Design Recipe: 10 Ingredients for a Festive Holiday Table

Creating a festive holiday table is easier than you think. Here are 10 must-haves to keep in mind while decorating for your next gathering.

1. Fabrics

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with fabrics. Tablecloths, fabric napkins, seat cushions, ribbons and slipcovers soften the hard edges of wood furniture and give your everyday dining set a luxurious feel.

2. Mix and Match Dishes

Create an eclectic look by mix and matching your dinnerware. Combine casual pieces with more formal sets. Short on inventory? Visit your local thrift store for unique pieces and be creative!

3. Creative Centerpieces

Centerpieces need not be complicated. A bowl of oranges, a vase of grocery store blooms, your favorite glass ornaments or even your mother’s reindeer figurine are all good choices. Combine different items to create an interesting tablescape. Remember to keep centerpieces low to allow conversations to flow across the table.

4. Candlelight

Adding candles to your table setting is always a good idea. The glimmering light is beautiful day or night, and its very presence elevates the sophistication of any gathering. Combine votives, tapers and pillars for interest.

5. Additional Seating

If your everyday dining set won’t accommodate your guests, dust off your table’s leaf and add a rustic bench or upholstered chairs from other areas of your home. Remember, more is definitely merrier during the Holidays!

6. Place setting

At a holiday table, each place setting deserves a little extra attention. Layer placemats and chargers with different sized plates and bowls for texture and interest. Be creative with your silverware placement. Include small candles at each setting along with fabric napkins with napkin holders for a special touch.

7. Favors

photo from partycity.com

Add some fun to your table by including a little something your guests can take home with them. Favorites include mini presents, candies, small plants or hand painted ornaments.

8. Area rug

If you don’t normally have an area rug underfoot, consider purchasing one or borrowing from another room. Area rugs will add color and comfort while creating a feeling of coziness.

9. Color

Think beyond traditional red and green. Choosing colors that complement your home’s decor and furnishings will give your table a sophisticated feel while bright, contrasting colors add a sense of excitement and whimsy. 

10.  Interest Overhead

Don’t forget to look up when decorating your holiday table. Drape greenery, garlands, ribbons or ornaments from your chandelier to bring your guests’ eyes up and create even more holiday coziness.

*all photos, unless otherwise noted, were taken from pinterest.com

Choosing the Perfect Dining Room Table

The Holidays are fast approaching – time for family gatherings, cocktail parties and neighborhood dinners. It’s this time of year that we forgo the breakfast bar and put our dining furniture to good use.

If you are in need of a new dining set, don’t fret. Visit your nearest Hennen’s showroom in St. Cloud, Willmar or Alexandria. With many styles in stock and convenient delivery, you can be ready for the Holidays in no time.

Choosing a dining table that works for your family and your space can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ve got this. The friendly, professional design consultants at Hennen’s will help – but a little preparation never hurt anyone. Jot down your thoughts to these five questions and you’ll be ready for a great shopping trip.

1. How Many People Do You Want to Seat?

How many people will use the table on a daily basis and how many for special occasions? If your current space is smaller than you like, consider borrowing space from an adjoining room or swapping rooms for more possibilities. Many tables come with leaves or extensions that will help you transform your entertaining power from modest to mega.

2. How Often Will You Use Your Dining Table?

Will you use your table daily, once per week, or only on special occasions? Knowing this will help your design consultant assist you in choosing the right materials. If your dining table is also Homework Central, then a stain-resistant veneer top may be a good choice.

3. What Shape Table Will Fit in Your Space?

It’s time to think outside the box. Dining tables can be rectangular, round, square, hexagon and many come in counter height pub styles. Bring a photo of your space and room dimensions along to help sort out your options. If your dining space is situated near a window, consider maximizing the view outside.

4. What Style of Table Do You Like?

To articulate your design style, bring photos from your Pinterest board or your favorite magazines. Taking photos of other rooms in your home will also help your design consultant help you choose a table that’s perfectly you.

