5 Trending Kitchen Looks To Inspire Your Next Home Design Project

The holiday season brings with it a finer appreciation for the kitchen. It’s a place where loved ones gather, cocktails are mixed, and good meals are made (and hopefully not burned).

But the seasonal spotlight on this space can also draw attention to its flaws—and inspire you to improve your kitchen’s form and function.

For this week’s trending Instagram decor, we thought it would be fun to feast our eyes on impeccably designed kitchens and bookmark the ones that are particularly noteworthy. Here are five such looks we encourage you to emulate to make your kitchen the most beloved—if not most used—room in your home.

1. Light gray cabinetry

One of our favorite kitchen design choices trending right now is ethereal light gray cabinetry, similar to these cabinets from @chelseahargraveinteriors.

“Light gray cabinets are the perfect alternative to white and pair well with wood flooring or other wood accents,” says designer Susan Serra. “A soft gray shade in cabinetry is compatible with an endless array of accent colors for the kitchen.”

2. Branchy bouquets

Simple it may be, a branchy bouquet like this one from @melvanddesign adds just the right amount of natural romance to an otherwise bare space.

“A wonderful way to add texture, a dramatic branch bouquet is an element that evokes the beauty of nature in a simplistic form,” says Serra. “This is a popular design accent since it costs nothing to do a little foraging in the woods and spot an interesting branch to display. It’s easy to change the look to a different type of branch or even a collection of branches.”

3. Antique island

In the spirit of blending old with new, this antique island seen on the account @home_decor_daily answers the call perfectly.

“We are seeing a trend toward antiques again,” says designer Jennifer Davis, of Davis Interiors. “I think people are getting tired of the white Instagram kitchen they have seen 1,000 times. Antique pieces allow for originality, and they also have a broken-in look, which feels warm and inviting.”’

4. Hearth oven

Another way to embrace nostalgia in the kitchen is to install some old-fashioned flare in an unused corner. We can’t get over how charming this hearth oven looks in an otherwise modern kitchen featured by @amystormandco.

“Hearth ovens are in demand for their beauty and functionality,” says Serra. “It adds a strong architectural design element to the kitchen, and cooking pizza, baked goods, and other specialty foods in a hearth oven will keep things interesting.”

5. Industrial-style bar stools

Speaking of architectural design, these industrial-style bar stools shared by @carriedelanyinteriors (and designed by @nicolegreendesignhouse) are giving us all the nostalgic old-world vibes that we crave this time of year.

“Mixing hard and soft in design is very popular right now,” says Davis. “Industrial stools give an edge to an otherwise classic kitchen, and the mix of elements and styles gives life to your design.”

Keep reading.

Related Links

• 5 Things You Can Add to Your Guest Room to Make It Feel Like a Hotel

• These 9 Color Trends Will Be Big in 2023

• Here’s why new home sales are up along with prices

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Here’s why new home sales are up along with prices

This data line needs serious context to make sense.

Today new home sales beat estimates, and new home median sales prices hit an all-time high. What is going on here? My job is always to be the detective, not the troll so let’s take a look at today’s data, as there is a constant theme here that I have talked about for some time. Hopefully, I can make sense of this report, which showed the home sales beat estimates with prices still at all-time highs.

From Census: New Home Sales Sales of new single-family houses in October 2022 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 632,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 7.5 percent (±20.8 percent)* above the revised September rate of 588,000, but is 5.8 percent (±19.6 percent)* below the October 2021 estimate of 671,000

New home sales haven’t gone anywhere for a few months now, and this report also had negative revisions to the prior reports. The cancellation rates are rising, this is true, but the Census reports don’t properly account for those sales being lost. In theory, the sales levels are lower than the data will show.

Also, these reports are very wild month to month, so we can get a swing back lower in next month’s report. However, with all that said, new home sales are historically low today and have been for some time. We are well below the 2000 recession level and back to 1996 levels.

When you account for a population of over 330 million people, that sales number looks a lot lower than in 2000 and 1996 so be mindful that we are trending at low levels today.

While the actual sales trends can be more downward than the report shows, it’s not off by a significant amount. We are, for now, bouncing off the bottom that we had back in 2018, which was historically low as well.

