Selecting a theme for your décor is the most direct path to achieving high style for the holidays.
Whether that theme is a traditional Santa’s workshop, or Winter Wonderland, a common thread will create a cohesive look to your decorating. Start with what you have.
A garden theme can include arrangements featuring tools gleaned from the garage alongside Mother Nature’s contribution of pinecones, evergreen and holly.
If you happen to own an abundance of silver pieces, pull it out of the buffet and create a surreal wonderland with white and silver
A color theme can pull your year round décor into the holidays and there is no rule that it all has to be red and green. Plum paired with gold, sage paired with russet and monochromatic Christmas decorations are decadent combinations.
The wow factor in Christmas decoration is sparkle … and lots of it. Whether it is on a tree, a garland or an arrangement, those shiny ornaments are key.
When decorating your tree, use those sparkling gems deep inside the tree to dance the light around the branches. The decorative ornaments are better suited for the tips of the branches.
Start your lights deep in the tree and work forward for depth and reflection. If you work in vertical sections rather than wrapping the tree, removing the lights will be easy.
Tucking whispy touches of Dacron pillow fluff from the fabric store into your tree will lend a snowy iridescence.
Another idea to add sparkle to your holiday décor is to collect your mismatched, unused or slightly imperfect candlesticks and spray paint them in bright gold or silver. Cluster at least five of these with unexpected combinations of greenery, such as boxwood, from your landscaping with evergreen eucalyptus to create a lush but lively Christmas arrangement.
A bright Christmas décor can come from color, as well as metallics. Any large clear glass container can become a designer arrangement with layers of limes, cranberries and oranges. A sprig of greenery on top finishes this festive vessel.
Another secret to a high design holiday is abundance. Treat the garland that runs up the staircase to a full and rich look with thick greenery, clusters of ornaments, feathers and ribbon. The rule of abundance also holds true for your tree and arrangements. Clustering and layering hold the secret to high design Christmas decorating.