5. What Colors Are You Drawn To?

Along with style, consider color. Do you want your table to match the other wood in your home? Or do you want to make a statement with an accent color? In addition to stained options, consider partially painted or fully painted pieces for a pop of color.

To browse Hennen’s large selection of dining sets, follow this link: http://www.hennenfurniture.com/BrowseDiningRoom.aspx?LinkID=432

Happy Shopping!

September Customer Appreciation Sale

Hennen Furniture is proud to be voted the number one furniture store in the 2015 Central Minnesota’s Best Of. We would like to say thank you with our September Customer Appreciation Sale, going on now!

Big Savings Throughout the Store
You’ll find big savings in every department – up to 30% to 50% storewide. Take an extra 10% off all Sealy Posturpedic sets. We’ll even pay your sales tax! 

Thank You

The Hennen family has helped make furnishing your home easy and affordable since 1967. You’ve welcomed us into your homes just as we’ve welcomed you into our stores.

Your patronage has helped Hennen Furniture stay strong and family-owned, right here in Central Minnesota. 

Because of you we’ve grown from one little store in St. Cloud to 170 employees and three locations, including Willmar and Alexandria.

Our Promise

Bob Hennen gave us our start. He founded the business on hard work, honesty, family, fairness and doing what’s right. We promise to always hold onto these values as we continue to provide exceptional customer service to your family.

With three stores to choose from, we have the largest selection of quality brand furniture in Central Minnesota. Our everyday low pricing makes it easy to find what you are looking for – any style and for every budget.

From our family to yours, thank you for making Hennen’s number one in Central Minnesota!

Is It Time To Update Your Flooring?

It’s sometimes easy to forget what’s right under your feet. The truth is even with proper care, your home’s flooring will begin to show wear over time and that can make even new furniture appear dull. A new shade of carpet, hardwood floor, or area rug can help accent your furniture and bring a fresh sense of style to your home.

There are many different types of flooring available for every style and budget. If you’re ready for a change, take a look at these different flooring options and imagine the possibilities.

Carpet

Traditional wall-to-wall carpet is the tried and true preferred choice for many homeowners. Carpet is easy to care for and feels cozy under bare feet. With endless colors and patterns to choose from, carpet looks great in any home and with any style of furniture.

For homeowners looking for a good neutral carpet color, consider choosing gray or taupe. Both of these colors come in a variety of shades and are currently trending along with blues and greens. Carpets with geometric or textured patterns are also very popular.  

Hardwood

From dark woods to white wash, the classic look of hardwood never goes out of style. Hardwood floors are durable, easy to keep clean and are a beautiful addition to most any room in your home. To keep your hardwood floors looking their best, floors should be kept dry and care taken to avoid scratches. Real wood floors are not suitable for bathrooms.

Vintage hardwood, as well as distressed or reclaimed wood floors, gives your home a rustic feel. When choosing your wood floor, consider the width of the planks as well as the color or type of wood. Wide plank wood floors are growing in popularity and can add drama to your decor.

Tile

Tile always looks great in the bathroom, but why stop there? Glazed tile is durable, stain resistant and can be a gorgeous upgrade to other rooms in your home.

Choose from a variety of color and pattern options for your kitchen, entryway, or even your dining or living room. And, speaking of bathrooms, consider bright or bold tile designs to add a pop of color to small bathrooms without overwhelming your guests.

Vinyl

Like carpet, vinyl is also a first choice for many homeowners looking to add style and color to their home. Vinyl flooring is scratch and stain resistant and can offer the look of wood or tile without the added expense.  

Area Rugs

Area rugs make a great focal point for any room. When searching for an area rug, think large loop, soft, or even fluffy for the perfect balance to your hardwood or tile floors.

Central Minnesota’s Best Flooring Selection

At Hennen’s Furniture in St. Cloud, our huge flooring showroom offers the area’s best selection of carpet, wood, vinyl, tile, laminate and area rugs with many colors and styles to choose from.

