Is your home ready for the holidays? As soon as you put away the Thanksgiving turkey platter and faster than you can say Jingle Bells, it seems that Hanukkah and Christmas are upon us! The holiday season, no matter how we celebrate, is filled with wonderful traditions. And for some, those same traditions year after year can be ‘rut-inducing’ and we are challenged to think of fresh ideas. Here are just a few to help you get started:

First impressions are always important! Your front door, for instance. There is nothing more welcoming in the winter season than fresh greens at your entry. Update the ubiquitous evergreen wreath by adorning with various items that are well within reach: beautiful ribbon, shiny ornaments, berries and other greens from your own yard, feathers, nests, fruit….the combinations are endless and limited only by your imagination.

Be creative and caring. If you are new parents (or grandparents) consider a baby theme. If you love dogs, surely you know that dog biscuits come in red and green! Is your home being renovated right now? Put a lighted tree in a wheelbarrow. The idea is to say “Welcome” to all who enter.

Take those oh so good smelling greens inside. Boughs of white pine and fir look beautiful on a mantel, twisted on a chandelier or swagged over your banister. Every layer of decoration adds to the festive mood. Continue your outdoor theme indoors by placing ornaments and treasures in and around the greens. Don’t allow yourself to be daunted by trying to make something look ‘professional.’ Bunch boughs together in a planter or vase or lay them on a surface so the look is loose and comfortable. Simply spritz the greens with water once a week to keep them looking fresh. Potted paperwhites (aka narcissus) are beautiful and fragrant and look gorgeous in lovely containers “mulched” with tiny ornaments or cranberries.

Keep it simple. Using ornaments with similar colors, shapes or themes all over your tree creates an uncluttered look. The same ornaments may be displayed in glass bowls of varying sizes and used as table centerpieces. Arrange tall candlesticks in a non traditional way by placing large round ornaments on varying sizes of candlesticks. Complete the look by placing votive candles in small containers nestled among greens to create lovely ambient lighting. Holiday decorating can be as simple as changing toss pillows to reflect your holiday color theme or adding a colorful and cozy winter throw over the back of a chair.

Whether you find a new decorating color scheme, cookie recipe or tabletop idea, all who enter your home are sure to appreciate a little change of pace this year.

By Kathi Warren Hustedt, Home Decorator