Songs may sing out, it's the best time of the year but it’s hard to feel that way when your home doesn’t look its holiday best. Whether your style is more classic and traditional with reds and greens or more modern with golds, silvers and whites, these decorating tips are sure to inspire you.
It’s no secret that the outside of your home reflects what the inside is like. This time of year, wreaths and lights are your staples when it comes to decorating, but don’t be afraid to add more. Illuminate the walkway with lighted topiaries or lanterns that lead up to a welcoming (slip-resistant if in a snowy climate) holiday mat. Embellish posts, railings, door frames and mailboxes with garland or lights. Round out the look with poinsettias and if you’re feeling especially festive, some fake reindeer in the yard or a nutcracker by the door.
While it may be tempting to immediately explode Christmas inside, it’s recommended to declutter spaces and things you won’t want to display because it will aid you visually in seeing how much space is left for decor and where it can be arranged. Focus on the areas that attract the highest foot traffic, such as entryways and living rooms and work backwards to the least. Assumingly, no matter where, the Christmas tree will serve as the focal point, so treat it as such. Adorn it with tree skirts, ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel, ribbon, snowflakes, bells, candy canes, tree toppers and if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, flock it. Ornaments of the same color scheme, shape and size present a more elegant and unified look. Christmas trees, however, don’t have to be ten feet tall to be decorative; smaller trees, like potted trees are ideal as centerpieces or perfect for lining the stairs. Speaking of, banisters and railings should also be wrapped in garland. In other non-frequented areas of your home, position candles or lights to encapture a warm and cozy ambience. Thankfully, flameless candles can allow you to have a worry-free ambience.
Beyond trees, fireplace mantels function equally as well as a focal point. Don it with stockings, garland, candles, lights, Christmas cards you’ve received, holiday pictures, Santa’s, snowmen, nutcrackers or a Christmas village. Be sure to cozy up the rest of the living space so the tree and or fireplace can be somewhere to enjoy. Think plush throw pillows and blankets, in patterns of plaid and gingham, the more dominant Christmas patterns. Repurpose beloved ornaments that may be too heavy for the tree and feature them in a bowl on the coffee table or hang somewhere else in the house. Extras could also be displayed in vases (round ornaments will look and fit better). For a more natural look, opt for pinecones, birch log pieces or evergreen sprigs as decorations. Tie the whole Christmas feeling together by lighting some seasonal candles like winter candy apple, vanilla bean, peppermint, balsam fir (especially if you use an artificial tree), etc.
Take advantage of the extra spaces in the kitchen to decorate by hanging fun holiday themed dish towels from the oven, decorative bows or wreaths on the cabinets or showcasing your award-winning gingerbread house on the counter alongside festive napkin holders and salt and pepper shakers. In the dining room, appoint a color scheme of red and gold or green and silver and from there select placemats, tablecloths and glassware. Center the table with candles and garland for a more intimate, Christmas feel.
This year there’s no need to be a grinch so start decorating! The sooner those decorations are up, the sooner you can snuggle up on the couch with your loved ones while drinking some hot chocolate next to a fire and your beautiful Christmas tree. Even after Christmas check out the holiday section at your local store and stock up on decorations for next year because everything will be on sale!
