If we had to take a guess, we’d say your mantlepiece, dining table, and front door are decked out with a variety of living greenery for the Christmas season. We have a full selection of fresh fir trees and live greenery for those of you putting off holiday decorating. But once it’s in place, how do you keep it fresh? Follow this guide to keeping greenery fresh until Christmas.

How to Keep Cut Greenery Fresh

1. Think before you decorate. Fresh greenery may look gorgeous decorating a mantle, but when you add a blazing fire, things go downhill fast. Not only does the excess heat dry out cut evergreens, it’s a serious fire hazard. If you’re planning to light a holiday fire this year, keep the mantle displays nonflammable.
2. Know your plants. Evergreens are a hearty bunch, but cut holly leaves will discolor if exposed to extreme temperatures. If you’ve never hung fresh mistletoe or put a live wreath on the door, ask an Ace of Gray garden expert how to care for living greenery.
3. Water your Christmas displays. We promise, it won’t hurt those shiny ornaments. Many people forget that cut evergreens, like any other plant, need water to thrive. Mist fir garlands, fresh wreaths, and other evergreen decor with water every two days to keep them fresh for Christmas.

Not satisfied with your holiday display? We can turn that seasonal table from drab to fab! Get a fresh, healthy Christmas tree, living wreath, or fresh-cut greenery at Ace of Gray.

Is your home ready for the holiday invasion? You have your Christmas tree, your holiday swag, and the twinkle lights on your porch, but you haven’t stepped foot in the guest room since the Fourth of July. Have no fear! Ace of Gray has easy tips on how to prep for holiday guests.

How to Prepare for House Guests

1. Clean it out. Okay, you didn’t mean to leave your college student’s childhood toys boxed up in the guest room. We understand. But it’s time to lug that stuff to storage. The last thing you need is your grandmother tripping over an old train set on Christmas Eve.
2. Stock up. A guest room should feel like a home away from home. Before your guests arrive, stock the bedroom and bathroom with essential items like fresh linens, soft towels, and toiletries.
3. Shuffle stuff. Some guests prefer to live out of their luggage, but for many (particularly older family members), living in chaos can ruin Christmas. Clean out several drawers to allow guests to live comfortably during their stay.
4. Add homey touches. How many times have you visited a family member, only to toss and turn all night because the blankets don’t block out the chill? When prepping a guest room, always make the bed with extra pillows, clean linens, and a throw blanket or two for those chilly winter nights.
5. Personalize the guest room. Does your aunt love the scent of fresh pine? Place a holiday candle on the dresser to add a fresh scent to the space. Did your mom mention a novel she can’t wait to read? Buy a copy and leave it on the dresser for her to read during down time. Guests will appreciate the extra effort, and you’ll soon earn a reputation for the hostess with the mostess.

Need a last minute throw blanket, scented candle, or festive wall hanging before the guests arrive? Stop by Ace of Gray for holiday gifts and home decor.

Looking for the perfect gift? Between holiday displays, nonstop advertising, and the bottomless pit of online shopping, it’s easy to get bogged down in endless options. Ace of Gray is cutting through the white noise with this guide on how to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

Ace of Gray Gift-Giving Guide

• Check out the gift shop. At Ace of Gray, we’re masters at balancing cost and quality. Our gift shop features aisles of inexpensive gifts for everyone on your list. Get mom a holiday Happy Everything tray she’ll use year after year. Buy your nieces and nephews fun toys, stuffed animals, or art supplies in our kids gift section. Find the perfect hostess gift for your friend’s Christmas party, like a UGA burlee that your friend and her spouse can be proud of.
• Visit the garden center. Living gifts are a great way to show you care without breaking the bank. Invest in new garden tools and break them in by cleaning up your parents’ yard. Buy your sister her favorite flowers and plant them in her yard. Don’t have time for physical labor? Buy an artful arrangement to grace the holiday table at your grandparents’ house. We have fresh plants, custom floral arrangements, and pre-made bouquets designed by our in-house florist.
• Shop sporting goods. You won’t go home disappointed after a trip to Ace of Gray’s sporting goods store. With options ranging from hiking boots to Yeti coolers, you’ll find the ideal gift for those outdoorsy people on your list. Invest in Costa del Mar sunglasses to keep your dad’s eyes sharp or a $5 camping tool for your coworker’s next big adventure. Better yet, buy a tent for two and camp under the stars with your spouse come spring.

Find the perfect holiday gift, no matter who’s on your list. Shop Christmas sales at Ace of Gray.

It’s that time again! Thanksgiving arrives this week with a rush of warmth, love, and delicious smells. It’s a reminder of all we’re blessed with, from daily joys like our families and friends to unusual acts of kindness we witness in the community. Here are 5 things we’re grateful for this Thanksgiving!

