Can you believe that it’s the Christmas season already? Wow what a year, and where did the time go? Oh ya, it went while I was zooming and hanging out on my couch in my PJ’s, binge watching Netflix and Prime…lol.
I recently asked my Instagram and Facebook followers what their challenges with Christmas decorating are. I thought I’d blog about them, because if one person has a challenge you know that others will too…Here they are, along with a few other tips and tricks for holiday décor.
One of my followers has two separate living spaces, and of course is having her Christmas tree in one, but was wondering what to do with the second space. Here are some suggestions:
Use outdoor yard decor pieces, as they tend to be on a larger scale and can fill a space up nicely, while adding to the festive look.
These lawn decorations look great on a front porch, or in an empty space inside. Image care of wish.com
This is one of the least expensive ways to get jumbo decor pieces. I use stamped craft paper. Image care of onegoodthingbyjillie.com
These jumbo starts were on Etsy.com. You could really make them any size, to fill in an empty corner or space.
Use an empty floor space to set up a Christmas vignette with a plush rug, comfy chair, a cozy throw and a basket of Christmas books...create a special Christmas reading spot.
Image care of CuratedInterior.com
Another question or challenge that came up was about having live greenery in your space, and how it dries out so quickly. In our dry climate this is a common complaint. One way to fend off the drying process is to be sure that your greenery is well hydrated before placing it (soak stems in a vase) and you may even think about watering it the odd night, and re-cutting the stem ends before placing it in the water. Or better yet, have the greenery placed in vases, like floral arrangements, then they stay hydrated throughout the holiday.
I love how the greenery pops in the white vases. Image care of Canadian House and Home Magazine.
Another idea is to try giving the boughs a daily misting of water, with a water sprayer. This helps them fend off the dry air that we have during winter and thus fends off dropping needles.
This asymmetrical look adds some depth to this all white fireplace. Image care of GoodHousekeeping.com
Another great solution is using all of the live greenery outdoors, set in florists foam and water, that way it stays frozen (mostly), and doesn’t dry out the same. Even if it does, due to our lovely, warm chinooks, all of the needles are out of doors. No fuss, no muss. Opt out for artificial greenery indoors, and buy the packaged smell of pine or fir.
Love this vignette. Image care of OneCrazyHouse.com
Artwork
Use large scale paper stars as a wall installation. There are a variety to choose from, ranging in all prices. This is a great way to make a space feel more Christmassy…but be sure to remove your every day artwork first.
These stars are found on Etsy.
These ones are from JollyChic.com
Use Christmas balls in a gazillion (yes, that’s a real word) ways.
Fill a hurricane or glass vase. A trick to not use so many is to put a paper towel tube down the centre. Image care of HowDoesShe.com
Love how the fake snow give it a different look, and some more height. Image care of TwinsDish.com.
I love a cloche. Image care of RealSimple.com
Try using unconventional vessels, like this cupcake tier. Image care of Canadian House and Home Magazine
Love all of the colour on this mantle. Image care of FlamingoToes.com
Freshen up old decorations with a can of white/red/silver spray paint or chalk paint. Lots of times our decorations get a bit beat up, and we think of tossing them, but we can always give old things new life with a fresh coat of paint. Or maybe you find some on sale, but the colour just isn’t right…
I love how shiny and red the spray paint makes these dollar store Christmas balls. So simple, and yet it has such high impact. Image care of EmilyAClark.com
Take a look at these ideas, and see if you can’t implement them somewhere just to get a fresh feel during the season. I’m not suggesting going and buying all new items this year, but just changing things up to make it exciting and new. The bottom line though, is that you LOVE it. Do what makes you feel comfortable, nostalgic and “Home for the Holidays”.