Sears and Kmart: Holiday Decorating Tips and $250 Giveaway

Could you use some inspiration for decorating the house this season? How about an extra $250 from Sears or Kmart for the people on your list?

If there's one thing I learned as a designer and editor styling houses for the holidays, including Kathie Lee Gifford's for HGTV, it's that beautiful, memorable holiday decor is available to everyone at every price. Take, for example, this season's trees and trimmings at Sears and Kmart. They may not be the first stores that come to mind for magazine-quality holiday decor, but with my stylist's secrets and insider tips, you just might be surprised! To start, here are some simple but sophisticated ways of adding charm to the entryway of your house. It's such a festive way of welcoming friends and family to your home all season long. To view the video at full size, simply click on the lower right hand corner, then click again to play.

Next, the fireplace mantel is the focal point of any room and the perfect opportunity to decorate the interior of your house. With a mix of real and faux greenery, luminous candles and affordable finds from Kmart, I took a simple mantel from good to better and finally, to great! Full screen is best, so click on the lower right hand corner, then click again to play.

 

No house is decorated for Christmas without at least one pretty tree. Faux versions certainly have their advantages and the ones at Kmart right now are more real than ever! The one I decorated in this video had a fantastic shape and fullness with LED lights that save energy throughout the season. Every ornament is from Kmart in a shimmery palette of pink, red and green. I even wrapped packages in the same color scheme for that rich, decorator look. By now, you know the drill: click on the lower right hand corner to expand, then click again to play.      

And finally, the part you've been waiting for—the $250 giveaway, courtesy of our friends at Sears and Kmart! To enter, post one or more videos to Twitter, Facebook and/or your blog:

• Sears Entryway: http://www.youtube.com/sears#p/u/3/MpGbmvZMQWA 
• Kmart Mantel: http://www.youtube.com/user/kmart?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/0/xUh3MNWiX4Y
• Kmart Tree: http://www.youtube.com/user/kmart?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/1/zQZe5vxsi40 

A few things:

• Tweets should contain all three usernames: @eddieross, @kmartdealsnnews, and @searsdeals. 
• Each post to Facebook, Twitter and/or your blog represents a single entry, so you can enter up to three times.
• Come back here and leave a comment with links, so we know you're in!
• The giveaway lasts until midnight on Wednesday, December 8th. The winner will be chosen by random on the 9th and announced on Friday the 10th.

Good luck, everyone, and happy holiday decorating!

Comments

[Jaclyn]

Love your work!! And love that you utilized Sears and KMart, they are excellent resources! Especially when you are on a budget, or when you want to affordably tap into a trend.
$250 could really help as our house recently got broken into and we have no extra money to get any new decorations this year!
Thanks for your hard work and this awesome collaboration!!

http://twitter.com/bowlegdwoman/status/12707624822771713

[French Basketeer]

Eddie, I have tweeted for the Mantel & the Entry; they are both super lovely; I would not have thought of KMart, but thanks for the tips; I am off to the store to check things out. Please enter me in the giveaway!!http://twitter.com/FrenchBasketeer

[Shannon Swaggerty]

Just posted the mantle video to Facebook. Now can you come over and decorate mine?

http://www.facebook.com/#!/shannonswaggerty

[Melanie J]

Okay, I also shared the Kmart tree video on my FB...they will all be shared on my blog later on today. Hoping to win this fabulous prize!

[Melanie J]

I also shared the Kmart Mantel video on my FB.

[Melanie J]

I shared the Sears Entryway video on my FB page. Going to put it on my blog in the morning (its after midnight already.lol)

[Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES)]

E+J- Tweeted on the mantle today.

Happy Holidays,
Loretta

[Lee McKenzie]

Hi, Eddie! So many wonderful decorating ideas for the holidays!

I posted three separate blogs, one for each video. I embedded each video right in the blog and included links to yours as well as Sears and Kmart.

http://www.leemckenzie.com/thewritersideoflife/

Happy holidays to you and Jaithan!

Lee

[Sarah (Matters of Style)]

Wow, great giveaway!! Y'all are SO talented! xoxo

[Deanna G.]

