Decorating Ideas for the Holidays

Looking for some suggestions to decorate your home for the holidays?  If so, I’m going to share some of my ideas for you for this holiday season.

Welcome your family and friends --  and get in the spirit yourself --  by beginning your holiday decorating in your family’s usual gathering spaces - the living room and dining room.

If you’re planning for an intimate gathering or a large feast, this season is the time to have fun and go “crazy” in your decorating.  This year, the color selections are wide and beautiful – from traditional, reds, greens and golds; to the trendy, purple and teal; and the serene, blue and silver.  Peacock feathers are also popular this year and, of course, lots of sparkles!

My first suggestion is that you pick a theme for your holiday decorations – I usually select the colors and motif that will dominate the décor.   If you are very ambitious, you can adjust the theme from room to room by focusing on one idea. 

One  popular decor  is derived from the colors and motifs connected with the North Pole. The red, green and white color scheme, with accents of gold, are a common theme.

If you like to decorate in these colors, here are some ideas for your holiday table:  Start with a white, plaid or patterned tablecloth or, if you prefer, simple table mats in red or green. You don't need a matched set of dishes, but include bowls or plates that complement the color scheme or motif.   If you’re lucky to have all white dishes, add a bowl decorated with red flowers or berries, or bread and butter plates or chargers in a solid hue: gold, red or green.

Add napkin rings and place-card holders in the color or motif of your décor. I’d like to suggest that your centerpiece be low and long, stretching along the center of the table for greater effect. Ribbon, berry sprigs and small ornaments work well. For a simple touch, your focal point could be a tall, fat candle surrounded with evergreens or holly.

Accent your dining chairs by simply tying ribbons around the back of each chair, hang a bow, or small stockings, or even special ornament from the back of the chair.

Another highlight of your holiday table could be the chandelier - - by hanging colorful ornaments or garland from the arms. Accent the garland with holly or touches of other winter flowers, such as poinsettias.

Clear glass vases – in various shapes and sizes -  are an inexpensive ways to decorate the side tables around your holiday table and can be used throughout the year. You can fill them with evergreens, ornaments, berries, fruits and nuts – depending on your holiday theme - or fill them with colorful marbles or fragments of glass or mirrors. 

So I hope you have a happy Holiday Season!! Happy Decorating!