A recent survey found that 38 percent of households own at least one smart home device. The same report said that 44 percent of homeowners plan to buy a smart home device this year. Anticipating this trend, manufacturers have come out with all sorts of automated ways to make your life easier. Here are some of the latest trends.

Smarter Kitchens

This year, manufacturers are dedicating themselves to making your kitchen time more efficient with smart appliances. Refrigerators will become the hub of the kitchen allowing you to watch your favorite cooking show, read recipe instructions and show you what’s inside via a touch screen. Some refrigerators can even look at your ingredients and suggest ways to use them. Smart ovens can be connected to Alexa devices so you can pre-heat your oven with just a voice command. Smaller appliances such as coffee makers, air fryers and microwaves will also be voice-activated.

Smarter Bathrooms

Smart devices are moving into the bathroom. At the top of the list is the smart shower head. Program the perfect temperature for each family member, turn on the water with a voice command and sing along to your favorite tune. Automatic toilet cleaners mean you will be scrubbing and disinfecting less. Smart toilets offer hands-free opening and closing as well as automatic flushing.

Automation Moves Outside

Want a beautiful lawn without having to stand outside with the hose? Automated irrigation controls are the answer. Timers hooked up to your wi-fi can automatically turn on the water at set times. If the forecast calls for rain, the timer can automatically pause your scheduled watering.

Wake Up to The Sun

Automatic blinds are poised to get less expensive, meaning everyone can wake up to the sun. Use your digital assistant to set up a bedtime routine that includes shutting the blinds. Set another up to open them at your preferred waking time. Don’t feel like shutting the blinds when the sun glares off the television? Use an app to close them without missing a second of your favorite show.

Retire the Roomba

Move over automatic vacuums. Manufacturers are experimenting with automatic mops. Robot carpet cleaners can get out the toughest stains. Keep the ladder in the garage and use an automatic window cleaner instead.

To Your Good Health

Smart devices can even help you look and feel better. Smart air purifiers can detect levels of particulate matter in the air and adjust the power automatically. Smart diffusers can be scheduled to automatically release calming scents. Your home gym equipment can send information to various apps to track calories burned, oxygen levels and more.

As you prepare for the whirlwind of holiday gatherings, be sure to put purchasing hostess gifts on your itinerary. Hostess gifts are a simple thank you for hospitality. As such, they should be something he or she would use while entertaining. They don’t need to be expensive, but they should be thoughtful. If you aren’t sure what to give, we have some helpful hints.

Serve it Up

The Bambusi Cheese Board and Knife Set is perfect for first-time and experienced hosts. Help them serve up goodies with these essential charcuterie board accessories. They can showcase their desserts with this elegant cake stand. This wooden serving tray is perfect for snacks.

Linens and Things

Cleaning up is part of hosting, but it won’t be a chore with these microfiber dish towels. Keep your hostess’ party dress spotless with a personalized apron. These tea towels combine a love for wine with humor. Perk up their powder bath with these Spode hand towels.

Bring on the Booze Tools

Sure, you could bring a bottle of wine or aged scotch, but your host would probably prefer this Mixology Bartender Kit. You’re sure to be invited to the New Year’s Eve bash if you gift this sophisticated wine cooler. Turn shots into classic cocktails with these special sugar cubes. Shake things up with a cocktail book from one of New York’s most popular bars.

Gift of Games

If you’ve been invited to spend the weekend, help with the entertainment by gifting your favorite game. Anomia is a fast-paced party game that can be played again and again. Young party guests will love taking on the role of winged beasts in Dragon’s Breath. If your host is a bird lover, Wingspan is the perfect game. A cross between Clue and Dixit, Mysterium challenges players to catch a ghost.

Great Gift Baskets

Hosting overnight guests is easier with this delightful breakfast basket. Wine Country Gift Baskets has vintages to fit most budgets. Share the gift of Texas barbecue with these seasoning baskets. Cost Plus World Market offers gourmet miniatures you can add to a DIY gift basket.

