It’s time to start putting up Christmas decorations. But before you rush off to your local store to buy this year’s collection of baubles, wreaths and garlands, think carefully about your decorating theme. Christmas themes can range from traditional to modern; elegant to fun; natural to high-tech etc. Browse through some magazines and websites for inspiration – then decide on an overall scheme. Whatever you choose, it should complement your decor and your lifestyle.
After choosing your Christmas theme, bring out your past year’s decorating pieces. Choose the ones that fit your current theme or can be customized easily. Baubles, garlands, candles and holders can be easily transformed with a little imagination. Balls can be painted, stenciled, sprayed, wrapped or decorated with fabric, ribbon, glitter, pearls and beads. Garland & garland can be sprayed with metallic or frosted paint and decorated with berries, acorns, dried leaves, feathers and pearls – depending on your theme.
You can also decorate some of your glasses and dishes – spray or stencil them with removable paint and glitter or decorate them with removable stickers and film. Use your glass bowls, jars, vases and containers to display baubles, fairy lights, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, glass beads and candles. Place these around your home – or use them as a centerpiece on your Christmas dinner table.
Once you’ve customized your existing clothing and household items, shop around a few stores to find a few pieces to complete the look. It is best to buy simple garments that can be further decorated and adjusted in subsequent years to suit different themes.
The two most important parts of Christmas decoration are the tree and the lighting. Nothing quite beats the scent of a real pine tree, but if you want to create a trendy look, a pre-lit sprig or spring tree may be the right choice to match your decor theme. The secret to a successful tree is to use a maximum of three colors, shapes and materials when dressing it. To create an interesting tree, make some of your baubles edible – from chocolate, candies, dried fruit and nuts.