Posted the Kmart Mantel video to Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/calidreamin87/posts/174022105953249

[Deanna G.]

Posted the Kmart Tree video on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/calidreamin87/status/12029214379216896

[original coach outlet]

Nice one, there is actually some great points on this post some of my associates will find this worthwhile, will send them a link, thanks

[Rachael Anne]

I just posted the Sears video on my Facebook. I really need to finish my entry decor.

[Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES)]

Hello E + J,

Love the behind the scenes stories!

I posted the holiday entryway to Facebook and the Christmas tree to Twitter!

Happy Holidays!

Loretta

[Stephanie]

Loved your DIY videos! Such great ideas!
http://pepperprojects.blogspot.com/2010/12/eddie-ross-tips-for-decorating-your.html

[Laurie]

Hi Eddie I also saw you on HGTV you were GREAT! So many wonderful idea's. I post on FB & Twitter thanks a bunch

[Alexandra]

I featured this giveaway, with one of the videos, on my blog:
http://luisadesignblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/some-great-giveaways.html
I also browsed around Kmart's site for a while, and my post includes some ideas for how to spend $250... which would be pretty easy; they have some surprisingly great decor!

[Steve@UrbanCottage]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,

Thanks for stopping by my blog to see my Maine shopping finds! I just posted about your giveaway on my blog as well. You can find the here.

http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-decorating-inspiration-from.html

xo to you too. Steve @ An Urban Cottage

[Melanie Dorsey]

I tweeted:

BellaMellaMel $250 gift card giveAway! @eddieross, @kmartdealsnnews, and @searsdeals.

[Melanie Dorsey]

I posted the entryway video on FB.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000010200502

[layersofmeaning]

I blogged about it!
http://www.layersofmeaning.com/2010/12/do-you-need-some-inspiration-for.html

[Liz Morten]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan: I have always love to make beautiful garlands with lots of varied greenery. I haven't thought of using a faux base that was prelit, so I'm evolving with that tip. I have a fun unpublished Sister Parish living room on this week's post, when Bunny Williams was her assistant. Its an old "Playhouse." Its really wild.
Best,
Liz

[Marianne - Style For Living]

I just posted one of your amazing videos on my blog as well as your giveaway! You're the best!!!

http://msimondesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/eddie-ross-extraordinaire.html

[Pinky]

I am a floral designer and am in the midst of doing clients homes as well! I love your idea of intertwining the real and faux garlands! Thanks!!! I posted the links to my Fb page to enter the contest/giveaway!!!!!!!!!! This could really help!!! XO, Pinky PS, have you been to my blog yet???? I just started a few weeks ago: www.designsbypinky.blogspot.com

[Lauren]

wahooooooooo!!! we loved it!! (christian too!)

you need to be on TV- loved it loved it.

huge hug and congrats!!!
xoxoxo

[Janet Doherty]

Eddie and Jaithan
It's been amazing to watch your "business" of beautifying life take on so many new adventures! Congratulations as I think you are an amazing duo!.
Merry Christmas to you both!
Janet

[Tiffany]

I put it on my facebook- great tips!

[Clare]

You're always so inspiring. Just blogged about it.
http://4cfm.blogspot.com/2010/12/eddie-ross-giveaway.html

[theLENNOXX]

Love your videos!! I was just about to post all three videos on my blog, just headed over here to link up, I didn't even realize you had this great giveaway going. Thank you for the wonderful (and continuous) inspiration you share with us! Happy Holidays!

Linda

[Zena]

You're amazing as always. I always learn something new when I visit.

I've posted about the tree on my blog.

http://psilovethis.blogspot.com/2010/12/wish-list-wednesdays.html

[Mandy Perillo]

I posted all three of your great videos to my facebook :) Thanks, loved them all! Happy Holidyas!

[Rene]

I posted your sears video to my facebook. Loved all the ideas and so true about things not having to be high end to look highend. I adore the red bells!

[maureen]

Eddie, I took your idea of the mantlepiece and applied it to the top of my antique pine hutch in my breakfast room! I went to Michaels' and found some nice bells at 1/2 price along with the garland for 1/2 price. So my total was $12 with a look of $112! You gave me the inspiration! Thanks and Happy Holidays!

