By Nancy Ranchel
Books, books, books. They’re stacked next to the couch, under the table, on the stairs, and spilling off the shelves. Some houses are overrun with books.

Modern furniture and modern style are both super popular these days, with good reason. Simple, clean furniture and design can be classy and calming, all in one. What’s not to love?

Most people collect something. Actually, let’s put it this way – cool people collect stuff. Cool stuff. Covetable things.

Well, we did it. We had a successful art swap. People came – and they brought art. They swapped, they haggled, they considered their options, and they made decisions. They also ate and got their knives sharpened. Here’s how it broke down – what worked and didn’t, and what we would do to improve the swapping.

Sometimes the holidays can be overwhelming. Years ago I decided to abandon much of the decorating, including the tree, wreath and garlands, in favor of sleep and holiday get-togethers. I haven’t regretted that decision, but I might be able to pull off an alternative wreath or tree without too much added stress.