Sparkle and shine make holiday decorating merry and bright
Metro Creative
Whether you’re entertaining or getting ready to trim the Christmas tree, hues of gold and silver add sparkle and shine to the season’s most festive decorating style.
Items with a touch of frost, glitter and flocking are trending this year, according to Bill James, manager at Neubauer’s Flower and Market House in Uniontown.
No matter what your year-round color scheme is, HGTV.com notes soft red and green tones that compliment each other can instantly transform a living and adjoining dining room.
Traditional rooms are best decorated with layers, states HGTV, while filling rooms with a mix of interesting textures is the key to a well-layered holiday home.
Although traditional Christmas colors are the best choice for seasonal flair, they can often be overwhelming on a tablescape.
Instead, HGTV recommends using metallic elements. It’s also important to keep in mind to arrange them in height to help keep the room balanced.
Filling a wreath with a dash of evergreen, sage or cinnamon sticks can also spice up a home while also serving as a fragrant accent.
Natural sprigs such as eucalyptus create a finishing touch, states Goodhousekeeping.com, while sage’s soft green hue can also set off an understated decor.
Other do-it-yourself ideas include attaching cinnamon scented pinecones to a simple grapevine wreath or mixing boughs of evergreen with faux berries.
Whatever your taste, freshly harvested firs such as Douglas, frazier and noble are classic wreaths that can be displayed both in and outside of homes, according James.
James said cedar adds a distinct aroma to any wreath, no matter what occasion.
Barb Lowery, owner of Annie Marie Treasures in Uniontown, said there are a variety of scented oils and sprays that can be used on wreaths year round and some that people can make themselves.
Because oil is stronger however, Lowery recommends using just a few drops.
Wreaths made out of natural materials got their start in ancient Roman times, when they were used as decoration during midwinter festivals, according to marthastewart.com.
Some modern takes on wreaths include using a variety of ornate materials such as greenery, herbs, and dried fruits and flowers.
To create a festive atmosphere in any room, HGTV suggests the following:
1. Add color to an accent wall or an entire room with paint.
2. Layer window treatments to make a room cozier.
3. Use area rugs to lend warmth and create a foundation for holiday decorations.
4. Winter accessorizing can include putting shades on a chandelier, colorful place settings and candle sticks on a mantel to enhance a fireplace.
5. Use a holiday card holder to display favorite cards for the season.
6. Decorate a table to give a feeling of warmth. Include colorful place mats, personalized place cards, candles, ribbon chair accents and holiday decorations on nearby furniture.
7. Personalize place cards to make each guest feel welcome.
8. Dress up an existing corner plant with a few strings of small lights. Place a garland of juniper branches embellished with greenery and sugared berries on a chandelier (be sure not to put it near the bulbs).
9. Draw attention to a fireplace using a collection of brass candlesticks and ivory candles with juniper around the bases. Put holiday-themed accessories on the hearth such as a large Santa holding holiday packages wrapped in a coordinating paper.
10. Exchange framed art above a fireplace for a holiday wreath Add some evergreen, sugared berries and glass ornaments or hang a pair of old ice skates on the side to make a statement.
11. Repeat some elements to pull a room together. Spread an accent color around the room and choose holiday decorations that go well together and blend nicely with the style and colors in your home. Also, use the same greens and accents throughout a space.
12. Build a sparkling tree covered in glass ornaments, berries and glitter for the final festive touch to any room.