We also add a gift certificate to the restaurant [which the owner gives me a big discount on] and a plate of home made cookies.Next to the basket, I have a decorated box that has some of my Avon products, toilet paper,paper towels, one towel, one washcloth, one bar of soap, several toothbrushes and toothpaste, a small pack of tylenol, stuff like that.All 3 families have been ecstatic over what was waiting for them.

You might need a good security system or decorative bars.

It was built in 1977, looks like no one touched the decor in 40 years@Jeff B.

It can easily be bumped out to show an overhang and there are many ways to insert decorative inserts as well.  

I'm slowly acquiring furniture and decorative items from garage sales, our local thrift shop, Craigslist, the classifieds and Restore/Habitat for Humanity store that sells donated appliances, floor covering, furniture, windows, doors etc.

They really went all out on the decorations.

If you can paint instead or decorate the lawn with nice flowers, landscaping, new door, etc. that might be a more cost effective way to pretty up the place and give more curb appeal.

Its dark, but dark is okay.It needs a mantle... that's not an opinion, that's a fact :D You just can't do much with a mantle-less fireplace, decorating-wise.Plus, mantles are relatively inexpensive-- our cabinet guy makes them and will match the wood in the kitchen for continuity.That said, I'd also buy a nice fireplace screen and have that installed... it'll make a world of difference.

Not uncommon at all to add decorative dye to concrete.

1)Catch up on work for August that i missed because of traveling2)Finish decorating, and tidying the garden on a rental I'm helping a friend with.3)Start work on a new client management system.