A Christmas Extravaganza

Many of us have holiday traditions that were passed down to us and that we are passing down to our children. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa or Chanukah, or just observing the season, I'm betting you have already or are planning to decorate your home.

There's also nothing like decorating your home to put you in the holiday mood and, hopefully, give you the spirit of giving. Christmas, along with the religious observances, should be a time that brings families and friends together for sharing and caring.

So whether you're making your own or standing in long lines to buy decorations, we all seem bent on doing it year after year. So what are the trends for 2005, you ask? The trend I most favour is: Whatever Your Heart Desires! If you own an elegant and sophisticated home, go opulent with lots of added sparkle to your holiday decorations. If your home is more Italian or French Country, choose a theme that brings out the more natural flavor of those countries.

If you have the money and space for two Christmas trees, one in the entry and one in the family room, make the family room tree a children's theme tree or some other themed tree.

Decluttering for Christmas

One of the best ways to prepare for the holidays is to remove things that you don't use very often. Look at everything in the room and take away those things that you can do without. Then start adding in a spectacular decoration in a choice location and see what a difference it makes.

Choose just one very large item instead of several smaller items. Or put three small items together into a cluster for more impact. By eliminating clutter you will give everyone a sense of peace. It also provides a sense of space and tranquility. Which look do you prefer?

Use Beading in Your Decorations

Beading has been around for more than 40,000 years and the applications of beads is limitless. Just browse catalogs. You'll find everything from bead-embellished pillows to beaded coasters to beaded candle votives. Use beading in your tree decorations. Like a crystal beaded garland, beaded ornaments and such. Don't just use red and green beads. Look for crystal and glass beads to pick up the light. Brown and light pink are rather hot right now.

Bring in Some New Accessories

Add some new art, pillows or other accessories for the holidays. Bring in colors and textures that work with your existing pieces but add a holiday flavor. Repaint your walls. Add new candles. Change the space by relocating furniture. Paint the cabinets.

By adding some new colors you can create an instant new look and feel. Chunky natural fibers, like leather and bulky fibers are hot. Many people still have monochromatic neutrals from the 1990s. Adding more texture and color can really spice things up. Change your window treatments. Just a little something different can make a huge difference.

New DVD Coming in January

I can finally start to see the light at the end of the DVD tunnel. This month I'll be adding the audio to the video portion and my video technician will be editing all of it together to bring you the first DVD on the subject of arranging furniture and accessories. These are real homes of real people who needed a professional arrangement using the furnishings they already owned. All of the video was shot on the scene as the transformations were being made. It's not a Hollywood production where lighting tricks and angles are used to make something appear more spectacular than it is. It's down-home, true life experiences of people who have been helped. I'll be pointing out problems of each room and show you the solutions, which you can watch on your monitor or your TV. Watch for my announcements in the weeks ahead.

More Tips for December

Previous Holiday Decorating Tips

More Party Planning Tips
Decorating Ideas for Christmas
Quick Christmas Decorations
Easy Christmas Decorations
Decorating Wreaths
Decorating Trees
Decorating Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Cornucopia
Carving Turkeys
Roasting Turkeys
Buying Turkeys
Children's Thanksgiving
Christmas Decorating
Last Minute Tips
Decorate with Candles