In 2005, when the housing bubble peaked in sales at around 1.4 million, we had a clear, aggressive downtrend in sales with cancellation rates rising aggressively. Today we are finding a low base for now, because new home sales are historically low. 

I would be careful reading too much into this report or even the current trend. The housing market has been in a recession since June of this year, and we have other data lines that can be more useful in gauging the new home sales sector.

From Census: For Sale Inventory and Months’ Supply The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of October was 470,000. This represents a supply of 8.9 months at the current sales rate.

My rule of thumb for anticipating builder behavior is based on the three-month supply average. This also has nothing to do with the existing home sales market; this monthly supply data is only for the new home sales market.

• When supply is 4.3 months, and below, this is an excellent market for builders.

• When supply is 4.4 to 6.4 months, this is an OK market for the builders. They will build as long as new home sales are growing.

• The builders will pull back on construction when the supply is 6.5 months and above.

Read the full article on Housing Wire.

Related Links

• 5 Things You Can Add to Your Guest Room to Make It Feel Like a Hotel

• These 9 Color Trends Will Be Big in 2023

• How to Budget While Remodeling Your Bathroom

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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These 9 Color Trends Will Be Big in 2023

From warm neutrals to elemental inspiration, industry experts expect these color trends to explode.

With every year's end comes the color of the year announcements. These well-researched spotlights from leading companies often pave the way for trends across industries, especially interior design, and set the tone for our everyday lives. We're already in full swing of the cycle for 2023, with many companies naming their colors and experts weighing in. Ahead, dive into the major themes and colors that are expected to dominate in 2023. (And if you're eager for more predictions, take a look at the interior design trends for 2023 as well as kitchen and kitchen cabinetry trends for the new year!)

Vibrant Orange-y Reds

BENJAMIN MOORE, Housing Beautiful

Benjamin Moore announced its 2023 Color of the Year as Raspberry Blush, a fiery red-orange that's basically the best color in a really good sunset. The vivacious color marks a pull toward bold, warm hues. “We've had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we're really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

Bold Reds

Designer Sarah Stacey adds that red is especially making a comeback. "Try pairing red accents, like dining chairs or smaller accent pieces, with neutrals to bring more of an emphasis to the color," Stacey says. This luscious red reading room designed by Kati Curtis features a lacquered finish, making the color pop even further.

Warm Neutrals

Warm neutrals embrace wellness and comfort. Not to mention, they can be incorporated into practically any design style. That's exactly why Behr named Blank Canvas as its Color of the Year for 2023. “White is the key to individual style simply because it’s so easy to change up,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “It’s really simple to bring in other colors, textures, patterns, and materials to individualize this color.”

Brown Ochre

MICHAEL CLIFFORD, House Beautiful

While you can cover a blank canvas with pops of color, you can also lean into neutrals. "We see a trend in 2023 toward warm, non-intrusive, neutral tones and materials, which provide comfort and security," says Max Gansow, co-founder of furniture brand Vetsak. "Raw, organic materials, and tones such as brown ocher, which we showcase in our genuine bovine leather collection, offer a cozy-yet-modern grounding base." This living room designed by Chad Wood
proves that this color trend has staying power.

Softer Shades of Bold Colors

Soft colors promote tranquility. “Understated tones make it easier to create monochrome looks that evoke a sense of consistency and allow homeowners to choose which areas of the home they want to emphasize by drawing the eye to where there is color," says Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin.

Beige-Blush

STEPHEN KARLISCH, House Beautiful

Light blue is always going to be a winner, but an earthier example of the above trend is Sherwin-Wiliams's 2023 Color of the Year: Redend Point. The blush-beige color "lends to the macro trends we’re seeing around empathy and care culture," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Here it is in a sipping room designed by Jean Liu.

Elemental Inspiration

Deeply saturated hues found in the wild are on the rise and inspired by everything from tropical flowers to carbon. With this in mind, York Wallcoverings named Amber as its Color of the Year for 2023. “An organic gemstone made from tree resin, Amber is often associated with absorbing negative energy and releasing bright, soothing energy,” says Carol Miller, trend and color expert for York Wallcoverings. “When Amber catches the light, it emanates a sense of renewal, energy, and power.”

In a bedroom by French & French Interiors, plaster walls perfectly embody the warm yellow. The emerald green linen bedding and wood bed frame complete the cozy look.