Our experienced design experts can answer your questions and help you select from our many top quality brands. We offer Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk Flooring, Florida Tile and many other popular brands. And with Hennen’s superb customer service, you can rest assured we’ll stay with you right on through your installation.

At Hennen’s, we make updating your home affordable with special financing, so you can get the look you love. Come see us today!

Win a Room Makeover During Our Summer of Love Event

Hennen Furniture gives you more to love this summer with a chance to win the Summer of Love Room Makeover! Stop in to any Hennen Furniture location and enter for your chance to win a room makeover!

Simply add your name to the drawing and YOU could win your choice of a room makeover – a $2,000 value*! NO purchase necessary!

Winner Chooses Their Room Makeover

1. Flexsteel Furniture – Great for any room in your house! Choose a sofa, loveseat, or reclining furniture. 
2. Mohawk Carpet – Spread the love around with your choice of a plush, berber, or NEW corn carpet. Carpet excludes pad and installation.
3. Master Bedroom Suite – Dreaming of new bedroom furniture? Choose from our selection of queen or king bedroom suites.
   
4. Tropitone Patio Set – Enjoy the summer breeze with new patio furniture from Tropitone. Choose from a large variety of dining tables and relaxing swivel tilt chairs.

Summer savings

The summer won’t last forever and neither will this special offer! The drawing will be held on August 24, 2015, so head over to Hennen Furniture and register to win today!

Register in store at one of our three convenient locations for a chance to win:

St. Cloud

1995 State Highway 15


St. Cloud, MN 56303

Willmar

3901 Abbott Drive


Willmar, MN 56201

Alexandria

419 Broadway


Alexandria, MN 56308

*Rules: Must be 18-years or older to enter. Winner is responsible for all taxes. Enter at any Hennen Furniture location. Can only enter once per visit. Winning room makeover is for a total purchase of $2,000. Winner is responsible for anything over $2,000. Drawing will be held August, 24, 2015.

An Inside Out Look at Patio Furniture

Last month we talked about the importance of style when choosing outdoor patio furniture, Casual Outdoor Dining or Relaxing Retreat. Now, let’s take a closer look at the individual materials used to make quality outdoor furniture. Knowing the pros and cons of specific manufacturing materials can help you choose the best patio furniture for your home.

Fabrics

Part of the fun in choosing new patio furniture is browsing new color palettes and fresh summer designs. Understanding a few common fabric industry terms can make a difference in the long-term appearance of your outdoor cushions and throw pillows.

• 100% acrylic fabrics are water resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. Each strand is individually dyed before woven into a bolt of cloth. This process allows the colors to stay truer for longer periods of time – even in direct sunlight. However, this process also means that you may not see as many bright and intricate patterns with these types of fabrics.
• Spun polyester fabrics often use a screen-printing process. The colors and patterns are printed directly onto the fabric after it has already been woven into large bolts. This process offers you brighter colors and more designs, but spun polyester tends to fade faster in the sun than acrylic fabric. Spun polyester fabrics are still an excellent option if you plan to use your patio furniture in shadier areas such as on a covered porch.

Cushions and pillows made from acrylic or spun polyester fabrics should be properly stored during the winter months to ensure longer wear. Since they are both synthetic fabrics, they should also never be dry-cleaned or tumbled dry – even on a low setting. Always remember to follow manufacturers cleaning instructions for your outdoor fabrics.

Foam

You may not see it or even pay much attention to it, but the quality of the foam that fills your outdoor cushions and pillows is the next item you should consider when choosing your patio furniture.

• Regular foam is the same type found in your indoor furniture. It can be used for your outdoor furniture as well, but only if you take certain precautions when it comes to water. Regular foam, even when paired with waterproofed fabric, can and will get wet if left outside. Over time, water trapped inside the foam can mold your fabrics. Regular foam is best used for outdoor furniture that will be well protected from unexpected summer showers.
• Foam made for outdoor use is specifically designed to dry quickly and resist mold. Special air holes inside the foam allow water to run out and not pool inside the cushion. This type of foam can be more expensive, but may be a better option if you plan to leave your outside cushions unattended.  

