Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country (visit omaha.com/inspiredhome for samples). I’m looking to interview home improvement experts, home exterior designers, and homeowners who have created elaborate Halloween and/or Christmas yard displays for the following topic: PLASTIC PUMPKINS AND WOODEN REINDEER: HOW TO PLAN A FESTIVE YET SAFE AND RUGGED HOLIDAY YARD DISPLAY FOR HALLOWEEN AND/OR CHRISTMAS. This story will explore creative and safe ways to create a crowd-pleasing do-it-yourself holiday yard display. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time,Tuesday, August 9.
QUESTIONS:1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) When and why did last create a holiday yard display for Halloween or Christmas? What was the size/scope/theme of your display (type/number of props/lights, placement, music/effects, etc.)? How many years have you been doing this, and how has your display grown over time? What do you spend annually on this display? Any tips for fellow homeowners about how they can create their own great holiday yard display? What is your full name, and city/state location?2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) Why do some DIY homeowners enjoy creating an elaborate holiday yard display for Halloween and/or Christmas? How has this trend grown/evolved in recent years?3. What are some of the minimum key ingredients in a quality holiday yard display (e.g., LED lights, store-bought vs. homemade props, music, fog or other effects, etc.)? Is it best to have the display conform to some kind of predetermined theme?4. What tips do you recommend homeowners consider to design/build/create a crowd-pleasing holiday yard display that is unique and memorable?5. If you were building a holiday yard display of your own, what would it include? Where would you place the props/items? How would you best secure and protect these items from the elements and vandals/thieves?6. What should homeowners expect to budget (low to high price range) for a unique and memorable holiday yard display that showcases homemade props, store-bought props, or both?7. To what extent should homeowners beef up their property insurance coverage to protect them from a claim from a visitor to their yard display who suffers an injury or trauma of some kind?8. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?9. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
home improvement experts, home exterior designers, homeowners
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