Decor | Maria Sims Group Blog

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

There’s something magical about the first Friday of every month in Downtown Canton, GA—the streets come alive with music, food, shopping, and a vibrant community spirit. First Fridays is a beloved tradition that brings locals and visitors together for an evening of fun, entertainment, and small-town charm.

What Is First Friday?

Inspired by the Explore Canton GA event page (see here), First Friday is a free, family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month from 6 PM to 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Downtown Canton transforms into a lively hub with:
1. Live music from local bands and performers
2. Food trucks & restaurant specials (perfect for dinner out!)
3. Local vendors & artisans selling handmade goods
4. Kid-friendly activities like face painting and games
5. Special themes (seasonal events, holiday celebrations, and more)
Why You Should Go
Support Local B. ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, ellijay, renovations, restaurants, fall, ball ground, buying, decor, homeownership, staging, festivals, upgrades, budget, farmers markets, home ownership, nightlife, parks, pros and cons, selling, brunch, pool, porch decor, recipes, tiny homes, waleska

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Selling your home can be stressful, but home staging is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers, increase offers, and speed up the sale. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate agent, understanding the power of staging can make all the difference.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This involves:

Decluttering & depersonalizing (so buyers can envision themselves living there)

Furniture arrangement & decor updates (to highlight the home’s best features)

Minor repairs & cosmetic upgrades (like fresh paint or updated lighting)

Neutralizing bold colors & styles (to appeal to a broader audience)

Why Home Staging Matters
Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than unstaged ones. Here’s why:
Creates a Strong First Impression – Buyers decide within seconds? ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, renovations, decor, homeownership, staging, upgrades, budget, home ownership, nightlife, parks, selling

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Make Your Thanksgiving Memorable: Traditions to Try This Year

Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and a whole lot of good food. But what makes this holiday really special are the little traditions that bring everyone together—and maybe even give you a few belly laughs before dessert! Whether you’re looking to shake things up or add some heartfelt moments to your day, these creative ideas will help your Thanksgiving feel even more meaningful (and memorable).
Start a Gratitude Journal
Why let gratitude slip away with the gravy? Grab a blank journal, pass it around the table, and ask everyone to jot down one thing they’re thankful for this year. Little ones who can’t write? No problem—have an adult step in as their scribe. Year after year, the journal becomes a treasured time capsule of love, growth, and funny misspelled entries. You will appreciate the growth and it may be bring a tear to your eye!
Volunteer Before the Big Feast
Giving back is the ultimate feel-good tradition. Rally the family and friends to? ...

seasonal, food, fall, decor

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Fall in Love with These 10 Flowers for Your Autumn Garden This Season

Fall might be known for falling leaves and pumpkin spice, but your garden doesn’t have to fade away with summer. There are plenty of flowers that thrive in the cooler temperatures and give your space that perfect pop of color. Even if you don’t have a “green thumb”, these flowers can make you feel good about your garden! Check out these fall flowers that can keep your home looking fabulous all season long.
Autumn Sunflowers
Sunflowers in fall? Absolutely! There are some special autumn varieties that bloom later in the season, and they come in rich colors like burgundy, deep orange, and even rusty red. They are a bold and gorgeous way to bring some extra warmth to your fall garden.
Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Mums are the unofficial flowers of fall and they are everywhere! You can get them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Pike Nursery, Kroger, or your local nursery. These beauties come in almost every color you can think of—orange, yellow, red, pink, purple— ...

seasonal, fall, porch decor, flower beds

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Summer Landscaping: Transform Your Outdoor Space

Summer is the season when your yard can truly shine, offering a vibrant and welcoming space for relaxation and social gatherings. At Maria Sims Group, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. Whether you're looking to sell your home or simply want to enhance your enjoyment of your property, thoughtful summer landscaping can make all the difference.

One of the key aspects of summer landscaping is choosing the right plants. Opt for a mix of perennials and annuals that thrive in the summer heat, providing continuous color and interest throughout the season. Consider incorporating native plants, which are well-adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance. Bright, bold flowers like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias can add vibrant splashes of color, while ornamental grasses and succulents offer texture and variety.

Creating shade is another important factor in summer landscaping. Trees,. ...

home, summer, renovations, decor, seasonal, landscaping, outdoor

Decor | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Make Your Thanksgiving Memorable: Traditions to Try This Year

Fall in Love with These 10 Flowers for Your Autumn Garden This Season

Summer Landscaping: Transform Your Outdoor Space

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Decor | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Make Your Thanksgiving Memorable: Traditions to Try This Year

Fall in Love with These 10 Flowers for Your Autumn Garden This Season

Summer Landscaping: Transform Your Outdoor Space

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