Themed Holiday Decorating

Themes make decorating easy!

With the holidays fast approaching why not choose a theme for your holiday decorations this year? Decorating around a theme is a quick and easy way to give your home a designer look on a budget. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Taking Nature's Cues

Consider a “natural” theme that uses colors found in nature. Tones of muted reds, greens, and browns are readily available during this time of year and essential in bringing the outdoors in. A “natural” themed Christmas tree is a sure way to impress any guest. Always start with a fresh cut tree of your choice. The best trees for this look are a Frasier or Noble Fur. Next, take a grape vine wreath, carefully pull it apart and wrap the vines throughout the tree. This gives movement and dimension to the tree. Strategically place birds’ nests inside the tree. You may even be able to find small artificial birds to place in the branches alongside the nests. All of these items are readily available at your local arts and crafts store. Add additional natural elements such as lichen or moss covered balls. You can then insert dried hydrangea or eucalyptus in the tree for a nice touch. Finish the tree with red berries and touches of green ribbon. Tie this look throughout your home by using potted paper whites and amaryllis wherever possible.

Classic Silver and Gold

If you are looking for something a little more traditional, silver and gold provide an easy, classic look. Start with the Christmas tree. A simple tree covered in gold and silver ball ornaments will really make your home sparkle. You can even add a modern twist by filling tall cylinder vases with silver and gold ball ornaments. Use vases of different heights to make it more interesting, and place them down the center of your dining room table for a quick and easy centerpiece. Hang garland from your mantle and attach gold and silver ornaments that will sparkle in the fire light. For dinner parties, spray paint magnolia leaves silver. Write your guests’ names in gold paint pen and you will have a lovely place card the guest can take home.

Fresh and Faux Fruit

Fruit is another great starting point for a Christmas decorating theme. A Christmas tree covered in fruit can be quite stunning and economical. Faux fruit is ideal, because it will last all season. Try using sugared or glittered fruit to make a statement. You can use fresh fruit throughout the home for centerpieces and garlands. You will love the smell. In the right environment, with the freshest fruit, this look can last up to two weeks. You can easily make garlands out of fresh lemons by using a heavy gauge wire and just stringing the lemons together. Be very careful though, since this can get heavy! You can then layer a lemon garland on top of an evergreen garland for a sophisticated look that would be perfect for any mantle. If you are looking for an easy centerpiece idea, pineapples work great. Place a row of pineapples on a wonderful bed of Christmas evergreens.

Winter White

Winter white is a theme that will work in any setting. Start with a flocked Christmas tree and be sure to use lights with white wires since green wires will stand out. Cover the tree in dazzling crystal ornaments that will sparkle like ice. Use mirrors on tabletops and place white candles on them to add another touch of winter white to your home. Hang crystal snowflake ornaments from your chandeliers for a touch of whimsy. Collect bare branches from your yard and spray paint them white. Then sprinkle them with glitter before the paint dries. These are eye catching when placed in a vase on a mantle.

Have fun decorating this holiday season! Don’t look at it as a chore, but as a new and creative way to express yourself. Choose a theme that fits your personality and go for it.