Home Decorating Ideas

This Christmas, take the time to decorate your home in the spirit of the season. Amaze your guests and make them feel warm and welcomed in the inviting holiday atmosphere you create.

• Decide on a colour scheme or general theme for your holiday decorating. If you already have your tree decorations, use the same colours/theme throughout your house. If you are starting fresh, limit your colour scheme to a few colours and add depth to your selection by incorporating different textures and finishes eg. shiny, matte, iridescent, sheer.
  

• There are many great options for making your own wreaths and garlands for Christmas. Making your own allows you to choose which colours to use so that you maintain consistency in your decorations throughout the house. You can buy the plain greenery from a craft store or floral shop. Fresh boughs can be used as well but keep in mind that they may dry out before you are ready to take down your decorations for the season. To decorate these pieces, you can use ornaments, bows, beaded fruit and artificial flowers. When placing a garland on a table or along a mantle, place pillar candles amidst the greenery to add functionality to the piece.
  
• It is also nice to have a mini Christmas tree decorated in another room of your house that you entertain in. If your main Christmas tree is in your family room, put a mini tree in a living room or dining room as well to maintain the Christmas feel throughout your home.
  
• Your table settings will be a main focus during the holidays when you are hosting a big meal. Pay special attention to this area. Make sure the colours and ornaments used in your centerpiece match the style and colour of your flatware, drink ware and table linens. If you are concerned with having clashing colours use a simple decoration such as decorated pillar candles with a simple base created from an evergreen bough.
  
• Remember to also incorporate decoration into your Christmas meal. Use colourful garnishes like cranberries, herbs and lemon slices.
  
• For a modern and simple Christmas decoration this season, try to place round ornaments in a tall, thin glass vase. Place this on your mantle or use as a table centerpiece.

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