The Holidays-Tips for Making Them- Merry and Bright!

Add Color to Your Front Door

To accent a bright white or red door use the deep colors of an evergreen wreath and garland. Tie on extra-wide ribbons to complete the Christmas look and add graphic punch. Twinkling white lights add a soft glow at night and allow the door and decor to be seen from the street.

Make a Merry Mailbox Topper

Top off a square mailbox with a large bouquet of winter plants. Fill a wide, shallow planter with a mix of flowering cabbage, cedar, fir, lavender, and rosemary trimmed to resemble a Christmas tree. Tuck in ornaments and oversize pinecones to add color and fill in gaps.

Create a Two-Piece Wreath for A Double Door Entry

A great idea for large double doors is to use a two-piece wreath to adorn the entry. Start with a wreath that has a sturdy base so it will hold its shape. Cut the wreath in half lengthwise with sturdy wire clippers. Use florist wire to attach evergreen clippings, pinecones, and ribbons. Securely hang half of the wreath on each door so the two meet in the center when the doors are closed.

Leave the Lanterns Outside add some Holiday Cheer

Arrange a grouping of festive lanterns at your entryway for quick-and-easy holiday style. Consider using flameless candles as a worry-free alternative to regular pillars. Stuff the lanterns with evergreens, pinecones, cedar and boxwood.

Create a Classic Centerpiece for Holiday Table

Create an elegant Christmas centerpiece with red roses surrounded by white tallow berries in silver or clear vases. Tuck in pieces of boxwood , cedar or boxwood and sprigs of berries or add cranberries in or around the base of the vases; add mercury glass votives to finish the look.

Add Christmas Cheer to Outdoor Spaces

Don’t neglect outdoor patios and porches in your Christmas decorating. Wreaths, candles, and large glowing orbs draw guests outside to cozy up by the fire.
Stack three small evergreen wreaths for a long and loopy design that adds visual impact to traditional front door Christmas decor. Tie the wreaths together with wire so they appear to be connected. Finish off with fresh pinecones and ribbon.

Don’t Forget to Dress the Outdoor Furniture

Pull elements from your home’s decor right into the center of the action by dressing up your outdoor furniture. Have cozy throws available to let Christmas guests know you have their comfort in mind. Holiday pillows and seat cushions around the firepit or on the porch are a welcoming sight!

Cluster Ornaments for a Bigger Statement

Cluster small Christmas ornaments together for a big impact. Use any small ornaments and simply string together with wire and hang. Group them by color for a bolder visual impact. It looks so charming when used in abundance.

Decorate with Colors That Work with Your Décor

Plan your Christmas decorations to work with your existing decor, even if that means using unexpected colors like cream and beige. Using accents in shades of gold and silver blend seamlessly with this room’s soft color scheme and play off the tones of other metallic accessories, like the coffee table.

Don’t Forget the Staircase

Drape garland up the handrail of a staircase, and anchor it with grand bows for a Christmas welcome in the foyer. Garnish with decorative picks , live greens, magnolia leaves, and fresh flowers.

Break out the Pretty Holiday Pillows

Make the switch from everyday to holiday by swapping out your decorative pillows. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to redecorate a room and change your look for the Christmas season.

Bring out Mom’s Silver

Turn silver and mercury-glass vases and candlesticks into festive Christmas accents by arranging them in groups of varying heights.

Create an Artful Arrangement with Fruit and Greens

Use a glass hurricane or vase to create an arrangement that will last throughout the Christmas season by filling the glass vase with a layer of limes, red holly berries, or cranberries and lemons. Top it off with stems of live greens like boxwood, pine, cedar or rosemary sprigs.

Add a Little Glitz and Glam with Mercury Glass

Add a bit of shine to an organic look with oversize mercury-glass balls, which can be used to adorn the Christmas tree or piled up in a basket by the fireplace. Their large size is unique and adds impact. Add a string of led white twinkle lights to create a soft glow. Now there are lights that are battery operated so no need to plug in!

Let Your Chairs Come to Play!

Christmas guests come in jeans, but dress your chairs to impress. Wrap chairs in cummerbund fashion with a band of burlap as the base and tartan plaid on the top. Tie with wide red grosgrain ribbon. Add a few fun pheasant feathers and live greens to complete the transformation.

Some photos and tips were provided courtesy of BHG.