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones create an elegant moodiness that designers expect to be sought after. "I love mixing jewel tones with spicier colors, like burnt orange, for an unexpected color-blocked look," says Stacey.

"Aubergine is a big color this year, and I think it would make for a beautiful alternative to red," adds designer Killy Scheer. "Pair it with creams and greens for an unexpected yet still traditional-leaning combination."

Here, MasterBrand cabinets are coated in Sherwin-Williams's Foxhall Green, which adds liveliness to the kitchen and makes the neutral accents stand out.

Versatility

A major color requirement for 2023 is versatility. Neutrals often possess this quality, but they don't have to be the neutrals we're used to seeing. They can have blush, yellow, purple, or blue undertones. “A neutral doesn’t necessarily have to be white, beige, or gray; it can be a color or have colorful undertones, such as pink," says Wadden. "It’s all about how you use it in a space." We're loving the purple and clay tones in this gray room designed by Lauren Nelson.

Keep reading on House Beautiful.

Related Links

• 5 Things You Can Add to Your Guest Room to Make It Feel Like a Hotel

• 5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

• How to Budget While Remodeling Your Bathroom

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Holiday Events in Carteret County

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit? Here’s a full list of events in Carteret County!

Nov. 18
Gallery of Trees: Opening Day - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, 1785 Island Rd., Harkers Island
The Great Holiday Laser Show- 6-9:30 p.m. Carteret County Speedway, 501 Whitehouse Fork Rd., Swansboro
Scroogefest Craft and Vendor Fair- 3-8 p.m. Annunciation Catholic School, 246 E Main St., Havelock
Jumble Sale- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort

Nov. 22
Beaufort Olde Town Rotary Christmas Tree Sale- 2 p.m. 65-101 Olde Towne Yacht Club Dr., Beaufort

Nov. 24
Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K & 2 Mile Dog Walk- Thursday- Pine Knoll Shores Park, 467 Maritime Place, Pine Knoll Shores

Nov. 25
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla- 5-9 p.m. Swansboro
Black Friday Shopping Event- 3-7 p.m. 7025 US-70, Newport

Nov. 26
Christmas Market 2022- 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Core Sound Museum Store, 806 Arendell St., Morehead City
The Emerald Isle Christmas Parade- 2 p.m. Emerald Isle
Holiday Market & Street Fair- 3-8 p.m. Carteret Community College, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City
Most Incredible Christmas: Ballet Magnificat- 4-6 p.m. West Carteret High School, 4700 Country Club Rd., Morehead City

Dec. 1
Maritime Heritage Series: Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors - 11 a.m.-12 p.m.  N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort

Dec. 2
Light Up the Night Christmas Parade -6-8 p.m.- Atlantic Beach Town Park, 915 W Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach
Christmas Tree Lighting- 5:30 p.m. Katherine Davis Park, 601 Arendell St., Morehead City
6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive- 4-6 p.m. Friendly Market Nursery, 205 Friendly Rd., Morehead City
Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend & Decoy Festival-. Dec. 2 – Dec. 4; Core Sound Museum and Heritage Center, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island

Dec. 3
Emerald Isle Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Emerald Isle Community Center, 203 Leisure Ln., Emerald Isle
Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla- 5:30-7:00 p.m. North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort
Beaufort Annual Christmas Parade- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Beaufort
Outdoor Holiday Market- 9 a.m. CHC Joint & Spine Center, 3500 Arendell St., Morehead City
Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. The Bridge Downeast – Ramsey Center, 1344 Island Rd., Harkers Island
Mimosa Bay Holiday Hustle 5K 4:30-6:00 a.m. Mimosa Bay Subdivision, 115 Snow Goose Ln., Sneads Ferry
Newport Winter Wonderland Train & Town Tree Lighting- 5-7 p.m. Newport Community Park, Newport
Gingerbread Workshop- 9-11 a.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort
Elf in the Woods- Swansboro Recreation Center, Details:swansboro.recdesk.com

Dec. 4
Holiday Open House- 2-4 p.m. N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort
Newport Christmas Parade- 3-5 p.m. Newport
Emerald Isle Baptist Church 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle will host three music events this Advent Season: December 4 will feature the Community Children's Choir during the worship service at 10 a.m. and will share “Carols and Cookies" at 2 p.m. December 11 will feature their Adult Choir Christmas Program during the worship hour at 10 a.m.

