It's easy to get glazed over by the ever-growing "to do" list related to Christmas, leaving you in despair with piles of groceries on the counter and unwrapped gifts hiding in odd corners of your home.
As you tumble into your favourite overstuffed chair, wondering how on earth you are going to "get it all done", wouldn't it be nice to look around and feel inspired, comforted or energized by your space? The colour. The warmth. The sparkle! The scents! Dare you imagine the JOY of the season? Remember, home is really where the heart is.
So, whether you are a big entertainer in the holiday season, or you just like to cozy around with your family, make your home space into a welcome refuge in this crazy busy season! Follow these simple home decor shopping tips that take very little extra time or money, to help you muddle through the madness and create that welcome home for yourself!
Select a colour scheme
We do for the rest of our decor so why not for the holidays as well? Select colours that will work with your existing decor to maintain a cohesive feel. Stay true to this theme while shopping, right down to the wrapping paper. Your tree will look fabulous with gifts wrapped in paper, ribbons and adorned in colours that blend in with your scheme.
Christmas doesn't always have to be about red and green! Try using only neutrals but playing it up with lots of glitz and glam. Choose a bright colour and add some WOW! Or why not a sophisticated metallic colour scheme? Shop for baubles and balls in all shapes, sizes and textures. Larger pieces make more of a statement so don't be afraid to go big!
Buy flowers
Flowers are often overlooked in the winter, however they are such a lovely addition to a room. White or red roses, paper whites, fresh greens and orchids are all lovely to add to any holiday decor. Fill one large vase with the same type of flower for a big impact or a single bright pink stem for a subtle punch of colour.
Buy clear glass containers and vessels
Glass vases and bowls help to show off what's inside, revealing the green stems of your flowers and all the lovely colours of your ornaments you have on display. Glass gives a wonderful reflective quality so while you have all those twinkling lights from your tree in the background, your glass will also sparkle.
Get your kids involved
Buy paper at your local craft or scrapbook store and have them make paper chains for your Christmas tree. Kids will love to see their work on display and you get the benefit of having something that colour co-ordinates. Pinecones are a tradional holiday decoration. Spice it up by having your kids paint the tips with white or metallic paint. Or how about brushing the tips with glue and sprinkling glitter over top...(I think I might try that one this year!). Don't forget to give them the wrapping supplies too and let them create their own unique packages for you or their special friends.
Declutter and keep it simple
The holiday season is already so busy and sometimes our homes can feel overwhelmed with chaos. Focus on a few key areas of your home to decorate and shop specifically for those areas. Declutter before you add your Christmas decor. Removing items and display pieces that are typically out year round will make room for new holiday pieces and allow them to have a special place.
So, next time you step out the door to grab your baking groceries, head to the stores for some gift buying, or have a few extra minutes between chauffeuring the kids around, think about adding these few easy items to your shopping list to hone in on a fabulous holiday look for your home and above all, enjoy this wonderful time of year!
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