For the Chef

Amateur pastry chefs will love adding these baking salts to their latest creations. Spice things up with this unique spice gift set. Nothing is better than homegrown herbs. Peanut butter lovers will go nuts for this gift.

Christmas trees are the centerpiece of our holiday decorations. We want them to be as gorgeous as the professionally decorated trees we see in magazines. Good news. You can decorate like a pro just by following these tips:

Select Your Tree

Professional decorators prefer high-quality artificial trees. They are easier to work with, don’t require water and many come pre-lit. There is nothing wrong with a live tree. It’s fun to take the family out to the tree lot or cut your own. Whichever route you go, choose a tree that fits your space. Tall trees look beautiful in homes with two-story ceilings (like those found in many Sierra Vista homes). If your ceilings aren’t quite that high, a 7-foot tree looks great in most homes.

Fluff the Branches

It’s important to make your tree look as full as possible. That requires fluffing and shaping the branches allowing you to fill in any gaps. If your tree is artificial, you can easily bend the branches to cover up those holes. If you have a real tree, orient it so the side with the least gaps faces outward.

Choose a Theme and Color Scheme

Before decorating choose a theme for your tree. It could be a traditional Christmas, Santa’s workshop, the Nutcracker or whatever appeals to you and your family. Take stock of your decorations to see which fit the theme. Professional decorators use only two or three colors for a cohesive look. White and blue are elegant. Red and gold are bold. You can also tie your colors to those used to decorate the room where you have placed the tree.

Light It Up

Always start with the lights. A pre-lit Christmas tree saves time. An unlit tree allows you to choose whatever style you like. Experts recommend one strand per foot of tree. For a 7-foot tree you will want at least seven strands. How many lights per strand depends on the style you choose. Make sure your lights work before wrapping them around the tree. Start from the base of the tree and work your way up.

Cluster Your Ornaments

Cluster three sizes of ornament balls together for balance and visual appeal. Each cluster can be the same color or a mix of the colors you have chosen. Hang larger balls closer to the center of the tree for depth. Use small ones toward the end of the branches. Clusters should be added in a Z shape down from the top. Add the balls first, then fill in the gaps with your favorite ornaments.

Tie a Ribbon Around It

Skip the tinsel and opt for colorful ribbons instead. Ribbon colors should match your color scheme. Use wired ribbon as that allows you to sculpt loops and bows. Wire will hold its shape better. Check out this guide for easily adding decorative ribbon.

Bring in Nature

Add natural elements to your tree with tree picks and floral sprays. Choose pinecones, berries or even holiday flowers. Use them to fill in gaps and accent your ornaments. Add the same picks to your garlands and wreathes to tie your decorations together.

The Top of the Tree

Tree toppers are needed to draw the eye upward and give your tree a finished look. Choose one that fits your theme. Consider the height of your ceiling, you don’t want the topper to brush it as that will give the room a cramped look.

The Bottom of the Tree

Pick out a beautiful tree skirt in your color scheme and theme. The skirt will hide that unsightly tree stand, protect your floor from falling pine needles (if you have a real tree) and serve as a backdrop for wrapped gifts.

‘Tis the season peace, goodwill and competitive holiday displays! All kidding aside, festive front yard decorations are a great way to welcome guests and spread some holiday cheer. If you’re new to holiday yard décor, we’ve got some tips. If you need inspiration, visit Sierra Vista Dec. 4-13 when our residents will compete to see whose holiday décor reigns supreme.

Start With a Plan

Before hanging your first string of lights, create a decorating plan. Go outside and really look at your home. Decide where your decorations will look best. The roof? Bushes? Porch? Take a picture of your house from across the street and print it out. Draw your decorations on top of it. Once you do, look over the decorations you have. See what you need to add. For more tips, check out this newbie guide to decorating.