 Dec. 8
Art in the Park- 3-5 p.m. Randolph Johnson Park, 1017 Pine St., Beaufort

Dec. 9
CCRW Christmas Luncheon- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Carolina Home & Garden, 4778 NC-24, Newport
Gingerbread Festival- 7-11 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City

Dec. 10
Morehead City Christmas Parade- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Morehead City, Inc., 1001 Arendell St., Morehead City
11th Annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00–4:00 pm.
Beaufort Christmas Candlelight Tour- 5-8 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St., Beaufort
Beaufort Holiday Art Walk- 12-3 p.m. Beaufort Historic Site
Gingerbread Festival & Competition 11-5 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St, Morehead City
Annual Race to the North Pole 10 a.m. Dock House on Front Street, Beaufort
The Elysian Ball- 6-9 p.m. The Islander Hotel Ballroom, 102 Islander Dr., Emerald Isle
The Down East Arts & Crafts Show and Farmers Market -10 to 4. Gloucester Community Center is located at 476 Pigott Road, Gloucester, NC
Candlelight at Tryon Palace- Dec. 10 and 17, 4:30-9:30 p.m., each day. Call (252) 639-3524 for tickets

 Dec. 16-18

28th Annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show December 16 -18- The 28th annual John Costlow Train Show takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club. The annual show that features antique working model trains themed around Christmas is fun for the whole family! Friday, December 16, 4p.m. – 8p.m., Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 11a.m. – 5 p.m..

Dec. 17

Olde Fashioned Holiday Market- 4-8 p.m. Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market, 300 Courthouse Square, Beaufort
Downtown Morehead City Christmas Art Walk -Saturday, December 17 - 1:00–4:00 pm

Dec. 20
Wizards Of Winter Benefit Concert- 7 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City

Jan. 1
Penguin Plunge - 10 a.m.; Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, 201 West Atlantic Blvd.

Christmas Parades

Saturday, November 26 at 2:00pm- The Emerald Isle Christmas Parade takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. The parade route will begin at the town government complex and end at Mangrove Drive near CVS in Emerald Ise.

Friday, December 2 at 6:00pm- The Town of Atlantic Beach invites you to show their Christmas spirit on Friday, December 2 at 6:00pm for a parade. The route begins at the Atlantic Beach Town Park and heads east toward the Circle.

Saturday, December 3 at 11:00am- The Beaufort Business Association’s annual Christmas parade starts at 11:00am in downtown Beaufort. The route follows Front Street to Turner Street and ends at the courthouse with local community groups, marching bands and even dogs!

Saturday, December 3 Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla- The 29th Annual Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla features boats, yachts, oars, kayaks and commercial vessels decorated for the season. The decorated boats can be seen at 5:30pm on the Morehead City waterfront and at 6:15pm on the Beaufort water front.

Sunday, December 4 at 3:00pm- The 47th Annual Newport Christmas Parade presented by the Newport Parks and Recreation Center will be Sunday December 4 beginning at 3:00pm. The route will begin on Johnson Street and go down Chatham to Howard Blvd and end at Verdun Street.

Saturday, December 10 - Downtown Morehead City presents their annual Christmas parade which starts at 11:00am at 17th and Arendell to 6th Street and Arendell. It is a longstanding tradition in downtown Morehead City featuring creative floats from local businesses, community groups as well as performers from nearby school marching bands and dance teams. It is a fun and festive event for the whole family.

Of course, Santa Claus will be at each of these parades!

Christmas Celebrations at Churches

Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, 201 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach; Advent Midweek Soup and Service—Each Wednesday during Advent, beginning November 30, Supper and brief worship service. The meal starts at 6 p.m., and worship will start around 6:30. Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24 at 5:45 pm.

Life Point Church; behind Waffle House in MHC; Praise Team Christmas Concert, December 18, 10:30 am; Christmas Candlelight & Communion service, December 24, 6:00 pm.  Dec 25, regular 11am worship service. 

Grace Presbyterian, 2101 Live Oak St., Beaufort; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. on December 24, 2022.

