Every year we say it-“ This year I need to simplify the Holidays”. With the bustle of the season mixed into our already hectic daily lives it seems overwhelming to deck the halls. But each of us deserved the joy that coming home to a festive joy can bring! Never fear, Darsi Floersch, Senior Designer for Martha O’Hara offers these few steps to ensure you have a dazzling holiday home without exhausting yourself or your finances.
1Break from tradition- bust out from the red and green scheme that is all too frequently used. Instead try incorporating a quirky color into the fold. There are so many beautiful variations of decorations these days, in pinks, metallics, blues, purples and other colors. The secret is to mix them with real greens to keep it looking authentic while adding dimension and texture.
2Don’t forget the rest of the house- It’s so easy to extend your holiday cheer around the house. Put some festive hand towels, candles or greenery in your powder, slip on some Yuletide flannel sheets and throw pillows in all of the bedrooms and add some seasonal accessories to the book shelves in the TV room. Small touches of spirited whimsy make such a difference this time of year.
3First impressions count- Even if you can’t deck your home out from top to bottom, making sure the entrance to your home is as warm and inviting as possible makes all the difference. Throwing up a lit garland outside your front door creates magic as your guests enter your home. That, a beautiful wreath and a cute holiday doormat do a lot to set the tone for the season.
4Keep it real- While fake trees and greens are easy to maintain and clean up, nothing beats the beauty of the real deal. The sensory experience of the beauty and charm of live greenery cannot be duplicated by even high quality imitations. Just remember to keep garlands and greens in water or sprayed daily to prevent fire.
5It is better to give than receive- One of the blessings of the season are the gifts we exchange. While wrapping your gifts to give for the season select two or three color schemes for under the tree to keep it visually cohesive with the rest of your decor. This goes for host gifts as well. Do a little research into your host’s color scheme, ornament collections or themes in their holiday home. It will be truly appreciated and have much less of a chance of finding itself in the “regifting” pile.
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Keep it cozy- During the winter months ambient light creates warmth and a snuggly atmosphere. Invest in table and floor lamps to make sure your rooms are flooded with soft light. Continue the trend by having soft throws and plenty of sumptuous pillows around to encourage family and friends to cuddle up with one more cup of wassail.