 Color Tips Match your room’s palette: Pull a shade from artwork, rugs, or curtains. Neutral base, bold accent: Keep your sofa base neutral, then add a bold cover. Mix warm and cool tones for depth and contrast. 🌸 Seasonal & Thematic Inspiration Spring: Light pastels, florals, soft cottons. Summer: Tropical prints, bold hues, coastal stripes. Fall: Earth tones, burnt orange, corduroy or plaid. Winter: Deep jewel tones, velvets, knits. 🖼️ Mixing Patterns Combine solids, stripes, florals, and abstract prints. Stay within a coordinated palette to keep it cohesive. Vary scale: one large print + one small + one solid works beautifully. Where and How to Use Pillow Covers Pillow covers can enhance nearly every room — not just your couch. 🛋️ Living Room Mix sizes and textures for a curated look. Swap covers out for seasonal or holiday themes. 🛏️ Bedroom Layer euros, squares, and lumbars. Use soft fabrics for comfort and style. 🚪 Entryway or Mudroom Add a pop of color to benches or reading nooks. Choose durable, washable fabrics. 🌿 Outdoor Spaces Use water-resistant pillow covers. Bright colors and tropical patterns add vibrancy. 🧸 Kids’ Rooms Fun shapes, fuzzy textures, and easy-clean options. Let kids choose their own for a personal touch. Pillow Styling & Layering Tips Use odd numbers (3, 5) for visual appeal. Mix textures like velvet, linen, faux fur, and woven cotton. Add lumbar pillows to balance out large square ones. Don’t overstuff the couch — leave room to sit! Final Thoughts Pillow covers are small but mighty style changers. They’re affordable, easy to store, and completely customizable. Whether you want to refresh your home for a new season or just add some personality to your space, a few new pillow covers can work wonders. So go ahead — measure right, pick your colors, and start styling! Explore our handcrafted collection of pillow covers, proudly made in the USA by Betsie & Co.

Table runners are one of the simplest ways to bring personality, color, and texture into your home décor. Whether you're setting a formal dinner table or just want to dress up your console table for the season, a well-chosen table runner can tie the whole look together. In this guide, we’ll cover how to measure for a table runner, choose the right color and theme, and explore creative ways to use them in various rooms of your home. How to Measure for a Table Runner Before you buy or make a table runner, you’ll want to get the sizing right. A properly fitted runner adds elegance without overwhelming the table. Length The standard approach is to let the runner hang over the ends of the table — typically 6 to 10 inches on each side. Here’s a quick formula: Table Length + (2 × Desired Overhang) = Runner Length For example, if your table is 60 inches long and you want a 10-inch overhang on each side:60 + (2 × 10) = 80 inches total runner length Width A table runner generally looks best when it covers about one-third to one-half of the table’s width. This leaves room for place settings on either side if you’re using the runner during meals. For Round or Square Tables Round tables: Place a single runner down the center for a clean look, or cross two runners for added flair. Square tables: A single centered runner works well, or try two runners in a crisscross layout for symmetry. Choosing the Right Color and Theme Once you’ve got the right size, the fun part begins — picking colors and styles that fit your décor. Color Coordination Tips Neutral tones like ivory, beige, or gray blend well with almost any style and keep the focus on your centerpiece. Bold colors or patterns can add energy and act as a focal point. Coordinate with table linens, dinnerware, or accent colors in your room for a pulled-together look. Seasonal & Thematic Inspiration Spring: Soft florals, pastel stripes, or light linen textures. Summer: Bright tropical prints, nautical themes, or fresh citrus tones. Fall: Warm earth tones, plaid patterns, or harvest-themed runners with pumpkins or leaves. Winter: Deep reds, greens, metallics, or festive prints like snowflakes or ornaments. Special Occasions: Personalized runners for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, or holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Creative Uses for Table Runners in Different Rooms Table runners aren’t just for dining tables! Here are some unexpected ways to use them throughout your home: Dining Room The classic location — use a runner as the base layer for place settings and centerpieces. It instantly elevates even casual meals. Kitchen Place a runner on your island or breakfast nook to add softness and seasonal color. Opt for washable fabrics, as spills are more likely here. Living Room Add a runner to your coffee table, media console, or sideboard to break up flat surfaces and introduce texture or pattern. Bedroom Try using a runner as a bed scarf — laid across the foot of the bed, it brings hotel-style polish. Runners also look great on top of dressers or vanity tables. Entryway Lay a runner along an entryway console table and top it with a decorative bowl, lamp, or vase. It sets the tone as soon as guests walk in. Outdoor Spaces Use weather-resistant runners on patio or deck tables for outdoor dinners, picnics, or just a touch of charm in your garden setup. Styling Tips & Layering Ideas Layer with placemats for a dynamic, multidimensional look. Use as a foundation for centerpieces: candles, trays, greenery, or holiday décor. Mix and match textures: Combine burlap with lace, linen with metallics, or cotton with wood accents for contrast and depth. Switch them out often — table runners are one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to refresh a room for each season or mood. Final Thoughts Table runners are more than just functional linens — they’re a creative way to express your style throughout your home. Whether you prefer minimalist neutrals or bold, seasonal statements, the right runner can instantly elevate any space. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, experiment with placements, and use them beyond the dining table. With the tips in this guide, you’re ready to make table runners a staple in your home décor toolkit. Explore our handcrafted collection of table runners and placemats, proudly made in the USA by Betsie & Co.