Emerald Isle Chapel by The Sea, 6712 Emerald Dr.; Christmas Stories and Carols, Sunday, December 18 at 10 a.m.; Candlelight Communion on Christmas Eve at 7 pm featuring string trio.

 First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, MHC; Saturday, December 24- Services of Carols, Candlelight, and Communion: 3 p.m.: Worship Service geared toward children and families; 5p.m.: Traditional Service; 7 p.m.: Traditional Service. Our 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service will be available via livestream for those not able to attend in person. Visit www.facebook.com/asumc to join us! 

Ann Street United Methodist, 417 Ann St., Beaufort - Christmas Cantata- 7-9 p.m. Journey to Bethlehem, Sunday, December 18-A Drive ThruFrom 4:00-6:00 p.m. Moravian Lovefeast and Candlelight Service December 4 at 5 p.m. Coffee and Moravian bread are served as we sing carols and light candles.

First Methodist Church , 900 Arendell Street, Morehead City; Christmas Eve Services - 3:00 The Rise Service (Contemporary Service) in the Fellowship Hall; 5:00 Traditional Service for Children in the Sanctuary; 7:00 Traditional Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary; 11:00 Traditional Candlelight and Communion Service in the Sanctuary

Glad Tidings Church- Country Club Rd, Morehead City- Shepherds and Kings, a dramatic musical. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Swansboro United Methodist Church; Nativity Festival - Dec. 3 and 4 with indoor displays and a live outdoor nativity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Nativity Festival- Dec. 2-Dec. 3., 3606 Country Club Rd., Morehead City

Open Door Baptist Church -O Children Come Christmas Cantata – Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

All Saints Anglican Church -Christmas Eve Service Dec 24. At 4 p.m.

Concerts

The Great Holiday Laser Show will debut this year at the Carteret County Speedway. Your holiday dreams can come to life from the comfort of your own car as multiple lasers light up the night sky over the speedway. Mike Meyer, President of Emerald Owl productions says, “This will be a light show unique to Carteret County.” The show runs November 18 and November 19, and then reopens on November 25, November 26, and November 27. Visitors can choose from three sessions on Fridays and Saturdays:  6:10 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.

Ho! Ho! Christmas Show- Gaylon Pope and SweetWater are back again by popular demand at Mike’s Farm at 1600 Haw Branch Road in Beulaville, NC. Come out for their famous southern style all-you-can-eat menu served buffet style, followed by a musical show of Christmas classics and a touch of comedy. Held Wednesday – Saturday from November 25 – December 23. Cost is $65.00 for adults, $40.00 for ages 7 – 11, $35.00 for ages 5 – 6 and $25.00 for ages 3 – 4. Matinee doors open 2pm, dinner at 2:30pm and show at 3:45pm. Evening the doors open at 6:30pm, dinner at 7:00 pm and show at 8:00pm. Call 910-324-3422 for reservations.

Glad Tidings Church of 4621 Country Club Road in Morehead City presents Shepherds and Kings, a dramatic musical for Christmas. For many, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, a time to be spent with family and friends. But for others, the same holiday season only serves to underscore the loneliness, pain, and hopelessness of their own lives. Shepherds and Kings proclaims a strong, vibrant message about the power of love- our love for one another, our love for God and God’s desire that all would come to know of His great love for us. Show times are Friday, December 2 – 7 p.m., Saturday, December 3- 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 4 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Emerald Isle Baptist Church 304 Emerald Plantation Rd, Emerald Isle will host three music events this Advent Season: December 4 will feature the Community Children's Choir during the worship service at 10 a.m. and will share “Carols and Cookies" at 2 p.m. December 11 will feature their Adult Choir Christmas Program during the worship hour at 10 a.m.

The Carolina East Singers, under the choral direction of Susan Gillis Bailey, will perform their Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, 2022. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. The 60+ voice choir will be preforming Christmas excerpts from Handel’s The Messiah as well as many classic Christmas favorites. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra. Tickets are $10.00. They are available from any choir member or at these local businesses: In Morehead - First Presbyterian Church or Williams Hardware; In Atlantic Beach - The Pool & Patio Store, Atlantic Station Shopping Center; and in Beaufort - Pet Provisions.

