Decorating for the holidays can be overwhelming. The key is to break it down into small manageable sections and look for unexpected ways to add interest. Here are some ideas to make the task simpler with more impactful results.
Colour. For a super-coordinated look, focus on the colour-story already established in your home. Add a complementary colour or just use existing colour with some glitz or texture for a sophisticated holiday palette. Rejuvenate the old.
Art and accessories. Replace existing art with holiday pieces. For a balanced look style your table top accessories to coordinate with the artwork. Recover or replace lampshades to harmonize with the new scheme. You can renew existing lampshade by adding tasselled or beaded trim or grosgrain ribbon. A very simple DIY project. All you need is some glue.
Bookshelves. Wrap the books on your open shelves with holiday wrap that coordinates with your chosen colour scheme. Use 2-3 different papers. Don't miss the opportunity to cover the inside back of the shelves as well. If you shelves are completely open, if it is appropriate you can cover and attach some quarter inch (1/4") ply, or similar material, to the back of the shelves. Consciously and deliberately place items on your shelves, balancing size left and right, up and down on the shelves. Factor in empty spaces and do not be afraid to lie some books down in stacks.
Furniture layout. Rearrange furniture in a layout suitable for the type of entertaining you plan to do for the holidays. Think about how people naturally group as they socialise. Think consciously about where you want to locate your activity centres. Nothing impacts a room more than an arrangement that addresses the aesthetics and functionality of a room. Identify the room shape, the ceiling lines and the focal point to identify the best placement for the space.
Dress the furniture. You do not need to purchase new furniture or re-upholster. Consider slipcovers. Even if your furniture is in perfectly good shape, slipcovers can offer stylish protection to your treasured sofas, chairs and ottomans during the season. Throw pillows with decorative covers and textured throws also provide instant decorative punch to a tired space.
Window treatments. Changing your drapery for Christmas is nothing new. This is an age old tradition in T&T. If you do not have the budget or inclination to do so, what about adding tiebacks using Christmas ribbon? Or even adding a simple valance from a holiday print? If you do not want to overstate the holiday theme, how about adding simple side panels to your existing window treatments? This is an opportunity to add a punch of colour or interesting texture or just make an impact with a statement print. This layered approach uses significantly less fabric and can have big effect. If getting new window treatments, get the best quality you can afford and do not skimp on fullness. This advice holds true if you are making them yourself, purchasing ready-mades or having them custom made. Look for on trend drapery rods. You can instantly update your window treatments by replacing the conduit rods that we seem to favour. You will not see conduit rods in any decorating magazine. The conduit has to be hidden and adds no decorative value. Not to mention that they are often not the best foundation for your chosen style. Drapery rods are functional and stylish.
Christmas tree. Decide on your colour scheme and purchase
wrapping paper to match. Encourage everyone to use the wrapping paper you provide. Wrap a few empty boxes in varying shapes and sizes when staging your tree.
Do not worry though, if family or friends use other wrapping paper as well, the difference will just make the tree decoration feel more natural and inviting. As a rule-of-thumb have at least 100 lights for every foot of tree. Allow a minimum of 5–7 well-proportioned clusters for each side of the tree. Stagger or zig-zag your clusters creatively.