4 Things to Celebrate this Thanksgiving

1. Our friends and family. Whether we’re traveling for the holidays or staying in Gray, there’s nothing like the feeling of coming home for the holidays. We can’t wait to see aunts, uncles, and cousins; break out great-grandma’s award-winning Thanksgiving casserole; and smooth old rivalries by cheering together for our favorite NFL teams!
2. The Gray community. We’re blessed with jobs that help us get to know the amazing people in Gray, GA. This holiday season, we’re so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for your friendship, your desire to learn, your love for the community, and your never ending desire to better the world you live in.
3. Our pets. What could be better than an entire day at home to play with our favorite pets? Four-legged friends are every bit as much as the family as the second-cousin who finally showed up for dinner this year (shh, don’t tell grandma). We’re so thankful for the chance to spoil our furry friends for the holidays.
4. The season to come. One of our favorite things about Thanksgiving is the knowledge that the holidays are just getting started. After we’ve slept off Thursday’s turkey coma, we get to dive headlong into holiday cheer! And if there’s one thing Ace of Gray loves, it’s the holiday season. Join us in making seasons bright with great gifts, gorgeous decor, and a spirit of merriment this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the folks in Gray! We pray you have a blessed holiday!

Ladies Night Out officially kicks off the holidays, ushering in a season of sensational sales and great gifts. But with Thanksgiving dinner to plan, Christmas decorating to do, and so many gift options, holiday shopping can get overwhelming fast. How can you overcome the holiday hullabaloo and find the perfect present? Check out these 3 tips for giving the best gift.

How to Find the Perfect Christmas Present

1. Plan ahead. Planning ahead can be hard when you’ve already got so much on your plate, but it can make or break a good present. Make a list of everyone you’re shopping for this year. Note which people have requested specific presents. Filter out the people who are easy to buy for (like kids, coworkers, and best friends who share your taste in, well, everything). For the people remaining, start taking notes. Write down what they definitely don’t need, then start collecting information on items they may love. By the time the Christmas rush arrives, you’ll have a complete list to lead you to the perfect present.
2. Keep it personal. It doesn’t matter where a gift comes from or how much it costs. It’s the thought that counts. Whether you’re DIY-ing a fun craft project for your niece or adding a handwritten note to that new rifle your husband wanted, a little personal detail is the right touch for any gift.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Thoughtful gift givers would rather relinquish their pride than have a loved one hate their gift. If you’re stumped, just ask! Even if the recipient gives you nothing to go on, they’ll know you’re thinking of them. And if they do have a Christmas wish list tucked away, they’ll be happy to let you check off one of their must-have items this year!

Ready to get shopping? Our gift shop and sporting goods store has everything from clothes and jewelry to top-of-the-line ammo. Visit Ace of Gray for exclusive Christmas sales and holiday deals.

Santa’s List Image from FreeDigitalPhotos

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re dusting off our Santa hats and putting our Ace elves to work. Ladies Night Out is just a few weeks away!

Holiday Ladies Night Out

If you’re new to town, you may be wondering, “What’s Ladies Night Out?” It’s only our favorite event of the holiday season! Women across Gray come together for a night of merriment, refreshments, and the best Christmas sales they’ll see all season. It’s a time-honored tradition at Ace of Gray, and it only comes twice a year! Invite a friend or come alone. Just don’t miss Ladies Night Out on Thursday, November 19th from 4-8pm!

Seasonal Fun for Women in Gray

Looking for a night on the town before the holiday mayhem descends? Get ahead of your holiday shopping list (and enjoy a night out with your friends) at Ace of Gray’s Ladies Night Out. Our event will feature great sales, freebies, and plenty of snacks and adult beverages to make it a truly merry evening. Grab a friend (or four) and see who can complete their Christmas list first!

A Personal Touch

Do future football stars run in the family? Make the next tailgate truly memorable by picking up a few books from the A Dog Named Munsen series. Meet author Charlene Thomas, who will be signing her books for the little UGA lovers on your list.

Christmas Gifts and Holiday Sales

If you’re shopping for the holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Ace of Gray has the perfect seasonal gift for everyone on your list. Pick up goodies for your husband, kids, parents, friends, and a little something extra for yourself! Just a few of our special holiday sales include:

• 20% off Hornady American Gunner Handgun & American Whitetail Rifle Ammunition (perfect stocking stuffers for the marksman in your life!)
• Add a shining light to your tree. Get a FREE Angel of Light Ornament with $50 purchase of Willow Tree products
• The first 250 customers to check out get a FREE Glory Haus tote bag

Ready to save and play? Don’t miss the Ace of Gray holiday Ladies Night Out on November 19th.

It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Christmas will arrive before you know it. Decorating the house for the holidays is one of life’s great pleasures. But don’t let the joy of festive centerpieces and painted signs distract you. Don’t let your home winterization checklist get lost amidst the holiday decor.