A Bluegrass Choral Christmas with the North Carolina Bluegrass Band, 7:30pm, Saturday, December 10 at Swansboro United Methodist Church, 665 West Corbett Avenue (Highway 24) in Swansboro. And at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 11 at All Saints Anglican Church at 292 McCabe Road in Newport. General Admission $10.00; children 8th grade and under FREE.

A Celtic Christmas with Jennifer Licko at 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC. Ticket Price $18.00. Join them for an evening of familiar Celtic Christmas Carols with lively tunes infused to celebrate the season. Celtic album of the year winner Jennifer Licko will perform songs from her critically acclaimed "Lights of Christmas" holiday CD alongside world-renowned Celtic instrumentalists. Purchase tickets online on the website of crystalcoastnc.org. December 14, 15 and 16 7 p.m.- 8:45 p.m.

Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Festival of Carols - Intertwining Scripture lessons with beloved Christmas selections from church choir, ladies’ ensemble, ROMEOs (men’s choir), and soloists.

 Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Christmas Eve Worship Candlelight and Communion Service

Free Grace Wesleyan Church, Harkers Island; 140 Old Ferry Dock Rd. -The Nelsons live in concert Dec. 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm.

Family Events

Beaufort will hold their 11th Annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk on Saturday, December 10 from 1:00–4:00 pm. Twenty-three businesses are participating for this popular event. A map and listing of the Beaufort participating merchants is available on the Beaufort Historic Site website at https://beauforthistoricsite.org/event/beaufort-holiday-art-walk/. The Beaufort Historical Association and the Arts Council of Carteret County are sponsoring this event. 

On Saturday, December 17 the Downtown Morehead City Christmas Art Walk will be held from 1:00–4:00 pm. Downtown Morehead City’s emerging art district will have 10 businesses and galleries open to view local artwork. Food trucks will be in the parking lot of the new ACCC Arts Center (on the tour) at 1702 Arendell Street on the day of the walk. Also, the ACCC invites all to stay in the area following the walk as many shops and eateries will be open throughout the evening. A tour map and the list of businesses and galleries open for the event is available on the ACCC website at https://www.artscouncilcarteret.org/ArtwalksinDecember#Morehead. The Arts Council of Carteret County and Carolina Artist’s Gallery are sponsoring this event.

The Beaufort Ole Towne Rotary Club will be selling Christmas trees and wreaths in front of Ace Hardware beginning Tuesday, November 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale will continue through the holiday season until all trees are sold. Here’s your chance to support the local Beaufort community. Proceeds from the sales go directly back to the community through grants to local nonprofits and scholarships to area children. Ace Home Center parking lot, 1511 Live Oak Street.

Start your Thanksgiving Day -Nov. 24, 2022 off right and join the friendly folks of Pine Knoll Shores for a 5K Fun Run or 2 Mile Dog Walk. Registration is free for either event which starts at 9 a.m. The location is McNeil Park, 196 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores, 28512.

Christmas Market 2022, Saturday, November 26 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Core Sound Museum Store at 806 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Crafters, Artists, Carvers, Collectors, Photographers and Vendors of all kinds offering the best Christmas gifts and décor anywhere.

December 1 - NC Maritime Museum, Front Street, Beaufort. Maritime Heritage Series: Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors. 11 a.m. Free, no registration required for the in-person program., held in the museum auditorium. Or watch online live via the museum’s Facebook page or Zoom.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, Saturday, December 3, 2022- The Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday, December 3 featuring area vendors who will have plenty of items for your holiday shopping. Great way to support local shopping. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 203 Leisure Lane.

Join the folks at CHC Joint and Spine Center, 3500 Arendell Street, Morehead City on December 3rd at 9 a.m. for the Outdoor Holiday Market.

Mimosa Bay Holiday Hustle 5k 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. at the Mimosa Bay Subdivision, 115 Snow Goose Lane, Sneeds Ferry, December 3

Newport Winter Wonderland Train and Town Tree Lighting, December 3, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Newport Community Park in Newport.

34th Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival December 3 and 4; Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center in Harkers Island.

 Art in the Park from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. December 8 at the Randolph Johnson Park at 1017 Pine Street in Beaufort.

Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour December 10, 2022 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Historic Beaufort with a rare glimpse into private historic homes, several inns, bed and breakfasts, all elegantly decorated for the season.

