Get Designer Results this Holiday Season with Expert Decorating Tips
Sponsored by Elegantly Timeless Interiors
Written by Tracy Elving
We haven't yet cooked the turkey, eaten the pumpkin pie or tackledbrBlack Friday, but we are already supposed to be planning for the big day. And Ibrdon't mean December 25th: I mean the day that we drag all the boxesbrof holiday stuff out of the attic and tackle the year’s biggest homebrredecoration.
Most of us are creatures of tradition. We trim our tree with special ornaments,brdeck the mantel with meaningful stockings and scatter the remaining trinketsbrthroughout our home where we have always placed them. When all is done, we sinkbrdown on the sofa and admire our handiwork, happy that it is all set out forbranother year.
However, if you are like me, you wonder about those store displays, thebrbeautiful vignettes on Pinterest or the interior designer on a TV show with “easy”brtips for the holiday. You want to try something new or add to your traditionalbrholiday décor but don't know where to start. Below are some ideas to kick-startbrthe process.
Make a themed tree
For girls: Put upbra small tree with clips and let her hang her favorite doll clothes from it. Insteadbrof putting them away every day, she just hangs them up on the tree. In a boy'sbrroom, use Hot Wheels or Thomas the Train. They will love getting their own tree.brIn a guest room, try a white tree with gold and silver ornaments as thebrbackdrop to glass ornaments the color of the room — it will add effortlessbrglamour.
Decorate the mantel
Create a winterbrwonderland using a glittered snowflake garland with pinecone trees and mercurybrglass candlesticks behind it. Hang a mirror with a simple pinecone wreath inbrthe middle to complete the sparkling effect, and try a eucalyptus garland withbrcitrus among it. For the kids, create a 12brdays of Christmas garland where there is a treat hung from each day.
Create an angel table
Put yourbrcollection of angels on one table with some scented candles. It's a great waybrto remember the meaning of the season. WatchIt's a Wonderful Life with your family and reflect on its message while youbradmire the table.
Display holiday décor
Whether you'vebrcollected different Santa figurines or nutcrackers throughout the years, insteadbrof displaying them all together, scatter them through each room of your home.
Use wrapped boxes
Wrap boxes inbrcoordinating paper, add beautiful bows, and place under an entryway table, on abrbench or on either side of the front door. Wrap the lids, and they could evenbrbe hung with removable command hooks on a feature wall to add color, interestbrand instant elegance.
Shop in your own home
Don't forget tobrlook in your own cabinets and hutches. We can take items that we have, and withbra little imagination and a few holiday additions, we can turn them intobrstriking pieces. Let your imagination have fun repurposing your everyday piecesbrinto delightful décor.
For me, the holidays are a time to reflect on the past year and honorbrour family traditions, one of which is decorating my home. When I pull all the boxesbrout of the attic, it's like finding one of my favorite dresses that got lost inbrthe back of my closet. I get excited about opening each box and rediscoveringbreach item. However, just like my favorite dress needs a new pair of shoes to gobrwith it, my memories need new ones. Adding to your décor is a great way tobraccomplish that.
Tracy Elving is a certified interior decorator (C.I.D. #7939) who launched Elegantly Timeless Interiors the summer of 2013. She has built a network of talented craftsmen she works with as well as clients, whom she helps to create elegantly timeless spaces - from kitchens to media rooms to patios. Elegantly Timeless Interiors is dedicated to creating and delivering beautiful and functional spaces on time and on budget to exceed clients’ expectations.