[Christina]

Hi Eddie,

I featured your video on my blog,
http://thedo-tique.blogspot.com/2010/11/getting-ready-with-eddie.html

Best, Filia Artis

[Katie]

Thanks for hosting a FANTASTIC giveaway! I Tweeted the Sears Christmas tree video here: http://twitter.com/#!/gaultney

Wish me luck! ;) And great styling job. Love the faux wrapped presents trick.

[Julie LoRusso]

Well done! I'm going with hot pink and bright green this year. When are you going to come out with a book?

Pop over to Monkey Grass Hill and check out my new butler's pantry on a budget--I know you guys can appreciate a butler's pantry :)

[Kimberly C.]

Hi,

I LOVED the tree with a snow. I so love the flocked look, but it just doesn't seem right to have a tree with snow in Florida.

I posted it on my Facebook page.

[Michael - Innkeeper]

posted your mantle video via my facebook page...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Charm-Bed-and-Breakfast/54372419246?ref=nf

i love what you did with the beaded garland! love it!

[Michael - Innkeeper]

blogged about your giveaway and videos here:

http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2010/11/giveaways-make-me-happy.html

thanks so much for the chance eddie! you generosity is appreciated!!

[Michael - Innkeeper]

tweeted here - http://twitter.com/inspiredbycharm

loving the pink ornaments eddie! great videos too! you sound so excited! love it

[Styles 'n Cream]

Amazing ideas. Thank you!

http://twitter.com/stylesncream

[sandy@oohlafroufrou]

Loved your videos and tips, Eddie! Fab post!

[Stitchfork]

The merriment has begun! Loved the mantle decorations!
xo Cathy

[lindaraxa]

Ooops! forgot to give you the link to the post

http://mykitchenbythelake.blogspot.com/2010/11/eddie-ross-holiday-decorating-tips-plus.html

[lindaraxa]

Dear Eddie,

I was going to post on this in my country blog, just like I did last year on the ornament wreath and then I read about the giveaway...that's what you call a bonus. The post was tweeted by me, @lindaraxa and my asstant @lucywestie to all her anipals on Twitter! She has more followers than I do so you are set!

http://mykitchenbythelake.blogspot.com is the address of Lindaraxa's Garden country blog.

[Shelly]

As usual...great tips Eddie! I spread the news too!
http://www.vanrozeboom.com/blog/christmas/eddie-ross-decorating-tips/
www.twitter.com/shellyvanr
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Seal-Beach-CA/Van-Rozeboom-Interiors/143064839067113

[Natalie Kilgore]

Thanks for the opportunity! Happy Holidays! xoxo

[Mami2jcn]

tweeted-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/9276103097061376

[Laura Anne]

Just tweeted two videos from @lacran1. I don't have a mantle. :-( Enjoy your blog and hoping I'll win the giveaway! :-)

[elz]

It's amazing how you can decoarte so richly with a few inexpensive items. you have a great eye!

[Karen Evans]

I adore the simple yet elegant fireplace mantle. Who knew KMart could be so stylish?

[stephanie ~ paisley petunia]

tweet tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/stephschneider/status/8987011176210432

@stephschneider

[Trina]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
FUN!!! I watched all three videos and now I'm totally in the mood to get Christmas going over here! The mantle tips were especially inspiring as I want to do something extra special with our mantle this year.
As always, it's such a pleasure to visit with you. xo
Trina

[Nancy reed]

Loved your videos. Posted the outside house
video to my facebook. Enter me in the
drawing. Thanks

[Lynn]

Eddie- great looks and good ideas but disappointed you are now on video shilling for kmart and sears - or any other huge retailer for that matter, on your site.......