Beaufort Holiday Art Walk show, December 10 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Beaufort Historic Site.

Gingerbread Festival and Competition, December 10 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City.

The Elysian Ball, December 10 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Islander Hotel Ballroom, 101 Islander Drive, Emerald Isle.

Olde Fashioned Holiday Market under the lights and stars, December 17 in Beaufort- Join an evening of shopping local on December 17 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Courthouse Grounds.

28th Annual John Costlow Christmas Train Show December 16 -18- The 28th annual John Costlow Train Show takes place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, in partnership with the Beaufort Lions Club. The annual show that features antique working model trains themed around Christmas is fun for the whole family! Friday, December 16, 4p.m. – 8p.m., Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 11a.m. – 5 p.m..

LOLP (Land of Little People) 1st Annual Christmas Market, at 7025 US 70 Newport from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., December 17.

Ring in the New Year, January 1, 2023 at the Penguin Plunge, 10 a.m. Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, 201 West Atlantic Beach Blvd.

Get more local events + stay up to date on CarolinaCoastOnline.com

Related Links

• Morehead City awarded $8.3 million for housing development

• Carteret County Real Estate Market Report from October 2022

• Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives Features the Crystal Coast

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

5 Things You Can Add to Your Guest Room to Make It Feel Like a Hotel

When we book a hotel, we make our decision based on how many amenities it has, both inside and outside the room. There’s just something about the little luxuries that can make or break the stay.

Even in a combo office / guest bedroom space, we all like our guests to feel as comfortable + welcomed as possible. From toiletries for the taking to a hydration station, here are a few ideas we can borrow from hotels to make our guest bedrooms feel a little more lux.

Here are five things I added to make their stay feel like a fun hotel experience and, thanks to the professional organizer in me, keep their things a little tidier.

Toiletries for the Taking

It’s inevitable to forget something while packing, but I try to reduce the risk of anyone having to make a run to CVS. Taking an inexpensive glass jar with a lid, I threw in things such as mini bars of soap, travel-size dry shampoos and toothpaste tubes, tampons, individual packs of makeup wipes, new razors, and shower caps (that I admittedly collected from past hotel stays). This was also not an entirely altruistic act as it gave me a place to store my overflow toiletries. And I most definitely pick through the jar before I travel anywhere. 

It sits on the guest bathroom counter for the taking with a custom-made label letting visitors know not to be shy. As a bonus, I placed a couple of my favorite ceramic toothbrush holders next to the jar so they can keep theirs upright and sanitary.

Very Own Closet Space

I refer to the closet in my guest bedroom using another sitcom reference: the Monica Geller closet from “Friends.” It’s stuffed with, well, a lot of stuff and a future organization project. In the meantime, I wanted guests to have their own space to hang their clothes, so I found a slim garment rack that fits easily in the corner of the room and includes a handful of wooden hangers. There’s even a bottom shelf for shoes and, for folded items like pajamas and underwear, I left the nightstands empty to double as dressers. This way they can unpack and organize their outfits as soon as they arrive.

A WiFi Welcome

I dread asking anyone what their WiFi is when I’m at their place. The look of panic on their face feels familiar as they scramble to remember or find it. I wanted to avoid this annoying interaction in my own house so I found this adorable sign, wrote in the WiFi info with a dry-erase marker, and popped it onto one of the nightstands so guests can instantly connect.

Hydration Station

Even if I don’t take a sip, I still need a glass of water on my bedside table every night. So I wanted my visitors to have their own source of hydration without needing to trek into the kitchen. I found this carafe with the cup serving as the lid when not in use and placed it on one of the nightstands. If you want to level up the luxe look (and taste!), add a few slices of lemon and lime to the carafe.

Keep Them Charged

Sometimes, I’d rather not take my charger out of my bag when I arrive anywhere because it simply increases the chance of me forgetting it (thanks to my ADHD). So I plugged in an extra iPhone charger behind the bed and kept it accessible by using a small cable clip attached to the side of a nightstand. If you want to accommodate all types of phones, try a charging pad that’s compatible with different brands.

Get more tips like this on Apartment Therapy.

Related Links

• 5 Must-Haves Before Starting on Your Home Addition

• 5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

• How to Budget While Remodeling Your Bathroom

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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