Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/408364
By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman BROOKFIELD — Every- one thinks they know how to decorate the exterior of their home for the holidays. Buy some lights, slap 'em up and plug 'em in and retreat to the hearth to enjoy some sort of holiday nog. You are missing out and wasting time if this is your idea of a light display. Todd Ruedt lives for the holidays and outdoor deco- rating. Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Ser- vices in New Berlin, added exterior holiday decoration to his business offerings seven years ago. Grounds Maintenance Services is in its 15th year in business. "I enjoyed doing it so much at my own property," Ruedt said. "I started to get the need from customers to install their materials for them. Being that I enjoyed the season so much, I could- n't say no." Ruedt said much of his holiday decorating cus- tomer base is elderly resi- dents, those in higher-end homes and those who lack the time to decorate. Ruedt also offered some simple tips based on his years of expertise for those who wish to relax by the hearth and bask in the warm glow of a job well done. Keep it simple, safe Ruedt said the trend in outside lighting in recent years favors simple, clean lighting that is typically one or two colors. "Roof line lighting is one of the hottest items that most people ask for," Ruedt said. Roof line lighting does a fine job highlighting a home's architectural fea- tures and leads to some stunning visuals. Ruedt said wrap lighting of trees and shrubs is also popular. Once a decision is reached regarding looks, consider personal limitations. Ask yourself what you are capa- ble of doing. "Consider how much you want to do, and what are you capable of doing, lad- der-wise and safety-wise," Ruedt said. "That's where it all starts." Barbara Eash antiques column 5A 2 4 0 1 5 4 0 0 2 BUSINESS HOURS: MON-THURS 4:00PM-CLOSE • FRI-SUN 11:00AM-CLOSE WWW.SALOONONCALHOUN.COM In the US Bank parking lot on Calhoun & Capitol 17000 W. CAPITOL DR. • BROOKFIELD WI 53005 262-783-0222 MONDAY LEAGUE TRIVIA 7-9pm 75 cent Wing Night 4pm-Midnight FRIDAY FISH FRY LIVE MUSIC or VIDEO DJ 9pm Start WEDNESDAY "Beer and Ballad Night" featuring $2 PINTS and $6 PITCHERS 7-10pm Karaoke 8pm-12:30am TUESDAY FREE POOL open to close LIVE MUSIC 7-10pm FEATURING TOP ARTISTS. THURSDAY Taco Thursday 4-10pm, $10 for 3 authentic tacos & 5 Coronita beer buckets. SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC 9:30pm-1:30am HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL Monday - Friday FREE BACON and: $1 OFF ALL DRINKS 4:00-7:00 PM JOIN OUR NEW VIP TEXT CLUB, GET 50% OFF YOUR NEXT MEAL! Just text the number 36000 & enter the message V343! Confirm with a Y and get the coupon. It's that easy! 2 4 0 3 1 4 0 1 1 The FREEMAN Brookfield & Elm Grove This Month is free and will arrive in your mail the first week of each month. In each month's edition we will take an in-depth look at an issue, person or other story in the com- munity. We will also pro- vide other important information such as com- munity activities and updates on local stories. We encourage you to subscribe to the daily Freeman for coverage of Brookfield, Elm Grove and the rest of our area. To subscribe, to reach one of the editors with story ideas or for photo reprints, call 542-2500. We hope you enjoy this month's edition. – Freeman editors Hello, Brookfield & Elm Grove! INSIDE PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WAUKESHA, WI PERMIT NO. 3 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaukeshaFreeman Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WaukeshaFreeman How did local business owner do on 'Shark Tank' TV show? Calendar of events 6A Brookfield & Elm Grove T H I S M O N T H NOVEMBER 2014 Get your home ready for winter 2A 3A See WONDERLAND, PAGE 2A Winter Wonderland Submitted photo Bright ideas for that Winter Wonderland Bright ideas for that Expert offers tips on outdoor holiday displays