[Clare]

Just tweeted about it. Love the ideas, Eddie!
http://twitter.com/#!/servejoyfully

[Sara]

Oh, Eddie, not all of us fans blog and/or tweet and/or Facebook! We luddites still love you and we'll be over here in the corner hanging some garland and drowning our sorrows in some spiked punch or buttered rum, trying hard not to feel too left out of the fun. ;-)

[trishden]

Hi Eddie, I tweeted the Kmart tree here:
http://twitter.com/trishden/status/8909233777025025

Thanks again Eddie, I really enjoyed all of the decorating tips and I know my Twitter followers will too. Happy Holidays!

trishden

[trishden]

Hi Eddie, I tweeted the Kmart Mantle here:
http://twitter.com/trishden/status/8907633201254401

Thanks!
trishden

[trishden]

Hi Eddie, tweeted the Sears Entryway here:
http://twitter.com/trishden/status/8905489299546112

Thanks for a great giveaway!
trishden

[pve]

I take directions really well. I will post and ye ole blog and break out the egg nog in hopes I win.
Be well dear ones.
pve

[Rene]

I just tweeted your entry video, which I loved, btw.

-Rene

[Rene]

Hi E & J. I enjoyed the videos! Thanks for the giveaway.

-Rene

[Emily]

Thanks so much for posting such GREAT videos! I LOVE the Martha line at Kmart. I got my most prized Christmas decoration (a white faux tree with all green ornaments) the day after Christmas 5 years ago for $30 - including the decorations because it was the demo tree! I love it and can't wait to decorate it today! I blogged your mantle video: http://pumpkinsandfairydust.blogspot.com/2010/11/mantle-decorations-on-cheap.html
Thanks and happy holidays!

[Julie Figueroa]

Hi Eddie, you have and continue to inspire me eveyday! Here is a link to a blog post with links to your videos and blog! http://zuliblu.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-favorite-designer-eddie-ross.html

[Julie Figueroa]

Eddie, thank you for the great ideas, you look good on that camera!! I tweeted, not sure how to post a link, but I Favorited the tweets, so if you go here http://twitter.com/ZULIBLU/favorites
You can see the tweets!!!

[Tamara]

Oh no.....not you too, Eddie?! Not a single real poinsettia in your decor :( What's a girl gotta do to make sure all the designers out there include some of her GORGEOUS live poinsettias in their decorating schemes?! I've got 100's of 1000's just waiting to go to market. Can you post a video about them for me? Otherwise us growers are gonna have a grinchy Christmas this year!

Steve Whysall from the Vancouver Sun stopped by this week to do a write up and a video on them so I'm hoping you do too!

http://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2010/11/steve-whysall-stopped-by-darvonda-this.html

[Jodie]

Hello Eddie - - I have already posted on FB for those who may be in a decorating rut. Such simple tips that even the less creative can be successful at!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend -

Jodie

[Jodie]

Hello Eddie - - I have already posted on FB for those who may be in a decorating rut. Such simple tips that even the less creative can be successful at!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend -

Jodie

[Fran]

Hi Eddie, I just shared your video (which is awesome, btw) and giveaway on my blog! Here is the link:

http://greenstreetblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/eddie-ross-tips-for-decorating-your.html

[Sutten Wasserman]

I would love to know how you got the tree to stay in the urn. I want to put mine in a glavanized container but the base is too big. Any ideas?

[Carrie Waller]

Hi E & J

Just watched your videos Eddie, great job! Actually you made me rethink my mantle idea this year just in the nick of time:) I posted on FB, what a great give away. Happy
Decorating!

[April-Living the Sweet Life]

Hi Eddie & Jaithan. Love these videos with great Christmas design tips. I posted on twitter.
Here http://twitter.com/#!/sweetlifeinthe
Would love to win.
xo

[Fran]

Eddie, I just tweeted about your giveaway & videos!!

http://twitter.com/#!/greenstreetblog/status/8688191473192960

[Fran]

Eddie, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! These videos were fantastic!! Loved them!!

[Anne Potter]

Thanks Eddie! Love the tips as usual! And I'm going to use my hurricane that I made at your workshop!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=18311701

http://twitter.com/#!/AnnePotter

[Jennifer]

Hi Eddie! I saw these when had linked to them on FB. They are great. I have posted them both on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/fiddledeejen) & on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=702917867)

As always, Thank you so much for the inspiration!
xo,
Jen

[Virginia]

Great tips...and LOVE seeing you in action. Merry, merry!!!

