Christmas Decorating Tips

1.      Start with your front door. Purchase or make a spectacular wreath, garlands, or sprays. Go as big as you can. Put a spotlight on the door that works with a timer. The same with candles in your windows. It feels so festive to come home from work to see your home the way others do. Don’t forget the garage!

2.      Clear all of the surfaces you’d like to decorate, for example buffets, end tables, and mantels. Place your decorations in different locations than usual and you’ll appreciate them anew.

3.      If you have a collection, they’ll have more impact if you group them together rather than scattering them throughout the house. Use plexicraft lifts or books to  create more interest with height differences.

4.      Forage for natural materials. Holly, juniper, boxwood, and bittersweet are plentiful. Rhododendron leaves last and look festive sprayed in silver or gold. Pine cones are tried and true.

5.      Ask for leftover Christmas tree branches wherever you buy your tree. Put them in a vase or make a garland for opportunities to spread the delicious scent throughout your house.

6.      Use the colors in the room you are decorating rather than always using red and green. For a quick addition, put colored ornaments in a glass bowl.

7.      Instead of decorating with the traditional potted poinsettias, use them in a vase as cut flowers. You can create a statement with all one color, or mix white, red, and pink flowers for a happy bouquet.

8.      Change out your pillows and throws to holiday versions.

9.      Use fruits to add a natural touch to your mantels and garlands. Pineapples, lemons, apples, and oranges harken back to Colonial Williamsburg. Stud them with cloves to add to the Christmas scents in your home.

10.  Be sure to make time to relax and enjoy your own home. Light the tree, the candles, and the fireplace delight in the magical glow.