Chairs, Tables and Lounges

Quality outdoor furniture can be made out of most any type of natural or manmade material. Plastic, wood, wicker and metal are the most common. For many homeowners, budget and personal style play more of a role when making final buying decisions.

• Plastic is an excellent choice if you are shopping on a budget. Plastic is highly portable and a snap to clean. The only downside is plastic may not maintain its appearance, or last as long as other more expensive options.
• Wood gives outdoor furniture a classic, warm feeling. Teak, pine, cedar, eucalyptus, or redwood are all excellent choices when shopping for quality outdoor furniture. Hardwoods such as teak tend to last longer than other types of wood furniture. Treating your wood outdoor furniture with oils or sealants can help increase its lifespan, so you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.
• Wicker is always a beautiful option when choosing outdoor furniture and can be made from natural or synthetic materials. When choosing natural wicker, look for cane, rattan, or bamboo. Wicker gives your outdoor entertaining a cozy or rustic look.
• Metal furniture is often made from wrought iron or aluminum. Wrought iron is best for formal or classic settings, and is a great choice if durability is important. Like wrought iron, aluminum is also very durable. Aluminum furniture is more expensive than wrought iron, but requires less maintenance and will not rust.

Built to last

At Hennen Furniture, our sales representatives are outdoor furniture experts. Our sales reps are here to help you with your questions and concerns and can offer suggestions based on where and how you want to use your new outdoor furniture. At Hennen’s, we carry all your favorite patio furniture brands including Woodward, Homecrest, Tropitone, Breezesta, and Seaside Casual. Come see our huge patio store! You’ll be glad you did!

Casual Outdoor Dining or Relaxing Retreat?

With so many styles and brands to choose from, buying outdoor patio furniture can be a difficult decision for many homeowners. There are several things to consider even after you take into account the amount of available space on your patio or deck.

To help you choose and to whittle down your choices, you should first decide how you plan to use your outdoor living space. Do you see your outdoor space as a quiet retreat to relax and unwind, or do you envision an outdoor gathering area to entertain family and friends? Or perhaps a combination of the two?

A quiet getaway

To create a quiet retreat, choose couches and chairs with soft cushions that are easy to get comfortable and stay comfortable in. Since these cushions will primarily stay outside, be sure to choose durable fabrics that are easy to clean and can stand up to the elements. Outdoor cushions should hold their colors without fading in the sun and dry quickly when they get wet.

Soft outdoor armchairs, sofas and love seats, rockers, footstools, and chaise lounges are all good options to create a relaxing atmosphere. Decorative throw pillows in coordinating colors and homey accents will help to pull the look together.

Entertaining al fresco  

For entertaining and casual outdoor dining, look for tables with ample space to lay plates, glasses and serving dishes. Dining chairs should be straight-backed or at least offer firm support so guests will be comfortable eating and drinking while seated. Low coffee table seating is better for serving drinks and casual snacks compared to full-course dining.  

Traditional dining tables or tall, café-style tables and stools are both good choices and can be found in styles ranging from contemporary casual to chic and sophisticated. To help serve or stow glassware when not in use, choose an outdoor drink cart or serving tables with built in cabinets.

Many homeowners will choose to create an outdoor living space that is a combination of a quiet retreat and casual dining area. If space allows, create distinct areas for outdoor dining as well as more casual seating where your guests can relax and unwind.

Shade is important regardless of how you intend to use your space. Consider adding an umbrella if shade from backyard trees is insufficient. There are many different types of umbrellas to choose from that will fit any outdoor space and decor. For example, a cantilever style umbrella is a stand-alone umbrella that can swing into place whenever you need shade.

To keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, keep it covered when not in use or store inside away from the elements. When cleaning, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as some outdoor furniture will require special care.

Outdoor living at its best

Whether you are looking to create a relaxing outdoor retreat or a casual dining experience for your friends and family, Hennen Furniture has the style and comfort you are looking for.