[pretty pink tulips]

Eddie and Jaithan -
All 3 of these are fantastic!!!! You make it look so easy and give such great instructions!

I've posted the Fireplace Mantle on the blog and will get the others up shortly. Need to get my appetizers out of the oven - stat!

xoxo Elizabeth

[Nita@ModVintageLife]

When I was a kid in the 60's. The first place we went for Christmas decor and presents was Sears. My Mom would shop the store and just leave me in the toy department and the tree decorating department. Parents never do that now.

[Katie Gallimore]

What a great set of videos...I love decorating for the Holidays and posted a link on my blog!
XOXO
Katie
http://modernoasis.blogspot.com/

[Dana]

Tweeted all three of them! (@dbpelleg)
http://twitter.com/#!/dbpelleg

[Stephanie Ann]

Tweeted @ http://twitter.com/stephanieann3/status/8639536045236224

[Design Love]

EDDIE!

I've watched these videos you did before and loved them! I posted the entry way from Sears on my blog! You look so darn cute in that one too,lol.....Seriously, great tips! I may post the others yet as well!

Cindy
http://designlove-cynthia.blogspot.com/

[Amanda]

I facebook'ed this giveaway too! Check my homepage. Amanda Brown Calabrasi.

[Amanda]

I'm in! I tweeted about it!!! My twitter name is @CASABrasi.

[Houstonblogger]

Posted on my facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/danelleguilbeau#!/danelleguilbeau?v=wall&story_fbid=126382534087695&notif_t=share_comment&fbb=r23fa53be&refid=0

[ChicGal]

Share on the Chic Galleria fan page and my profile page on Facebook too!

[Houstonblogger]

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/Houstonblogger/status/8608892174999552

[ChicGal]

Hi Eddie! I tweeted at @ChicGalleria and will do it several times. FABULOUS videos and I'm so excited about the giveaway. If I win, I'll do all my decorating with your advice and send you photos!
xoxo~Beth

[cristin @ simplified bee]

Eddie... these videos are wonderful! I have sent out a tweet to the peeps.

http://twitter.com/simplifiedbee

One of your past creations inspired me this year... will send you a link the the post once published.

xo,
cristin

[Sarah S]

Great videos & a great giveaway!!

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/miss_moneymaker/status/8569355151343618

And posted twice on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=106185429452975&id=626242664

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=163827706988652&id=626242664

[Carole]

I blogged about the videos and my post was simultaneously published on my FB page, too:
http://edenh21.multiply.com/journal/item/92/Eddie_Ross_has_some_fantastic_holiday_decorating_videos_to_share

Again, thanks for the inspiration and the giveaway.

[Carole]

I tweeted your generous giveaway: http://twitter.com/cspod/statuses/8549604878450689 I liked the tree decorating video. Love watching the Kathie Lee HGTV show for inspiration.

Thanks for the generous giveaway.

[Sherry]

I had seen these video's when you first posted them on twitter. Love the outdoor one and am hoping to duplicate it for my home this Christmas. Fun giveaway and I posted the link to the outdoor video to my blog. http://BlueRidgeAlteredAr.blogspot.com. If you haven't already check out the Neiman Marcus look-a-like wreath I posted last night.

[Leslie]

So you're the latest in a series of top-notch designers to work with KMart!
@lljohnston

[Therese Long]

You always teach me something I didn't know with your stylists secrets... love them!
It's amazing what us common folk don't think of:)
You turn nothing into something completely beautiful. It's in you genes!!
Hope you are relaxing and enjoying this Thanksgiving Holiday.
Much love,
Terri

[Sharon~Serendipity]

This is great! I loved your videos! I tweeted just a minute ago! http://twitter.com/#!/dec0r8or

[Kristen Foster]

posted on my facebook page:) love mantels... & crossing my fingers!

[Mr Goodwill Hunting]

Im headed to tweet now. Then post later on.

Mr. Goodwill Hunting
http://mrgoodwillhunting.blogspot.com