Holidays have become the most festive of occasions while we have become the busiest consumers. “No time, no time, no time” I hear as the daily lament on my shopping expeditions. Christmas is coming and we haven’t even hit Halloween. OMG!!(Oh my God in text language) what will we do for Valentine’s Day? If you have children the pressure is even greater because you not only have to outdo the neighbors, but you have to compete with your kids friends’ families.
Stop making yourself nuts. Utilize small touches to make a big splash. Keep holiday decor organized in storage bins and easily accessible. Purchase items at the end of the holiday when they are on sale and throw them in labeled bins. I can never stress the importance of cinnamon boiling in a pot of water…Is that an apple pie baking for the fall?
What about room fresheners? It’s simple, floral for the Spring, Pine for Winter. Inexpensive items such as Glade are available at the supermarket. Paper napkins and towels are also made with kitschy decor to avoid the expense of fancy placemats and tabletop items. Fresh flowers in appropriate colors work with any décor. Potpourri is also a decorative necessity. If you have the time and feel like buying inexpensive items, try the local $1.00 store. These stores are always stocked for upcoming events and they have an assortment of placemats, vases, door hangings, etc.
Holidays should be fun. Valentines Day should be romantic. Purchase a meal from the local caterer and dress in your sexiest lingerie. If you are single purchase a red silk shirt and sexy undergarments and go out to the local singles spot. Don’t be afraid to meet that special someone.
Each day should be met with enthusiasm, not dread that the house won’t be decorated on time. Follow these simple recommendations for super-easy decorating.
Fall
- Pumpkins
- Apples
- Oranges
- Greens
- Blacks
- Yellows
- Pine Cones
- Cinnamon
- Deep Greens
- Reds
- Blues
- Whites
- Tulips
- Lilacs
- Pastels
- Pink
- Lavender
- Yellow
We always think of garland around stair posts for Christmas but why not velvet ribbon or organza in the appropriate seasonal colors? Change picture frames if you want to go all out. New Year’s is always champagne, bells and whistles. Throw some fancy M&M’s in a crystal candy dish, purchase some silver taper candles and inexpensive glass candle holders and you have a gorgeous table arrangement. Have some extra time? Add some floating roses to water in a goldfish bowl. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. It’s only a holiday. Don’t think about the competition. Let your freedom ring!!
If you have children let them partake in the festivities. Children love to see things they have created and it raises their self-esteem if you value their work. Think about the picture they made in school and how it’s hung on the refrigerator with pride – and note that paint companies now make blackboard paint for walls. Either set aside a wall for this project or purchase a large board from the local lumber yard. Paint the board or wall and purchase chalk in assorted colors. Maybe you want to add cork to the outside or a circle of cork inside for that added touch. Push pins come in many varieties and styles and can hold family photos from Pumpkin Picking or skiing. Decorate with Holiday sayings using the chalk.
In the entrance to one kitchen I saw a blackboard with Superbowl sayings that the family used. This too has become a huge event with parties everywhere. How about those HUGE blow-up football players on the front lawns? Those people are not embarrassed…
You shouldn’t be!
More holiday decorating ideas
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