Come browse our huge collection of patio sets and accessories at our patio store. At Hennen’s, we offer all the best patio brands and outdoor living furniture including Seaside Casual, Tropitone, Homecrest, Breezesta, and Woodard. Our sales associates can help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Come see us at Hennen Furniture today!

You won’t want to miss our Spring Fling savings & giveaways!

Spring is finally here! Time to open the windows and pull out the patio furniture!

At Hennen Furniture, we are getting ready for warmer weather with our Spring Fling Sale Event. 

Mark your calendar for one special day of fun, food, learning and savings at Hennen Furniture in St. Cloud, Willmar, and Alexandria

Thinking of giving your home furnishings a makeover this spring? Stop in and see our new spring collection. You’ll find extra special furniture and mattress discounts throughout the store along with a chance to register for door prizes and gift cards. See store for details, some exclusions apply.

St. Cloud

Saturday, April 25

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Willmar

Saturday, April 25

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Alexandria 

Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Alexandria

Register to win a Howard Miller wall clock, Homecrest stamped tables, or even Dr. Dre headphones. Jackie J's Formal Wear will be sprinkling dress displays throughout the showroom for some added fashion flair! If you're a bride-to-be, enjoy some dress ideas as well as furniture deals for the newlyweds! Great savings abound including 20% off purchases of $499 or more.

Willmar
Visitors to our Willmar store will also have a chance to win $3,000 in prizes. Everyone who visits our Willmar store during our Spring Fling is guaranteed a prize.

St. Cloud

At our St. Cloud store, we’ll also have expert guest speakers with tips on how you can freshen up your home in time for spring.

At 2 p.m, find out what’s trending in interior paint colors and learn new application techniques from Ted at the Paint Store + Moore.

Want to decorate your deck or patio with potted plants this season? Come listen to Jacquie from Southway Greenhouse and Floral at 3 p.m. for planting tips and a sun and shade plant demonstration.

Think Hennen Furniture for spring

If new patio furniture is on your wish list, don’t forget to stop by our patio store for all your favorite outdoor furniture brands. At Hennen Furniture, we have a huge selection of all the best patio and outdoor accent furniture, including Seaside Casual, Tropitone, Homecrest, Breezesta, and Woodard. Come see us at Hennen Furniture today! 

Celebrating 47 Years with Your Family and Ours

Forty-seven years ago, Bob Hennen opened a small furniture store near Crossroads Shopping Mall. He admits that at the time he didn’t know much about running a business, but he did know a lot about hard work, honesty, family, fairness, and keeping his word. Much has changed through the years, but we still believe in the values that made Bob’s little furniture store a success.

Today, Hennen’s Furniture has grown from that one small store into a thriving, second generation family business. We now have three stores located in St. Cloud, Willmar, and Alexandria with more than 170 employees. We are proud to offer the largest selection of furniture in Central Minnesota with the best prices on all your favorite brand name furniture, including Flexsteel, Lane, Sealy, and Tempur-Pedic.

At Hennen’s Furniture, we always want to make sure we carry on Bob’s tradition of great customer service. For example, no one likes to be hounded by a sales rep while shopping, so at Hennen’s you will only find non-commission sales reps. Look. Shop. Have fun! And when you have questions, one of our sales reps will be happy to help you. Our goal is to make furnishing your home easy and affordable. To help better serve our customers, we also offer complementary in-home design consulting.

To thank all of our customers who have made the last 47 years possible, we are offering special anniversary sale prices. Now through Easter you’ll find huge savings throughout every department – up to 60% off – including*:

•        10% off your purchase
•        12-months special interest financing.
•        Free delivery on purchases $799 or more.
•        Our patio store is now open with 15% off all patio sets

You’ll also have a chance to win a leather recliner from Flexsteel. Stop in at any one of our three locations to register*.

We have enjoyed serving your family and helping you furnish your home. Thank you for your patronage! We look forward to serving you in the years to come.

From your friends at Hennen’s Furniture.

*See store for details, some exclusions apply.