Easy Ways to Winterize the Home

• Caulk the cracks. How can you test if your window seals will hold? Have a friend go outside with a blow dryer (don’t forget the extension cord!). Stand inside the window with a candle. If the blow dryer makes the candle flicker, it’s time to visit Ace of Gray for fresh caulk.
• Switch your ceiling fans. Many homeowners don’t know to switch the direction of their ceiling fan during the colder months. Clockwise-rotating fans stir the air and make it warmer, pulling heat from the room and helping it rise. Bonus? It can cut your heat bill by up to 10%.
• Install storm doors. Hot air just longs to escape every time you open the door. A storm door seals out drafts and reduces air flow, keeping your house warmer (and increasing energy efficiency by up to 45%).
• Plan an insulation project. Is heat still leaking out of the walls and roof? Stock up on insulation and spend a Saturday bulking up the space between your walls, attic floor, and basement ceiling.
• Maintain the A/C. Turning off the A/C water valve and draining the pipes will prevent winter leaks and clogged drains. It also keeps your A/C in better condition, reducing the chances you’ll need to replace it in the spring.

What projects are on your winter home improvement list? Visit Ace of Gray for tools, materials, and expert winterization tips from our home improvement experts.

Tools Image Source

Just because it’s not your forever home, doesn’t mean you can’t make it shine. When you live in a rental home, it’s easy to get stuck in a world of beige. Spruce up your rental house with these 5 simple tips.

5 Tips for Decorating a Rental House

1. Add a little color. If you’re staying in your rental for longer than a few months, there’s no reason not to brighten up the space with a fresh coat of paint. Painting a room (or even those outdated cabinets) quickly transforms the look of the house. And most landlords are on board with painting projects as long as you pick a soft shade or promise to paint it back before you move out.
2. Dress up the walls. Artwork, draped fabric, and Home Sweet Home burlees are just the tip of the iceberg. Dive headfirst into DIY projects to spice up boring beige walls.
3. Add decorative details. It’s the little things that make a house a home. Dress up the kitchen with fun printed dish towels, accent the mantle with heirloom holiday decor, and buy a brand new welcome mat for the front porch.
4. Change the hardware. Is the style of your rental home so not you? A few easy fixes can change all that. Buy a few artsy, modern, or traditional elements to switch out the hardware in the house. Cabinet handles, door knobs, and sink fixtures are all easily traded (and replaced). Store the originals somewhere safe and enjoy those little details that make your new house a home.
5. Get creative with storage. It’s always going to feel like a rental if you’re tripping over boxes and staring at linens piled on the couch. Short on storage? Invest in a few pieces of furniture that you can easily move to your next place. Kitchen trolleys, wine racks, and end tables with bottom storage all make excellent additions to rental homes.

Ready to play? Visit Ace of Gray gift and garden center for unique home decor, home improvement supplies, and advice from the experts.

New Home Image Source

The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and hiking trails are calling your name. Fall is a time of exploration, adventure, and open skies. Before you hit the open trail, stock up on top-of-the-line outdoor wear from your neighborhood Ace Hardware.

Shop Outdoor Gear in Gray

Exploring the great outdoors? Make sure you’re prepared! At Ace of Gray, we have a full range of boots, clothing, and accessories for both children and adults. Outfit yourself for any weather, from brisk autumn afternoons to chilly winter hikes on your favorite trails. We have mens, womens, and kids outdoor gear from top brands like Ariat, Durango, Columbia, Drake, and Georgia Boot. Stock up on warm and comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and quality accessories, from moisture-wicking socks to hardy hats and belts. Stop by the store to find your perfect fit. In just a few minutes time, you can outfit the whole family in quality, comfortable outdoor apparel fit for any adventure.

Costa del Mar Sunglasses

No outdoor adventure would be complete without a pair of shades. Whether you’re hitting the tees for a morning round of golf or rock climbing in North Georgia, the right sunglasses will keep your head in the game. Costa del Mar sunglasses provide the ultimate eye protection. They combine a sleek, sporty look with UV protection, keeping you looking good (pun intended) year round.

Ready to explore the great outdoors? Visit Ace of Gray for family outdoor apparel and accessories.

Hiking Boots Image from Flickr

Halloween has crept into Gray, adorning shops, homes, and streets with spooky holiday decor. If you’re still not ready for the Halloween season, have no fear. Ace of Gray will help you get spiffed up and spooked out before that first trick or treater shows up on your doorstep.

Halloween Decor at Ace Hardware

If you’re hunting for ghostly garlands and undead garden decor, Ace of Gray is the place for you. Check out our selection of Halloween decorations, big and small. Decorate the front porch with a cutesy, spooky welcome mat, a hanging ghost, or festive Halloween lights. Prefer something homemade? Stock up on Halloween craft supplies or ask our experts for tips on projects for the Halloween season. If witches, ghosts, and zombies don’t do it for you, have no fear: Ace of Gray also stocks elegant harvest decor for Thanksgiving.

Halloween Costumes for Kids

Has your son jumped from zombie slayer to dashing prince and back again? There’s still time to transform him into the character of his dreams for Halloween. Our costume section is brimming with princess tiaras, superhero capes, and warrior gear for boys and girls. Grab a ready made costume or get creative by combining tiaras and morning stars into an original princess warrior costume. The sky’s the limit!

Ace of Gray helps you achieve a festive look for any season. Whether you’re creeping up the garden for Halloween, sprucing up the hearth for Thanksgiving, or making a festive evergreen display for Christmas, you won’t have to look further than our seasonal decor.

Flickr