Pick a Theme

Tie your outdoor decorations together with a theme. It doesn’t have to be specific. Maybe you love classic decorations. Maybe you want something very modern. Snow scenes, The Nutcracker and Santa are traditional. Get creative and pull from books or movies. A single lantern could be the start of a Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe display. Disney, the Grinch, aliens in Santa caps — get creative and have fun.

Safety First

Your outdoor decorations should be safe for you and anyone knocking on your front door. Use lights labeled with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal of approval and make sure they’re rated for outdoor use. Light up walkways and tuck power cords away so guests don’t trip. Using power strips makes it less likely you will overload circuits. Try solar-powered decorations for cordless light.

Light ‘Em Up

Speaking of lights, there are an overwhelming number of different types. Choose lights that accent your home. Icicle lights if you have eaves. Net lights can be thrown over bushes. Rope lights can be placed around windows. Don’t want to hang lights? Use projectors to cast snowflakes, stars or other decorations on your exterior. Choose colors that will compliment your yard decorations. LED and solar lights can tamp down that electricity bill.

Shop Second Hand

Rather than spend a fortune buying new decorations, check out second-hand shops for used ones. While you don’t want to buy lights or inflatables, you can find wreaths, yard signs, porch decorations and more. If you love DIY, see if there are things you can repurpose to fit your theme.

Decorate for Day and Night

When it comes to the holidays, we tend to focus on how our home will look at night. We forget that people also see our homes during the day. Hang wreaths on your door and windows, fill a planter with decorative candy canes, pile pinecones on a porch bench.

Frame the Door

Wreaths are traditional but you can do so much more with your door. Frame it with colorful garlands. Giant Nutcrackers can stand sentry. If you have planters near the door, add festive touches with lights, ornaments or fake snow.

Inflate the Inflatables

A simple decorating option is an inflatable. They are easy to set up, waterproof and fun. You can use them as focal points and build your display around them. Purchase inflatables that are the right size for your yard and won’t obscure other decorations. Check for sharp objects that could puncture your inflatable before putting it up.

Make it Fun

Decorating your home for the holidays should not feel like a chore. If it does, you might be trying to do too much. Get friends and relatives involved. Put together a to-do list and give everyone a job. Keep everyone’s strength and holiday cheer up with hot chocolate and holiday treats. Once you’ve finished, admire your work and then head inside for a potluck dinner.

Contrary to popular belief, white isn’t the only paint color you can use to make a small space feel bigger. While white does reflect light, it can also make your small space feel boxy and boring. The solution is to choose shades that work well with natural light, cause walls and ceilings to recede and establish the mood you’re going for. For inspiration visit our model homes or check out this list of best paint colors.

Blue and Green

Blues and greens can trick the eye into thinking ceilings are higher and make walls seem to recede. If the room has a lot of natural light, blues can add an airy feel. Greens work well in small rooms with a view as the color draws the eye to any outside greenery the room overlooks. Studies, bedrooms and bathrooms all benefit from shades of blue or green. Colors with blue or green undertones also work well.

Yellow and Orange

If you want a small kitchen or study to feel cozy, shades of yellow or orange can do the job. Pale yellows are perfect for kitchens and hallways as they tend to make visitors feel welcome. Coral is a shade of orange that makes a statement and works well with wood floors. Try it in the entryway or your mud room.

Off-Whites

Bright whites don’t do small spaces any favors, but creams can soften sharp corners. They also pick up hues from adjacent spaces, so the room feels more streamlined. Creamy whites take the focus off the walls. Your furniture becomes the center point of the room which can trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is. Hallways benefit from off-whites as they don’t distract from the colorful rooms they lead into.

Yes, You Can Go Dark

Common wisdom suggests that only light, bright colors can make a small space seem larger. That is not the case. You can add drama to a small room with jewel tones. Strong colors work well with artificial lighting so if your room lacks a window, you can still use a highly saturated color. The best way to use a darker color is to paint the ceiling a lighter shade. That can make the room seem taller.