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A duvet is a type of bedding which is traditionally a soft flat bag filled with down or feathers or a combination of both used as a blanket. Duvets originated in rural Europe and were traditionally stuffed with duck feathers. Today’s duvets are sometimes filled with polyester or wool rather than the traditional “eider” duck down. Still very popular in Europe, duvets have become popular throughout the world in the late twentieth century. Most duvets have removable coverings which can be easily washed and maintained. These covers are made from any material: cotton, wool, polyester or even suede. The term duvet cover has come to encompass any type of cover which goes over a quilt, blanket or comforter.

The popularity of duvets comes from the fact that they not only are very comfortable and warm, they also make it easier to make the bed. Duvets reduce the complexity of making the bed. Duvets can be used as a single cover in place of the normal combinations of sheets, comforters, and quilts popular throughout the world. Beds equipped with duvets are usually covered first with a flat or fitted bed sheet and then afterwards with a covered duvet. Duvets are often referred to as comforters, although a comforter is slightly different. A comforter is traditionally decorative while duvets are used for their warmth. You may also hear of a duvet referred to as a “Doona” cover in some parts of the world.

Duvets add beauty and functionality to the home. Their increasing popularity has inspired bedding manufacturers to offer them as part of their bedding ensembles. A consumer can purchase duvets or duvet covers by themselves, or as part of a coordinated ensemble with matching fitted sheets, pillows, bed skirts and other bedroom accessories. Manufacturers from Thomasville, Croscill and Dakotah all have very elegant duvet covers as part of their bedding offerings.

The next time that you are shopping for bedding, take care to find out the different types of bedding that are out there. These days manufacturers offer such a wide variety of ensembles that it can be difficult to choose the right design for your home. It's also important when shopping for your bedroom to take care to find a retailer who can really help you make the right decision. Many large department stores offer such an extensive inventory of bedding that sorting through them can be daunting. In addition, the sales people at many of these stores are not familiar with the details of each individual product that the company they work for is selling.

Finding a retailer who knows what the difference between a duvet cover and a comforter or a boudoir pillow versus a neckroll pillow will be very helpful, especially to the first time buyer or new home owner. One solution to this problem is to find a retailer on line or in your area who specializes in bedding. The staff at these specialty stores will be much more knowledgeable and interested in helping you decide what the best purchase will be for your needs.

Written by Jared More for aj MOSS, for more information on duvets and duvet covers visit http://www.ajmoss.com/duvet- covers.php you can also call AJ Moss at 1-877- 863-1270. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help decide which bedding set is right for you.

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Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the colors and fabrics in your home. While you may not be able to decorate every room, there are numerous ways to add summer flair. You can decorate with a summer theme such as fruit (apples, strawberries, grapes), flowers (roses, carnations, daisies), or seaside nautical in addition to following some of the ideas listed below.

1. Replace heavy drapery with light sheers. The sheers provide an airy appeal while letting in the sunshine. If removing your existing drapery is not an option, consider changing just the valance and tiebacks to a lighter color. Another option is to use grapevine wreaths, strands of beads, artificial flowers, or decorative ribbons as your tiebacks or swag holders.

2. Store away items that are not useful in the summer such as blankets, throws, and heavy quilts.

3. Lighten up the color of your sofa by placing a slipcover on it or replacing your dark colored pillows with lighter colors.

4. Place light colored slipcovers on your all-wood dining room or kitchen chairs.

5. To add a lighter summer touch to your dark wood tables, use white lace or doilies as runners or tablecloths.

6. If you have a heavy bedspread, considering replacing it with a lightweight linen blanket.

7. Bring in the outdoors by adding fresh flowers in vases or baskets to counters, tabletops, and nightstands.

8. Add summer accessories around your home such as birdhouses, sea shells, bowls of fruits or vegetables, and summer reading materials.

9. If you have dark lampshades, replace them with lighter ones.

10. Repaint a dark hallway in your favorite hue such as buttery yellow, a creamy tan, or a fresh apple green.

11. Display a grouping of floral plates on a wall, hutch, or fireplace mantle.

12. Clean out the ashes in your fireplace and fill the firebox with a large artificial fern or a basket of colorful flowers.

13. Place twigs in tall vases and set on each side of the fireplace mantle.

14. To add summer whimsy to your bathrooms, hang lightweight fabric shower curtains printed with ladybugs, bees, flowers, or palm trees. Display matching hand towels and rugs to continue the summer theme.

15. Change the layout of your furniture to give your rooms a fresh, new look.

Decorating your home for the summer does not have to be complicated or cost a lot of money. As you can see from the ideas listed above, a new lamp shade, adding new fabrics, or changing the paint color of a room can breathe new life into your interior design. So, have fun and use your imagination to bring some fresh new looks into your home for the summer season.

Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, and the founder of a network of popular websites including http://ww w.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://w ww.HomeGardenExchange.com Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden.

For beautiful beaded bracelets, please visit: http:// www.BeadedBraceletBoutique.com

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